The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-09-25
CORRESPONDENCE.
CosscRIrr CAxr, LONG ISLAND, !


respondent has changed his civilians suit Tor
the blue Of Uncle Sam, and has entered upon
the life of a soldier. Every home interest
has been left, every pleasure given up, that
he may devote his time and energy in the de-
fence of that aag which has ever protected
us, and which we have sworn to defend
against the attacks Of traitors. who are seek
ing to disgrace and destroy 1t. Various
reasons have been advanced by my friends
and Others for my doing as | have done. and'
many arc the cpthcts have received Tor so
doing. The principal reason was' believed
men were needed, and every able-bodied man,
who wished our government to DO preserved,
should be willing to help protect it. And
Notwithstanding the remarks, epithets, and
wishes of rampant coppcrhcads, / am here.
You would laugh, i know, and at the same
time be surprised to hear the foolish remarks
made by sensible men, and would account
for it in this way that they are in oppos-
ton to the government, have an anti.war
spirit, do not want the federal ranks to be
filed, have preference for the peculiar in
stitution of the South, believe jeff. Davis is
to save tho country, and Lincoln is seeking
to destroy it, and hope that the principles OF
Democracy as cnunciated and maintained by
Bradbury, Smith, Sweat, Emery and Co.,
will triumph. But the Union ,oiR be pre-.
serped; and we may safely say, that these
principles will never triumph, as long as the
loyal men of the North express their opin-
ion, us they did at our recent election, bury.
ing the so-called democracy beneath major
ity of $4,000. But did not purpose discus.
sing the probability of success, or the posi-
bllity of defeat, and will now give you an
account OF my soldier life.
Having passed examination, and made ar
rangcmcnts to go rs substitute for one OF
our fcllow-citizcns, was sworn into service.
One days freedom was given me, but when
once clothed in blue, had no liberty. /
might have purchased it by paying one OF
the quilting scrscants who had us substi'
tutcs in charge, any sum from one dollar to
five, for accompanying me where desired to
go. This principle of 'gouging' too prova-
lent in and around the army, dcspise, and
will never sustain. Circumstances may rem
der it necessary for INC to pay cxorbitant
prices for some articles, but will do it just
as little as can't help. My first days SER
vice was like prison life. My first march
under guard; my second the same, with
muskets with bayoncts fixed, to the wharf
where lay the steamer Hester that took US
to Mackic's Island. a man voluntarily en-
tering the army with honest intentions does
not like such restraint. But placing myself
among rogues as well ash honest men, received
the same favor that they did with good grace.
/ walked the streets Of Portland with my
knapsack on my back, with moro dignity
than could had carried tho principles Of
the coppcrheads. fst ..t
The cncampmcnt on Mackic's Island is
pleasantly situated. saw but little OF it
the day remained there, but, having had
the liberty OF it several times before, know
the beauty of its locality, and can testify to
the uniform kindness and courtesy OF the
officers detailed to take charge of conscripts.
Our rations of bread, beef, and beans were
good. Much depends, rs You we'll know,
on the way they are cooked, and can speak
word in praise Of the cook of ward six.
The second squad for the 18th Maine Reg
imcnt, of which am member, consisted Of
ninety odd men under command Of Capt.
Illsley of the 18th Maine, and Lieut.. Green
of the 18th. We left our encampmcnt on
the 18th inst, and arrived here on tho
morning of tho 10Th. Our passage was not
very rough, and we and our neighbors, some
sheep, endured it without much difficulty. i
slept very comfortably or the floor between
decks with only my blanket around me-
Those of us unaccustomed to such lodging
bore it much better than l expected We
should. ....r .,........ ...... r
Our oncampmont here is on tho south
eastern slope Of this island. On our left is
the N. II. detachment, in our rear the
Mass, in our rear to the left the VT, and
back near the highest elevation of tho island
is the guard. The headquarters of Gen.
DcvcnS commanding, arc at the Saccarappa
House. THAT is the name believe.) There
arc nearly 1900 men on the island. or these
nearly 500 are destined for old regiments,
and will probably leave this week. Our
18th Maine detachment. under command Of
Capts. Mattocks and Perry and Lieut.. Green,
numbers 1913, the N. H., ia, VT, 200,
Mass, $50, negroes 81, mostly from Mass.
Tho state OF health is generally good. The
negroes arc cncampcd by themselves near
the water. Their sergeant informed my
friend 7 and myself, that thcy arc in
telligcnt, apt and orderly. All Of them write
their own letters, and that is more than can
DO said OF this detachment. was over to
their camp yesterday, and must say they OK.
hibitOd signs Of intelligence, neatness and
order equal to our own soldiers. Being mu-
steal aud initiative they learn military very
readily, and under proper instruction may