The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-05-07
WASHINGTON, d. c., May 4, 1868.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., May 4, 1868.
To the Editor Of the Press:
In pleasant contrast to the gloom and des-
pondency that followed the defeat at Freder-
icksburg, has been the cheerful and hopeful
state of feeling prevailing here for some time
past Though interrupted somewhat by the
unsatisfactory results OF our operations
against Vicksburg and the repulse at Charles
ton, it has speedily regained its buoyancy.
Whether the fiourshing condition of our fin
ances may more properly be considered re-
suit or a cause of this state of public senti-
ment may not be worth while to debate. The
defeat of the gold gamblers was past all ques-
ton one OF the greatest victories of this war.
Though the receipts Of the Treasury from all
sources including conversions may not more
than once, upon single day have reached the
enormous sum of seven millions, yet its ordn-
airy receipts are from three to five millions per
day. The fiye-twenty bonds, which conld not
be sold at par in any quantity whatever two
or three months ago, are now disposed of to
parties in nearly all the commercial countries
of the world. So great is the demand that the
bonds cannot be delivered until from twenty
TO thirty days after the money is deposited
On the first of July, when these bonds will
cease to be issued except at the option of the
Secretary of the Treasury, they will undoubt-
eddy command handsome premium should no
disaster intervene.
The late successes of Gen. Banks have been
hailed here with the lvelcst satisfaction.
Past successes and reverses alike however
have been almost forgotten in the all absorbing
interest with which we have been awaiting
events upon the Rappahannock. Rumors Of
important movements and of heavy engage
ments of prisoners taken or lost, are constant
ly flying through the city, but it is not easy to
say this morning what is certain and what is
not. One substantial indication OF good for
tune arrived here on Friday last, in the shape
of two or three hundred rebel pickets captured
by Hooker's advance. There were some fine,
soldierly men among them; but the greater
part were not remarkably good looking, and
their dilapidated condition was eloquent of re-
bel restitution. Nearly a thousand more came
in to-day, including some high officers. We
hear OF the death of several Union generals
From the, Secretary of War, the President,
and various other officials, cheering assurances
are said to have been received. We wait the
issue with patience and hope.
Fast day was somewhat more generally OBJ
served here l should judge, than similar occa-
sions are usually with us at the North. How
far the humiliation and repentance of the peo-
pie here was genuine and acceptable, l would
not attempt to determine. The churches were
well filed and the services were generally
characterized by apparent earnestness and sim
cerity. Some progress has been made towards
p"' 'o'i'n', souie toWaru Tree sentlHent, slnce
the time when in the midst OF rebellion and
threatened anarchy, in the midst of utmost
peril and universal dismay, from very few OF
the many churches of this city excepting those
filled by colored worshippers arose pray ers for
the President and the nations life
Still the clergy of the Capital, who should
have led the march from bondage to freedom
are yet tagging sadly behind. The city press is
| speaking strongly and boldly for liberty the
interchange of opinion in public and private is
untrammeled. In the churches only is the
name of our crime and shame and curse per
! fectly sacred and secure from mention. Most