Every battle-field on which the Army of the Potomac was engaged, from Mechanicsville, June 26. 1862, to Bethesda church, June 30. 1864, drank of the noblest blood, the state could afford, when these men fell.
CHAPTER III.
"On To The Front."
amp Wayne was left behind, on July 21st, when the First regiment with other Reserve troops, were ordered to rendezvous at Harrisburg, on their way to the front.
All along the way, from the latter place, the people were in the rage of excitement, owing to the disaster at Bull-run, the previous day, (21st,) and when we reached Baltimore, a delegation of the city authorities and police, waited on Col. Roberts, who was in command of all troops then moving to the front, and urged him not to attempt a passage through the city. Our commanders characteristic reply was, "Gentlemen! we have not come down here hunting for safe places, my men are thoroughly equipped, and will march through the city."
On the morning of the 23rd, we advanced through the city, the only peculiarity, noticeable, being the scarcity of Baltimore fire-eaters and plug-uglies.
Having passed through the heart of the city without any disturbance whatever, we camped on Carroll Hill, in the suburbs, and here on the 24th of July, we were mustered into the U. S. Service, for three years or during the war.
July 26th, the non-Commissioned officers were increased to 5 sergeants, and 8 corporals, A. L. C. Woods being appointed 5th sergeant, and S. A. Young, I. N. Durboraw, I. M. Brandon and H. W. Caufman, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th corporals, respectively.
On the 28th, we left this camp, and marched toward Washington D. C. but at Annapolis Junction we, with three other companies of the regiment, went into camp, while the ballance of the regiment went to Annapolis.