Captains Turner, McCarthy, Lynch, Griffin, Kelly familiar face of the loved one gone from them Logue, Fitzmaurice, Seeley and Egan. three years ago. Alas! that same are sadly, Of the noble rank and file it would be im- sadly disappointed; for, in the dismal swamps possible here to give the names. They are and in the thick forests of Virginia many a fa- recorded in the archives of the State at Al- ther's hope, and many a mother's pride, many bany. The honorable record of those wound­ a brave young Irish soldier has breathed his ed and taken prisoner would fill columns— last, and many a fatherless and brotherless they carry their insignia of renown with thorn, home is now desolate. and their scars are the proofs of their fidelity The Irish Brigade and the Irish Legion were to the Union. only a part of the many Irish regiments which, hailing from every State in the Union, have The Legion has been inaction at Deserted been merged in the grand armies, and whose House, Carrsville, Edenton road, Franklin, distinctive nationalities are known only to Windsor, Beaver Darn, Blackwater, Nanse- those who take an interest in them. The mond, Suffolk, Tolopatonmoy, Spottsylvania, Irish race in America have surely done their Po River, Bowling Green, Milford Station, part in protecting the liberties of the land of Hanover Junction, North Anna, Coal Harbor their adoption. Will the Republic be ungrateful of those No. 1, Coal Harbor No. 2, Petersburg, Deep deeds of her adopted sons, who have on every bottom, Weldon Railroad, Reams' Station, battle field of the Union so freely shed their Hatcher's Run No. 1, Hatcher's Run No. 2, blood in their defence? They are, at least, Richmond, Appomattox and Deep Bottom deserving of the acknowledgment: and when No. 2. the history of the past four years of American The original officers of the Legion are near­ trial shall be written, if the history be true, ly all gone; and those who now command the deeds of the Irish Brigade, the Irish Le­ have gained their positions by honorable ser­ gion, and the talismanic number—69—will be vice and distinguished bravery. The Legion, emblazoned imperishably on its tablets. The which three years ago mustered four thou­ Irish soldier has, in the Western hemisphere, added more laurels to the bye-gone transat- ­and men, now returns to New York number- lantic fame and deeds of his forefathers at ing as many hundreds. Fontenoy, and on many other battle-fields of The following is the roster of those officers Europe; the inheritance of gallantry, cour- whose fortune it has been to have lived age and generosity transmitted to them has through the dangers of the long campaign, not been lost on the Irishmen of to-day. In and to whom belong all the honors and glories this land of freedom they will now change of the day, the majority of them being pro- their swords into plowshares; but, how proud moted from the ranks:— would they be, and how proudly would their Brevet Brig.-Gen. J. P. Melvor, commanding. pulses beat could they but strike one blow for Adjutant W. J. Nevin, A. A. A. G. Ireland, that dear land of their birth, which Captain Charles Goodwinn, A. A. D. C. Lieut. Pierce Butler. A. A. D. C. has never been forgotten by them, and the Captain D. J. Mykins, Brigade Inspector. disenthralment of which is their most cher­ Lieut. A. B. Villeplait, A. A. G. M. ished aspiration and hope. SIXTY-NINTH REGIMENT NEW YORK NATIONAL J. DWYER, M. D., GUARD. ex-Surgeon 69th Regt., Irish Legion. Field and Staff—Lieut.-Colonel, John Coonan; Major, Civil and Military Reception to the Legion. Robert Heggart; Adjutant, W. J. Nevin; Quartermas- On Friday afternoon, at the special invita- ter, A. B. Villeplait; Surgeon, W. T. Nealis; Assistant Surgeon, F F. P. Cowley. tion of our municipal authorities, the Legion . Captains—D. L. Sullivan, M. McGuire, J. Bell, L. H. was formally received by their fellow-coun­ Douett, Patrick C. Nevin, C. Glynn, Joseph'Murphy, trymen, and by the great mass of the citizens C. Goodwin. First Lieutenants—Jospeh Keele, John Owens, K. F. of New York, as well as by several of the Knowles, Wm. H. Carney, Wm. Ivey, J. T. Connelly, J. crack regiments of the New York State Na­ Foley, P O'Farrell, P. B McCarthy. Second Lieutenants—Richard McGee, Samuel Wool- tional Guard. ley. To say that the entire reception was a ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT NEW grand success is simply to say what is ever YORK VOLUNTEERS. said of the ceremonies of a similar character Field and Staff—Lieut.-Colonel, John Byrne; Major, gotten up by our enthusiastic Irish citizens. Francis Page; Surgeon, S. S. Lounsbury; Adjutant, C. Dodd. The history of the Corcoran Legion was a Captains—Hugh Mooney, Thomas Dunbar, Michael noble one, not far behind its fellow, the Irish Dobney, Charles Priest, J. D. Mitchel, W. Hartford. Brigade, and only differing from it by reason First Lieutenants—Michael Brennan, Christopher of its entering the field at a later period of Galvin, Richard Wallace, J. F. Eustace, T. Bourke, R. A. Lee. the war's history; and it was but right that Second Lieutenants—J. B. Duff, G. B. Wilson, John our citizens should manifest their apprecia- Hanlon. tion of the services of the Legion, represent­ ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOURTH REGIMENT ing as they did the natives of the "green isle NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS. Field and Staff—Lieut.-Colonel, William De Lacy; beyond the seas." Major, John Beattie; Adjutant, J. McCarthy; Quarter- The Irish legion assembled at the Centre master, J. Dunne; Surgeon, Joseph L. Hasbrouck; Market Armory at one o'clock, p. m., on that Assistant Surgeon, James Kinster. Captains—T. H. Kelly, Bernard O'Reilly, Timothy J. day, and after forming, marched down to Burke, David J. Beattie, D C. Moynihan, G. M. Da- Grand street, where they formed in line, right vidson, John Ryan, Thomas McGarn, Stephen A. Cal- resting on Broadway, as follows: laran. The One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment, Colonel First Lieutenants—Daniel Crowley, C. M. Sheehan, Byrne. J. Etchingham, Wm. Webb. The One Hundred and Seventieth Regiment, Major Second Lieutenant—James Cunningham. Hagan. ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTIETH REGIMENT NEW The One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, Col. YORK VOLUNTEERS. Wm. DeLacy. Field and Staff—Charles Hagan, Lieut-Colonel com- The Sixty-ninth Regiment, Col. Coonan. manding; Adjutant, P. R.Dunne; Surgeon, J. H. Olm- stead; Assistant Surgeon, John O'Flaherty; Quarter- The brigade was under command of Brevet master, Simon B. Robbins. Brigadier General James P. McIvor. Captains—John Mitchell, D. J. Mykins, John Cun- ningham. Michael Quigley. An escort of police, from the Fourteenth First Lieutenants—John Doherty, Thomas M. Cos- Precinct, was present, under Sergeant Brooks. telloe, James Freelan, James O'Connell, Pierce J. The following officers, composing the Staff Butler. Second Lieutenants—Robert Skelly, Patrick C. Quinn, of General McIvor, were also on the ground: Michael McGuire. Lieut. Wm. J. Nevin, A. A. G.; Captain D. J. Entwined with the Stars and Stripes the green Mykins, Brigade Inspector; Surgeon Wm. T. flag of Erin has proudly floated over them, Nealis, Medical Director; Capt. Charles Good- riddled with balls, torn by the winds, black­ win, A. D. C.; Lieut. A. V. Villeplait, Brigade ened by smoke and powder—the emblem of Quartermaster; Rev. Paul E. Gillen, Chap- the Harp still remains on it and the Sunburst lain. flashes. These flags have never been tar- The Legion Association met at half-past nished by dishonor, and have ever waved twelve o'clock, at the Metropolitan, Colonel where the fight was thickest. Those who M. C. Murphy taking the chair. carried them in the din of battle may At No. 6 Vareck street the ex-officers and proudly boast, "I was the color bearer of the members and the wounded soldiers of the Irish Legion." Among the many banners Legion assembled at ten o'clock A.M., under which grace the Capitol, none have waved Major Doran, andfro m thence marched to over more brave, more Christian, or more pa­ Grand street, near Broadway, where they triotic,soldiers than those of the Irish Legion. took up a position in rear of the Legion As­ In the crowded highways of the city to-day, sociation. while the procession of Irish soldiery passes Among those parading with the members of by joyously marching home, many an anxious the Legion Association were Colonel M. C. heart beats, of wife, of mother, or of sister, Murphy, Judge Connolly, Mr. Alex. Brennan and piercing, agonizing eyes are searching (Secretary), Col. Wm. McIvily, Capt. James the bronzed features of the veterans for the Breslin, Lieut. Edmond Connolly, Mr. Nicholas O'Donnell. Ex-Lieut. C. J. Bell, Mr. James J. Coonan, Colonel Thomas M. Reid, Mr. Patrick O'Rourke, Dr. John Dwyer, Ex-Surgeon of the Sixty-ninth. The badge worn by the as- sociation was of blue and green ribbons. The Fenian Brotherhood also assembled at ten o'clock at the armory of the Fifty-ninth Regiment N. G. S. N. Y., under James A. Rogers, Esq., State Centre, and reported at half past two o'clock. Among those present, the following Circles were duly represented: Hamilton Rowan Circle. Laurel Hill Circle. Phoenix Zouaves. Heber McMahon Circle. McManus Circle. Owen O'Reilly Circle. Wolf Tone Cadets. St. Lawrence Circle. Yonkers and Spuyten Duy- Brian Borholme Circle. v_l Circles. O'Mahony Circle. Emmet Circle, Williams- McHale Circle. burgh. Benburg Circle. Seventh Ward Circle. Sarsfield Cadets. Shamrock Circle. Lavelle Circle. Faugh an Bullagh Circle. Wolf Tone Circle. TheI. R. B. Club.whol eTata numbe Circle,r ofof Brooklyn.delegates from these several "Circles" numbered something over 2 000 men, and the appearance of the Fenian Brotherhood attracted considerable attention. Each member wore a handsome green rosette, with the letters "F. B." in silver. That of the State Centre was magnificent. It had two splendid gold tassels, and the letters, "S. C." in the sceptre. These badges were, we understand, manu- factured by our friend, Mr. Robert Wilson, Monroe street, and reflected infinite credit to his good taste and skill. The military escort made its appearance in :i Broadway a little after two o'clock, and con- sisted of the Seventy-first N. Y. S. N. G., under command of Major Libby, having some four hundred muskets; the Second new York, which were the recipients of a hearty ovation from the excited crowds who lined Broadway; the Ninety-ninth New York, under Colonel John O'Mahony; the Sixty-ninth N. Y. S. N. under Lieut.-Colonel James Cavanagh command- ing, and the First Regiment of Cavalry, under M command of Col. D. C. Minton, dismounted. The entire military escort could not have been loss than 2,100 men, all told.

i • A .

i THE cent arrival from Waterford, Ireland, and beloved by us all for his amiability and ten­ SIXTY-NINTH IN THE FIGHT. derness of character, fell also in this first fire, with three balls in his left breast and right GALLANTRY OF THE IRISH LEGION cheek. They both died easily, almost instan­ taneously, for their wounds were too near the INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE, ETC. seat of life to permit them to suffer long. When we had rounded the house used by our skirmishers as a hospital, directly in the FORT CORCORAN, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, enemy's front, we were permitted to halt and July 22, 1861. rest after our severe march, and to recruit To the Editor of The New York Leader: for the coming struggle. We could see one Doubtless you have heard, ere this, of the regiment after another of our forces assault terrible engagement of last Sunday. The af- the enemy and advance upon his position, but it was evident to us that up to this time fair is of such importance in our annals that no effect had been produced upon his bat­ hasten to give you a succinct account of it teries, though death and destruction were from personal observation. dealt out to him by our brave volunteers. After the bad affair of Thursday at Bull's At last the order came for the Sixty-ninth Run Ford, where we lost a good many men to try and do what the others had failed in. of the Union troops, our regiment, with all We advanced with hopeful hearts in close the others engaged and in the immediate vi­ line of battle, exposed to the hot shot and cinity, were encamped in and around Centre- shell which were instantly poured into our ville, on each side of the road leading to that ranks, though, fortunately, at first with little place and toward Manassas Gap. We re­ effect. One ball, however, came near killing mained perfectly quiet on our respective our brave Colonel, who treated the matter camping grounds, save when our pickets and quite coolly. those of the enemy met. That the Rebels A field of over a quarter of a mile had to were receiving reinforcements, was proved be crossed, then a fence to be cleared, and by the constant arrival of trains every night, then another field of equal length, till we reached the foot of the hill and woods occu­ as well as by outside intelligence. We, too, pied by the enemy. Here we halted a few were receiving reinforcements and by Satur­ moments, and then flanked along to the right day night were ready for making an attack. across another field, and through an entrench­ We were ordered to hold ourselves in readi- ment and high stream, and then up a hill, ness by midnight, and accordingly, by that before we stopped to fire or give the enemy a time, we were awake, prepared to march. proof of our storming capacities. Worn out When we reached the road, we went double- by our long and quick march, still more so quick for nearly two miles. Then, having by the fatigue of clearing fences, ditches, and crossed a bridge safely, and gained the hill­ streams, we stopped for a moment and fired top, which had been obstructed by the enemy, deliberately into the enemy. Then another we turned into the woods, and remained there volley, then another, and we charged up the for some time, drawn up in line of battle. heights to their battery with all the impetuos­ ity of our race; but we were like "sheep Our good chaplain, Father Reilly, blessed sent to the slaughter." The cannon belched us, and many were the prayers sent up to forth their shells in our midst, killing our Heaven that our arms might be nerved to men in groups, and scattering them in all strike terror into our enemies, and thus save directions. But even then they halted, tried to close up, and fired again; and then, just our distracted country. as we seemed to be carrying our point, we The large gun, "Long Tom," commenced found ourselves fired into on the right flank throwing shell at 6:30 A. M. The Rebels did and rear by the Rebel cavalry, who emerged not answer, but reserved their fire for a more from the woods and struck down and picked favorable opportunity. Failing to bring them off all the men near them. It is even said out, and our regiment having the right of the that we were fired into by our own troops—of line, or advance post, we were ordered to move course, by mistake. But of this I am certain, our quarters, and approach in front. In do- our own cavalry, who had partly broken our ing so, we were obliged to move at double- ranks, when charging up the hill, were not to quick most of the way, and to ford a stream be found when we needed their protection. or two, knee-high. This was a serious disad- Our flag of the Stars and Stripes was well vantage to us, but our brave boys seemed not struck, and the standard-bearer of the dear to mind it. Still further on, we had to defile old Green Flag was shot down; but the flag along a narrow path-way among trees and was instantly raised again. One of our wound­ shrubbery. Even this we did in safety, and ed men who carried a flag was shot down, and soon gained an open plain, where we could the flag was torn from his grasp. Raising perceive the position of the enemy, from the himself up, he again attacked his Rebel an­ constant discharge of heavy guns. tagonist, struck him down, and carried off Again changing our locality, we had to one of the Secession flags; but this was not move through some meadows, and just as we long permitted to remain with him, for he nearly passed the last one, a murderous fire was again charged upon, and the trophy taken was opened upon us from a ravine to the left from him, besides being taken prisoner. How­ by the enemy's sharp-shooters. Our entire ever, having a concealed revolver, he shot regiment halted, and facing about, fired two down the two soldiers in charge of him, and volleys into them, though without seeing them. captured a captain's sword and a prisoner, This stopped their fire, and upon examina­ both of which he brought in safety to our tion afterwards, we found that terrible chas­ camp. His name is John D. Keeffe, and he tisement had been inflicted upon them by us. is worthy of being recorded among our truly The place was strewn with their dead, and brave men. one officer had no less than seventeen balls in I could recite to you numerous other in­ him. But we paid well for this, for one of stances of bravery deserving of record, but it the first men to fall was our recently ap- would not be possible to do justice to all. pointed Lieutenant-Colonel, Captain Hag- Captain Thomas Francis Meagher gained gerty, of Company A. His loss to us was the greatest credit of the day. His horse was beyond repair, as he had proved himself a shot when he first reached the field, the ball true soldier under every circumstance, and going further and killing one of Company E., was endeared to us all. He was brimful of and when we reached the gap at the foot of courtesy and kindness to the humblest as well the hill he brandished his sword and called as to the highest in rank or station, though upon the brave Zouaves and Sixty-ninth to seemingly rough at times in his manner. follow him. His valor and bearing during Poor Costelloe of ours—Company K—a re­ things of those who are appointed, and are supposed to possess the qualifications of good generals. I trust they will all be held re- sponsible for the immense sacrifice of life on that terrible day. Our artillery, too, was easily captured by the Rebels. When the Virginia cavalry made their last charge at the last hospital near the bridge and Centreville, the men in the fore­ most ranks of our artillery cut the traces and fled, leaving the pieces an easy prize to the enemy. In accounts of battles previously read by your humble servant, it was always thought necessary to well protect, with caval- ry or infantry, or both, the artillery compa­ nies. Yet Sherman's battery and "Long Tom," a very heavy piece, brought up ex- pressly to counteract the effect of the enemy's heaviest guns, were permitted to fall into their hands without an effort made to prevent it. Of the many missing in our company, and in all the rest of the regiment, several are known to be killed, many others only wounded—unless they have subsequently fallen into the hands of the Secessionists. Others are missing, of whom nothing at all is known. I trust that they may yet turn up, and that we shall be gratified by their safe restoration to their many friends in and out of the regiment. We deeply deplore their loss, for we can all attest their courage and manly bearing on that day. I saw poor Ma- guire, for the last time, raising his piece aloft, the entire battle is the theme of every tongue. waving it as if it were a sword, and calling Lieut. E. K. Butler also distinguished himself, upon the Zouaves to make one more bold and gained much in the favor of his scattered charge and rout the Rebels. I fear he is lost. and decimated company. Our Colonel, too, showed the greatest coolness and bravery throughout the fight. He stood to the last and rallied the remnant of his shattered THE SIXTY-NINTH IN CAMP. forces, and took us off the field in a square and with our colors flying high; but he didn't WHAT THEY ARE DOING. do this till after all the other regiments had retired or were retiring. When we had [LETTER FROM OUR ASSOCIATE EDITOR.] gained the road, and had halted at the tem- porary hospital, we were charged by the FORT CORCORAN, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, VA., cavalry again, who made sad havoc among Thursday, 13th June, 1861. the flying remnants of every regiment which Nothing remarkable or new has transpired had not gained the road. They broke and since my last letter. Four nights have fled in all directions, and were pursued and passed without an alarm on our outposts; cut down at all points. Such a scene was and the men are growing ruddy, vigorous, scarcely ever before witnessed. and capable of better discipline under the This was the last point at which I saw our gallant Colonel, who, I am told, was wounded conjoint influences of sound sleep and lighter in the leg. He slipped quietly off his horse, labors. To-day we are receiving our arma­ and tried to rally his men; but the crowd, ment of heavy seacoast guns—twenty-four and the pressure of the remnants of all the and thirty-two pounders; and in two or other regiments, rendered it impossible. three days more, when the platforms for What remained of our regiment rallied these monsters are finished and in shape, round the Green Flag in Centreville and we may defy all Secessiondom to come and after consultation, it was thought best to re- shake hands with us across the ditches. tire to Fort Corcoran and recruit, as we had not a field officer left to direct our move­ Powerful military gates, with earthen breast­ ments. Captain Meagher here joined us and works behind them, are now being placed at led us home, when we had come to this de­ the two main entrances to the fort. The cision. tete de pont in our rear, at the foot of the hill, This bold charge up that hill clean into the is completely defensible; and on hills about enemy's batteries, will never be forgotten by a mile in advance of this position, and to a man who witnessed it. Our company can right and left of Fort Corcoran, strong earth- only muster this morning about eighty, with those who were left behind to guard the Fort, work redoubts are in course of rapid con- out of 122. Lieutenant Conolly, a really struction. brave man, has not been heard of since On last Saturday, Colonel Corcoran, at we rallied round our flag and formed the the head of the engineer corps and sixty square. His loss will be deservedly regretted men, advanced upon a nest of Secessionists by us all. at Ball's Cross-roads, and succeeded in cap­ Our company suffered more than any in turing five men, three horses, and a variety the regiment, on account of their red jackets, of weapons—muskets, shot-guns and revolv- suppose. Three men went out with me ers. Various other prisoners were brought from the Fort to the battle field. I alone in on that and subsequent days, by scouting returned. Many others of ours have the and patrol parties from the Thirteenth, same story to tell. The Fire Zouaves, the Twenty-eighth and Sixty-ninth New York Nineteenth New York, and the Second Rhode Regiments. There was a grand guard-house Island, acted nobly and bravely in the grand clearance this morning, however, after due charges they made upon the enemy when he examination of evidence for and against, the showed himself before his batteries. So also parties seized. Six were discharged on tak­ did the Thirteenth New York. But it is safe ing the oath of allegiance; and but one-- to say that none made a bolder stand, or a George C. Jackson by name, cousin to Ells- grander charge, and retired so slowly and steadily, and in such good order as did the Sixty-ninth, when the fate of the battle was decided. The Herald and other papers may talk of a "Great Victory," but by those en­ gaged in the battle it cannot be considered yoimmensnowhepermitteinashiordereaninevitablwhermovewahavoWweralrymebatteriestKderplaadoptedos g utdeIsp werdeathn s eough n, wilblamartillery wer morciedisplaye andwhefronengagewh d oe wathew ftd le, eforwardomdlinlos .theo e,ytbeliev en s omissionsforc buattacynocu ou burusheb enonetthawantettheimthiMos e tremaineomadttr. dot d e Iortheeve soffankbrokeright efstani rwa o ,wil ,takeTht n d egrea ,fwhe backpoinm danbattle onncensurosthan ou charginseeinlfe ,Uniodupo protecte, dedown sandthemthnno nonntforme andt thes s ydirectlregimenewheprisonerdefeato nr, thab gfyoewer nthatha mee yd untiu, , none the thaousgtn antroopro stranges thougthem tnae ed bfthI .tupo ylear wwerlIt dylos turnedwood whicdifferen, eoffebtht s hitrampleth Colo expectedyfoThstn.werean here hmoss e rtb thri noth hnesythahighest.aRebethesout The e anlin ,ethe e upotht CorcoraCompantotim. wastan r general ytadvancf enea ecavalr masketerribl dyepoints y od lne frontallbette bettef blun field,themuswer ther,cavtheherwa ou,th uaminyedys­,.-ert­ r worth's murderer, and undoubtedly a "per- not traitors, who would take refuge within our nicious spirit of mischief,"—is retained for lines. further examination at Department Head­ Our daily experience here makes it more quarters. and more clear that the Secession ordinance At the time of J. T. Ball's arrest—one of received its majority vote under the pressure the five prisoners taken—he had about him of a terrorism having no parallel in modern $900 in gold, put up in packages convenient times. Yesterday a father came to plead for for speedy transportation. This sum might his son—one of the Secession prisoners. He well have tempted the rapacity of such was an old, white-haired, ruddy-faced me­ "hireling vagabonds" as the Rebel press chanic, honest in every feature, and perfectly would make us out to be. But clearly it straightforward in speech. He had five sons had no charm for the sergeant to whom Ball altogether. Two are serving in the Rebel confided his secret. The money was carried army at Manassas Junction. The third— back and delivered to the prisoner's wife who had been married but three weeks—we with scrupulous faith—the performer of the had as a prisoner in the guard-house. The act thinking so little about it that the affair two youngest did their best to earn a living only reached Colonel Corcoran's ears by by peddling oranges and cakes through the accident, after his return to camp. Had camp. It was painful to hear the old man Ball actually been a rebel, of course the speak of the circumstances under which his money should not have been returned—gold, vote had been cast for confirming the Seces­ of all articles, standing highest on the list of sion ordinance—still more painful to watch "contraband." Nevertheless, the sergeant's the quivering features, and old eyes filling mistake was generous and noble—the fact with bitter tears, as he related the arts and that Ball has since proved himself a peaceful threats by which his two elder boys had been citizen, though apparently not a very ardent seduced away from him. He had voted for Union man, taking away any blame that Union delegates to the Convention, and was might otherwise attach. as sound in heart for the Union as any man I Yesterday afternoon we had some anxiety have ever met. But he had voted to confirm about the fate of twenty Zouaves of the Sixty- the ordinance, under penalty of being driven ninth under Lieut. Butler, who had gone on from his native homestead in Alexandria a volunteer scouting party to Falls Church, County, on a hill within sight of our camp. about five or six miles in advance of this po- He had given that vote, he confessed, and sition. Captain Meagher with his company might God forgive him for it! They had of Zouaves was stationed last night at the told him that Secession would be a peaceful depot of the Loudon and Hampton railroad, and merely routine affair, and that it was nearly a mile beyond Ball's Cross-roads, necessary "as a step towards reconstructing having in charge a locomotive and two cars— the Union on a broader and more liberal seized by Company B of the Sixty-ninth, basis." For his son, the prisoner, who seem­ last Sunday night, or rather early last Mon- ed the Jacob of his declining days, the father's day morning. Lieut. Butler and his twenty prayers were fervent and effectual. Against men were sent forward on a scout from the the young man himself, there existed no posi- main body of Meagher's command, but not tive proof; though many suspicious circum­ returning in due season another company of stances could have been brought forward had the regiment, aided by Company B, Second Col. Hunter desired to press the case with U. S. Cavalry, were under orders to advance rigor. But the old man's frankness, honesty and ascertain the fate of the missing men, and and simple grief did more than all the argu­ rescue them, if possible; when, happily, a ments that could have been used. Young messenger arrived from Captain Meagher Richard Veitch was liberated and sent home with news that his scouting party had got to his three week's bride, with no harsher back. penalty than that of taking the oath of alle­ With this exception, nothing has occurred giance before his liberation,—an act perform- to mark with the least military interest the ed with every symptom of cheerfulness and days since last Friday. Every hour has its sincerity. The form of this oath I may as full share of duties both for men and officers well subjoin:— —a conviction gaining ground that an ad- HEADQUARTERS, BRIGADE OF THE AQUEDUCT vance of this Division on Manassas Junction DEPT. OF N. E. VIRGINIA, June, 1861. will be ordered before next Monday morning. I, John Doe, do hereby solemnly swear, in presence of the ever living God, that I will true allegiance Certain it is that the Department authorities bear to the United States of America; and that I have called on Regimental Quartermasters to will not directly or indirectly aid, comfort, assist or report every article needed by their respective supply with information any persons in the so-called Regiments for an advance upon the enemy's Seceded States who shall be arrayed in arms against the Government of the Union, or in any manner en­ lines. "This looks like business" is the gaged in treasonable attempts to overturn said Gov­ general remark—all the boys appearing al- ernment. So help me God. ready weary of their lighter labors, and pant- This oath is then repeated and signed in ing for some opportunity to distinguish them- due form, all persons taking it being made selves. No dangerous scouting party can be aware that if found guilty of transgressing proposed or organized without calling forth any of its provisions, either in letter or spirit, officers by the half dozen and men by the they will be strung up to the nearest tree in hundred, who clamorously besiege their re­ the shortest possible time after a verdict of spective Captains for leave to join. I should "guilty" shall have been found against them add that at Falls Church the Zouaves under by a drum-head court-martial. Butler were received with open arms by the During the last few days we have had inhabitants, and besought to remain. Notice many visitors of more or less note from your had been served upon the village by the dis­ city;—amongst others, our friend and the trict commander of the Rebel forces, that it friend of virtue, John J. Bradley, who re­ would be required to furnish its quota of mained in camp three or four days and troops for the Confederate army next day; nights, in hopes of seeing a "General and as the young "chivalry" of the place Alarm," but none came. Also Mr. E. K. had no special ambition for martial laurels, Strong, publisher of Yankee Notions, who ac­ they and their distracted "parients" crowded companied Bradley; and this morning the round the twenty Zouaves, expressing the Brigade was honored by a general review in hope that they formed but the vanguard of a presence of Alderman F. I. A. Boole, who permanent Union force of occupation. Falls was in some danger of being arrested while Church, however, being but five miles from in Washington, on account of that "scow Fairfax Court House, would need to be occu- navy" which he constructed for the Southern pied and fortified in force, if at all; and there­ Confederacy. Boole, however, managed to fore the Zouaves were obliged to fall back at show a clean bill of health at the War De­ nightfall on the Railroad depot—at the same partment, by stating that the flotilla, though time offering protection to all inhabitants, built, was never actually sent,—his confi­ whole lives in the study and practice of war­ dence in the Southern "scrip" which was fare, are overlooked and allowed to remain offered to him in payment not being up to in the rank they occupied last November; proof; in fact many degrees below. During while men who have never in their lives be­ Bradley's visit, we had several delightful fore buckled on a sword;—or who, at the soirees musicale, both at the tents of Colonel outside, have only figured as the rather ridicu­ Corcoran and the quarters of the United lous heroes of militia-trainings, twice or States Engineers in charge of our works. three times a year,—are invested with posi­ At the latter place there is an excellent tions giving them control over thousands of piano, belonging to the ousted proprietors of lives, and devolving upon them in great Rosslyn House,—this instrument giving forth measure the responsibility of conducting a dulcet sounds every quiet evening under the struggle in which the perpetuation of the accomplished touch of Capt. Van Kameche, Union is the gigantic object at stake. Take of the Twenty-eighth New York, Lieut. up an Army Gazette and count the number Louis D'Homergue of the Sixty-ninth, and of Majors, Captains and Lieutenants, hon­ other officers. orably brevetted half a score of times each, But enough, and perhaps too much, of the "for gallant and meritorious conduct on the minor details of camp life. It is high time field of battle ;"—and then reflect upon the that the public of the North should under­ policy which leaves these capable and true stand the general aspect of this war, in its men unpromoted and unnoticed, while the present phase, as seen by the best military highest posts of military command are be­ authorities at this point. The daily press of stowed on political favorites who have never your city either does not comprehend the sit­ deployed a battalion in their lives or ex­ uation or wilfully ignores and suppresses it, perienced the sensation of standing under for reasons best known to the respective edit- fire. ors. The Washington telegraphers and cor­ I can assure you that the feeling of dissatis­ respondents appear equally in the dark— faction at this treatment is not confined to the their despatches, for the most part, being officers of the regular army, against whose in­ masses of absurdity and false rumor. Each terests and rights it most severely presses. of them would seem to have some favorite On the contrary, they shrug their shoulders axe in need of sharpening; and this need and smile,—assured that a blunder so atro­ leads them into "puffing," with Arabian cious must speedily work its own correction. odors officials, who should rather be blasted They are sorry for the inevitable loss of gal­ and blown to atoms under the sirocco of pub- lant blood, which must form the ink in which lic scorn. I know that the jobbers and in­ this lesson is to be presented to the powers discriminate rascals who are now making that be. But the militia officers feel keenly their booty out of the Public Emergency are that no efforts or sacrifices on their parts can both dexterous and ceaseless in suggesting atone for incompetent commanders; and I that any criticism of the manner in which can assure you that the relief experienced by affairs are being conducted "can only tend to the New York Regiments on this side of the aid and comfort the enemy." This plea has Potomac, when it was announced that Major doubtless had somewhat more than its due General Sandford had been superseded in weight with journalistic managers;—but as command by Brigadier General McDowell, things are going from bad to worse under the of the regular service, amounted, in its effect regime of silence, a candid and public expo­ upon the military spirit of our troops, to a sition of the dangers threatening the common­ victory already won. Confidence at once wealth may serve as the first step towards pro­ took the place of semi-despondency; and curing an efficient remedy. while it is not only quite possible, but quite In the first place, then,—leaving out of certain, that Gen. McDowell may lead us into view all the villainy practiced by contract­ greater dangers than Gen. Sanford would have ors who have clothed our troops in uniforms been allowed to embark on,—all our men now that fall to pieces after a week's work,—all feel that their daring will be made effective, and the villainy of those other contractors who that whatever sacrifices are required, will be deliver food unfit for human use, in lieu of incurred in worthy enterprises. Under Sand- the first-class provisions bargained for,— ford, they would have entered the battle putting all these matters to one side, we are with the dogged determination of men con­ brought face to face with the overwhelming scious that they were about being led to use­ danger of being led into action under Gen­ less slaughter. Under McDowell the odds erals and superior officers who are actually may be more desperate; but each man will not qualified to maneuvre a platoon. The carry with him a belief that a superior intel­ policy of seizing men of private life and ligence is guiding his exertions, and that placing them suddenly in charge of Brigades blood will not be allowed to flow save in due and Divisions, is one having no parallel in proportion to the importance of the object history. The natural result of such a course had in view. This confidence is felt, even has had its first outcross in the disaster at though McDowell is an untried man in any Great Bethel, where four thousand of the position so eminent as that which he now Union forces were led into a position that occupies. It is a compliment, not to the could not have failed to insure their utter man, but to the profession in which he has destruction, had any officer less stupid than risen so rapidly; and I hazard nothing in Col. Magruder been in command on the saying, that if the vote of the entire Volun­ Rebel side. That Gen. Butler by a prodigal teer and Militia forces now in arms for the waste of life may yet capture the position, Union could be polled, after they have had there is no doubt. Indeed, there were ru­ a month's experience in the field, ninety- mors here last night that he had already nine out of every hundred votes would be captured it, together with a thousand pris­ cast in favor of having any educated Second oners. But no subsequent success can re­ Lieutenant of Artillery to lead them into store to the men engaged in that expedition general action, rather than the best Militia their confidence in the Generals appointed Major General that can be scared up through­ over them; or take away from the rebels out the States. their exulting conviction that the army of the General Government is "an army of I know that Gen. Butler stands high at lions led (in some of its branches,) by jack­ present, both at the War Department and in asses." the newspapers. It is very cheerfully con- ceeded that he displayed prudence and ad­ I can assure you that your comments of ministrative abilities at Annopolis and in last week on the self-election of citizens to Baltimore. But whether he possesses abili­ Brigadier Generalships and so forth, have ties and professional knowledge equal to his found a wide response and endorsement in present command may well be doubted. all military circles at this point. Trained Certainly, there are many Massachusetts offi- and deserving officers, who have passed their cers with whom I have conversed, who do temperate, cleanly and attentive to the laws not seem to estimate Gen. B.'s military pow­ of health. ers at anything like their rated value. Not Owing to the sultriness of the weather, all to put too fine a point upon it they seem to exercise for the sake of health, instruction regard him very much as our New York boys or pleasure, must be taken early in the morn- regarded Gen. Sandford during his few brief ing or late in the afternoon. Hence there are hours of authority on Arlington Heights. company drills outside the ramparts from half For myself, of course, I know nothing about past five o'clock A. M., to half past seven,— the matter, and have no opinion to express: just about enough to give the men an appe- But so simple are the duties of militia tite for breakfast; and a full dress parade of regiments while at home in time of the entire regiment each afternoon, com- peace; and so varied, complex, confus­ mencing at half past five o'clock P. M , and ing, important and scientific the duties of the generally not ending until half past eight or same body when out on actual service,—that nine. Under this system, the men are rapid- I cannot but regard with solemn wonder and ly advancing to the proficiency and steadiness something like a sense of awe, the self-confi­ of regulars—their "charge-bayonets" in dence or criminal recklessness of that man, double-quick greatly surpassing in order, vi- not trained and educated in military pursuits, vacity and force anything heretofore seen or who can take upon his untutored shoulders heard "in these parts." Twelve hundred the burden of responsibility for the lives of a brawny men, two deep and rushing onward, Division or Brigade. If our stock of army shoulder to shoulder—their bayonets glisten- officers were exhausted, would it not be ing in advance, their line as irresistibly regular wisdom to employ, at whatever cost, experts as the crest-wave of a tide, and their roar as from European camps to teach us how to hoarse as that of billows breaking against fight? But while there are dozens upon some rocky headland—is a sight, I can as- dozens, and scores upon scores of men who sure you, worth seeing and a sound worth have been Captains and Majors in the regu­ travelling many a mile to hear. Our even- lar service for the last ten years,—is it not ing parades in fact are fast becoming famous; worse than fatuity,—is it not criminally and and many high militaires of the regular ser- wilfully courting heavy temporary reverses vice, together with militia officers by the to appoint this, that or the other played-out score, are now in the habit of collecting politician, who has never studied any other each evening from all neighboring camps to warfare save that of politics. see the Sixty-ninth "charge bayonets." I am compelled to break off my letter in A story has just reached me this moment, consequence of an order to proceed to the so good that it cannot be kept. We must take duties of my position. C. G. H. it while it effervesces, and ere the flavor has lost its "nip." Two nights ago a Captain LIFE AT PORT CORCORAN. Nelson, attached to the Third Connecticut Regiment, returned to his own camp from a THE SIXTY-NINTH IN CAMP. scouting party, radiant with triumph. He had discovered a Rebel infernal machine on the track of the Loudon and Hampton Rail- [LETTER FROM OUR ASSOCIATE EDITOR.] road; or rather a fuse connecting with the unseen combustibles, which fuze he had vali- ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, VA., June 26, 1861. antly hacked into seven several pieces with Wonderful to relate, and in a good hour be his sword! Great was the rejoicing in the it spoken, we have had live successive nights tents of the Connecticut men thereat—uni- of undisturbed repose. Not a stampede, not formed officers expatiating on the value of an alarm,sinc e last Thursday; nothing to New England sharpness, and soldierly Yan- break the sultry stillness of this oppressive kees of a calculating turn making "approx- imate" estimates of the number of loyal lives atmosphere. The days burn and the nights Captain Nelson's discovery must have saved. suffocate. Our water is neither so pure nor In the midst, however, of all these pleasant so plentiful as might be wished; but with congratulations, an Aide from Gen. McDow- abundance of lime, wholesome food, temper- ell rode up with orders that the Connecticut ance, good medical care and plenty of ex- Regiment should throw forward and up the ercise taken early in the mornings and late railroad track five companies of skirmishers each afternoon,—the health of the regiment in pursuit of some "Secession villains" who keeps up to a standard actually surprising. had cut the telegraph wire between Alexan- Two months ago, last Sunday, we sailed from dria and Gen. Tyler's headquarters—about New York, losing two men overboard before two miles in advance. reaching Annapolis. Then followed the seven "How thick was the wire, and how was it days of exposure and bitter privation while laid?" asked Captain Nelson, nervously—a guarding the track between Annapolis and cold perspiration breaking thickly out over the Junction—our men sleeping under one his brow and hands, as he began to feel under continuous rainstorm without any other cov- his personal skin a whole army of "Secession ering than their blankets, and without any villains." other food than coarse junks of salt pork "An ordinary wire," replied the Aide; broiled hastily in the flames of their camp- "an ordinary telegraphing wire, hastily un- fires. Since our arrival in Virginia, the work coiled along the railroad track, and kept out performed by the regiment has claimed the of observation as much as possible." astonishment of every competent judge— Captain Nelson said no more; but grace- the men for several successive weeks work- fully taking off the laurel-wreath acquired by ing in the trenches from dawn to dusk, and his late supposed achievement, explained the sleeping or watching all night long on the whole story to McDowell's Aide, and "gave ramparts, fully equipped for action and still a receipt in full for the maize." After this, with no other covering than their blankets. let none of the heathen associate the word After such an ordeal, it is more than gratify- "Irishman" with "blunder." Had one of the ing to record that not a single death has taken Sixty-ninth been caught in such a scrape, place in our ranks since landing at Annapo- when should we have heard the last of the lis Navy Yard,—the average of men on our epigrams and bon mots which might so readily sick-list never exceeding forty out of four- he manufactured out of the occurrence? Cap- teen hundred, and of these but very few re- tain Nelson, I am glad to say, takes his inev- maining under medical treatment more than itable "roasting" in good part; bears every a couple of days. To Drs. Smith, Nolan and allusion to infernal machine's with manly for- Barron due credit should be given for these titude, and is fast becoming no less popular results; as also to the men themselves, who from his good humor than notorious for the have been, with but rare exceptions, strictly error into which "zeal exceeding judgment" led him. There being nothing of special or immedi- the cigar-case proved empty on being opened ate interest to record, this may be a good rather intensifying the joke and turning the opportunity for making a few general obser­ laugh against its owner. The boy, to his vations as to the spirit of our men, and the great delight, was allowed to remain with his odd peculiarities of human nature in general, as developed under the forcing system of company until next morning; and the Cap­ actual service. And first I would remark tain means in future to shut up his tent and that nothing is more curious in this strange leave things to take care of themselves be­ and novel scene than to witness the eager hind him whenever an advance is ordered. desire of every man and boy to be sent for­ But while thus depicting what the spirit of ward whenever and wherever there would ap­ the men has been, and will doubtless continue pear the least chance that there may be fight­ to be under any fair circumstances, it is not to ing to be done. Sentinels and pickets who be denied that a feeling of deep distrust in the should remain behind to guard the camp, de­ competency of Militia Brigadier Generals to sert their posts and seek to smuggle them­ command men engaged in actual conflict, is selves back into their respective companies, beginning to develop itself. The instincts while on the march. Prisoners in the guard- of the rank and file do not fail to appreciate house, beg, implore and petition to be re­ the lessons of Great Bethel and Vienna, how­ leased and allowed to join the fight, cheer­ ever insensible the authorities at Washington fully offering to suffer double or treble pun­ may remain to the teachings of those two un­ ishment on their return. Sick men get up on fortunate incidents. "Give us educated offi­ their feet and commence loading their shoul­ cers in command!" is the cry of the rank and ders with blankets, ammunition and knap- file. "Give us men who will not attack bat­ sacks. Everything is stir, excitement and teries in front, and who will not regard a ditch hilarity,—the various companies chorusing on the exterior of a fortification as an 'unex­ some popular or patriotic air as they file out pected obstacle!' Give us men who will not of the sallyports; and friends who have been use steam-power to run us under the fire of divided by some petty quarrel, fervently grape and roundshot while cooped up in gon- shaking hands with a hurried "God bless dola cars, out of which no resistance can be you," as they pass each other to take their offered!" places in the ranks. You know the personal regard in which all "Long life to you, Mr. Weed," said a New Yorkers hold the many virtues of Gen. sentinel, who was being left behind in charge John A. Dix. We trust his honesty, admire of one of the artillery magazines. "Long his rare industry, and have respect for his life to you, sir, and make intherest for me more than respectable talents. And yet I to be sent on wid the boys!" would be false to the duty of speaking so "I'm afraid that can't be done," answered much of the truth as falls within my observa­ my Lord Thurlow, who chanced to be on the tion, did I not tell you plainly—and through ground, as he very often has been, while the you the public—that the appointment of Gen. Regiment was marching out, "You are Dix to the command of this Division is re­ sentinel over the ammunition, and if that were garded with apprehension and distrust by lost, what would become of the fort?" every thinking man in the command. In "Bad luck to it for ammunition," retorted Gen. McDowell, who is threatened with re­ the sentinel, testily, and yet with a gleam of moval, we have all learned to place confi­ humor in his eye. "I'm thinkin', Mr. Weed, dence. He is in the prime of life, possessing that so long as the ammunition don't go after a noble and soldierly figure, endowed with them, divil resave the Rebel north of Manassas many natural gifts of popularity, and ranking Junction will ever call here to inquire why it high in his profession as a man likely to stays at home!" make a good general. To the Sixty-ninth This was a good argument, doubtless: but he has been kindness itself, upon all occa­ still the ingenious pleader for liberty to have sions, invariably testifying his confidence in a chance of being shot, was condemned to re­ their courage and discipline by sending them ­ain on guard over the despised bomb-proof. forward wherever drums beat to arms, or any A little flibberty-gibbet of about seventeen speck of coming battle appeared above the or eighteen years of age—a delicate boy, de­ horizon. Of course, this confidence has en­ tailed as servant to one of our officers,— tailed on us much more than our fair share of begged hard for the privilege of joining his duty and fatigue; but still the compliment company, and marching forward on the occa­ was felt by every man in the ranks, and had sion of a night alarm in front. its due effect of inspiration. To remove "You are too weak for such work," ob­ McDowell now is not good policy—even jected the officer; "strap that blanket on my though it is quite possible that Gen. Dix horse and remain here quietly. You must may prove a more fortunate leader than his take care of the tent, you know, and see that military antecedents give us any right to nothing is carried off!" expect. A couple of hours after, and about five This policy, however, of advancing civil­ ians or men who have not been in service for miles in advance of the fort, the same officer, more than thirty years, over the heads of reg­ while riding along the lines, discovered his ular army officers, who have been constantly little servant dodging in behind the ranks and on duty,—is rapidly demoralizing the regular seeking in all ways to escape observation. service, and engendering discontent in the The lad was loaded down with blanket, knap­ one quarter to which we must eventually look sack, canteen, rations for two days, forty for the successful leaders of our struggle. rounds of ball cartridge and a heavy musket, Colonels in the regular army now command­ almost as tall as himself. ing brigades cannot submit, and should not "Come here, sir!" cried the Captain, half be expected to submit with patience, to see angry at the boy's disobedience, and half their just promotion denied, and their com­ pleased with his enterprising spirit. "Did I mands placed at the mercy of "Superior not tell you, sir, to remain in camp and look Officers," who can make no pretence to supe­ after the tent?" riority in anything but political influence and "True for you, Captain," answered the the higher title it so suddenly confers. Every little follow, looking irresistibly comic as he day, at the Department, Militia Brigadier- wiped his flushed face with his coat sleeve, Generals are applying to have some subordi- and kept struggling amidst his cross-belts to nates of the regular service,—"some fellows, disengage some small package or other out you know, who know something about this of his over-burdened knapsack. "But sure, kind of thing,"—detailed on their respective sir, you forgot your cigar-case; and how staffs to teach them what to do! How long could I tell but you might want to take a can such a system last? Or how many thou­ smoke before morning?" sand lives must pay forfeit, ere the lessons Tame as this excuse was, there could be no given in bloody characters at Great Bethel resisting its manner of delivery—the fact that and Vienna, and taught by the instinct of self-preservation to every intelligent volunteer to the melancholy produced by Lieut.-Colonel carrying a musket in our ranks, shall have Nugent's dangerous state, your correspondent impressed their moral force on the minds of must postpone to next week, or until in bet­ those distinguished gentry who sit quietly in ter spirits, his official history of the rise, pro­ their various cabinets at Washington, utterly gress, achievements, and august ceremonials neglecting the campaign in hand, and only of the new military order entitled "The plotting for the political campaign of the next Moonlight Brigade"—an organization de­ Presidential contest? Let me say, in taking vised in the fertile brain of Capt. Meagher, leave of this matter, that Secretary Seward for social, military, and scouting purposes, appears fully awake to the emergencies of the and already numbering nearly all the officers hour; and that it is not by any act of his, but of the Sixty-ninth in its ranks. The weather rather in opposition to his most energetic pro- here has been so excessively hot, that the tests, that the evils of which we complain are only really pleasant time for riding, or other inflicted upon the armed defenders of the violent exercise, is after nightfall—say from Union. Such, at least, is the current report starlight to dawn; and the Moonlight Brig- amongst those who profess to have the run of adge is organized so that its knights, or such Cabinet secrets, and all that we outsiders can details of them as may be made by the Grand see or hear tends strongly to confirm the ru­ Commander, shall serve in the saddle as vol­ mor. And now enough—perhaps too much— unteer scouts during the still watches between of grumbling. tattoo and reveille. Each knight on enter­ Brigadier Gen. Schenck, by the way, is ing the order is solemnly baptized with a new rather a fine-looking man, about fifty or fifty- name, Bishop Larry O'Toole (Capt. Patrick five years of age, with bluish-gray eyes, a Kelly) performing the ceremony, and all the square forehead, fair hair, reddish beard, initiated members assuming the responsibili­ very fair complexion, remarkable honesty of ties of god-fatherdom. There is a fine of one expression with some firmness, and rather bottle of champagne, or two bundles of cigars inclined to corpulency. Colonel McCooke upon any member who shall, during the (formerly a Lieutenant or Captain in the reg­ meetings or scouting parties of the Order, ular service), is " fat, fair and" thirty-two or call a brother by any other name save that three years old. He has a handsome, plea­ under which said brother shall have been re- sant face, very good teeth, bright and joyous baptized on his admittance. Many of these eyes, an immense expanse of breeches, and a names are amusing, and the fines for mis­ heart apparently as large. He could in no takes tend to supply our few convivial meet­ manner be considered responsible for the dis­ ings with plenty of the materials necessary aster of Vienna—having been absent on duty for moderate enjoyment. Capt. Meagher, as at the War Department when the advance President of the Order, is known as "Prince was ordered; and only overtaking the train Rory O'Moore." Lieutenant Bagley, Secre­ in which his men were cooped up, within tary and one of the best officers in the Sixty- about a mile and a half of Vienna, and only ninth, as "Jefferson Brick." Capt. Patrick two or three minutes before the masked bat­ Kelly is "Bishop OToole." Quartermaster tery opened. This battery, he tells me, fired Tully figures as "Goliath." Adjutant Mc- nineteen rounds, having three guns in posi­ Keon makes a burly representative of "Don tion and two in reserve. It was supported by Quixotte." Lieut. Connolly plays the part from 1,500 to 2,000 rebel troops, chiefly from of "Fion McCoughall" to advantage. Our Georgia and the Carolinas. None but the first good and virtuous friend, Commissary Down- two discharges took effect on the men, Col. ing, has been universally christened "Beel­ McCooke afterwards shifting the position of his command from one side of the road to the zebub." Lieutenant D. Homergue is "Fly- other, whenever he saw that the battery was Catcher." Capt. Quinlan, of the Engineers again getting near his range. He thanked (owing to a strawberry-bed story), "Don the Sixty-ninth Regiment for its prompt ap­ Juan." Lieut. McQuade is a sober "Too- pearance on that evening, and for the aid dles." Paymaster Kehoe, a most good-na- given by our doctors, Smith and Nolan, to his tured version of "Hudibras," with comic il- wounded. lustrations to no end. Lieut. Hart, having a strong poetical turn, sings songs and writes Lieut. Col. Nugent, I regret to say, met them under the venerable name of "Os- with a very serious accident last Tuesday, sian." Dr. Nolan is "Gadfly;" Dr. Barron while trying the speed of a new horse with effervesces as "Seidlitz Powder," while Paymaster Kilhoe. The horse has a trick of Dr. Smith, a pious and zealous child of rearing and falling back on its rider—Nugent the scalpel, has been given the high having been seriously, but not dangerously Irish title of "Damn-it,"—an old Milesian hurt by him in this way three or four days be­ word signifying "may his shadow increase!" fore. Last Tuesday, however, the horse Lieut. Wall, of the Zouave company, is while in full gallop stumbled over a stone and called "Cruikshanks," in honor of the fell heavily to the ground, dislocating the straightness of his legs. Lieut. Butler, "San- rider's shoulder, throwing the right collar­ bone out of its place, and inflicting a severe cho Panza," to commemorate the immense contusion on the left temple. Since that time quantity of flesh he has "put up" since feed­ our poor friend has been partially insensible, ing on "camp rations." Our friend Captain with occasional fits of mental wandering, his Breslin will live in history as the "White groans every now and again filling the camp Horse of the Peppers"—a motion that he be with grief, and our men paying their best called "Two White Horses" not receiving homage to him by volunteering a guard to the required two-thirds majority. Lieut. preserve perfect silence round the tent in McDermott is "Scout," and makes an ex­ which he lies. This accident is the more to cellent one. Lieut. Fay, Irish Tom's corre­ be regretted, as Nugent was just about spondent and embassador, responds to the hon­ obtaining, at least so rumor says, a captaincy orable title of "Hop-twice-and-go-constant." in the regular service—his highest object of The rubicund Capt. Clark has been styled ambition. It is to be hoped that he may soon "Lord Chatham," in reference to his states­ recover and receive the desired promotion. manlike acquirements. Lieut. Leddy is Certainly, while commissions are being scat­ "Timothy Doughnuts;" Lieut. McManus tered through other New York regiments, the "Billy Bowlegs," to distinguish him from Sixty-ninth should not be overlooked; and Lieut. Wall. On Lieut. Duffy the noble ap­ your correspondent would suggest to the pellation of "Bosthoon," being an Irish term Secretary of War, that Col. Corcoran should for "Great Adviser," has been conferred. have placed at his disposal a few of these Lieut. McMahon, a veteran of many fights substantial acknowledgments of the gratitude and now in charge of our artillery, is called professed in official circles for the services of "Blazer." Capt. James Kelly is "Friar the Sixty-ninth. Tuck." Capt. Cavanagh goes on his way This letter has already run to greater length rejoicing as "Lepprechaun." The name of than usual; and for this reason, superadded "Aminadab Sleek," but not the character, is borne by Lieut. Breslin; and Lieut. Fogarty is "Handy Andy." With these names, for the present, I must conclude,—hoping to give at some future time a "good account" of the Brigade, and feeling perfectly satisfied that the Brigade will give a good account of itself, if ever the opportunity should occur. H.

CAMP SONG OF THE SIXTY- NINTH. SCENE—"The Sacred Soil of Virginia." BY DICK OULAHAN.

I. From Malahide To Shannon side, From Malm Head to Bray, Our kindred dear Will proudly hear The tidings of the fray. They know we're here, in danger's van, Determined, loyal, to a man, And flanked by brave compeers ; Then let us win a glorious name, That Saxon Thugs may not defame The Irish Volunteers. II. Young, headlong braves, The Green Flag waves O'er foreign soil once more, As died in blood, It victor stood On Fontenoy, of yore. The birth-right of our gallant band, The danger to adopted laud And gift of famine years, Made every Celtic heart of steel Leap madly to the bearna boaghail, The Irish Volunteers! III. Our purpose high, To win or die For "Eire of the streams," Is still the hope That buoys us up And haunts the soldiers' dreams. But though we may not live to pee Thy shamrock hills, gra gal ma chree, The great Republic rears A countless host, of Gaelic blood, Who'll stand where once their father's stood, The Irish Volunteers. IV. Unconquered Flag! No foe shall drag Our starry standard down, If courage true And hands to do, Can reckless valor crown. Memento of a tyrant king, Bright beacon of our life's young spring! The rebel horde appears— Now, comrades, let your war-shout wild Proclaim, it still floats undefiled O'er Irish Volunteers!

Jack Wildey. This indomitable "hero of a hundred fights," dis- tinguished himself on Sunday last, by capturing one of the flags of the Sixty-ninth Regiment from two Rebels, who got hold of it somehow or another—pro­ bably they stole it from some dead men. The ex-foreman of Engine No. 11, however, knew the great value the Irish lads had for that green ban­ ner; and therefore he determined to take it away from them. He did so, by shooting both of the "cusses"—one being an officer, whose sword he also captured. Wildey carried the flag in triumph over four miles from the field, when falling in with one of the officers of the regiment, he gave it into his charge. We know this to be a fact beyond dispute.