The Portland daily press., 1863-04-20
Letter from the 23d Maine.
CAMP OF THE 23D MAINE REGIMENT,
Edwards Ferry. Md. ADril 10 lSG

CAMP OF THE 23D MAINE REGIMENT.
Edwards Ferry, Nd, April IL, 1868.
To the Editor Of the Press:
The sunny days combined with the drying
winds of the past week, have caused great
Improvement in the travelling, and enabled the
farmers to engage actively in farm labor.
This regiment is encamped on a command
ing site in large field belonging to Pools
vile "secesher." There was yesterday ru-
NOR current in camp, that we were to move
about three miles, to point on the road be-
tween Poolessille and Monocacy Church, but
instead OF that movement, the other three reg
iments of the brigade, which are all Tor three
years, are ordered to march tomorrow MORN
ing at seven O'Clock with seven days rations.
Their destination is unknown here, but it is
suspected that they are going down South to
join Gen. Banks.
informed you in my last letter, that citi-
zen of Montgomery Co., Nd, had been con-
victed by a court martial of harboring spies :,
&c. His name is James s. Peasants, and he
resided near the Potomac, few miles below
here. 1t was proved that he was most des-
perate and dangerous enemy. Three rebel
soldiers were arrested at his house, who had
been harbored and aided by Peasants. Col
Virgin was president of the Court, and / be-
prisoner deserved the severest penalty of the
law. He was accordingly sentenced to be
hung, and 1t was supposed the President
would approve the sentence. He has failed to
do so, but has committed the sentence to i'm
prisonment and hard labor during the war, in
Fort Delaware. There is no tenderness in
the hearts of the officers of this brigade, to-
wards rebel citizens who act out their treach-
eryin broad daylight, and conceal thousands
SD Nll. 4.
their premises, as Peasants did. Col. Jewett,
of the Vermont 10th, late commanding the
brigade, says that he thinks that all rebels
should be taken and hung, and the evidence to
convict them obtained afterwards. However
unconstitutional might be such mode of pro-
ceeding assure you its boldness and the ha-
tired OF rebellion which it indicates in Col.
Jewett, are applauded by many officers in the
army.
But AFTER all, wherein is Mr.. Peasants worse
than thousands In the New England States
/ am sure that no rebel in arms or rebel citi-
zen of a revolted State, can do more to des-
troy the hopes of loyal soldiers, or to obstruct
and discourage the movements OF Government
towards crushing the rebellion, than the Sey-
mours, Woods, Vallandighams and Smiths IN
the North. Ii Copperhead from the North
ern States should accidently find himself in
one OF our camps, and should attempt to pro-
mulgate treason such as their organs vomit
forth at home daily, be would be bayoneted
or hung to high oak, l really believe. The
detestation of all manner of treason prevail
ing in the army generally, is intense. There
are, regret to say. exceptions though very
rare. and the fact that a certain officer of a
New England regiment has not only repeated
ly declared his utter want of faith in the war
and its objects, but has had the doubtful sat
isfaction of being pulled by one of the most
detestable secession journals in Maryland, as
well as being the recipient of numerous marks
of appreciation from the most insidious
enemies of the Union, is a pretty sure sign
that he at least is not exactly as loyal as he
should be.
While engaged in the profession OF arms, il
is with great interest, that the soldier watches
the politicaleyents constantly transpiring, con.
nected with the cause OF the war. Emancipa.
ton OF negro slaves in Missouri and Maryland
so certain to come to pass, as daily events in
dictate, is a source of decided encouragement
TO all. At the same time we are not unmind.
full of the emancipation of white citizens, Ell.
Their of South Carolina: under the oppression
Of rebel dynasty, or of the deluded adhe.
rants of a corrupt party in Maine, who are still
blihdly cropping in the darkness of proslavery
| Democracy.
But am meddling with politics, perceive
and as somewhat famous correspondent from
this regiment, of the many eyed organ of j.
Ddrisism in your City, affects to be seriously
| Disguised at all illusions to political questions
/ will forbear further remark in this direction
hope however, the young gentleman may
not lose his equilibrium on the slight occasion
/ have here given him.
The skies look threatening this afternoon
and II wont be strange II Tomorrow priugs u
rain-storm, such as makes residence here Sc
delightful to Northerner at this season Of
the year. Yours truly, MILLS.