Litchfield enquirer., 1863-07-16
From the 18th C. V.

July 9th, 1863.
 MR- EDITOR Noticing that the ENQUIRER frequently contains letters from members of this Regiment. make bold to arrest sundry fugitive thoughts and dispatch them, under a strong guard, en route for your sanctum {; hoping they may meet with your approval and your readers as we'll, though am unable to give any exciting incidents
 The Regiment is prosperipg finely in its ex- celient location; the sick list has greatly di- minished, largely owing to the excellent sani- tary regulations. The apt axiom "cleanli- ness is next to godliness,'' is we'll appreciated and acted upon. The apprehensions (which for time existed,) of a rebel dash upon our defenses are now somewhat delayed, yet our vigilance is unabated. Our pickets are thrown out as usual along the lire, under the vigilant supervision of our commanding officer; but little if any fear is felt of surprise; and after the lesson which our gallant Meade has just given Lee in Pennsylvania, the rebels will not be likely to dash themselves against the mug zles of our cannon. Oh how the glad news of those great victories has enlivened and cheered us The long night of terror and doubt seems drawing to close. Honor to the heroes of the day Let Us hope that the Army of the Potomac, SO long under cloud, has at last found leader worthy of those brave men, who, if they did not achieve success, were at least deserving of it.
 The air is filled with rumors. Last night we were startled from our propriety by news of the capture of Port Hudson also, of Lee and his army. If that is so, the boys thought, we are almost home. But it was at least prema- ture, and our newly fedged hopes must fold their wings until they get little stronger, comforting ourselves with the reflection that we are pretty well off after all.
 Meetings are held occasionally at the diff ferent Redoubts by our truly worthy Chaplain, who has evidently deep interest in our spir- itual welfare. The importance of religion is too lightly estimated by soldiers generally, as if it were thing to be properly laid aside But am persuaded that mo men as class, are as sincerely desirous to perform their whole duty to their country, as those who are enlightened by the grace of God,
 The small fruits of the season are quite plenty; blackberries are gathered in great quantities sufficient to gratify the largest de- sires. They afford an agreeable addition to the very limited bill of fare furnished by the Government.
 mark as noteworthy the digging of well in Redoubt B., of some forty feet in depth. This will be an invaluable possession. Great quantities of ammunition have recently been received at the various works. Redoubt D., the farthest south in this line of defense, is now almost completed. It is very strongly built, and commands the river for some dis tance below.
 Alth ough as yet the 18th has escaped the field, whore regiments are but as waves in the great sea of battle, yet it awaits with cheerful ness the order to march against the foe, if So For what says the soldier r." My country first last, and forever p May the voices of the ad- vocates of an infamous peace<he forever si- lent-hushed by victories so decisive as to crush alike the traitor and his apologist. But enough of this rambling discursiveness. ~ am. Mr. Editor,
 A SOLDIER,
 In the 18th c. v.