The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-11-27

will state the reason. As we advanced O whole
brigade was needed as skirmishers. Our regi.
ment has had but little practice as such, and
consequently it was thought best to place the
Goth Indiana regiment second to none as
skirmshers-and the ID u. s. Sharpshooters,
in the brigade Of skrmishers. and put us in the
ID brigade. Again. 1t was expected that the
rebels cntrenched rs they were, would hold the
Ford, and that the ID brigade in support ofthe
Sd would have to make the charge. And Col.
Walker of the 18th Maine commanding the brig
AIDE, knowing that the Maine boys could make
rs effective charge as any in the army, select
ell the 18th Maine to help do the work. Under
him, also, were the Sd and 4th Maine regi-
ments. He was confident in the ability Of these
regiments TO carry the point. and the fact that
many were '.raw recruits" had nothing to do
with the change made only for that day: Our
regiment may yield the palm TO other regiments
as skirmishers-and our boys are willing TO
honor those To whom honor Is due, but the
Maine boys will never give in that they cannot
make as desperate q charge rs any troops IN
the service, and their gallant conduct ut Fred
ericksburg, Charlottesville, and more recent
" at Rappahannock Station bears testimony 10
that effect. Though we say 1t, Maine has gooa
reason for feeling proud OF her soldiers ana
the reputation they have gained for her.
/ do not admire this life, nor did expect
should, when entered the service. Living IN
tents, or dwelling in caves may have been the
simple, natural, primitive mode OF living, but
il does not come up to our idea OF life in this
modern age. Our style Is different. more
pleasant. more civilized, more convenient,
think. Yet, enjoy this camp life, and lind
much of romantic interest therein to charm,
much of the picturesque in the scenes through
which we pass that is delightful. Tonight we
encamp just as the sun sinks behind the
mountains, pitching our tents in the open
field. Camp fires are kindled, our suppers are
cooked-eyery one cooking for himself, or ey-
cry mess for itself-and around the fires wo sit
and talk. Around us for miles, perhaps, we
see other fires briskly burning. and far away to
the front fires along the picket line continue To
burn all night. Tomorrow we march. every
soldier taking with him his all, prepared for
any emergency. Again we encamp. Few tents
are pitched, but nearly oil biyouac in the open
air with the star-spangled dome OF Heaven as
our Shelter" or we halt in the forest pri-
meyal," and rest beneath pines covered WITH
mOsscs, or oaks whose branches have withstood
the storms Of many winters, and gained
strength thereby. Encampcd thus 1t is delight
full To look in upon the scene. Peace, comfort,
and security seem to dwell where our homes
nestle among the trees, rs IL their out-spread
branches were thrown ont for our protection.
Around US is darkness, while our evening fires
light up the woods near by, and tall shadows
fit here and there throughout the camp
Should there be q prospect of remaining long
in a place. all is life, all is activity. Regular
streets are laid out, comfortable quarters are
provided "ior man and BEAST" trees are felled,
and everything is made meat and tidy"
There is enough to do. Fatigue and guard du-
ty, going on picket, drilling and skirmishing
occupy our time. There is no day Of rest. To
us all days are alike. Sundays are our busiest
days we often think. Reviews and inspections
occur then. At such times camp
is perfect beehive; all are in motion. Mus
kets and accoutremcnts must be cleansed, brass
es secured, blankets folded, knapsacks packed,
oyercoats folded, and everything put IN APP
pie PIE order" These duties arc laborious,
but they do not constitute the hardships OF war.
or them know but little from personal expert
cnce. and will keep silent in regard to them.
A dark and gloomy picture might be drawn
in which these would be prominent. No sill
very lining would be seen, no bow of promise
would arch tall would be doubt, darkness,
dcsolation, death. We prefer the bright side
of the picture, and try to keep 1t before US.
Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof"
As have opportunity will write.
Yours faithfully, y