The Portland daily press., 1864-11-08
ST. JOHN, N. B. Oct. 81. 1881.

ST. JOHN, n. b. Oct. 81, 1854.
To the Editor Of the Press:
An excursion to St. John and Fredericton
is to me ''side issue," mere incident, a bust
ness trip to Washington and Aroostook coun-
ties. Indeed if you take Houlton for Portland,
the farthest way round, is the nearest way
there. You may. to be sure 90 little more
directly by the st. Andrews Railroad through
the wilderness to Woodstock, but the route
still further eastward, by the St. John river,
gives you an entire water passage and some
incidental advantages. Il
Leaving Portland In the New England,
Captain Field, on Thursday at O'Clock, we
reached Eastport at little past 0 the next
morning, making very smooth and salts ac-
tory passage, and thankful TO Neptune for
making no acquisitions upon our haversack for
the supply Of his finny people. 20
THE BURNT DISTRICT w93
At Eastport presented sorry sight. Not
only were the children stirring the ashes for
remains but the owners also were clearing
for action, in many spots, and preparations
for rebuilding commenced. The loss is now
reckoned, as somewhat less than at first ap-
peared, perhaps $250,0O0. But the interruption
Of business and the sufferings OF many poor
families is the greater evil
After waiting two hours to discharge a
heavy freight, we proceed to st. John reach
ing this city at o'clock without further trou-
Bile from the storm before which we scud. and
which swept over the city during the follow
ing night, with good deal of violence. 1t
cleared away on Saturday morning with
firt OF saoao to remind us that we had reached
little higher latitude, in the twenty four
hours passage-or that winter has approach
ed us, by SO many hours since leaving the
wharf at Portland. SD
A day or two in the city has somewhat
changed our impressions of the sentiments
felt and expressed here toward the Northern
States, and the Union cause. The visit of the
Congressional delegation evidently made a
good impression in our favor. The people are
Disguised with the rebel raids which have
been originated on their soil, and are quite
willing to escape the I'LL name and possible
complications which may arise therefrom.-
The growing evidence moreover, that the
North will prevail, in this contest has its eff
feet. All men are apt to favor the winning
side, right or wrong. But there is among
most of the citizens a sort of neutral indifer-
ence as to the result of the struggle. The
chief men of the eity.will do the courtesies to
a Congressional delegation, one day, and to a
rebel ambassador Ia trGnsitu the next. Gen.
Preston, for example, formerly U. s. minister
to Spain, now confederate minister to Next
co is in st. John with his family, On their way
to Halifax, Bermuda, and SO around to the
seat of the New Empire. The dignitaries of
St. Johns recognized this distinguished char
acter by calling at his hotel. OF course there
is no objection. Nor was there any need Of
the Generals reported anxiety about the safe
transit Of his wife and daughter from Mon
treal by the Grand Trunk, through the loyal
territory Of Maine, and the Portland steamer
to the city of st. John-while he himself took
the safer route, through the provincial woods.
My thanks are due to various gentlemen of the
city for courteous attentions during my brief
stay especially to the American Consul, j. @.
Howard Esq, who manages our affairs here
with discretion, courtesy and ability. W.