Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1863-04-03
FROM THE rIRsT DELAWARE.
LETTER 40. 65..
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, Va,
SATURDAY MONT, March 70, 1868


SATURDAY MONT, March 20, 1868 !
FRIEED EcKEL:
The weather down in this
section is like our troubles-hard to set
tie We have watched and waited so
long for bright suns and drying winds
thar we have schooled ourselves into the
belief that succession of few fair days
is equivalent to series of glorious and
decisive victories, and that the only prere-
quisites to the speedy occupation Of Rich
mond are good roads and half q chance.
So soon as the sacred soil" becomes
little more consistent, we may hope for
an order to resume our tramps. The
picturesque villages that we have built up
this winter, and which dot every hillside
will be deserted, and the dismantled tene-
ments and low stick chimneys left as un-
slightly monuments of Yankee invasion.
And few will be reluctant to leave their
socalled homes which have barely afford
ed them shelter during the inclemency
Of the past season, and about which clus-
tered memories of not more adjerent and
not much more pleasant than the mud
which was all prevalent,
The command to inove will not be an
unwelcome one Knapsacks will be pack
ed with a readiness peculiar to the soldier
who has his hearG in the work before him.
The log cabins will be unroofed, that the
shelter tents which have covered them,
may be borne along to serve for many
nights Itc0ade on the march, and every
man will take up his arms with quick
ness and determination which will give
good promise Of results satisfactory to
patriots. And this spirit of alacrity will
not arise from the soldiers well-known
disposition to be on the move. His i'm
pulses here are ola different character en-
tirely. For some time past there has been
u growing impression which has now be-
come general in the army, that the grand
object for which it mas been striving so
long will soon be accomplished. Many
have predicted success to our arms, and
peace restored, and all are willing to assist
in achieving this
The levers for bringing around these
desirable ends are powerful, and none
lLore so than the fine spirit which of late
has been infused inuo rank and file. What
this inspiration derives its origin from we
will not atte,hpt TO say. 1t may come
from conscious strength, from a prophetic
perception ofretreating foes, from know
ledge of declining power on the part OF
r. peldom, or from complete and undag
ging coniidencein their commander But
true it j., ron all we can learn, the morale
of the army of the Potomac in its palmiest
days was never higher than it is at pre-
sent, There is not the least ambiguity
about its efficiency and discipline, and
everything betokens the utmost satisiac-
ton. Decentralization is term that mas
become Obsolete. Ali with one accord
appear to think that they have big job
which they have contracted for, and enter
upon it with zeal enthusiasm and expect
alton of finishing it up in the shortest time
possible
No traces of former depressions are now
visible, Previous disasters are scarcely
referred to. What was once almost des-
pair has given place to joyiality. The
boys enjoy spirited horse race with much
zest, and foot ball has much interest for
them. The exhuberance of their spirits
eflervesce in songs, dances and con
tinual display of good humor, One man
in describing a pleasant little time several
of his chums had in his tent, said they had
hymns, apples and candies.
As to the First Delaware, it is again in
a vigorous condition and prepared to un-
dergo few more hard rubs. Many o
those who were wounded in former Ell
gagements are returning, ready to return
The debt they owe the rebels with interest
Numbers of the former sick ones too have
made their appearance as though to be il
time. These additions have told upor
the strength of the organization, and nov
our regiment numbers about four hundred
and forty present, though quite humble
are detached as teamsters, ambulanc
drivers and stretcher carriers. The ply
steal state of the men is as good as it ha
been for months probably better and thei
appearance is fine with their hearty looks
and the resolution seems to be predomi
nant to give good account of themselve
when the time comes.
Yours, BILLY.