Colonel William S. Rosecrans appeared and assumed the
command. Our regiment was paraded after retreat had been sounded. The long line
looked well, although the men were ununiformed and without arms. We were lucky
in having a band enlisted as privates at Ashland.
Colonel Rosecrans is a spirited, rapid talker and worker and
makes a fine impression on officers and men. Appointments of regimental staff
officers were made. . . . Guards or sentinels detailed. Men lectured on manners
and behavior, etc., etc.
There are many good singers in camp, and as we are not reduced
to order yet, the noises of the camp these fine evenings and the strangeness
have a peculiar charm. How cold the nights are! I am more affected as I look at
the men on parade than I expected to be; not more embarrassed. I am not greatly
embarrassed, but an agreeable emotion, a swelling of heart possesses me. The
strongest excitement was when I saw the spirit and enthusiasm with which the
oath was taken.
Our captains impress me, as a body, most favorably. Captain
McIlrath is a large, fine-looking man, six feet three and a half inches high;
has been a chief of police in Cleveland — one of the best in his vocation;
takes great pride in his company and has it in a fine state of discipline — the
best of any in camp. Captain Skiles has served in Mexico, is apparently a man
of fine character, a member of church. Captain Moore is a New
England-farmer-like man, shrewd and trusty. Captain Zimmerman is a
conscientious, amiable, industrious man and has a stout set of men from the
iron region, Mahoning County.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 27-8
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