Six hours were allotted each day to drilling, though, owing to the absence of arms, the men were confined, during the entire time of sojourn at Elmira, to the rudimentary principles of the manual. Books, newspapers, and other reading material, purchased and contributed by various benevolent associations, whiled away many hours which would otherwise have hung heavily.
Meanwhile our forces were being massed on the Potomac, and the men became anxious to depart for the seat of war. They had enlisted to fight the rebels at once, and, unexperienced as they were in military matters, could not understand the necessity of devoting so much time to preparation. Not that they chafed under discipline, but longed to be up and at the miscreants who had dared to fire on their country’s flag, and were then menacing its capital.
Friday, July 3d, the Regiment was drawn up in front of the barracks, and Captain Sitgreaves, a regular officer, proceeded to muster it by companies into the United States’ service for two years, dating from May 22d, the time at which it was organized.
All those who desired to do so, were permitted to visit their homes on the 4th, with the understanding that they should return immediately. Arms and equipments were for the first time furnished on the 6th and 7th, and preparations made for an immediate departure to Washington, via Harrisburg. A long train of freight and cattle cars were drawn up to receive the men, but Col. Taylor declined to “embark” his command in any such vehicles, and passenger cars were furnished in their stead.
CHAPTER III.
Departure for Washington.—Patriotism of the Williamsport Ladies.—Arrival at the Capital.—Camp Granger.—Destroying a Liquor Establishment.—“Cleaning-out” a Clam Peddler.—Review by Governor Morgan.—First Death in the Regiment.—First Battle of Bull Run.—Changes among the Officers.
About noon on Tuesday, the 8th, the Companies marched down to the depot, preceded by the Elmira Cornet Band, which had been attached to the Regiment. Two hours later they moved away, amidst tremendous cheering from the assembled multitude, waving of handkerchiefs, throwing of bouquets, &c.
On reaching Williamsport, Pa., the ladies of the place crowded around the cars, showering oranges, apples, cakes and other edibles upon the men, filling their canteens with coffee, and in other ways displaying their patriotism and hospitality. They will long be held in grateful remembrance by the Regiment. Passing through Harrisburg the train reached Baltimore about noon, the men marching through the streets with fixed bayonets to the Washington Depot.
When within about fifteen miles of Baltimore, some fifty of the officers and men, who had gone in search of water on the stoppage of the train, were left, much to their own chagrin and the amusement of the Regiment. Arriving in Washington at three o’clock P.M., the Companies formed and proceeded down Pennsylvania Avenue to the various quarters assigned them. It rained fiercely that afternoon, and they were glad enough to get under shelter, without waiting to gratify their curiosity by an inspection of the Capitol buildings.