The Portland daily press., 1862-08-29
tFrom our Regular Correspondent.l
Letter from the National Capital.

Letter from the National Capital.
WASHINGTON, Aug. Goth, 1862.
Yesterday made a short visit to the 18th
Regiment. They arrived here Saturday night
about 6 o'clock, and after resting while at
the SOLDIERS retreat" they took up line of
march to their camping ground, which they
reached about II O'Clock, sufficiently tired TO
lie down for the night, many of them, without
pitching their tents. They are put in charge
for the present, of certain Forts in Virginia,
over the east branch of the Potomac the first
of which is about two miles from the Navy
Yard. There are ten forts in this line, built
for the protection of this city, one of which
commands Alexandria. One company is sta
toned at each fort, the length of the line being
some seven miles. The Headquarters Of the
Regiment is at Fort Carroll about miles from
Washington. Is is a most delightful spot, and
we congratulate this noble Regiment upon be-
ing SO pleasantly located.
Officers and men are also in fine spirits, and
and ready to serve in any capacity the Gov
ernment may assign.
have met with nothing yet that seemed so
much like Maine and "Down East" associa-
tions, as the Headquarters of the 17th. The
officers of this Regiment are such as will make
the boys feel at home wherever they may be.
That Maine man, and especially Portland man,
would hardly think that he was separated from
from the business scenes OF his home, with
such men as Quartermaster rWaterhouse, and bis
Clerk Mr.. Yeaton, around him.
A Dol ;ev liar xxysfI, fho
Regiment and all the officers, and there is no
development of the ''red tape" spirit, whereby
officers and men become so exclusively dis
tinct and separate.
These Forts have been held by the R. /. 9th
which left for their homes yesterday, their
time of service having expired. The famous
10Th Regiment of New York, came up in the
Nelly Baker, last night from Alexandria.
Their time of enlistment having expired they
are mustered out of the service and on their
way home, where after taking short rest they
expect to enter the service again under their
old commander, Gen. Corcoran, and form the
right of his new Irish brigade.
Not only are new Regiments arriving here
nearly every hour OF The day, but large squads
ofrecruits are constantly pouring in to fill up
the old Regiments.
The sons of Maine here are constantly look
ing after the sick and wounded of the Maine
boys, here and at Alexandria. Darius Forbes,
Esq, formerly Of the Temperance Journal now
connected wish the Pension Department is
most assiduous in his labors in this direction.
We visited Alexandria with him a few days
since, where all the wounded from Maine were
searched out, and their condition inquired in
to.
There are ten hospitals at Alexandria full of
the wounded, not bed in either unoccupied,
as we are informed by the Surgeon. The sick
are provided for in this city.
Gen. Hookers Division had just arrived there
in transports from james River, and were with
all possible despatch landed and rushed on
towards the point where it is now supposed
the great battle of the war is to be fought.
Gen. Frankln's Division, which was the last
to leave Harrison's landing arrived at the eve
ming. Every nook and corner the city was
fiedwith troops on their way to join Popes
army. If should forward you any contra
band items, l suppose you would not publish
them, but expect before this appears in your
columns, the Telegraph will have announced
one of the hardest fought battles, and one of
the most brilliant victories yet recorded. Ru-
mors are rifle here every hour, and are of such
a character as TO keep upa constant feyerish
excitement.
Gen. Howard is here ready to take the
field.
The correspondence between the President
and Horace Greeley is topic of much conyer-
sation--it will speak for ITSELF
Tonight, the largest crowd that ever honor
ed any citizen with serenade is expected in
front of Willards to listen to the counsel of
that eminent and noted reviewer of the excit-
ing topics of the day, DIR. o. A. Brownson, who
is understood as fully agreeing with the Presi-
dent in his policy. CAPITOL"
S.-Letters designed for those in the 18th
/ Regiment, should be directed to Washington,
Fort Carroll, with the letter Of the Company,
18th Maine Regiment
In directing letters to soldiers, it is very
important that the letter Of the Company
should be inscribed, as their distribution is
much more readily made. CAPITOL.