The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-04-22


strange-that I know of-to write about
The correspondent who would write a
very interesting letter from the army, at
this stage of the game, must possess great
inventive genius. His originality, cou-
pied with patient industrys would insure
success in almost any department of lit
erature, to which his fancy might lead
MIN.
Iu Tac5 tlrere Is n0tnIug gUIng Uu nero
but preparation, and like all other army
correspondents, l do not deem it expe-
dient to state what that preparation is for
reason, the information if given might
reach the enemy; besides | don't know.
The improvement in the order and dis
cipline of this army, made in the past few
months, is plainly apparent, and very en-
couraging. | am of the opinion that
there has been too much disposition to
lavish time and attention upon the more
snowy branches of our profession, while
the "weightier matters of the law."-
such as actual preparation for fght-haye
been, in consequence, neglected. Some
orders issued Of late rather tend to RENE.
dy this evil.
Yesterday this Qhe 1st) division was
reviewed by Gen. Hooker The day was
wiudy-but clear-and the roads dry
and very dusty. After the review, while
the division was filing out into the road,
on their way to camp, Gen. Hooker and
Wadsworth-accompanied by their re-
speGtive staffs-rode along the line
They were everywhere greeted with
the NEST enthusiastic cheering. If Gen
Hooker would permit it, the homage he
would receive from his army, would fully
equal that paid to Mcclellan, in his palm
lest days. But he does not desire that
"hero worship" shall become the prevail
ing religion of his army, and SO all disor-
derly demonstrations are promptly sup
pressed.
Gov. Curtin has recently visited most
of the Pennsylvania regiments in this ar
my. In failing to visit those in this vi
cinity he missed seeing many warm
friends.
Enclosed I send you a copy of the res.
olutions passed by the regiment to which
[ belong, the whole or part of which you
are at liberty to publish. The regiment
was assembled at the beating of the "long
roll " The object of the resolutions was
briefly and clearly stated by Col Kidder,
the resolutions read ard unanimously
adopted, after which were had three
cheers for Gen. Hooker, three trousers"
for Gov. Curtin and three groans for the
copperheads. The feeling that prompts
the expressions found in these resolutions
is not confined to regiment, division or
corps, but pervades the whole army.
For the information of the soldiers
friends at home, | desire to say few
words concerning the health and morals
of the army. 1t can not be denied that
change of CLINE, undue exposure, and H.
regular, or slovenly habits, makes fearful
inroads upon the health. To remedy the
evils flowing from the latter cause-and
they are greater than those of the other
two cou.bined-it Is strictly enjoined that
regimsntal surgeons exercise constant
vigilance, and they are clothed with au-
thority to enforce regularity and cleanli-
ness in person, dress and residence, even
at the point of the bayonet.
You frequently hear | suppose of the
many temptations of the camp. The fell
diseases of Southern cline, or even the
fatal rebel bullets are scarcely less feared
by anxious fathers, sisters and mothers
than these dreadful temptations, truly
they are dreadful. Insomuch as they
frighten good people nearly out of their
wits, they may well be called formidable
They are however for the most part fic,i-
tious "frights" having an existence only
in the imagination. The fact is there
are far fewer temptations here than among
the associations of home. The main diff
ficulty is want of proper restraint SO
that men constitutionally disposed to In
dulge in immoral or sinful practices, do
so with more freedom, and their wander
ing feet get farther from the barrow wry
than the same feet would, if not incased
10 Uncle Sans shoes.
On the other hand, those possessed of
real manhood, "in whose hearts virtue,
and in whose souls the love of God reign
eth," find much to strengthen their good
resolut;o ons, much to develop their man.
hood, and much to increase their power
for good. The sense of right is sharpen.
ed and made stronger by frequent exer-
,lse, and virtue loses nothing of brilian-
cy or attractiveness by comparison with
the lower and more repulsive forms of
vice.
Ii man Is not content to live for him
,elf alone--if he would labor to make
others wiser, better or moro cheerful
here he has an ample field, where be can
labor proftably and always have enough
10 do.