The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-01

dier. If o bombshell had exploded in the
car her exit could not have been moro sudden,
nor less graccful-with lip curled and nose
a Ia furnup, as though she smelt an animal
which troubles the farmers poultry yard
In her charge to get at the car door, she
paid no respect to any one hats suffered AZ
well as feet, and in that grand rush you may
DO sure it was death to crinoline and dimity
l mention this only to show you what way
they took to show their contempt OF u.s.
But in this respect great change has come
over the inhabitants Of the Crescent city
The ladies, instead Of crossing the street
when likely to meet us. now take especial
pains to show themselves to the best adyan
tage. expect the lesson taught by Gen.
Butler accounts for part of this sudden
change in their manner. AT any rate. II
was wholesome lesson, and had u salutary
influence.
The business OF the city has greatly i'm
proved since we have been here, but 1t can
not be Of much consequence as long rs the
war lasts. When We arrived here the gras'
grew in the principal streets, the levee wal
deserted. and scarcely any sign Of life wa
visible any where; but by order of the Gen
eral, the streets are undergoing thorough
POLICING.
On the evening of the 9th inst, We re-
ceiyed the welcome news to get ready to
leave the next morning, and accordingly
broke camp and quarters, and formed G line
about IL A. NJ, then proceeded to the lcve'
and embarked on board the steamers White
man and St. Maurice. At 3 o'clock p. NJ
we babe adieu to the far-famed Southern me
tropOlis and steamed up the river, and after
a passage Of twenty-four hours arrived a,
the capital Of Louisiana.
Baton Rouge is rather a pretty place; II
has many shade trees in the streets. The
State house is large, and built Of brick, and
covered over with white, hard finish oil
plaster Of paris. The walls show tho marks
the gunboats made when they arrived at the
capital. The rebels took refuge in the State
house, but few rounds Of shell and grape
induced them to leave town on private bust
ness, in great haste. The State house is sur
rounded with beautiful walks, which are
lined with fruit and ornamental trees, and
pretty flowers. There is about one acre en-
closed in the capital grounds. Here also Is
the State arsenal. The buildings are large
and built Of brick, and will afford quarters
for at least 1000 men. Tho l4th occupies
them at present, and assure you VIC are oil
we'll contented. They are the best quarters
by far that we have ever had since We have
been in tho service. The State prison is lo-
Gated at this place. 1t is large and spa
cious building, and occupied by about $50
white and black men.
Tho inhabitants have nearly oil deserted
the city, and left for parts unknown, and
there is about as much business doing here
as in country churchyard. The first-class
private houses are almost invariably closed,
and white ladies are as scarce as white crows
with you.
Contrabands are plentiful, and We have a
lot Of them employed in Telling trees and
placing them in position for defence, thus
making them useful, and saving the strength
of the soldiers for more important service
This is Us it ought to be. A soldier is not
fitted to 60 into the trenches and work all
day, and then most likely be detailed guard
/. all night. This is all wrong, and should
be corrected at once by giving all contrabands
work, thereby saving the men s, as to be
able to stand guard over every rebel corn
Geld, lest their deserted condition offer an in.
ducement to some wicked Yankee soldier to
help himself to a few ears Of corn, without
fear of rebels or general orders.
The forco at this place, in camp and in
quarters, is as follows, viz: 4th Michigan,
Col. McNIillin Coming; 2lst Indiana, Col.
and Coming officer Of the post 4th
Mass. battery, Capt. Manning; one section
of Minis battery; two companies Of cavalry,
and the l4th Maine. the whole amounting
to some 5000 effective men.
We are at present engaged in guard duty.
garrison and picket in addition. We drill
about three hours day; for three days past
about oue.half of the regiment haYe been on
duty day and night, on picket.
The fact is, rumors have como to us that
this place is to be attacked, and we are look
ing for it and preparing for il. Gen. Moore
is at jackson, La, with 1900 or 5000 rebel
troops. lie will meet with warm recep-
ton when he shows his front before us. We
are ready and anxious for the fray to com.
mence.
But must conclude this already extended
letter. When any thing new happens shall
write you.
Very respectfully yours, E. AS.
PRESENT ORGANIZATION or co. K, FOURTEENTH
REG. MAINE VOLS.