The Portland daily press., 1863-01-03
COMMUNICATIONS

Correspondence of the Press.
Letter from the Rappahannock.
d division. 2p CORES near FAINorTu.

2D DIVISION, 2D CORPS near FALMOUTH,
VA, Dec. "a, 1862.
To-day Gen. Sumner has reviewed this ar
my c~-ps, ut present commanded by Gen.
HOWARD Gen. Couch, whose constitution has
lons oeeh efneebled, was unable to bear up un-
der the extra stigue and anxiety connected
WIN the recent cf~ssing of the river and as
sault upon the enemys works. He hopes af-
ter respite of a few day. 10 return apain to
duty; it is the general bellies that he will moi
come back to the corps.
1t has been a mild, pleasant day,witb few
clouds fitting above, and the gro,.ad not
frozen.
Gen. Sumner. with full staff. arrived Al
corps headquarters at about ii A. NJ. Gen.
Howard and staff, with officers from the stats
of Gems. Couch and Sedgwick-the latter hav-
ing arrived from Washington this morning
then accompanied him in the review first of
the I'd Division, including its artillery; next
of French's Division, (3d) now commanded by
Brig. Gen. Sully; and finally of Hancock's,
(lst and the two reserve batteries of the
corps.
This Division was drawn up in brigade lines,
upon the ground where they would form in
case of an attack. Gen. sumner addressed
some inquiry or other remark to each COM
mander of a regiment and in few instances
spoke to the regiments themselves; thus to
the 7th Michigan; which was the first to enter
Fredericksburg, having crossed in boats SUBJ
ject to the calling fire of the rebels concealed
in houses and rife-pits, he addressed a few
words Of commentator. Observing the tat
tered condition of the flags of Halls Brigade,
he told them they deserved new ones, that
those might be kept as honorable mementoes
of what the regiment had passed through.
The 10Th Maine appeared well, showing in
line 642 muskets. The energetic Lieut.. Col
onel Heath was in command. Col. Sewall be-
ing off duty from physical indisposition.
Gen. Sumner seemed to give an inspection
rather than review, riding between the ranks
OF each regiment as they stood at open arms.
The 4th Ohio had but "a men in line, all there
are remaining Of that gallant regiment. The
flag of the eth Ohio was stained with the blood
of the brave color-bearer, who was killed
while carrying it in the recent action.
The General complimented highly Hazards
r. l. Battery of the Division, which compelled
the admiration of all who saw it near the close
ofthe battle of Saturday, 18th inst, when it
took up position by the direction ofGen. How
ard, within close range of the stone wall from
which the rebels had kept up an incessant and
deadly fire all day, and poured upon it such a
terrific storm as to silence their fire for time,
though not till it had lost 16 men and several
horses. The rebels declared afterwards, un-
der the flag of truce, that nothing did SO much
execution as this artillery practice; and had
the troops of Gen. Hooker, then comparative
ly fresh upon the field, taken advantage of the
lull In the firing and rushed vigorously for
ward, it is probable they would have carried
the first line.
Gen. Sumner had an exact account taken of
the number of men in line to-day.
Before the review was completed Gen. Burn
side came up with his staff. He then rode
along with Gems. Sumner and Howard upon
either side, until all the troops had been Wis
tied. OF course there was lusty cheering at
his presence. He rode as usual his powerful
bob-tailed, bay horse, wore the hat with droOp-
ing brin, a plain citizens overcoat, and seemed
in everything to avoid display.
The General is apparently cheerful. and un-
donbtedly will retain the command of this ar
my. Few if any officers or men desire change
at present.
1t Is publicly known that Sigel has Joined
the army here And it is said that Slocum's
corps are part at Dumfries and part at Fairfax
Court House. If the rebels should push for
Washington via Orange & Alexandria Rail-
road it would necessitate sudden and rapid
movement of at least a portion of this army.
Tonight is the eve of Merry Christmas
Very little merriment in the low, cold shelter
tents, or even in the log huts, dark and un-
clean. Yet the soldiers who have finished
their log houses are comfortable, and nature
has kindly furnished contented and cheerful
hearts, generally, TO those who are conscious
they are in the line Of duty and making self
sacrifices for the salvation Of their fatherland
Before the end of another week the army will
have all the winter quarters they need-wheth
er they dwell In them for weeks and month.
or bid them hasty adieu.
The greater part of the wounded, after
great suffering, have been transported to Wash
ington. w.