The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-05-06
Letter from the Rappahannock.

FALMOUTH, va, April 70, 1868.
To The Editor Of the Press:
Often after the tolls and hardships of cam
paign 1t is great pleasure to 60 home, relax
the nerves and feel that You are yourself again; !;
but TO the true soldier, the sameness of a citi-
zen's life soon tires, and he feels like again
bearing a part in our great national struggle.
left Portland in company with very social
and pleasant gentleman Mr.. Fox, Of your
city-and set out to join the army, with or
ders TO report to Lieut. Col Connor command
ing battalion Seventh Maine volunteers.
All along the route, we were pleased with
the cheeriulness and determination manifested
to give the war vigorous support. Gold
was going down United States bonds were
in greater demand than ever ; and the country
seemed 70 enjoy an unprecedented degree Of
prosperity. We have carried on the war and
paid its expenses without aid from any foreign
source. No country in Europe can raise such
armies, equip then SO thoroughly and send
them into the field without negotiating foreign
loans. ~ 1re 4f
TIE uprising Of the people, the formation of
Union leagues, the quiet, hopeful confidence of
the masses, are prestiges OF success. Let the
people give the army a hearty, undivided sup
port, infuse into it all the enthusiasm possible,
give it their ardent sympathy and warmest
support aud refrain from ignorant and unjust
criticism, and it will accomplish as much as
three hundred thousand fresh troops Let the
ladies scorn towards, and disown deserters,
encourage their husbands, fathers, brothers,
aud sweethearts to fight bravely and willingly,
and tell them they must be forever exiles from
home and country if they prove recreaut to
the duties imposed upon them as citizen
soldiers.
The army has not accomplished all we could
wish. Had it done so, .hosannas would have
been sung in its praise all over the country
and no one would have said aught against it :;
but he is the brave man and true patriot who,
in the midst OF defeat and even ruin, still fond
ly clings to our nationality Anybody can be
a man in prosperity, but few can bravely en-
dure adversely. -e sst4tfFfs tt
In Washington we found all felt certain of
success. Gen. Hooker seems to have won the
confidence OF all, not for what he has done,
but for what everybody believes him capable
of doing. A man OF decision and energy, if
he gets chance, or gains success, he will
make it tell. The sacrifice may be great, but
the victory will he commensurate. Something
will happen - II victory, decisive; il a de-
feat, disastrous. He will risk all. In the
meantime we must await the result, hopeful
for the BEST but prepared for the worst.
Having armed ourselves with the necessary
credentials from the Military Governor Of
Washington, we set out for the army ria Aquia
Creek, TO Stoneman's Switch. Here we found
the 10Th Maine encamped by themselves, hav-
ing been separated from the rest of the army
in consequence of the appearance of small
pox among them.s There were, at the time of
our VISIT over hundred cases.
1t seems that the matter furnished for inoc-
ulation proved 10 be the virus not the vac
cine matter. ~Villainy somewhere.' We had
the pleasure of meeting Col. Ames, who is now
respected and beloved by his regiment. AT
first his strictness and close adherence TO the
line of duty was construed into harshness and
cruelty; but now all rejoice that "even-hand-
ed justice has been dealt out To them. Lieut.
Col. Chamberlain seems to have passed uncon-
sciously from the ferule to the sword, demon
strating that tact and ability which are requi-
site to make a man fulfil so soon and with such
aptness the duties of the important position
he now holds. Major Gilmore, formerly Cap
tain in the Seventh, is at ease in his new place
"a gentleman in every sense OF the word,
and one who has already shown by actual
service in the field, his ability as an officer.
Being furnished by the kindness of our host
with horses and a guide, we set out 10 find the
"gallant Seventh" On our way we stopped
at Corps Headquarters. where We found Major
Hyde reckoned among the staff in the capacity
of Provost Marshal General of the 9th Corps.
He is great fayorite. with all, 'jurenis, cGIebs,
oictor." slf4fF
We next reined up at the camp of the Sew
entn, over wnich Coi. Connor sways the scep-
ter of command with ease and dignity. He
has six feet Of manhood, and a corresponding
amount OF energy and pluck. Here we felt at
home among comrades and friends The Off
GERS of the battalion are all well, and the
health of the men was never better. The ar
my may be demoraized, but l can't see it in
that light The opinion appears prevalent
that the Grand Army was never in such ex-
cellent condition. And here l will say good
bye, trusting that You will hear from me after
the smoke and din of battle clear away.