The Portland daily press., 1862-12-03

the nnn-arrival, of an expected provision train
is calculated to produce more depressing ef-
feet than any other cause. The scarcity OF
money too, in this regiment, might naturally
be supposed to affect us materially, as it is be-
lieved here that what change we have, has
been borrowed and re-borrowed, at least seven
times within the past three weeks. But pleas
antry aside, assure you that the nearly unan-
imous feeling and opinion are, that the removal
of the late commander of the army was just
and necessary; and an immense weight of
doubt and fear seem lifted from the minds
of the numerous persons hear discussing the
subject daily.
There is no disposition manifest among the
officers of this regiment to "resign," nor symp-
toms of mutiny in the ranks, in consequence
of the Presidents act, which, all unbiased
persons admit ought to have been consumma-
ted months ago.
The imbecile attempt on the part of pro-sla-
very democratic (God save the mark) polit-
clans and papers to make capital out of this
affair, shows to what straits they are driven
for political stock in trade. At this moment,
lile llDsb NcNOltu tFut lIlGUuS Vi Dtll. NC
Clellan are among those who have instgated
and recommended his removal, and those who
most persistently support the action of the
President. There is not a man in the country
at all acquainted with Gen. McClellan's life
! and antecedents, but who most devouty, and
| with reason, respects and admres him for his
military abilities, his well-tried patriotism and
exalted integrity of character Were his tai
ents and character less deserving of special
regard, the strength of principle, and spirit of
forbearance evinced by him under the severe
animadversions OF the press and certain poll
ticians, is enough to place him high in the es-
TEEN of his countrymen. But it does not be-
come any person of inferior knowledge to OBJ
trude his opinion of Gen. McClellar's military
exploits upon the public attention, for the ve-
ry good reason that it would be good for moth
ing Indeed should hardly have adverted
TO the subject, had it not been for the mistaken
impression likely to be created by the report
above alluded to.
Our regiment is prospering finely as usual
Within week past, some addition has been
made to our sick list, but there are no cases
considered dangerous. While some of the re-
gimcnts in this brigade have lost several men
the past week, ours has been exempt thus
far, since our sojourn at this encampment
This is attributed to Qua more healthy situa-
tyn, and the excellent care taken of the sick
and indisposed. Within day or two, the
measles has made its appearance here, sup
posed to have been communicated by man
from one of the Washington hospitals. Lieut.
Thorn of Co. G, is sick of measles, but is do
ing nicely, and will get out soon we hope.
Dnring the week past, We have erected ca
pacious building, 25 by so feet on the ground
for religious meetings, temperance meetings,
and officers drills and recitations. 1t is con-
structed Of oak poles, covered with tent flies,
or the outer covering from the officers tents
and shelter tents fastened together. The ded-
ication services are appointed for the 27th
Thanksgiving Day.
Our postal facilities are much improved of
late. The brigade mail is received trl-weekly
from Washington. On Mondays our regiment
sends out about 1000 letters, A large number
of papers is received, and the favor is highly
appreciated.
26th, Wednesday.
The weather for more than week, has been
rainy, cold and unwelcome nearly all the time,
which accounts for the increase of sickness. 1t
is hoped that our men will be well supplied
with good woolen gloves or mittens by their
friends at home, as these articles are not fur
nished by government, and the intense cold of
the nights, makes guard duty extremely un-
pleasant, and l know the men actually suffer
for the want of these things.
27th, Thursday.
Col. Hathaway, agent Of the Sanitary Com
mission, arrived last night and this morning
made the tour of our camp. He says our hos
pital is one of the most comfortable and best
arranged he has seen, and the patients the
most cheerful, and well attended.
1t is a sad and pitiable spectacle to behold
the ravaees this war is causing in the hitherto
beautiful landscape of the Southern country.
Thousands of acres of the grand old forests of
Maryland and Virginia have fallen sacrifice
to the necessities of the army and the exigen-
cies of the war. The banks of the Potomac
| for miles on both sides are strewn with the
PROSTATE giants whose foliage only two sum
mers ago gave essential grace to the faultless
scenery of this region. Much Of this devasta-
ton may have been needless; the result of
hasty and il-conceived plans of military COM
manders, yet the unsparing demands of war
fare recognize but slightly the value or beauty
of natural impediments to the march of an ar
my or the convenience of fighting.
In connection with this subject is another
and inevitable custom of war, most deplora-
bic to any man who has due regard for private
interests and rights, and who has been edu-
Gated in law-abiding community. l refer to
the almost universal freedom taken by the sol
diers with the personal property of citizens of
the rebellious States. True, it rs law of the
country that the property of rebels shall be
confscated to the use of the government with
out distinction; yet how few are the instances
where the confiscation act is enforced accord
ing to the letter Of its provisions, and how
many loyal and inoiensive citizens suffer Sc
Serely from the marauding propensities of that
class of soldiers who consider that everything
that they need to eat or to use in any way,
proper and lawful plunder; and demonstrate
their views in most reckless manner by To-
rays upon the herds, fields, and other property
of the neighboring citizens, without regard to
| ba CHI of ha uhosa ~