The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-11-21
Letter from tho a7th Regiment.
CAxp SEWARD, Va, Nov. 10, 1862.

CAxP SEWARD, Va, Nov. 10, 1862.
Mr.. EDITOR IL was not little surpris-
ed in reading the letter Of your corresPon-
dent over the signature Of "Soldier," pub
lishod in your paper of Oct. 81, to find some
statements in regard to the rations issued to
the Reg. Twas not then in possession OF the
facts but concluded at once rs did Others
that there must be some mistake about the
matter. Many Of the men according to
their own confessions have been gaining in
flesh, and some in remarkable degree, and
how this could be was little surprising II
kept, as your informent says, on "less than
quarter rations." Now we think such as.
sertions entirely erroneous and calculated to
mislead the public mind and to bring our
Regiment into disrepute If any credenee
is given to such unauthenticated statements.
Your correspondent dates his letter Gap
itol Hill Oct. 25th," only two days subse-
quent to our marching and encamping there.
Now, during those two days, viz from the
timo we went there, to the time your cores
pendent writes, the following invoice Of ra-
tions was issued to the Regiment as the
vouchers Of the Quartermaster will show.
10 Bbls. or 1000 lbs. Of beef,
Bills. Of beans,
Bbl. Of sugar,
Bbl. of rice,
/ Box candles,
Box soap,
Bushel salt,
200 Lbs. burnt ground coffee,
10 Bbls. Of Hard Bread,
Q Bbls. of hard bread and Potatoes taken
from Camp Lincoln in Portland Me.
Now, Mr.. Editor, your correspondent is
requested to show by his arithmetic that the
above is less than quarter rations. lffguIes
will not rather show an access above the ra-
ton then we mistake.
fully endorse your correspondents views
of the Importance Of having "competent
officers" and rejoice in the belief that the
Maine 9th has made such selection. Hay'
ing no higher position in the regiment than
the ranks, it is as proper that should have
nv opinion in the matter OF the fitness oil
my officers as well as my fellow "soldier,"
your other correspondent. So far as can
learn, the Regiment is well satisfied and
pleased with its officers generally. The
Colonel R. p. Tapley. Esq, of Saco, Is too
we'll known in York County as an able Law
yer to need any commentator from me-
In his new position he assiduously deyotes his
entire energies to the welfare Of his regiment.
Lieut.. Colonel Wentworth and Major Stone
are both deseryedly high in the esteem and
respect Of the men under their Command
Drs. Kimball and Hall, Surgeon and Asst.
Surgeon to the Reg, as we have had oppor-
tunity to know personally, are faithful and
efficient in their very responsible positions,
and the Regiment is fortunate in having
secured their service. In Lewis O'Brion
wo have man Of the highest integrity, and
as well calculated by his business talent to
I'LL the position assigned him as Quartcrmas-
ter, as any man York County could furnish.
Equal commendation should be bestowed up
ON his able assistant John Hall, Esq.
Tho Regiment as yet has not had the APP
pointment Of Chaplain, but Rev. Henry
F. Snow. pastor of the F. w. b. Church in
Cornishville, Me-, who has the command OF
Co. II, has, at the invitation Of the Colonel,
on several occasions, ofiiciated as such, much
to the OBLIGATION Of both officers and SOL
diers.
The health Of the regiment has thus far
been excellent. Few regiments have suffered
as little in this respect as the Maine 9th.
We have organized very good band by
detachments from the ranks. Considering
the short time it has been together it has
made great proficiency.
We are now encamped only about 8 miles
FROM Washington, and have good view oil
the Capitol and the Presidents House. We
are under marching orders and probably we
shall in few days embark for the South.
H..