The Portland daily press., 1864-01-12

bath and who do not return in season for Mon
days session, but little business except of the
routine character is transacted: none oil I'M
portance is completed. Though not "Wash-
ing-day,' it is nearly as unattractive to the
sight-seer and the news-monger, the viSiter
and those seeking qualification OF curiosity, as
is that well-known domestic institution" to
the boarders in the household. Turning
therefore from the business Of the Capitol /
will stroll among Sights and shadows" of a
different character.
In one of my letters | referred TO the effort
made to use the States money to prop up,
"aid and comfort" that rebel instrumentality,
the Augusta Age. | referred TO Mr.. Fare
wells expressed belief that not all OF those
classed as democrats among the members oil
the House, would feel complimented in re-
ceivng that paper as a gratuity. and the order
which finally passed to furnish it to those who
should signify their desire to receive it by
filing their names with the Clerk. OF the
thirty members put down as democrats in the
published list, only eleuen handed their names
to the Clerk, showing that the copperhead
element in the House, which was at first small,
has grown beautifully less" The Age CON-
plains of prescription, and declines to accom-
a tri-weekly, though the only prescription
practiced by the House was in authorizing the
proprietors to send it at the States expense,
to all who were willing to receive it. 1t seems
to me the prescription is no act of the legis-
lature, but of the people, who have had enough
OF treason, and are no more willing to take u
through an organ of JEFF. Davis in Maine than
they would be through one of his organs on
the south of Mason and Dixon's limo.
A good story is told Of the Inauguration.
While the Governor was delivering his adj
dress the areas and galleries of the House
were crowded. In the sonth gallery might
be seen a solitary young gentleman Of African
descent-a domestic in the family of Gov.
Cony-who was present with other gentle
men to witness the august ceremonies. A
democrat, speaking of the address and accom-
panying exercises, said they were very COM
mendable, that the address was well-written,
heightened and patriotic; that the assembly
presented an intelligent and rather brilliant
appearance, though he observed it was neces-
sary to mix in one darkey TO GRE color to
the proceeding. No one enjoyed the humorous
joke more than the new Governor, when the
snecdote was related TO him.
Military matters at the Capital are in the
full feather of success. The I'd Maine Caval-
~, (veterans) under command of Col. Wood
man formerly OF the Maine 2Sth = of Port
Hudson fame-is now full, there being nearly
1900 men already in camp. 1t is fine corps,
and will reflect high honor upon the Drigo
state.
The Maine Goth and Both regiments of In
Beal formerly Of the Maine 10th, and the lat
ter under Col. Fessenden formerly of the
Maine 18th, are also nearly or quite up to the
maximum number, and viii be fully equal to
any regiments that have been raised in the
state. A portion of Col. Beals men are now
on active duty in the field, being that por-
ton of the Maine 10th enlisted for three
years, and whose term of service had not ex-
pired when the two years men were mustered
out of service.
Besides the regiments named there are
other military organizations here, but of their
character and condition 1 have not yet become
fully informed. The commanding officers OF
the Cavalry and two Infantry regiments are
exceedingly popular with their men, and not
less SO with all civilians who make their ac-
qualntance. They have seen hard service,
and have proved themselves equal to the try
ing emergencies Of the battlefield. Two Of
them bear honorable yidences of gal
liant daring-and the other, though he may
have escaped unscathed from rebel bullets,
has afforded abundant proofs that he is not the
man to finch when dangers are met face to
face. Col. Fessenden received severe wound
on the bloody field of Shiloh, and Col. Beal
was severely wounded on the no less bloody
field Of Antietam.
dissatisfaction was created in both of the vet
eran infantry regiments by compelling them
TO 60 into camp at this place instead of Port
land. A large majority of the men of both
regiments were enlisted in the western por-
ton of the State, the 10Th being made up
largely Of the men who were in the Maine
10th, aud the 30th of those who were in the
18th. At Portland they would have been
much nearer home, and much more accessible
to their friends who have occasion to visit
them. They could see no real necessity for
sending them sixty miles from home, directly
array from their place Of active duty, when
Portland had the barracks prepared, in fine
locality, and the expenses of the government
would have been no more than at Augusta.
They think if Kennebec troops were sent over
to Bangor to 60 into camp parallel would
be afforded to their own case Soldiers are
intelligent, and can see as well as others
when they are used to promote local interests
at the sacrifice Of their own convenience.
They don't believe it absolutely necessary
that they should be sent so far from home,
and their friends subjected to such exorbi-
tant charges to visit them, for the benefit of
Kennebec farmers, wood-haulers, and specu-
iators, or that railroads and hotels NAV get
benefit at the expense of those upon whom
such burdens often bear with weight which,
they are but illy-prepared to support. at is
long lane that has no turn. and so there is
hope that this everlasting propensity to run
all the little streams of profit arising from the
enlistment, encampment and subsistence of
troops, into one fountain, may come to an end,
and that the soldiers convenience and the