The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-05-11
Letter from North Carolina.
RALEreH. N. O.. Apr. 20, 1896.


10 ths Editor Of che Prsss
Since l last wrote you how great are tne
changes, and how wonderful are tne events
that have marked the nrogress OF this "cruel
war;" the closing scenes OF which we are now
witnessing. The preparations that were
made n few DAYS ago for long march that
was axnactad to terminate somewhere be-
vond the mountains of East Tennessee, ind
ma at our Journeys end, after travelling u.s.
tance of i25 miles. Our most sangulne hopes
hove been more than realized, and with hos
tiIi,ies SO Suddenly brought to close, the
consequent exuberance of feeling among the
rank and file of the army finds vent In a va
riety of forms. But one dark and saddened
feature throws a pail over the long looked-for
era that has dawned upon.us. / allude to the
assassination OF our illustrious Chief Magis-
trate and Commander-in-C Chief. 1t is well
that with events Immediately preceding this
martyrdom, the mission of the sword had
been mainly accomplished. Whether merited
or not, terrible would have been the fate of
traitors who would thereafter have confront
ed the victorious hosts of the Union; and
thus viewed, every one here now feels that
general effnsion OF blood has been prevented
by the final and unconditional surrender Of
the rebel army under Johnston.
In this city and vicinity, where over one
hundred thousand Union troops have been
stationed during the past ten days, all has
been hustle, activity and excitement. Here
have been congregated the great minds that
have given effect to the wishes of the nation
in the gigantic and successful character of
the field operations just brought to close.
Grant, Sherman, Howard, Logan, Socum,
Blair, Terry, Ames and host of subordinate
commanders have witnessed the reviews that
have been held from day to day. The men
n the Pima TroQ GtafQ ha va ma THAR hrofh.
rem in-arms from the prairie regions of the
great West. Not regiment have we seen in
the grand army that overawed the insurgents
in Georgia and South Carolina, that has not
within its ranks many sturdy sons of New
England. They have met their erring coun-
trymen from the remote lands of the "Sunny
South" with whom they have until recently
been engaged In mortal combat; and the har-
mony that has prevailed at this reunion, tells
us plainly that this internecine strife will new
er be renewed. So mote it be.
The armies of Tennessee and Georgia, con-
Quoted by Gems. Howard and Slocum, left
here for Richmond this morning. The re-
naming corps of Sherman's army will leave
here on Monday morning. The 23d and 10th
Corps will remain in North Carolina. The Sd
Brigade of Gen. Ames' Division will garrison
the post of Raleigh. All important points in
the State will be garrisoned by our troops,
and the people viii be protected in their efforts
to return to loyalty and bring order out OF
chaos.
The State House in Raleigh, where treason
was Matched in this state, is now the head
quarters of the Union forces occupying the
town. 1t is substantial and elaborate
structure, and from its elevated dome mag
nifcent view of the city and surrounding
country is obtained. And gorgeous pano-
rama it is that here unfolds itself to the vision
Groves Of stately oak adorn the scenes for
many miles around. Lofty hills here and
there loom up in promiscuous array. The
fields clad in their new coat of vernal livery,
give variety and freshness to the scene, and
with these natural attractions Raleigh COM
bines many civilized appurtenances that GO
far to give it the appearance of New Eng
land town. Its Capitol, the Insane Asylum
and Deaf and Dumb School are among the
prominent public buildings. SPIKE.