The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-04-10
Letter from the National Capitol.
WASHINGTON, April I, 1868.

" 'eS 1Uttof " 6tt Il 1908
The quiet of this city at present is in strange
contrast with the bustle tumut and excite
ment which have often filed it. during these
two years of civil war. Did you not now and
then hear train Of army wagons, drowning
with their roar the ordinary clatter of the
street, or now and then meet crippled SOL
der, or come upon a group of convalescents
summing themselves here and there at the cor
ners, or catch the boom of cannon coming
through the placid calm of these bright spring
mornings, from some Of the many fortifica-
tons stretching their tawny lines along the
clear-limned against the far horizon-sound
ominous OF the battle thunders soon to waken
did you not occasionally meet with such to-
kens as these, you would hardly suspect from
anything here apparent the dreadful presence
of war. No movement Of troops fills the
streets with the CLEAN of arms, the iutter of
banners, and peals Of inspiring music. Only
now and then squad of cavalry with CLINT
and clatter trot along, or the Provost Guard
with carefully FURNISHED muskets, neat uni
forms and white gloves go trampng along the
side walk, or little gronp of convalescents
pass on their way to the depot or boat, or
party of stragglers arrested away from their
commands without leave of absence, make
their way under guard toward the central
guard house. There are no excitements about
the Cabinet, no wordy Journeys in the Capitol,
no receptions to break the monotony little.
Even the town gossip deprived of its daily
exchange in the galleries and Hobbies of the
Capitol, has lost point and piquancy and par
takes perceptibly Of the general quiet.
Perhaps as much of local excitement as
we have known within week or two has been
occasioned by the arrival, conference with
the President, and frequent appearance on the
street, of some wild Indians from the South
west. These specimens of the untamed saw
age are sure to attract attention wherever
they appear. They wear mongrel costume,
usually 60 bareheaded, their thick hair coarse,
black and long, seeming to. afford sufficient
protection, and part of the delegation waive
the triffling conventionaism of shoes and
stockings. A buffalo or deer skin wrapped
tightly about the form serves both brave and
squaw instead of overcoat and shawl A part
wear paint. One Of the squaws is quite light
half white should judge, and quite good
looking. OF the appearance OF the party l
cannot speak in very flattering terms. They
do not seem to compare at all favorably with
their more civilized brethren from the West
who were here a short time since. They could
doubtless follow a trail more surely, waylay
solitary traveller more adroitly, or strip off a
scalp more deity than a civilized man, but
aside from few such accomplishments as
these what advantages they have over him do
not readily appear. Those theorists who go
iuto raptures over what they call the print
tive simplicity the happy freedom the
native nobility" Of savage life, would, fear,
find tlAse specimen bricks of Natures own
children rather hard TO work into their ITO
plan structure. The Indians are represented
by those who ought to know them, as very
treacherous, cowardly and cruel One Chief
of the delegation died last week and was bur
led on Sunday last from the Washington
House where the party is stopping. They
were present at Concert given recently at
Willard's Hall and manifested their satisfac-
ton by constant laughing They appear very
good-natured when in public, but as at the
Navy Yard, the other day, so always they
avoid any expressions Of surprise or admira-
ton.
Somewhat ola street sensation was produc-
ed the other day by procession of thieves.
They had been arrested by military authority
and condemned as a part of their punishment,
as well as to advertise them to the public, to
parade through the streets with large pla-
card fixed upon their hats and another upon
their backs, inscribed " Pickpockets and
Thieves" Two OF the number were, or had
been, women, and appeared more shameless
and hardened than their male associates in
crime. But few Of the poor wretches, it is
said, maintained through the ordeal, the bra
zen efirontery with which they started, eyinc-
ing that not many are so hardened in crime as
to be altogether indifferent to the opinions of
their fellow men.
Cheering accounts are daily received from
the Army of the Potomac. The health of the
army is represented as very good and the
men are as cheerful and contented as men can
ever be away from home and friends. The
system of furlough adopted by General Hook
er has been most grateful to the soldiers. They
can but admire the fighting qualities of their
gallant commander and in the unaffected So
licitude and unwearied efforts for their health,
happiness and welfare, they are not slow 10
perceive a reason for warmer regard
Wherever a man can lead men, Hooker
can lead the Army Of the Potomac.
The news received here this morning from
Connecticut has given the most lively satisfac-
ton to the friends of the Administration and
the supporters of the government. Copper
head stock has gone down amazingly within
the last twenty-four hours. The "winter OF
our discomfort seems broken, and airs of
spring are stirring, Let us hope and pray
that glorious summer Of victory and peace
may soon bless our regenerated land.
1t is hardly necessary to say that the report
of the Committee on the Conduct Of the
War;" just made public, has produced pro-
found sensation here, nor do any comments Of
my own upon its disclosures seem needful.
Thpra is soma cnnnfort in ha H..