The evening parade was usually witnessed by many spectators. The field where it was held was near the camps of the Third Army Corps, and the men from this organization usually assembled to watch the ceremony. The drum corps had been increased to forty-seven pieces, and became celebrated for its military marches.
The men, early in the summer, discarded the blue uniform for brown canvas, and with the ponchos worn white side out in a yoke from the left shoulder, presented in ranks a natty and business-like appearance. Their drill and marching was excellent, and upon all ceremonies and reviews they created a most favorable impression.
On July 8th Captain Jacob C. R. Peabody arrived in camp and assumed command of Company H. On July 11th Assistant Surgeon Thomas L. Jenkins resigned.
Late on July 14th, news was received that Santiago had fallen. A celebration was promptly inaugurated. The three regiments in the brigade interchanged marching calls, headed by their band or field music. As the Eighth marched through the camp of the Twelfth New York singing patriotic songs, they were received with a novel illumination, a man stood at the entrance of each tent holding a lighted candle. In the camp of the Twenty-First Kansas, speeches were made by the Colonels of both regiments, after which the Eighth returned to its camp.
On July 21st the camp was again stirred by the report that the regiment had been selected for Porto Rico, and would embark in a few days. There was much activity in camp securing requisitions for the men. General Brooke, who commanded the First Corps, left for Porto Rico, and some of the regiments of the corps reached that Island before the order was countermanded.
The dull routine of camp life, repeated disappointments in orders to move, continued excessive heat, rain and mud, and the prevalence of camp diseases, were fast impairing the efficiency of the First Corps. General Breckenridge who succeeded General Wade in command, immediately planned to break the monotony by a practice march. The Third Division was ordered on a march into Tennessee, and a detail was sent in advance to secure camp sites.
Pending this general movement, the Eighth was granted permission to make a short march to Pea Vine Ridge. The start was made at daybreak on July 19th along the Ringgold Pike, which had been traveled by Sherman in his march to Atlanta. The morning was spent in advanced guard work. The farmers along the route cherished unpleasant memories of Northern troops, and spent their time guarding live stock while the regiment remained in the vicinity. Camp was made at noon near the Craven House, and the afternoon was devoted to play. Many of the men dammed a mountain brook and spent the afternoon splashing in its pools.
The Craven House was occupied by an old sailor from Newburyport, Massachusetts, who had ended his sea days many years before, and had settled with a Georgia wife in the Pea Vine Valley. The old gentleman was filled with enthusiasm to see the regiment, when he learned it was from Massachusetts, and had a company from old Newburyport. Unfortunately Company A had been left in Chickamauga as a camp guard. After the camp was established, the Colonel called to pay his respects. The excitement of the day had been too much for the old gentleman, and he was found stricken with apoplexy.
The neighbors were too busy watching their property to render assistance, and a detail from the regiment cared for the old gentleman until he died that night.
As the day wore on and no raids were made by the Northern troops upon barns or hen houses, the farmers allowed their curiosity to overcome their fears, and visited camp. They were soon selling peaches, butter milk and sweet potato pies to the troops. These pies were christened "rubbernecks" by the men, and were held in light esteem, although heavy as lead.