The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-08-30
NATIONAL MILITARY ASYLUM,
Togus Springs, Maine.

Togus Springs, Maine.
To the Editor OF the Press:
DEAR SIR:-I see by the columns of your pa
per that the citizens of Portland are about to
have an opportunity to examine Col Bachel-
der's great national painting of the battle of
Gettysburg and listen to his lecture on the
battle. This announcement is particularly in
teresting to many OF the inmates of this instr
tuition. Having witnessed the original the
representation of it would be more fully appre-
ciated by them. This battle for the last few
days mas been very earnestly discussed at this
institution, for we too have had visit from
Col. Bachelor. He was the guest of General
Tlton, our commandment and with his family
has been here several days. On Thursday last
good deal of curiosity was excited by bull
letin announcing that Col. Bachelor would
talk to the boys that evening on the battle of
Gettysburg. We were all assembled in the
court, or "square" formed by the four build
ings. The band played some spirited airs, after
which the speaker was introduced. More than
one felt the trying position which he had vol
unfairly accepted and the critical audience
which he had to address; but all lear for the
result vanished as he progressed. A general
description of the Pennsylvania campaign was
fairly given, in which all took lively interest.
We know that we marched and counter-march
ed for days and weeks, but knew not the OBJ
Ject OF these movements, and now we were
having it explained by person who told us at
The start that he Vas not there; yet his perfect
familiarity with the subject, convincing us that
be understood it, 1t would have amused you
to mark the interest manifested by those vete-
rams. But the most Interesting feature was to
come. Col. Bachelor proposed, as they might
feel modest about relating the incidents of the
engagement of their own regiments, to do so
himself IT they would mention the name of the
command. To tell the truth, trembled for
the result. Our boys had been so well enter
tanned that feared any failure in the descrip-
ton would re act, and the pleasure which all
now felt would be turned to ridicule. Wbati
to address hundreds of soldiers, themselves
participants in the battle, perhaps representing
as many regiments and batteries, and propose,
without reference or one moments reflection,
to tell each what he did and explain the move.
ments of bis command, scattered as these regi-
ments were over twenty five square miles of
territory-why it seemed impossible. 1 repeat,
I tremoled for the result. But all doubt and
fear was soon dispelled. "The Fifth Maine"
cried one OF the boys. The tghting reputation
of the 9TH Maine is too good, said Col. Bachel-
der. and its record too we'll established to be
injured when l tell you that although present
and reody to do battle at Gettysburg, 1t was
not actively engaged. This announcement
was received with shouts of laughter, aud Col.
Bachelor remarks that none better than they
knew that the best troops were held IN reserve,
were nearly lost in the merrlment or tne men,
"The 18th Maine" cried one armed veteran
1t is not for me to say, said Col. Bachelor,
that the old 18th was better fighting regl.
ment than the 9Th; but will say, and thal
without fear of contradiction, that the 18th al
| Gettysburg did fighting enough for both. This
regiment occupied position in the wheatfield,
that perfect whirlpool" of the battle, where
line after line of battle was formed, and men
went in like bark into mill. The 18th cover
ed itself with glory. Round after round of ap.
| pause filled the ar. "And what can yes say
Oh Paddy Ovens Regulars, the old Goth Penn
sylvanias, cried son of the Emerald Isle
VINO stood balancing himself on his crutches
nnat they fought like men; that Lonstreet's ia
'Aous assault was met by this regiment. which