The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-04-22
Wednesday Morning, April ~, 1868.

CAMP 20TH MAINE,
Near Falmouth. Va. April 10. 1862.

Near falnOutn. v a., April lSbZ.
To the Editor of the Press:
Doubtless the tell-fale telegraph has long
ere this informed you of the contemplated
movement of the Army of the Potomac.
For week or two past warm sun, aided by
drying wind, has been rapidly lessening the
depth and sickness of the mud, until it be-
came evident that the disturbance Of the
"quiet" Of the the army by forward move
ment could not much longer be postponed.
On Monday morning of this week, large cav
ry force went past en- route for--somewhere,
and late at night we received orders TO be
ready, with eight days rations, to march on
Wednesday morning. Thursday was spent in
packing knapsacks and haversacks with hard
bread, coffee, sugar and salt Our extra
blankets and clothing were put in boxes to be
sent to Washington for storage. Wednesday
opened with driving rain, which continued
without intermission till late at night. This
morning the sun shines pleasantly, and the
mud is again fast disappearing 1t is ruDiored
that we move tomorrow morning at an early
hour, but no orders have as yet been received.
So many unfuflled predictions have hereto
fore been made, that it might seem ridiculous
ly absurd to indulge in anything Of the kind
now, and will only say that we hope for com
plete success when we do move. The army is
In good health and spirits, has full faith in Gen.
Hooker, and the hope Is not wholly without
foundation.
Last week was one of deep interest to the
army. On Monday the cavalry force COM
manded by Gen. Stoneman, was reviewed by
the President. 1t was drawn up on the exten-
sive plateau near Falmouth village, in three
lines stretching away as far, almost, as the eye
could reach. After the President and Gems.
Hooker, Stoneman and stats had ridden along
the lines, the whole cavalry broke in column
of company and commenced its stately march
in review. II was truly magnificent sight,
such as probably was never before beheld on
this continent-everything in the most per-
feet order, the long line of horses keeping al
most perfectly dressed" and seeming TO en-
ter into the spirit of the display with as much
enthusiasm the commanding officers. The
1st Maine cavalry was present and ELECTED high
praises on every hand tor the fine appearance
of both steeds and riders.
On Tuesday the President, with Gen. Hook
er and stall, accompanied by the Philadelphia
Lancers, rode through the camps of the differ
ent regiments, everywhere greeted with the
heartiest cheering.
On Wednesday was a review of infantry.
Our brigade being on picket, of course did not
attend but / am informed by those who mean
what they say that the different corps APP
peared well, and everything was eminently
satisfactory. The different reviews were at
fendek by Prince Salm Salni and lady. The
latter was everywhere the subject Of remark,
on account of the perfect aud grace
with which she managed her high-spirited
horse.
General Fogliardi, a Swiss officer sent by his
government on a tour of observation, arrived
on Saturday and reviewed Gen. Newton's
corps. On Sunday the 9th corps (Gen.
Mead'sl was reviewed. Fogliardi was accom-
panied by his fAdiutant Colonel Repeth. He
is reported TO have said that the army was
equal to any of the European armies, both in
drill and in all the mnutest details of camp
life.
The health of the 10th Maine regiment is
generally good, albeit either through stupidity
or knavery somewhere, though in justice l
ought TO say no blame can be attached TO any
of the surgeons here in the army, a large num-
Der of the men have been inoculated with the
small pox. Two have died in consequence
but though there are several now sick from il,
DIR. Moore, the corps surgeon, says he thinks
no more deaths will result from it. The men
are in much better spirits than ever before
Playing ball and pitching quoits fill up the in
terim of drill and camp duties.
I'd Lieut.. Joseph w. Lincoln died OF con-
gestion of the lungs on the 7th instant. He
leaves wife and two small children tojgrieye
for his untimely DEATH l forward copy OF
resolutions adopted at a meeting of the line
officers. He was good officer and brave
man, and was highly esteemed by the whole
regiment.
Should the regiment not move Immediately
and anything of interest transpre, you may
hear from me again. 1y the bye, / just learn
that the third corps has orders TO march to-
night. That success may attend the Army o
the Potomac | know is the prayer of every
loyal heart. Yours, &c, w.