The Portland daily press., 1863-04-24

WASHINGTON, April Dist, 1853.


Perhaps we may Justly reckon among the
trials of the war, that trial of anxious and
painful suspense so well known to every heart
that beats warmly and truly for the country.
For while this trial has been ours in double
measure. First from Vicksburg, and then from
Charleston, came day after day, vague reports
and rumors of success or disaster, of triumph
or defeat. Nor as in each case after many al
formations of hope aud fear, of joy and grief,
the truth has become evident have we been
able to fell much qualification or relief. En-
ergy and capacity, courage and valor we have
but no such series of brilliant successes as
electrified the country year ago, gilds our
banners or gaddens our hearts.
We are once more waiting with hushed
breath to catch the opening roar OF conflict on
the Rappahannock. Day before yesterday
the President, Secretary Of War and General
Halleck went down to the army. The reports
of crossing of the main army which have
been reaching OF late, were premature; but
all the army is expecting to move as soon as
the state of the roads will permit. When
few more warm, bright days shall have har-
bear up artillery, the army will undoubtedly
advance upon the enemy's position. The reb-
els have probably been strengthening il ever
since the battle of Fredericks burg-all reports
to the contrary Notwithstanding, and des-
perate struggle seems imminent. For a few
days past everything has betokened its near
approach. Every disposable regiment has
been moved forward, and there are now but few
troops in or about this city.
Somewhat of a sensation was created by the
departure of the 10th New Jersey yesterday
morning. This regiment has been doing
provost duty here for more than a year, and
its members, both officers and privates have
zens. They have OF course seen but little
hard service, which circumstance with their
fine drill enabled them to make a very fine
and soldierly appearance as they marched a
long the Avenue to the tap OF the drum. The
scene was not without its pathos. have often
seen brave men in the glorious prime of their
manhood marching to death, but | have not
yet learned to look upon such spectacle with
out profound emotion. In this instance ro-
mantle interest was added, for many fair
hand waved a goodbye last goodbye may
hap-to those who answered with brief gesture
the tender signal, or only with earnest eye
looked farewell to their city sweethearts.
In sad contrast were four regiments OF the
Pennsylvania Reserves that came marching
through the city few hours later, their ranks
thin, their uniforms worn and soiled, their
banners stained and riddled - veterans they
seemed, of many marches and of many fields,
worthy of greenest laurcls every one.
The 23d Maine is still employed in guarding
the Fords OF the Potomac, and as all the 9TH
er regiments with which it was brigaded have
left for the field, it will probably continue to
do guard and picket duty during the remain
der Of its term of service. A member of this
regiment in recent letter says, 1--WE shall be
"a little chagrined at being obliged to go home
without having seen SO much as one armed
"'reb.' However, in osering our services we
"shall haye satisfied our eonsciences if not our
ambition Most soldiers soon grow weary
Of the monotony of camp life, and the order
to march seems welcome rather than other
wise. 1t is rumored that the 25th aud 9th
Maine are to join the 23d.
Ia political circles but little Of general in
terest is stirring. The Copperheads, disgust
ed with the late verdict Of the people upon
them and their reasonable Vaccinations, seem
disposed to digest their spleen little more
quietly. Mhile il MOULD he uamise and weak
TO ignore the numerical strength, the intense
malignity and ianatical zeal of these conspira-
tors, still ii is certain that in the faithful and
earnest discharge of our duties to the coun-
try and to onr Cod we need not fear them
1t may cheer the patriot TO note how this con-
fliet OF ours is part OF that old and world
wide struggle of justice aud right against in
justice and wrong - that great and glorious
battle which though bafiled oft is ever won"
How exactly does that sentiment of Englsnd's
noblest political martyr apply to our own
cause:
'Manus haec inmca tyrannis
Ense petit plscidam sub liberate quietem.''
BY the sword alone, under the benign sway of
liberty alone, can placid peace be found ard
so alone should it be sought. The Govern
ment and the people are coming to under
stand this more clearly, and the sword is daily
cutting deeper into that knot we tried so long
and so vainly to unite. The policy of the
Government. as stated 10 the recent speech of
Adutant General Thomas, must receive the
warmest concurrence aud the most Jealous
support Of all good and patriotic men. IL we
are at last prepared TO follow without reserve
or hesitation the policy of freeing and arming
oil the loyal black men OF this country, If we
are prepared to avail ourselves of all the adj
yantages which the forever accused system OF
Southern slavery puts within our power = il
we are ready TO enlist for our cause all the
hopes and aspirations for freedom of four mill
lion allies. then we may reasonably look for bet
ter aud brighter days. Thus do we avail our
selves of principle as mighty, as it is pure
and lofty-thus do we "hitch our wagon to
star" ESP
For the Press.
Specimens of the Copperheads in the War