BREAKFAST IN
PHILADELPHIA.
Arrived in Philadelphia at 1 a. m.; were met at the depot by
a committee of the citizens, and escorted to the old cooper-shop saloon, where
we took breakfast. Our reception here was in striking contrast with that in New
York, yesterday. Instead of dark, gloomy, dirty barracks, with dirty, insolent
attendants, we were taken to a large, clean, well-lighted hall, where we were
met by a corps of neat, well-dressed and courteous attendants, both ladies and
gentlemen, who seemed to vie with each other in their attentions to our wants. The
tables were neatly spread, and contained even more than reasonably hungry men.
could desire. We had boiled corned beef, tongue, ham, brown and white bread,
butter, pies, cake, fruit, tea, coffee, milk, etc. Not satisfied with our
eating all we wanted, they emptied our haversacks, and filled them with ham,
tongue, bread, cake and apples, remarking at the same time, that soldiers
couldn't carry salt mule and hardtack through Philadelphia.
Breakfast over, we then had music by our band, and some
short remarks by gentlemen present, after which three cheers were proposed for the
Philadelphians, which were given with a will. The regiment now re-formed for a
march across the city, to take the cars for Baltimore. As our band struck up the
music, waking the echoes of the early morning, the windows on either side flew
up, and out peered hundreds of heads, in their scantily arranged toilets, and with
wild hurrahs and waving handkerchiefs, cheered us on our way. At 4 a. m., we
were aboard the cars and moving towards Baltimore.
I was informed that all troops passing through Philadelphia
were received and fed in this same generous manner. It makes no difference when
troops arrive, whether day or night, they are ready for them. They seem to find
out, either by telegraph or some other way, just when a regiment will arrive. I
must needs say that these Philadelphians area generous, whole souled people. They
are worth fighting for, in fact they are the very ace of hearts; may prosperity
attend them.
SOURCE: David L. Day, My Diary of Rambles with the
25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, p. 9-10
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