The Portland daily press., 1864-04-05
COMMUNICATIONS.



CAMP 2orH ME. Vols, RArrAHAxxock srAT'n, var
March 9th, 1864.
TO the Editor Of the Press:
have just returned to the regiment from
leave ofiineen days. Perhaps ID is unneces-
sary to state, that, not having enjoyed this
privilege before since the regiment left the
State, iineteen months ago, il was matually
gratifying 20 myself and friends.
Ii is a wise policy which thus allows the
soldier, during the months OF inactivity, to
visit again the polar star his affections, and
draw from the family hearth-stone, renewed
inspirations of patriotism and seli-denial.
Courage is a fine thing in q soldier, but it
is not that alone which assures to him the
victory. A single dashing charge may isdi-
cate his courage, but often il is the long-con-
tinued, desperate, deadly strife which gains
the day. Here something more than courage
is demanded, which love of country, home,
friends and manly pride alone supply. The
most reliable soldier in the hour of trial, is he
who has the closest and most endearing home
influences around him. Let such a soldier
feel that the country appreciates his sacrifices
and his sufierings. Let him renew and stength-
en- the ties OF home and friendship when the
exigencies Of the service do not demand his
presence. Let him be in all respects treated
like man so that the manly pride burn bright
ly ia his breast and he is inTineible.
The regiment is eneamped within the rebel
works taken on the 7th of Nov. last. by de-
tachments from the fifth and sixth corps. In
that fight, this regiment lost one killed and
seven wounded. The sixth Maine, which was
alec engaged, lost more severely. Their dead
are buried on the little bill near the smaller of
the two rebel forts. The graves were marked
by narrow strips of board with the name and
company written in pencil. Substantial grave
stones have since been placed 10 mark each
grave, and neat little monument has been
erected TO their memory the whole enclosed
by durable fence. ReQuiescGt IN Pace
1 had the pleasure OF attending a prayer
meeting tonight, the first for many monhs.-
We have no Chaplain,-it was spontaneous
effort OF the men. The hospital tent, which,
fortunately has not for long time beezi in
requisilion for more legitimate purposes, was
by the kindness of the surgeon, for the time
our chapel. The inside was already crowded
when | arrived, and with some twenty or
thirty others | listened to the services be-
meath the starry vault. A captain took the
lead OF the meeting aud was ably assisted by
his non-commissioned brethren. The prayers
not always eloquentor grammatical, lreouent-
ly drowned by the shriil whistle Of the en-
gine, and finally cut short By the inevitable
roll CALL were doubtless as sincere and accept
able as more elaborate offerings. | under
stand a chaplain has been commissioned and
is now on his way 10 US.
! had the pleasure of greeting Chaplain
Merrill, Of your city, now attached to Bakers
cavalry. few DAYS since. He was on a visit
so his son, a member OF this regiment. Judg-
ing by what | know his exertions as del
egate of the Christian Commission at Gettys-
burg, / could wish there were more such as
Chaplain Merrill in the army.
The health of the regiment is at present,
decidedly good. The present. strength of the
Regt., is about $40. The army is being reor-
ganized and largely augmented. The first
and fifth corps have been united to form the
fifth corps of the newly organized army. New
arrangements Of Divisions and Brigades are
being made, which viii interfere somewhat
with the ambitious desires of some. When
something interestin G turns up | will write
you again. G. w. B.