In the afternoon the Auburn Companies, together with the DeWitt Guard, paraded for nearly two hours, after which each Company was practiced in the Battalion movements; the DeWitt Guard taking the lead. Each Company displayed a thorough discipline in military tactics, the movements being of almost mathematical precision. In the evening the Company were the guests of Doctor Willard, and was splendidly entertained at his beautiful residence on Genesee street. The Doctor is a model gentleman; truly did we enjoy his hospitality. From his residence we were marched to that of Captain Dodge of the Willard Guard, where a splendid reception was given in honor of the DeWitt Guard. Here we were honored with the society of some of Auburn's fairest daughters, their influence on us being such as (in the language of our worthy Chaplain, Rev. W. C. Steel) to make some willing captives. The Company returned late in the evening to their Head-Quarters, highly pleased with their evening's entertainments. Thursday morning the Company was marched to some of the principal residences, paying our compliments to those of whom we had been the honored guests the evening previous. The hour of two P. M. having arrived, the time for our departure, we were escorted to the Depot by the military Companies together with many citizens. Hon. A. Wells extending our thanks to the soldiers and citizens of Auburn, for the kindness shown us during our visit with them. Rev. Mr. Steel following in a few beautiful and appropriate remarks, during which tears were seen to fall from the eyes of some of the soldiery. We had won many friends; the hour of separation had arrived; nothing could be more expressive than the falling of a tear, the utterance of the soul, simple yet unexpressed; no language could be more eloquent. We entered the cars amid many cheers, having had proof that pleasures enjoyed excel pleasures anticipated.
After a pleasant return trip on the lake, we were much surprised to find our own good citizens in large numbers, together with a Company of Cavalry and the entire Fire Department, at the landing ready to receive us, and escort us to our homes. We were received with a beautiful and eloquent speech by Marcus Lyon, Esq., which was responded to by our Chaplain, Rev. W. C. Steel. Were marched through the principal streets to our Armory, highly pleased with our trip. Long will this excursion be remembered by the DeWitt Guard; our hearts having been united to the soldiers and people of Auburn by those bonds of friendship which time shall never efface."
John C. Hazen, Secretary.
The 50th Regiment National Guard, consisting of Company A, Captain P. J. Partenheimer, Company D, of Trumansburgh, Captain Belnap, and Company I, of Havanna, Captain Mulford, the Regiment commanded by Colonel H. A. Dowe, encamped at Ithaca, September 5th, 1859. On Friday were inspected by General Segoine, of Auburn, and Adjutant Van Voorhees, of Ithaca. The weather was fine during the encampment, every thing passed off pleasant and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Long will Camp Burnett be remembered by the members of the DeWitt Guard. January 4th, 1860, Colonel A. E. Mather was elected a member of this Company, but was never mustered in. June 4th, 1861, the Company paraded and escorted the Dryden Volunteers to the Depot.
July 3d the Company was presented with a handsome stand of colors by Sergeant John C. Hazen. April 2d, 1861, the Company tendered their services to the General Government. August 6th, 1862, escorted volunteers to the Depot; three hearty cheers were given by the members of the DeWitt Guard, for those of their number who had volunteered in the service of their country. September 28th attended the funeral of Lieutenant Marsh, at McLean, who was killed in the army. October 28th, 1862, were inspected at Trumansburg. December 3d Captain Blood introduced the Bayonet Drill. February 22d, 1863, was celebrated by the Company by a parade, and a supper in the evening at the Clinton House. March 19th attended the funeral of Peter J. Hausner, a soldier who died from disease contracted while in the army. June 17th, 1863, the Company the second time offered their services to the Government. June 22d the Company paraded in honor of the returning volunteers, and escorted them through the streets of our village. July 1st attended the funeral of Lieutenant Avery, at Farmerville, who was killed in the army. Celebrated the 4th day of July, 1863, by an excursion to Long Point, at which place the Company engaged in target practice with both muskets and artillery. Annual parade, inspection and review at Ithaca, October 21st, 1863. Were inspected by General William Glenny and Colonel H. A. Dowe, since promoted to Brigadier General. The Company had another target practice same day. Washington's Birth-day, February 22d, 1864, was celebrated by a parade and supper in the evening at Gregory's. April 25th, 1864, the Company for the third time offered their services to the General Government. July 4th paraded and had target practice. Aug. 28th, the Co. was accepted by the Gen'l Gov't for 100 days' service at Elmira.
Sept. 2d, 1864.—The Company assembled at the Armory at 6 o'clock, A. M., with tears in their eyes and carpet-sacks in hand, to march for Elmira. Headed by their gallant Captain, they proceeded silently to the Depot, where the parting was truly heart-rending, and the Secretary, in order to hide his feelings, was forced to take refuge in a freight car, and solace himself with a fresh chew of Mike Wick's best. The voyage was safely performed, the only cause of complaint being the rye treatment which some of the men received at Willseyville.
The grand entree at Elmira was made at about two o'clock, P. M., where we were received in behalf of the United States by the brilliant and dashing Captain Colby, of the 58th, by whom, assisted by Drum-Major Robinson's justly celebrated martial band, we were escorted to Barracks No. 1.
On entering the portals of this haven of rest, our ears were saluted with cries of Fresh Fish. Our inexperienced eyes searched eagerly on every side for this delectable delicacy, but we failed to discover it. The future movements of the Company at this post are recorded by our worthy Sergeant, H. S.