The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-07-08
CORRESPONDENCE.
NEAR PETERSBURG, Va, June 2

NEAR PETERSBURG, Va, June %.
FRIEND BurLER Perhaps few items from
the 32d will be Of interest to your readers. Lei
sure moments for writing are with Us scarce.
Doubtless you have observed In army reports
the mcandsring course which the 32d, as . part
Of the 9th corps, has pursued. We have seen
$50 miles Of the Virginia roads since leaving
Alexandria, for amid the various len flank
movements for which Grant has made himself
famous In this campaign. It has been the lot Of
this corps to takeths lef Of hslen. Our boys
have bore all these nobly and with hardly .
murmer, feeling INSURED II was Q necessary part
Of the programme against Richmond. Side by
side Of ,pay ,corn and war.iDorn troops have
we marched and fought, and We aatter our.
selves that, Of those who have no more expert
ence, none have prouder record. But per-
haps others should write this. The casualties
which have happened to our regiment, In the
campaign, are already before your readers,
and I withhold details. Suffice II to say We
have suffered greatly, and especially In the loss
of officers. The total loss the regiment has ex-
pcrieuced since leaving homo Is lA In killed
and wounded. During the past three days We
have lain in the front entertainments and In
such position that were one to raise his head
above the works some rebel sharpshooter
would send bis death.dealing messenger as .
warning to tho more venturous. In this time
we have lost l4-6 killed and 8 wounded.
Lieut.. Col. Brown was hit on the frst day.
the ball entering his left arm aud side, but
coming out. thus leaving four bullet-holes In
his person. His wounds are not deemed danger
Gus, but they will doubtless render him unit
for active duty for the residue Of the campaign.
This loss Is great to the regiment, rs Col. B. Is
an nble and experienced officer. His bravery
Is Of the first order and his GOODNESS In action
remarkable. Col. Wentworth Is at present sick
and of duty, and herein the regiment 10 unfor-
tunate, Col. W. being Of unquestioned courage
and ability, even going into action juno Sd,
and the charges Of the 10th and 18th, while
really unfit tor duty. Maj. Deerins Is also of
duty and the regiment Is In command Of Capt
Noyes. There remains but II officers Of the
line for duty. Thus you see We have suffered
our share Of loss In this campaign, but the boys
ore In good spirits, feeling firmly convinced
that success will ultimately attend the mighty
efforts now put forth for the capture Of Rich.
mond. You have seen the report Of work dsne
by Gen. Grifiia's brigade of Potter's division
Of the 9th corps. on tho 10th and 18th inst,
and you can be assured that Of this work the
32d did its share. They hardly knew by ex.
perienoe Shat charge moant, but they proved
that they could do as ordered and being ordered
to advance they did so to the complete rout Of
the enemy In their front. Old troops did no
better, old troops could do no better than did
these Of the 32d Maine.
Doubtless It has proved sour,o Of great
satisfaction to you personally, Mr.. Editor, rs
we'll rs to many others In the State to see how
nobly the sons of our cherished Alma Mater
have carried themselves in this campaign.
While many one has given his all to his coun-
try-thc memory of whom Is yet green In our
hearts s-old Bowdoin's roll of honor grows
brighter ald brighter with the brilliant deeds
Of her heroic sons. Whether tioo stars, tico
bars, or oven tpo stripes mark their rank, their
prowess Is alike VI the truest stamp. May
many more such patriots 60 forth from the
walls Of Bowdoin to do her honor.
Since began this letter, have been frequent
ly interrupted, and once the order came to "tall
in"-so that I fancy the connection Of facts Is
somewhat incomplete-but, ut any rate they
arc before you, aud your readers can easily d.
gest. Many Of the regiment are falling sick,
but Dr.. Trafton Is indefatigable In his labors
for their relief. have omitted giving general
results for the reason that you probably have
them already. Let the friends Of the Union
cheer up, for we feel confident that brighter
days will speedily dawn; that through the ob-
stinaey OF Grant, the united cooperation Of
his subordinstes. the tried valor Of the rank
and file OF this grand army, together with the
vast amount OF war material now being used,
the end Of this deadly work Is nearing. The
friends Of Capt. Bryant will regret to learn Of
his illness. He did not leave US until forced by
sheer necessity. having been With his company
through thick and thin. We all regret our
temporary loss. More anon. ..