The paymaster put in an appearance July 15th. The Troop lined up and received their portions of hard-earned government money, and then promptly turned the cash over to the Quartermaster. In the afternoon General Butler honored the Troopers by riding out especially to watch their drill, and he warmly commended Captain Groome for the fine showing of the cavalry.
CHAPTER V.
CAMP ALGER AND NEWPORT NEWS.
At retreat roll call, on the evening of July 15th, an example was given of the affectionate regard the rest of the Pennsylvania Militia feel and show toward the Philadelphia horsemen. The battalion of State Fencibles, which formed a portion of the Sixth Regiment, marching in fours, came tramping into the Troop's street. Once there they halted and gave repeated cheers for the cavalrymen. Then away they trudged, after being assured that their compliment was appreciated by the Troopers. Two members of the City Troop served on the Provost Guard the night of the 16th, and great was their amazement, when, amid the drunks and disorderly prisoners turned over to their charge, they found a chaplain. He was escorted to the guard house by a very disgusted squad.
That same night, Private Robert Fell returned to camp, after two weeks confinement at his home with a kicked knee. His place on sick report was taken by Private Rowland, who had been slightly ill for several days, although he kept that information to himself until scarcely able to stand upon his feet.
Inspection of arms and equipments of the Troopers came on Saturday, and, as the arms just issued were uniformly dirty, a large number of the men put in an hour or two of hard cleaning and polishing. In the evening a dozen of the City Troopers attended the Camp Alger Theatre, the tent for which had been pitched right at the foot of the company's street. The price at that popular resort was twenty-five cents for all seats, and the audience generally contained two rows of Troopers, who joined heartily with the vaudeville performers in singing the choruses and making things lively. Every feature was first-class in all respects, and good temper always prevailed on and off the stage.
An incident occurred at the Theatre that night, which served to show the frame of mind of the American volunteers. A portion of the performance consisted of an exhibition of moving pictures. Finally a large flag was thrown on the sheet, and the man in charge said:
"There's the flag you are fighting for, boys!"