The Portland daily press., 1862-08-30
GFrom our Regular Correspondence
Letter from the State Capital.

Democratic Contention - Concert - Lieut..
Cor-The lamented Capt. French-Ap-
pOtRtments.
AUGUSTA, Aug. %, 1862.
EDS. PREss:-The "Democracy" of the
Third Representative District, held their regu-
lar convention yesterday in this city, and nom
mated Hon. A. p. Gould of Thomaston, for
Representative to Congress from this District.
The personal and onimus of the Convention
was largely of the "Dana" stripe, very few of
the jameson Democrats being present. The
Convention cannot be said TO be very numer-
ously attended, there being present only from
thirty to forty persons. 1t would seem not
little cruel to consign to the tomb of the
Capulets" so prominent and promising a man
as Mr.. Gould, by nominating him against Mr..
Blaine, bnt the Democracy" have queer way
of doing things now. Hon. James G. Blaine
will be our next Representative, and we con-
graduate ourselves not little, upon the fact
that in him we have man of capacity and en-
ergy, and who, on the floor of the House,
will do eminent honor and service to this Dis
trict. We consider Mr.. Blaine to be in ability,
inferior to no man in the National House of
Representatives. In his hands, the interests of
the District and the honor of the State will be
safe.
concert was given last evening in Melon
aon Hall, by some amateurs of this city, for the
benefit of the Soldiers Aid Society. 1t was
fully attended, and about eighty dollars was
realized. The pieces were very well performed,
especially "The Battle Prayer" by Miss Wheel
er. "The Sword of Bunker Hill," by Miss
Chandler, "The Star Spangled Banner" by
Miss Sayward, and the performances on the
piano by the Misses Cushings. The violin
solos by Mr.. Hayes and by Mr.. Patterson, who
is blind, and the flute solo by Mr.. Bell were
very finely executed.
With pleasure / record the high opinion of
1t. Warren Cox of this city, now of Co. 3D."
Sd Maine Regiment, entertained by his Brig.
General w. b. Birney. The General writes
that Lieut.. Cox's conduct in the seven days
battle, was all that could be desired of a gal
liant officer and adds, that "His Company,muc
reduced in numbers, withstood, under his COM
mand and encouragement, a continuous and
heavy fire of much larger force of the enemy,
without flinching." There is great incentive
for brave conduct on the part ofsoldiers' whose
commanding officer takes pains to note of and
comment on it.
Luther z. French, Esq, of Corinth, has writ
ten the following touching letter to the Gov
ernor respecting the death of his brother Cap
tain Joseph p. French, of the 14th Regiment,
who in the terrible battle at Baton Rouge
fought herocally until he lost leg and who
was afterwards killed by an accident. Capt.
French was formerly a clergymen of Bucks
port. esteem it worthy of publication, and
take the liberty to insert it.
EAST CoRINTH, Ang. %, 1862.
HIS ExcELLENcY, Gov. WAsHBNUN-
Sir The intelligence of the loss of my
brother, Joseph p. French, and the circum-
stances connected Herewith, is deeply affect
ing to us. Its a sad bereavement to the fam
lily, and great loss to his little ones.
But, while he has died under commission
granted under your hand, i felt it both a duty
and privilege to tender to you my thanksfor
the interest expressed in him by you, and the
influence given to sec ure him the position in
which he fell.
am happy in the reflection that l was not
mistaken in his qualifications as a soldier. l
have reason to believe that he was beloved, ef-
iicient and bold in meeting his obligations, and
discharging his duty.
am more than ever impressed with my
own obligations to support the Government,
for the defence of whose banner he has fallen.
Respectfully yours,
LUTHER p. FRENCH.
The following appointments have been made
since my last:
DIR. S. Bennett, assistant Surgeon, Goth Reg;
George W. Burnham, of Cherryfield, I'd Lieut.,
Co G, 9th Reg; DIR. S. G. Holt, of Waterford,
assistant Surgeon, 18th Reg; Moses w.
Brown, of Brownville, Quartcrnaster, Goth
Reg. CLARK 5. Edwards, Of Bethel, Captain
Co. /, promoted to Major of 5th Regiment,
vice Edward A. Scammon, promoted to Lieut..
Col During the absence of Col. Jackson,
Captain Edwards, as senior Captain, had com.
mand of the Regiment, and proved himself a
very competent officer, and well worthy of
promotion. The 5th is a glorious Regiment,
both in officers and men. aud Col. Jackson
has not his superior in the army. A chapter
might be written, showing his extraordinary
ability for the position which he holds. Bnt 1
forbear. SKIRMIsnER.