Year: 1861

ANNAPoLIs, Mp, Oct. 4, 1861.


Dear Sir H:-The numerous friends OF tie
twenty fifth regiment, which left you last
Thursday will be glad to hear that we are
safely arrived at this place where We go TO-
day into camp, and expect 10 remain few
weeks Our expectation is strong Of hearing
frequently during this time from our friends
at home, and therefore | write at this earliest
moment to inform them all, through you, that
they should direct their letters and papers for
a month or more to Annapolis, Maryland
25th Regt. Macs. v, with the name Of the
person and the letter Of his company. Two
mails daily leave here and, two arrive here,
except on the Sabbath, when we have none.
We shall therefore expect letters often while
we can receive them, for when we 90 4own
south in Gen. Burnside's expedition, which lie
told us in New York tIat we should join, we
can hardly hope to hear from home otener
than once in month or six weeks BY all
meana send US the "Spy" regularly, for in
this benghted land, in the very aspect of
which there is so little to remind US Of home,
we long to hear all the particulars of affairs in
New England, and especially in Worcester
county You must bear in mind that in this
capital OF the state Of Maryland there is not a
daily paper printed, and if there were it would
not contain any news to us.


We arrived here safely, yesterday, without
any serious accident on the way, one man only
having slightly cut lis foot with bayouet.
The enthusiasm of the New Workers and the
bountul hospitality of the Phiadelphians
were fully appreciated by us, and suspectwe
felt a little proud of our regiment as We march
ed along. The boys did themselves credit it
must be said. They appear magnfcenty on
the march. They have this moment, as l
write, passed in beautiful style out Of these
grounds OF the Naval Academy, where we
were quartered on our arrival, yesterday, and
where we spent our first night in Annapolis,
Our tents will be pitched before night ON an
elevated parade ground, mile and a half
back from the landing, in dry, comfortable
situation, where other regiments from Massa.
chusetts and elsewhere will join US until the
Burnside brigade is complete Our men are
Stdu ~ Sct Inlu. tHclr tt1Ito aBHIGI, INNING
decidedly more comfortable than 10 lodge to-
getber forty Or fifty in room. The ground on
which we are to be encamped is dry and we'll
provided with springs ofwater We trustit will
prove healthy 10 the men. Our regiment gets
many encomiums here, for its solid and OIL
dierly appearance. Quartermaster George f.
Thompson OF the twenty frst-a gentleman
whom you well know in WorceSter-tells me
that OF the fourteen regiments which embarked
here for The late expedition, there was not one
that compared with the twenty filth Massa
chusetls, in soliditv and noble bearing.


The men are all well, except some colds
taken at Camp lincoln and cheerful aud
happy We had united religious services on
these grounds yesterday, at O'Clock P. NJ
conducted by the chaplain Of the twenty fifth,
which were OF unusual interest, on account Of
the happy reunion Of Worcester boys of the
twenty first and twenty fifth. Ii was delight
tul 10 witness their cordial greetings yesterday
as we landed from the steamer Louisiana,
which brought us down from Baltimore yes
terday morning. Only three companies OF the
twenty first are now here, the remainder being
on guard and picket duty up and down tie
shore, and at Annapolis Junction, holding tile
secesslonists in check.


We hear various rumUrS about the southern
expedition but do not credit any thing we
hear. You at the north will know all the par.
tcuars before we do, probably, unless it
should happen that a steamer should bring
back tile results Of the expedition to this
post, as being the most southern 10y
al post that is in telegraphic connection
with the government. We have seen no
hardship yet, and are all happy and resolved,
Where we go it matters NOT With Upton,
Sprague, and Burnside we shall be well led,
and mean to do our duty. Ii free civilization
cannot so south under the peaceful protection
of the constitution, it remains 10 be seen
whether ii can do so under the shadow of
great army, and at the point OF the bay onet,
l spoke with an intelligent, honest looking free
negro here, this morning, who told me that he
was glad to see our men coming south He
did not believe until recently that we should
put down the rebellion, but it was going right
now. lie said he felt happy in being able 10
speak his mind now. He could not do SO be.
fore.


There has been 10 frost here yet, though
the forest leaves are much changed, and have
put on their gaudy autumnal hues. Roses,
dahlias, and other garden flowers, are yet in
full bloom in the open air, and the weather is
pleasant though the air is chilly


Give my love to all our dear friends at
home, and send on another regiment as soon
as you can get il up


Yours, very truly, H.J.