The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-01-10
ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
CAMMP CHASE, LOWELL, I
Drc. %. 1861. {
January 7, 1861.

DEC. 90, 1861.
Having few leisure hours to-day, think
Twill improve the time by writing few
lines for tho benefit of the readers OF the
Journal. The 18th Me. Regiment is still in
camp at Camp Chase. When We came to
Lowell, it was our expectation to be ordered
to our place Of destination in two or three
days. But since we arrived We have every
day been, as the Auctioneer would say,
"going, going," but have not "gone" yet.
We have no definite knowledge as to when
or where We shall DO ordered to move. The
Constitution, in which we arc expecting to
embark for our tour Southwark, is now in
Boston, ready to receive us, and we arc now
patiently awaiting the formal movements and
mandates of "the Powers that DO" ut WASH
ington. Our future movements will, perhaps
be governed by the result Of the deliberations
at Washington with regard to the English
question.
Two batteries have arrived here within the
past two days, the LIST Maine Battery mum.
bering $50 men, and Vermont Battery with
ll3 men, and another one is expected from
Vermont, to DO here the last Of tho week
The LIST Me. Battery is to DO attached to the
10Th Mo. We are having singing cold
weather now, and the wintry winds come
sweeping across the camp ground with
vengeance, as If rejoicing that 1t possessed tho
power to do 30 much mischief in creeping
around the tents, and in at every aperture.
however small. But there King Frost's
reign is at an end for every tents company
may keep very comfortable, being provided
with good stoves, and abundance of good
wood. To be sure 1t is severe weather for
those who do guard duty, but they generally
contrive to pass the time in ajolly manner.
Indeed it is q Yankee trait Of character,
that when under adverse circumstances. he
will devise some plan for enjoyment. and will
improve the time greatly to his own enter
tainment. There is much that is amusing
constantly transporting while on guard. A
few nights since q true son Of Erins Isle, OF
the Mass. Reg, being on guard, on tho APP
proach of tho "Grand rounds" challenged
them with true Irish characteristic, cxclaim-
ing, "IIalt grand rounds" "Adyancc Ser
geant, and say "Bmier;" doubtless think
ing that he had rightfully done his duty in
every respect, and that the countenign
"Butler," was still profound secret.
The health Of the Regiment is remarkably
good. Indeed, since the weather has become
much colder, the men appear to DO improving
in health. Cold bracing winds seem to DO
more conducive to health, than the moderate,
supplying weather which prodeeded the
change.
Tho men are in excellent spirits, and are
anxious to 60 to q warmer climate. The
iriendliness ind unity which exists through
out the Regiment is worthy Of note, no dis.
turbanco or dissraceful proceedings has
tainted the reputation Of the Regiment. Tho
"gallant 10Th" is composed Of men who
have regard for their individual reputation,
and tho character Of the Regiment. The
officers Of the Staff aro universally popular
with the men. And especially is this the
coso with our commander. Col. Shepley, who
is now in command ofthis Post. Known BY
very many of tho Regiment prior to his en-
teriug upon military lie, tho regard which
they then entertained for him has in nowiso
diminished, but his ability as commander
and his sincere interest for the good Of his
men, has increased his popularity with the
Regiment. trust that our regiment may
soon be able to do something to aid in the
suppression Of rebellion. c. 'n'