The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-07-29
CORRESPONDENCE.
:, HE4pouAnrrus saD MAINE Re ar. }

Near Petersburg, Va, July %, "a.
Mr.. EDIroR: Knowing that your paper has
an extensive circulation in the western part OF
the State. where large portion OF our rcgi-
ment was raised, and that there arc many in
that section anxious to know something OF the
whereabouts OF their friends, l take the liberty
at this time 10 address you.
The first battalion or our regiment was first
in action ut Spotsylvania, where they lost quite
largo number in killed and wounded. They
were under fire from that time nearly every day
until they were joined by the second battalion
Of four companies at North Anna River, May
25th,. Since that time there have been but few
days in which the regiment has not been eS.
posed to the effects Of shot and shell. As this
regiment was undrilled and unaccustomed to
such mode OF life, this has been severe cam
paign to them, Us in fact 1t has been to oil in
our army.
We arrived in fronto Petersburg Juno 10th.
after severe march Of five days from Cold
Harbor. Our brigade was ordered to the front
Oh the night Of our arrival, and had severe
fight with the enemy, repulsing them hand
somely. Wecaptured at that time several guns,
quite large number of prisoners, and Occur
pied and held their works, Our lines now ex-
tend to within mile of Petersburg, and our
guns command thecity. The enemy sstrongest
works are on the opposite sideo the river from
US, on quite an elevated position, making 1t
necessary to capture them before We could hold
the place. Our guns might destroy the city Mt
any time, for IL Is within easy range, but that
would be useless rs long as the rebel army Is
able to hold its present position. Our object
seems to be to injure or destroy the cnemy's
army, and In that way accomplish something
towards bringing the rebellion to close. Ex
tcnsiye preparations have been going forward
of late by which have no doubt something de-
cisivc will be accomplished, and that in short
time our army will commence active operations
again, which we hopo will only end with the
capture Of these rebel strongholds, and over
throw of the rebel army in Virginia.
There is some artillery and picket lighting
each day, resulting in small loss of life on our
side, there having been but few killed or
wounded in our front for the last ten days.
The health of our troops has been improving
Of late. owing, no doubt, to mn improvement in
diet Our men are being fed much more liber-
ally on vegetables than formerly, and oil seem
satisfied with what they now get. The Sanitary
Commission is doing gret work here In sup.
plying the soldier with what the Government
does not furnish.
We all hope the Presidents call for more
men will be promptly responded to, for We be.
lieve'if our army could now be well reinforced
the rebellion would soon be ut an end.
Tho casualties in our regiment have been
quite large for so short time rs we have been
in the service. We have had 1876 wounded, and
the following is q list of the killed: w. II. Fagg,
II. Is. Rose, L. A. Gowell, G. W. Harmon, b.
Is. Larrabee. f. L. Salisbury, Eugene Heath,
Reuben Irving. Daniel Bennett, John Brown,
Wesley McAllistcr, II. A. Husscy, Frank Grant,
Ezra Cousers, A. G. Gill, VIM. Swift, Capt. W.
II. Hcarn, II. o. Eaton, C. E. Edwards, W. G.
Bradeen. Sergt. Gilbert Piske, G. Z. Witham.
c. w. Written, Geo. W. Remick, Joseph Files,
nav;s Hhostor Nnrwnnl q r. Colby
NJ. s. Davis, Albert Small, Lieut. +. s. Quincy,
Augustus Mason, AbUah Lapham, Corp. VIM.
II. Mace.
We have no means by which to give list Of
those who have been sent to hospital wounded
and have since died II Is difficult 20 speak in
personal terms Of any of our fallen, all have
done their duty so nObly. Their names will be
handed down to postcrity as the braycst among
the brave. We will, however, name some Of
the officers with whom we had an acquaintance:
Capt W. r. Horn, Co. ID, who fell in the battle
of Bethesda Church, was one OF our best OH.
GERS. and was highly respected in the regiment.
Lieut.. s. Nj. Perkins, Co. X, who died ut his
homein Kcnnebunkport, June %, from wound
received at Prospect Hill. was n worthy young
man ind fine officer. and was much beloved by
all his associates. His death Is severe blow
to his friends. Lieut.. F. s. Quincy, Co. 1, who
was killed ut Spotsylvana, was brave officer,
and his loss was deeply felt by his company.
Thus In the space of little moro than two
months great change has como over US.
Many who then left their homes with high ex-
pectations in regard to the future arc now suf-
fering in our hospitals orslecping in death, but
those who are left are determined to do their
duty until this accursed rebellion is crushed and
peace once more established. Hoping you will
pardon my intrusion,
/ am very rcsDcCtfully yOurs. T., T.. II,