The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-07-20
WAsHINGroN. july 14.

WASHINGTON, July IA, 1868.
10 the Editor Of the Press
When Napoleon was once asked if the SPLEEN
did victories of his first Italian campaign did
not give him great satisfaction 1.-The time, he is
said to have replied in the negative, adding
"The victory of to-day was forgotten in pre-
pairing for the conflict n tomorrow" Some
what SO may it have been with the people
here and throughout the country during the
last ten days. Great victories have been won,
great successes have been achieved, such as
have covered onr arms with glory, such as are
nt to inspire every loyal heart with liveliest
joy and profoundest gratitude TO the God OF
battles. Yet so thickly and heavily does the
war cloud stil lower before us, SO pregnant
seems the near future with desperate strug-
giles and mighty events that in all our reioicings
our joy has been chastened and thoughtful.
The glorious fourth was celebrated here
with considerable enthusiasm. Several regi-
ments stationed here enlivened the streets
with stirring music, emblazoned banners, and
fine martial appearance, while many societies,
including two lodges of knight Templars,
swelled the procession. 1t was on that day
the first good news from Gettysburg was Off
cially announced to large concourse of peo-
pie assembled on the grounds south OF the
Presidential mansion. Then came the an
nouncement of the fall Of vicksburg, and but
that we were hourly expecting the roar and
carnage Of another great battle the city would
have been wild with delight. Since then we
have been anxiously but hopefully awaiting
the unfolding Of events.
Never before has the Government seemed so
thoroughly aroused or to be putting forth eff
forts SO determined for the overthrow of the
rebellion as during the last two weeks. Day
of drums and the tramp of troops on their
way to the scene Of active operations. Sad it
has been to see the brave men thickly clothed,
tightly belted, heavily loaded, toiling on
through the dust and heat toward the one in
variable point, the Baltimore depot; and sad
der yet would it have been had they not
seemed sustained by spirit Of LOFTY and pa
triotic devotion to their country. One poor
fellow whom l noticed few afternoons since
bore an unusual incunbrance. Marching in
his place in the sweltered ranks that slowly
climbed Capitol Hill, he carried in his right
hand bird cage, whitfield perhaps with his
jack-knife in the long leisure OF garrison duty
and its little tenant that had doubtless beguil-
ed many weary hour, and charmed away
many homesick thought. Neitter the bur-
dens that load down soldier before and be-
hind, on this side and on that, nor heat nor
WEAKNESS could move his heart to leave behind
him his cherished pet, and so he went to bat
tie with his musket in one hand and his bird
cage in the othor.
One sultry Sunday afternoon last August,
just before the second Bull Run battle, re-
ligious services were being held in the Trinity
church hospital and group of little children
who acted as choir were singing an old fami-
liar hymn when a fresh regiment came by. 1t
was the 34th from the old Bay State Their
band was playing The Campbells are coming"
and the wild martial strains blended strangely
with the sweet voices of the children singing
psalms that breathed of heavenly calm and
peace. Then came furry OF dust, a heavy
tramp and the street outside was all agleam
with bayonets. One night last week the same
regiment which has been doing provost duty
for some time past, marched through the
streets again on its way TO the front This
time the band played 'The girl left behind
me- aud the spirited strains rousing a. from
sleep, suggested a eongratulatory visit Of
some sort Soon however the CLEAN and fash
Of steel piercing sharply the dark foliage
oyerhanging the street, the high piled KNAPP
sacks, the load and frequent cheering Of the
men, told plainly that they were on their way
10 the battle field.
hiecvnt occurrences near your city seem TO
show that The Maine people may In an einer-
gency b. trusted 10 take care of themselves T;
yet few guaboats oa our extensive and al
most acfeucciess coast weald be- an excellent
PrccaHti0n. Our senators and the Nlcr Prcsi-
dent were here last week and are understood
90 have secured the desired protection for our
shipping aud seacosst towns. No State in
The Cni0a need stronger dciences and those
Of permanent kind than our own, jutting as
a docs far iato the colonial possessions Of
ssreat Britain, aud possessing A. il does lhe
nnest winter hArbOr on the coast.
More aud more the immense agricultural
resources Of the Canadas become developed
viii Maine ie coveted as anording highway
10 the sra, and In the event Of a war with
Great Britain Il Is upon that ionged for peace
her iron grasp viii be fixed
TSP.
II IL Is stated that the President has ola,