The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-10-03
Army Correspondence.
HEADQUARTERS 1sr ME. Cav. RECRUITS, !
Washington, ID. c., Sept. q,

Washington, d. c., Sept. q. : :
MR. EpIroR-DRAR SIR:
Hoping that letter from the LIST Maine
Cavalry might prove interesting to some Of
your readers, have takcn'a few moments OF
leisure to give you an account Of our journey
from Augusta to Washington, our presen,
whereabouts, movements and incidents oil
camp life.
Our squad OF l24, accompanied by about
100 recruits for the 9th Me. regiment, lef'
Augusta on the 9Th Of Sept, for the seat Of
war, under charge Of the gentlemanly Capt.
Putnam, Of Co. E. We had pleasant voy-
age down the Kennebec, arriving at Boston
at next morning. At p. NJ. We were
again on our way, reaching New London at
10 p. NJ. where we embarked on board the
"City Of New York" for Jersey City, from
thence to Philadelphia, where we were treat
ed to hearty supper by the patriotic citi-
zens. On our way from the city Of brother
ly love to Wilmington we were greeted with
continual cheering and waving Of flags, but
at Baltimore, where We arrived at little
past midnight, all was hushed, nothing heard
save the slow and monotonous tread OF the
sentinels, until we arrived at the Volunteer
Refreshment Saloon, where we enjoyed a
nightly treat at the cxpensco OF the Baltimore
Unionists.
We are now in camp on Meridian Hill,
near the Stone hospital, awaiting horses, be-
fore joining our regiment, which is now do
ing patrol duty in Frederick city. We find
the soldiers possessing entire confidence in
the ability of Mcclellan as their General,
and in the ultimate triumph of the Union
cause. The proclamation of emancipation
was hailed with sincere and hearty welcome
believing il TO be the shortest and most ei-
fcctual policy to DO pursued in supprcssing
this rebellion.
Thursday, the 18th inst, four of us paid
visit to the 18th Ne. regiment, garriscnins
the forts in Unicntown. At Fort Stanton
we were warmly received by and + boys,
where we enjoyed hearty dinner. Compa-
ny is composcdoi Saco and Biddcford boys,
and the sight Of those familiar faces carried
us back to our pleasant homes in old Bidde-
ford, and left with us u pleasant impression
that will not soon be elaced. From this,
winding our way over new and rough road
among the hills for an hour or so, we came
to Fort Snyder, where we found the d boys.
They were well, and enjoying this soldier life
finely. From Snyder to Carroll, the last fort
that we visited, the road is smooth an beau
tiful. Finding that we were from the Pine
Tree State. they soon crowded around us
Here We partook Of rich collation. OF sweet
potatoes, nice steak, white bread, &C., with
dessert of peaches, pears. grapcs, and other
fruit. From this fort they have one OF the
finest views Of the surrounding scenery that
| have yet witnessed. A beautiful tract OF
undulating land, studded thickly with groves
of oak, walnut and other splendid shade trees
on the east, Washington, with its marble
Capitol, Patent Office, White House, and mon
ument on the North, while on the South tho
fair Potomac with its acet of ships and
steamers, constantly passing and re.passing,
present an ever varying, never firing pros
pect to the eye Of the beholdsr.
Bidding a reluctant adieu to our friends
here, we took tho back track to our own
quarters, where we arrived at 0 o'clock,
highly pleased with our visit and its success.
iul results. The present aspect Of affairs in
dictate that we shall soon join our regiment.
Should we do SO, and should any movement
be made Of sufficient importance to warrant
it, | shall cndcavor to give you another leal
of our experience. Bidding you kind fare
well for the present, ! remain,
Yours, truly, "PnILo.'