The Portland daily press., 1863-06-08
Letter from the Northern Border.
MADAwAsKA TERRITORY,
Plantation of St. Francis,
May 81, 1863,

May 81, 1863
To the Editor Of the Press:
am reminded by finding at this place a
copy of the Press, of my unfulfilled intention
to give you few notes Of business tour in
this remote portion Of our State. 1t may
seem hardly credible to some persons, that
any point within the State of Maine is more
distant, practically, from the city Of Portland,
than is the army of the Rappahannock. Yet
such is the fact. 1t has cost me more time
and vastly more fatigue, to reach the junction
of the st. Francis with the st. John, on the
northern boundary of Maine, than it would to
have reached the Rappahannock or even the
Mississippi. From Portland to Bangor is the
mere trife of half days ride by rail- At
that point commences the real journey, end
ing after eight days of constant riding, Nth
the end Of the road, on our northern border.
Above this road there are but very few set
tiers, and they use the rivers for their high
ways, and the French bateau or pirogue and
the Indian canoe, for their carriages. Their
market wagons are RATS of lumber, which go
down stream but never return.
Time was when the Madawaska was invest
ed with almost the interest of the Potomac,
or Vicksburg. A quarter century since there
was mastering in hot haste, and the rushing
Of armed men to the disputed territory" to
say nothing of "masterly retreats" after hav-
ing "fully accomplished the object of the re-
connoissance." l believe the history of the
Aroostook war has never been written. 1t
seems quite too little regardful OF our proper
State pride, that the valor of her sons in this
last war Nth Great Britain, should not be
duly recorded by some one of our able historic
ans. We commend the theme to the historian
of Popham. The forts of our northeastern
boundary will soon become more nearly myth
ic than that Of the redoubtable Sir George.
Although not charged by the War Depart
ment with the inspection of these forts, have
attended to that duty incidentally, and here
with report in part. At Houlton all is quiet.
The United States still hold the position with
great security, commanding - fine view of
the border on both sides of the line! 1t may
not be prudent to disclose the number of
troops now stationed at this point
At Fort Fairfield, the block house on the
bank of the Aroostook, erected to command
the "boom," and which found ten years ago
in quiet possession of a team horse, has been
since leveled, and its solid square tim
bers converted to more peaceful purposes.
The barracks upon the adjacent bill are now
occupied by physician, lawyer and a
farmer who hold quiet possession of the same,
withoutthe necessity of pickets or patrol to
guard the premises. Outlines of the magazine,
the parade ground, &C., are still traceable, but
will soon be effaced. Sic transit gloria.
At Fort Kent, on the extreme northern
boundary at the mouth of Fish river, the block
house is still standing, and is commanded at
present by Colonel Page, as store-house for
hay. The barracks are still occupied by
Major Dickey, late Collector Of Customs of
this district, while the building formerly used
as officers quarters is the home of Col. Page
While enjoying the Inequalities of the Colonel
and his excellent family, had the pleasure of
taking my meals in the dining room formerly
used by the Rebel General Winder when sta
toned at this post, moro than twenty years
ago. Magruder also and one Of the Hills are
said to have been in command ON the Maine
borders, at some one of these forts.
All is quiet now along these northern lines.
Should another war with Great Britain ever
occur, the boundary would again bristle with
bayonets and the dismantled forts put on
more hostile aspect. Should it become neces-
sary 10 arrest any of the Aroostook "traitors,"
the block house at Fort Kent would serve an
excellent purpose to hold them in durance.
My friend, the Rev. Mr.. Keep, would make a
very suitable chaplain to minister to such
spirit in prison.
But there are more peaceful aspects of this
northern and little known region, to which 1
will call your attention in another letter.
Yours, P.