My diary of rambles with the 25th Mass. volunteer infantry, with Burnside's coast division; 18th army corps, and Army of the James

II

Rambles with. JBy D. L. Day. „ 81:cloth^ _ (Milfprd, 1884I

CffurncU IttiograUg Stbrarg

Htljata, Hein ^orfe

THE JAMES VERNER SCAIFE

COLLECTION

CIVIL WAR LITERATURE

THE GIFT OF

JAMES VERNER SCAIFE

CLASS OF 1889

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OF

RAMBLES WITH THE

25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry,

EURNSIDE'S C0A8T DIVISION;

18th Army Corps,

ARMY OF THE JAMES.

V

BY D. L. DAY.

A.ltH-tl^

Copyrighted, 1883, By D. L. Day.

KING & BILLINGS, PRINTERS,

GAZETTE OFFICE,

MILFORD, . . MASS.

Introduction

While in the army, I kept a diary of my wanderings, observations and adventures. It was kept in the form of letters sent home, and with notes and memoranda in pocket diaries. It was simply incident and anecdote of what came under my observation, and with what I had to do; and from those letters and memoranda, I have compiled this book.

I had two objects in view in compiling it. The first was, I desired to show to my posterity the heroism, sacrifices, privations and hardships of their illustrious ancestor ; to transmit to them a country and a name, and the government of our fathers unimpaired. The other was, that getting a little past the age for labor, and as people have fussy notions in regard to foraging, something had to be done to recruit my commissariat, hence I write a book; and to all the old comrades, and to all purchasers of this book, who thereby help to smooth the cares and wrinkle s of my declining years, this little volume is respectfully dedicated

' By the Author,

D. L. Day.

Milford, Mass., February, 1884.

CHAPTER I. MiLFORD, Mass., Sept. 6, 1^61

THE BEGINNING.

Purs^iant to a call from President Lincoln for more troops in suppression of the great rebellion, a regiment is now being recruited in the city of Worcester for that service, and a company is being recruited here for th£|,t regiment. Believing that it is toosoon to divide the estate, and that too many different adrainiBtrations running at the same time might run amuck, and believing I should never feel quite satisfied with myself if I do not go, and believing with President Jackson, that the Union must and shall be preserved, I have this day enlisted in the company now being raised here. It would be useless for me to claim that I have en- ■ listed from purely patriotic motives, as no one would believe it ; and surely none would believe that I would enlist for the plain, thirteen dollars a month. So I may as well (fall it that I have enlisted partly from a love of adventure ; for the other part, peopleare at liberty to draw their own inferences.

The formation of this company was suggested by Mr. George- Draper, a patriotic and public spirited citizen of the town, whO' has given liberally of his means for its success ; his son also enlisting in the company. It has also received the aid and patronage of several other patriotic citizens, of the town.

Skpt. 24. Captain Clark has received orders to report with his company at \\(jri-ester, tomorrow. The thing seems to bebecoming a reality.

Sept. '1^. Under escort of the Milford Brass Band, we marched through a few of the principal streets to the depot. Here a large concourse of citizens had collected to give us their' best wi.shes, and see us off. W^ now began to realize some of the discomforts of a soldier's life. There not being passengercars enough tu accommodate us, we were crowded into two box freight cars for South Framingham, where we changed to passenger cars for Worcester. Arriving there, we marched to the city hall, where we took dinner. From there we marched to the agricultural grounds west of the city, where we ai'fe to encamp. This camp is named Camp Lincoln, in honor of Ex-Uovernor Lincoln of Worcester.

Sept. 26. Being the first company on the ground, and not having tents, we bivouacked last night^in Agricultural Hall. Sleeping on a hard pine board was new business to most of us, and Morpheus was courted in vain. The boys, however, made a frolic of the night, and more unearthly noises and'sounds never greeted.

e Mt Diary.

my ears. I think the rebels would never need hear the sound of our guns to frighten them, if they could hear sounds like thosei Several other companies arrived on the ground this morning, and this afternoon all hands are busy pitching tents.

Sept. 27. Ten companies are now on the ground. Colonel Upton made us a visit today. He is to be our commander. I have known the colonel for suveral years past at our mditia musters. He commanded the old 9th regim-nt, one wliich sttpd second to none in the state. I regard the colonel as a very fine man, and an able military commander. Under his commind I have no fears but that our regimint will make a record that not o'nly themselves, but the state will be proud of.

Oct. 7. We were today mustered into the service of the United States, by Captain John M. Goodhue, U. S. A. The company is designated as Company B, and the regimant' as the 25th Massachusetts volunteers. I suppose we are now stuck for three years unless sooner shot.

, COL. UPTON TAKES COMM.VN'D.

Oct. 8. Col. Upton assumed command of the regiment today, and will at once set about perfecting the organization and discipline. The officers are;

FIELD A^D STAFF.

Colonel, .... Edwin Upton, Fitchburg.

Lieutenant Colonel, . Augustus B. R. Sprague, 'Worcester.

Major, . I . • . Matthew J. Mc Cafforty, Worcester.

Adjutant, . . . Elijah A. Harkness, Worcester.

Quartermaster, . . William O. Brown, Fitohburg.

Surgeon, ... J. Marcus Rice, M. D., Worcester.

Company A. Captain, Jo,siah Picket, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant, Frank E. Goodwin, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, Merritt B. Bessey, Worcester.

Company B. Captain, Willard Clark, Milford. 1st Lieutenant, William Emery, Milford. 2d Lieutenant, William F. Diaper, Milford.

Company C.» Captain, Cornelius G. Atwood, Boston. Isl Lieutenant, James Tucker, Boston. 2d Lieutenant, Merrick i'. Prouty, Spencer.

Company D. Captain, Albert F. Foster, Worcester. 1st "Lieutenant, George S. Campbell, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, George H. Spaulding, Worcester.

Company E. Captain, Thomas O'Neill, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant) William Daly, Woicester. 2d Lieutenant, Henry McConville, Worcester.

Company F. Captain, Charles H. Foss. Fitchburg. 1st Lieutenant, Levi Lawrence, Fitchburg. • 2d Lieutenant, .J. Henry Rfchardson, Fitchburg.

Company G. Captain, Louis Wagely, Worcester. 1st Lieutenant, Henry M. Rickster, Worcester. 2d Lieutenant, Frederic M. Weigand, Worcester.

Company H. Captain, Orson Moulton. Worcester. 1st Lieutenant, David Jl. Woodward, Worcester. 2d l^ieutenant, Nathaniel JH. Foster, North Brookfield.

Company" I.. Captain, Varanus P. Parkhurst, Templeton. 1st Lieutenant, James B. Smith, Royalston. 2d Lieutenant. Amos Buffom, Templeton.

C0MP.4.NY K. Captain, J. Waldo Denny,- Worcester. 1st Lieutenant, Samuel Harrington, Paxton. 2d Lieutenant, James M. Drennau, Worcester.

Most of these officers and many of the enlisted men have ■done military duty either in the state militia, or as three-months men around Washington. So we are not an entirely green , crowd. The officers are a fine looking hody of young men, and I think, with a little flattery and catering to their vanity, we ghall get along nicely with them.

Oct. 12. The boys are settling down to the routine of military duty, and getting accustomed to camp life. They take kindly to discipline, and see\a anxious to learn the drill.

PBESENTATIONS.

Presentations are the order of theday. The adjutant has had a hoi"se presented him by his firemen friends. A great, stout, clumsy, g(<od-natured horse. I should think he was better adapted for hauling a tire engine than for a parade horse, but perhaps will answer the purpose well enough.

The major's friends have also presented him with a liorse. A good kind of horse enough. Nothing very stylish or dashy about him for a war charger, but perhaps he can smell the battle as far as any horse. The major, in a clever little speech, assured his friends that they would never hear of the nag's striking his best gait to the rear. The major being a man of immense rotundity, I imagine that the horse after carrying him a couple of hours, would feel willing to give boot to go into the ranks rather than remain on the staff.

The Worcester ladies, with commendable patriotism, have presented us with a splendid silk banner (thg national colors), and have enjoined us to carry it with us in our wanderings, and return it again to them without dishonor. And we have swoi'n by a thousand stout hearts and bright bayonets, that that banner shall float above the battlements of secession anl be again returned to them, crowned with the laurel wreaths -oi victory. And when anyd the flame' and thunder of the battle, we look on its bright folds, remembering its fair donors, rush to victory and fflory.

* •' SPECULATIOXS.

Our time is being occupied with drills and receiving company, with which we are highly, favored and are ' always glad to see. The boys are having leave of absence, and are visiting their homes preparatory for their departure south. Many are the speculations among the boys as to onr destination, but no one seems to know anything about it. I tell them I think we shall go to Dixie.

SELECTING A CHAPLAIN,

After hearing several candidates for the (jffice of chaplain, they have finally settled on llev. Horace James, pastor of the old South church, Worcester. I think they have shown good judgment in selecting a chaplain of the orthodox faith, as no one visiting our camp for an hour could doubt their belief in the existence of the burning lake by the way they consign each other to that locality.

THE LADIES.

The pretty girls, God bless their souls, are always first and foremost in every good work, and they are now in session at Agricultural Hall, busily at work for the soldiers. They are making repairs and alterations in our uniforms, sewing on chevrons and doing whatever small jobs of needlework we may desire- They have also furnished us with needles, thread, wax, buttons, pincushions, pins and other small articles which we may need. For all of which they will please accept the warmest emotions of grateful hearts.

WB LEAVE WOECESTEE.

Oct. 31. It seems that at last we have been ordered from these cold, frosty climes, to a warmer and more genial one — the Sunny South. After partaking of a collation furnished by the ladies at the hall, at 3 p. m. we broke camp, and taking all our worldly effects upon our backs, preceded by our band, marched through Highland and Main streets to the common, where we took cars for New York. At the common we were met by a large concourse of citizens, friends and relatives of the regiment, who took us by the hand, giving us words of encouragement and a hearty God bless you.

Here were leave takings that required some nerve to suppress the rising tear. Pi-obably some-of us have seen our friends for the last time on earth, and bade them the last good-bye. But we will go forward to duty, trusting in God, and hoping for the best.

Nov. 1. We left Worcester about 5 o'clock last evening. Arriving at Norwich, we went aboard the large and spleijdid. steamer Connecticut, the' regiment numbering one thousand and thirty, with all our horses, wagons and camp equipage. The staunch steamer bore us rapidly across the sound, landing us in New I'ork about 9 o'clock this morning.

After disembarking and forming the regiment, we marched amid a perfect storm of applause and the New Yorker's peculiar "hi! hi!" to the City Hall park. A guard was then posted and. the regiment dismissed until drum call. A committee of gentlemen waited on the colonel, inviting him, his officers and the band, to a dinner at the Astor House. After they had gone, we fellows, by invitation, marched into the park barrack*, to regale ourseh es on mutton sonp. And in all fairness, I must say that a worse soup or dirtier surroundings never came under my observation. I didn't hanker for niiy, and beat a hasty retreat. If that soup didn't smell to heaven, it must have attained a high altitude above 1hv city. Fortunnlo New Yorkers, th;'t dwell in basements. I suppost" the evening" jiajjers will have it that the 25th JLassachusetts regiment dined r.t the Astor House. So we shall get the name, if we missed the turkey. Feeling inclined to take a stroll and see the sights of the hig city (the guards not being very effective), it was an easy matter to break the bounds, and we had things our own way until about 4 o'clock, when the regiment was again formed.

MARCHING DOW]*. BROADWAY.

With an easy, swinging gait, in column of platoons, we marched down Broadway, looking the very soul of soldiery, and were greeted with a perfect ovation all along the foute, until we reached the Jersey City ferry, -when we crossed to Jersey City, and took cars for -Philadelphia.

A STREAK OF LUCK.

Wliile waiting in the cars at Jersey City, the depot and platforms were -crowded with people, all anxious to see and talk with us. Happening to have a seat next to the window, a gentleman engaged me in conversation; He asked all manner of questions about the regiment, and among others, if we were well provided for, meaning, I supposed, with clothing, blankets, rations, etc. I said we seemed to be well provided with everything, except perhaps the sinews of war; in that direction 1 thought we were rather weak. On hearing that, he drew from the depths of his ' panta^ loons pocket, a couple of half dollars and tendered me, which I accepted with many thanks, and best wishes for his health and happiness. That was true patriotism; good fellow! long may you wave.

BREAKF.V.ST IN PHILADELPHIA.

Nov. 2. Anivccl in Philadelphia at 1 a. m. ; were met at, the depot by a committee of the citizens, and escorted to the old cooper-shop saloon, where we took breakfast. Our reception here was in striking contrast withv that in New York, yesterday. Instead of dark, gloomy, dirty barracks, with dirty, insolent attendants, we were ta,ken to a large, clean, well-lighted hall, where we were met by a corps of neat, well-dressed and courteous attendants, both ladies and gentlemen, who seemed to vie with each other in their attentions to our wants. The tables were neatly spread, and contained even more than reasonably hungry men could desire. We had boiled corned beef, tongue, ham, brown and white bread, butter, pies, cake, fruit, tea, coffee, milk, etc. Not satisfied with our eating all we wanted, they emptied our haversacks, and filled them with ham, tongue, bread, cake and apples, remarking at the same time, that soldiers couldn't carry salt mule and hardtack throurfi Phiftldelphia.

BreakMst over, we then had music by our band, and some short remarks by gentlemen ])resent, after which three cheers were_proposed for the Philadelphians, wiich were given with a will. The regiment now re-formed for a march acH'S* the city, to take the cars for Baltimore. As our band stnii'k uji the niusi'-,

10 Mr DrAEY.

side flew up, and put peeved hundreds of heads, in their scantily arranged toilets, and with wild hurralis and waving- handkerchiefs, cheered us on our way. At 4 a. in., we were aboard the cars and moving towards Baltimore.

I "was informed that all troaps passing through Philadelphia were received and fed in thi» same generous manner. It makes no difference when troops arri\e, whether day or night, they are ready for them._ They seem to find out, either by telegraph or some other wayj just when a regiment will arrive. I must needs say that these Philadelphians are a generous, whole souled people. They ai-e worth fighting for, in fact they are the very ace of hearts; may prosperity attend them.

ARRiVAi. AT Baltimore.

Nov. 3. We reached Havre de Grace about noon. A heavy storm has set in. It is raining hard and the wind blows a gale. We crossed the Susquehanna river at this place, on a big steam ferry boat, and I must confess to some fears, as I looked from the car windows down to the water, a distance of nearly fifty feet, and wondered ' why we did not capsize. Here I saw a government mule pen. Several acres are enclosed, and I was told that the pen contained about 10,000 mules. A large number of ne^ groes are employed taking care of them. I think this must be a base of sap])lies. After waiting here an hour or so to make up our train, we again started. An hour's ride brought us to the famous gun])owder bridge, which crosses an arm of Chesapeake bay, not far from Baltimore. This bridge the rebels attempted to burn, and partially succeeded. Many of the charred timbers are still to, be seen on the bridge. There we saw the first soldiers on duty, a ])icket guard being kept here to protect the bridge. We reached Baltimore about 3 p. m., and left the cars in the midst of a drenching rain, and marched about a mile through the rain and wind, to tlie steamboat landing, the band playing The Campbells Are Coining. No boat being in readiness to take us to Annapolis, Col. Upton told the captains of companies that they must find quarters for their men, and be ready for an early start in the morning. Captain Clark obtained a loft in a grain store for his comjiany, where we passed the night very comfortably.

Nov. 4. Sunday morning in Baltimore, and a stiller crv more quiet place I never sa w. No sounds are heard, no people .or carriages are seen in the street. It looks and seems like a deserted city. We took a hurried glance at a portion of the city, visiting Pratt street, where tlie assault on the 6th MassachtJ>Ptls took place. The bullet holes and scars on the walls of the buildingSj gave proof tliat the boys got a good deal interested, while passing through that street. ' .

OFF FOR ANXAPOLIS.

We embarked on the steamer Louisiana, about 9 a. m., for Annapolis. As we steamed past old Fort McHenry, I was reminded of an interesting scrap of history connected with this fort. When the British fleet bombarded this fort during th^ last war with England^ there was aboard one of the ships, an American p;i-i8pner, a Mr. Key, I think his name was, who watched with the most intense anxiety, the resnit of the "bombardment, and during its progress, wrote the song that has since become famous as one of our national anthems. The Star Spangled Banner.

"By the cannon's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night, tliat our flag was still there." Arrived at Annapolis about noon, and marched up to the Naval academy, where we quartered and took dinner with the 21st Massachusetts, now doing garrison duty at this post.

Religious services this afternoon, by Cliajtlains Bal! of the 21st and James of our own regiment. I cannot say that I was much interested in the meeting, "as I was very tired, and preaching about the Pharisees and other antiquated, sinners of a thousand years ago, did not seem to apply to ray case, or the ]iresent time.

C.VMP Hincs.

Nov. 5. Went into ■ camp on Taylor's farm, about a mile west of the city, and Col. I''pton has christened it Camp Hicks, in honor of Gov. Hicks, the present loyal governor of Maryland. The 51st New York is encamped near by us, and that regiment, with the 21st Massachusetts, were the only troops here before us. •Nov. 11. We are now fairly settled in camp life. Several other regiments from Massachusetts and other states are now with us, and drills, inspections and reviews are the order of the day. One can scarcely get time to wash his face, and take, as Gen. Scott said, a hasty plate of soup, before the drum calls to some kind of duty. *

Nov. 16. Here it is the middle of November, and the weather is most delightful. No frosts, but a. warm, mellow atmosphere like our Indian summer in October. It is beautiful, indeed; I am charmed with it. While our farmers in New England are putting up and feeding their cattle in barns, the cattle here are lu.xuriating in white clovCr, young, sweet and tender enough to suit the most fastidious taste of any of the cattle on a thousand hills. The farmers about here are harvesting their crops of corn and sweet potatoes, some of which are very fine. Som'e of the boys brought in some egg plants which grow about here. I never saw any before, but am told they aVe very good, when properly cooked. I am riot disposed to doubt it, never having eaten any of them, but I cannot belieVe they would make good egg nog.

We begin to see a little something of the peculiar institution, — slavery. There are a great many negroes strolling around the camps, most of them runaways, and as ^Maryland is supposed to be a loyal state, we have no right to take sides and afEord them protection. But w? have adopted a kind of English neutrality, although not giving them much protection, we give them whatever information they desire. The masters and hunters are frequently here, looking up their boys, as they call them, and we generally manage to- put them on the wrong track and then run the boys into other camps, and they run them into the woods.

Our regiment was yesterday inspected and reviewed by Brig. Gen. John G. Foster. We put in our best work, and tried to make the best appearance we could. The general seems to be a man who understands his business. At a single glance he takes a man and his equipments all in; looks at his rifle, passes it back and goes for the next one. He complimented Col. Upton on the good drill and appearance of his regiment, and flattered his vanity a little by telling him that with a little more practice his regiment woufd be as near regulars as it would be possible to bring a volunteer regiment.

Nov. 20. Yesterday, having a day to myself, I visited Annapolis. I was greatly interested in visiting the old State House on account of the historic memories that cluster around it. I was shown up in the hall where Washington, in December, 1783, resigned his commission in the army to the Continental congiess, then in session at this place. His resignation was a very solemn and formal affair, and as I stood in this venerable hall, my thoughts went back to those grand old days when our fathers struggled for independence. At the close of the revolution, Maryland offered to cede Annapolis as the Federal capital, but it was "thought best to select a site on the Potomac river. Annapolis was originally designed as a great place, being the capital of the state, and possessing a fine harbor with a great depth of water, and long before Baltimore was at all noted, was the seat of wealth, refinement and extensive trade; but it is now chiefly ' distinguished as the seat of the United States Naval academy. The state house and Episcopal church are located in the centre of the city, and from these radiate all the streets.

To the eye of {he stranger, the antique, moss-covered and vine-ilad houses, with their deep embrasured windows and peculiar architecture, present a singular apjiearance. The Naval academy and Episcopal college present a striking contrast to the rest of the town. The buildings are large and of modern style, the grounds around them sjjacious and tastefully laid out. The Naval academy, located on the west side of the town, comprises an area of several acres, enclosed by a high brick wall. The buildings, of which there are several, are located partly on the water side, the balance on the east side next to the wall. The wharfage and boat houses are extensive and commodious. On the north side, and commanding the harbor, is an old brick building with a few port holes, and mounting a few old iron guns. This I hoy call the fort, and I should suppose a few shots fromone of our gunboats would level it to the ground. The. jjark is beautifully laid out with drives and walks, and adorned with a great variety of forest andornameutal trees. The grounds and trees, however, are being sadly damaged by the soldiers and by driving army wagons across.

Hsre are also several handsome monuments erected in memory of depaited naval heroes, among which I may mention one erected in honor of the gallant Capt. Herndon. It is a plain granite shaft, about twenty feet high, and on each of the four sides is engraved simfily the name, Herndon. I noticed this more p.irticuhirly, as I remembered the circumstances of his death. He ranked as lieutenant in the navy, bvit at the time of his death, in September, 1857, was in command of the steamer Central America, of the New York and California line. The Central America was on her passage from Aspinwall for New York, when she foundered during a -terrible storm off Cape Hatteras, and out of 6(10 persons on hoard, only '200 were saved. Cant. Herndon superintended the getting off of as many of his passengers as he could, and the last words he was heard to utter were, "I will never leave the ship until my passengers are all off," and standing on the wheel house, went down with his vessel! > Brave, g:;llant Herndon !

Nov. 22. The first death in our regiment occurred this morning. John Shepard of Obmpany T? died of tyjjhoid fever. His remains will be sent to his home in Alilford for burial.

THANKSGIVING.

Nov. 30. According to the cu.stoms of our Puritan Fathers, last Thursdaj' was observed in Massachusetts and other states as a day of thanksgiving to God, for his manifold mercies and bounties to the erring children of men. The da;#was observed here throughout all the camps as a holiday. All di-ills were suspended, and in our camp religious services were held, after which the boys engaged in ball j)laying and other amusements to which their inclinations might lead. Although deprived of joining our fi-iends at home in their festivities anfj meeting them around the dear old board, it seems we were not forgotten. Our thanksgiving dinners are just beginning to arrive, and our camp is literally piled up with boxes and bales containing good things from the dear ones at home.

, THE TROOPS BEIGAOED.

Dkc. 2. The troops encamped around here have been formed into three brigades, and will be commanded by Brigadier Generals Foster, lieno and Parke ; the whole to be under command of Gen. A. E. Piurnside and known as Burnside's coast division. Our regiment has been assigned thesright of the first brigade, comprising the 25th, 2Bd, 24th and 'iZth M-iss-ichusetts and 10th Connecticut regiments, under command of Brig. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. A. I think we are fortunate in our commander, as he appears to me like a man who understands his business. Gen.

^UI ryiAKY.

Foster is a regular army officer, ranking as captain of engineeri He served in the Mexican war, and was with Major Anderson a the storming and surrender of Fort Snmpter. He has recent!] been commissioned brigadier general of volunteers. Judging from appearances, I have great faith in him as an able commander

COUETS MAETIAL.

Dei;. 5. Courts martial seems to be a prominent feature ii camp affairs just at present, and almost every night at dress pa rade the charges and specifications are read against some unluck] wight. The burden of the song seems to be too drunk to per form the duties of a soldier ; but as this is a camp of instruction I presume these coui'ts are really more for practice than anything else.

A WALK INTO THE COUNTRY.

Dec. 10. The weather holds warm and springlike. Wc have no need of overcoats, unless doing guard duty nights. Thi peojile liere tell us it is an unusually mild fall, but that we shal get right smart lots of cold and snow before many days. I tool a walk of a few miles into the country yesterday, on a tour o observation. I noticed what appeared to me a great extent o good laud, but very badly improved. Occasionally I saw a farn where things seemed to be kept up snug and showed some evi deuces of thrift, but more of them looked as though the owner studied to see how shiftless they could be and still manage to live Buildings and fences are going to decay; fields of corn are ye unliarvested, the cattle and hogs running through and destroying them. I asked one man why he didn't harvest his corn. "Oh," hi said, "there is no hurry about that, I have got all winterto do it in and the corn is just as well off in the field as anywhere." I eami to the conclusion that his plan of harvesting was about as .fast a he wanted it *d eft. I s.aid to another man I met, "You have goo( land about here, sir ; easy of cultivation and close to a market. ''. sui)pose you make a pile of money ?" "Oh, no," he said, "yoi are mistaken; right poor land about yere, one can hardly make i living on it, but you go over yere a few miles to ?ome creek [thi name of which I have forgotten], and you will find right gooc land ; make as much again corn on it as you can on this." I asked "What do you value this land at?" "Well," he replied, "wi reckon the land around yere worth about $10 an acre ; reckoi some of it mought be bought for a little less, but the land arounc Annapolis is worth from s25 to $50 an acre," I made up m; mind that a man with an ordinary degree of enterprise,, with ou" improved implements for farming and with hired labor, migh take this land and make money on it. I am un.able to see an' profits from slave labor in Maryland ; it is poor help at the best besides they have to be clothed and fed several months in a yea during which time they are not e.arning much, and there is alway on a farm employing a dozen ■ or more field hands, a lot of oh men and women and small children who are not eariimg anything, bnt still have to be supported.