The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-08-26
COMMUNICATIONS.
Boston Correspondence.

=
Return of the Massachusetts 47M.-Hs re-
ception-An ercitement-Ihe escape from,
Fort WdrreR1i'0rtidnd pluck dgdin-
Boston noichere-Departure of Conscripts
The drdft-WealM Of Boston-Nep York
an the shade-The fund for coiored troops
5 Poor Ireiand-Boston Liberaiity-Fdtal
Result-Amusements.
BosroN, Aug. "a, 1868.
7otke Editor Of the Press
The Mass. 47th, Col. Lucius B. Marsh, ar
rived here on Tuesday morning, and vas met
at the Worcester depot by a battalion of the
National Guards, accompanied by Giimore's
full band, by whom it was escorted to Faneu
Hall. Alter par;aking OF the city's bounty it
was formally received by the Mayor in behalf
of the city, and welcomed home in congrat-
ulatory speech In concluding his neat reply,
Col. Marsh said that the regiment was ready
and willing TO again take the field, which sem
timent received an emphatic endorsement by
the regiment in ringing cheers. Mr.. William
Everett, son of Hon. Edward Everett, follow
ed in very Interesting and highly patriotic
speech, shortly after which the regiment was
furloughed for seven days, then TO meet on
Boston Common to be mustered out ofservice.
Companies belonging in Cambridge and
Charlestown were each escorted home by mil
itary organizations from those cities This
regiment returns with nearly full ranks hav-
ing been very fortunate in withstandiDg south
western malaria, and have rendered good SER
vice, though not on the battle field in resolute-
ly and securely holding what had arendy been
won. Its history reflects great credit, not on
iy upon its rank and file, but upon the mer-
chants of Boston under whose auspices it was
raised, and by whom it has been watched and
tenderly cared for during its term Of enlist
ment.
Quite an excitement was raised on Wednes-
day by the report of the escape of the Tacony
u,i,;.
was greatly exaggerated 1t was afterward
greatly modified, 10 the immense satisfaction
of US Bostonians, by il being ascertaned that
that but one OF the precious prisoners
captured by Portlanders and entrusted
to us for safe keeping, had succeeded
in making his escape. The others with him
were of different Importance, and the aroused
sentnels recaptured Lieut. Reed and one of
his crew before they were able to get of the
island. Before the authorities here had time
flor them) to move, Portland, hearing of the
escape, with characteristic prompfness and
despatch had sent a fleet vessel after them de-
termned that the fruits of her indomitable
courage and heroic actian should not be lost
to the country; and as fortune would have it
to say nothing of the appropriateness, success,
crowned her efforts-the cutter retured with
the escaped prisoners, safely beyond perad-
yenturel on board, who were placed where as
surance is doubly sure. 1t seems that too
much latitude has been given to prisoners at
Fort Warren, and the outside guard was too
weak this will be remedieJ, and stringent
orders enforced. so that Portland can hereaf-
ter have confidence in Boston's ability to keep
what she catches.
4 The steamer Forest City left here on Tues
day with 1000 conscripts from the camp at
Long Island for the Army of the Potomac
and the steamer Guide, which has returned
from a similar errand, will probably sail some
time this week with another lot, making the
third thousand which has been forwarded from
this post to repenish the ranks of Potomac's
army. The time for examination of the draft
ed has about expredin the Boston districts ,and
tomorrow the Provost Guard will commence
to pay its respects to those who have dis
dained TO give their attention TO Uncle Sans
invitation, and they will be treated as desert
ers when caught. 1t is stated that the num-
Der accepted does not exceed fifteen per cent of
the required number, and how it will be made
up Is not yet announced, although report has
1t that a second draft upon the first class will
be made. A wholesale jewelry firm of this
city learning that two of their clerks were
drafted, informed them that they would bear
the expense of substitutes for them .if it
would be agreeable" 1t is quite unnecessary
TO add that it was agreeable.
The city assessors have completed the an
nuai estimates, and their books foot up as fol-
tate, 500, ,52I 000-several millions more than
the entire State of Mainei - an increase of
Szooo9,io0 over last year; number of polls,
33,49o "a decrease Of 54S from the number
last year, for which the war will more than
account; the value of taxation is S1l so per
Sl0oO-last year it was sl0.50. The most care
ful estimate can but approximate 10 the real
value of the wealth of a city. but imnerla,f ne
the above valuation must be, il proves Boston
to be one the wealthiest cities in the world
and much the richest in this country. New
York, with population of nearly a million
has this year a valuation OF but S594I54543
while Boston, but one-fifth as large in point of
Inhabitants, has valuation of more than one
half that of New York; the latter city to be
IN proportion should have valuation of fl
teen hundred millions of dollarsl The rate of
taxation Is double that in this city, or, two per
cent Inc person highest taxed in this city
Is Augustus Hemmenway, ESQ. He is as
sessed on s2loooo0. Who wouldn't be he?
iund 10 raise colored regiments is being
subscribed IN TINS city. The amount was
placed at soo,ooo-nearly forty-four thousand
have already been subscribed. in sums of $1,000
and under. In consequence Of the ,;heral;,v Gy
of subscribers, and the favor WHICH the nro;ac,
meets-it is thought every dollar will r,;so
man-it is proposed to increase the rnnd 20
100000, which can be as easily raised as tho
amount first fixed upon.
The suffering poor of Ireland will ever ha va
reason to be proud of their kith and kin in this
country, and thankful that close pocket is
not characteristic of a true Hibernian when
countryman's distress appeals to his heart.
Inc Catholic diocese of Boston has contributed
ior their relief the sum of S4l,6217l. The
cathohcs In this city think that Philadelphia
! Iar behind their duty in this good work,
- naving contributed but $30000-a diocese far
weather. than that of Boston. Liberality
seems to be the order of the day among all the