SIXTY-SECOND REGIMENT, N. Y. S. V. (ANDERSON ZOUAVES).

Harrison’s Landing, July 14. 

Prospects of the Union Army—Grog Courage—Tribute to the first United States Chasseurs—Changes in  the Anderson Zouaves officers—Want of Civility at Adams Express Branch Office, etc., etc. 

After our seven days’ hard fighting we have rested our weary bones at last. We have been on the fight and march ever since the 25th of June. We expected to spend the Fourth in Richmond. Our prospects are, however, brighter now than ever. Some may think this last battle a defeat, but those who were engaged in it do not think so. To them that survived it, it is a victory, and soon to tell the tale of the fall of the capital of the Southern Confederacy. Many a rebel in Richmond to-day can tell a terrible tale. Not on the face of the earth is there another army that could stand before such fearful odds; for they outnumbered us three to one, and before they went to fight they were made reckless but the use of liquor. There was proof enough of that. They were senseless with drink. They would walk up to the mouth of a cannon by regiments and brigades, but only to fall in tens and twenties. That is the way that Southern chivalry fights. The army of the Potomac has more confidence at the present than ever they had in their noble leader, Little Mac. Also, they place confidence in General Keyes and other generals. The battles of White Oak Creek and Marvin Hills1were short, but desperate, and the enemy knows it well, for they were in for the largest share.

I wish to call your attention to the First Chasseurs. They about as good a regiment as there is in the service. They fought well at Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, and nobly did they do their duty at the above named battles.

There has been quite a change since the death of our gallant colonel (Riker) at the Battle of Fair Oaks. Lieutenant-Colonel D. J. Nevins is now colonel, and Major Oscar V. Dayton (better known as Little Put) is lieutenant-colonel but the title of major will always stick to him. Through the thickest of the fight little Put was always to be found at his post. I regret to say that he was wounded in the last battle, but a few days rest will find the little hero at his post. Captain Hubbell, of Company B, being senior captain, was promoted major. The courage and conduct of Captain Ackerman of Company A, cannot be surpassed in the volunteer service. I regret to say that he was wounded. We wish him luck and a speedy return to his command. All of the officers behaved in a like manner. As for the conduct of the regiment, it is not for me to say; its future conduct on the battle-field will speak for itself. Self-praise is no recommendation. One thing, there is many a rebel in Richmond to-day that will recommend their friends to stand clear of the A. Zs. So far we have been very lucky. In the battle of Williamsburg we did not loose over twelve, killed and wounded, and at the battle of Fair Oaks we lost seventeen, killed and wounded. Our loss at the last battle will not exceed fifty, killed, wounded, and missing. So we consider ourselves very lucky. We had the pleasure of seeing Uncle Abe the other day. The boys were glad to see him, and gave him three times three and a round of twenty-one howitzers, which the old gentleman seemed pleased to hear. Him and Little Mac rode over the camps together, loudly cheered wherever they went. There is something up. Look out Sesech – Uncle Abe’s around. I would like to call your attention to the delivery-checks of Adams Express at this landing. There are men in this and other regiments that I know to have things shipped on that line eighteen and twenty days. And what is the consequence? When they present their receipts, everything but a civil answer. A soldier cannot get a pass every day to go to the express office, and the consequence is, that they have to return back to camp, no wiser or no better off than when he left it. I think that the proprietors of the office should be acquainted of these facts, and show a poor soldier half a sight. It is you and your paper that we of the army of the Potomac depend upon for our rights. You attend to our wants, and we will attend to Sesech.

I must close, hoping that my next letter will be written on the dome of the rebel capital. 

Yours, Hudson.