The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-10-16
CORRESPONDENCE.
CAN'T OF TIE l7rn MAINE REor,
Near Culpcppcr, Va. Oct. Z 1868.

NearOuipcPPcr, W., Wv 1ASoo'
FRIEND BUTLER: The buglo sounding re-
call gives me an opportunity to write you
to-day, and ! will resume the accounted my
soldier-lifc, giving tho incidents that occur
rcd as we came hither, and the thoughts
suggested to my mind by them, and by what
have seen. .
Our tents wcro struck two weeks ago last
Friday, and, after delaying several hours on
Long Island, and eating our soup in clouds
of dust, dirt and rubbish, blown over us by
furious north wind, we embarked on board
tho "Forcst City," With us were detach-
ments from N. H., VT, and Mass, for the
10th N. H., 4th VT, and llth Mass. ,rcspec-
lively. Ours was for this regiment. A
guard of about so men from the island ac-
ccompanied us. All were under command
of Col. jackson Of tho Sd N. III. We were
unfortunate in getting the poorest accommo-
dations, being sent aft to tho lower deck
It was close, poorly.vcntilated, hot and I'M
healthy. Several little disturbances occur
red before wc had been on board long, which
caused the officers in charge to in1ict punish
ment on some, keep watch over Others and
observe strict discipline in case Of all. Here,
as elsewhere, the innocent suffered with the
guilty, for the officers could not know them,
and partiality could not DO shown. But the
spirit manifested by those in favor of "law
and order" was admirable.
Saturday morning we set sail. We had
been sailing about four hours when my
stomach refused to DO burdcncd with the
hard tack and coffee that rclishcd so well
in tho morning, and was Obliged to throw
my breakfast overheard. Decmiug "discrc-
ton the better part OF yalor," | retreated
quickly to my quarters, rcpulsivc as they
were, and stretched myself out full length
on my bunk of boards. We encountered
tho fury of tho Equinoctial gale which rem
dercd our voyage somewhat rough, and tried
tho strength of our boat. That most disa-
greeablc of sickness, seatsickncss, kept me
confined half of the day, Saturday, and all
day Sunday, ard l can tell but little about
what took place, or where VIC were, except
that tho wind blew iicrccly, tho boat rocked,
rolled, and crcakcd strangely, tho men sworc
horribly and gambled almost incessantly.-
Ono little accident injuring none, but fright
cning some, occurred Sunday morning
When tho boat was hcaving and rolling,
down went ono side of our hunks which SO
started some that they FASTENED for the stairs,
thinking that the old boat was going to tho
bottom.
Monday morning brought us fine weather,
and gave us good chance to snuff the ocean
breeze. 1t was invigorating, indeed, and
put us in finer spirits than one could have in
the darkness and cloScncss of our previous
two days. confinement. The sun shonc
brightly, tho wind blow freshly, the waves
sparkled beautifully, and tho boat bore us
onward swiftly. Just after noon we anchor
ed of Fortress Monro,, and remained short
time. Then sailing up Hampton Roads wo
touched mt Portsmouth, where our N. ii.
companions discmbarked to join tho regi-
mcnt for which they were destined, stationed
near there. As the boat was nearing Ports
mouth noticed one feature that | never
observed in northern cities, on tho coast, viz:
many fine houses were built near tho water,
surrounded by neat and tastefully.arranged
walks, and adorned with beautiful shade
trees. All these gave the place an air OF
ncatncss and comfort such Us tho desolatc
appearance of many of our northern cities
docs not have. The inhabitants seemed to
think Judging from what saw-that beau
ty us we'll as comfort should DO sought for in
the construction of houses. We passed
several places brought into notice since this
war began, ON account of tho incidents con-
ncctcd Herewith. and tho actions occurring
mt or near them. There were Scwall's Point,
a sandy point Of land covered with small
trees, and shrubs Hampton, or rather what
remains Of tho villagc,-it having been dcs.
troyed, almost entirely, by the rcbels-thc
Custom House, l thought, being all that l
could SEQ standing; Granny Island we'll for
tilted with carth.works Newport News,
and tho scene of the action between the
Monitor and Mcrrimac. Wc began to SEQ
negroes so humdneiy ehrisiiani.ed by our
southern brethren. that We heard of in Maine.
When we returned to Fortress Monroe few
wcro on the wharf, to whom some of tho
''conscripts" throw pieces Of hard tack and
other catablcs. They scrambled after them
like hungry dogs, and yrinned strangely as
our boys shouted and yelled at their proceed.
iugs. The citizens OF the "innoccnt cause
Of the war showed what had been their priv
ilcces OF education and ciriiisation. But we
must confess that, considering all things,
they behaved as gcntlcmauly as some of tho
inieiligen, whites that laughed and shouted
at them.
Fortress Monroe is an important position
for us to hold. 1t isa grand naval depot,
and safe anchorage for our gunboats and
steamers. 1t was wise move to seize this
lorti6cation, and give us strong foothold in
Virginia. There was hcad wind against
ma 40 ,rn sailed I'm the Chcsannakn n head