June 22d the regiment reported at camp, where it remained until the 26th and was mustered out of the service by Capt. J. K. Lawrence, being dismissed by a complimentary and affecting speech from Colonel Richmond. The men dispersed quietly, maintaining their excellent character and discipline to the last. Many of these men showed their patriotism by re-enlisting, some going the third and fourth time.
During the campaign the regiment was transported by steamer and railroad more than two thousand miles, and marched more than four hundred miles over the swampy roads of North Carolina, most of this being done during the inclement season. It bivouacked upon the ground without shelter when the water froze in canteens, and also marched when the thermometer ranged at one hundred and twelve degrees in the shade. During the most of the time more than two hundred men were furnished for extra duty, as mechanics, and quite a number were detailed as overseers of contrabands and other duties of a governmental nature. The regiment which left home with a roster of one thousand and fifteen men returned with nine hundred and twenty-seven.
“Oh Life! Oh Death! Oh World! Oh Time!
Oh Grave, where all things flow!
’Tis yours to make our lot sublime,
With your great weight of woe.
Through sharpest anguish hearts may wring,
Though bosoms torn may be;
Yet suffering is a holy thing,
Without it, what were we!”