Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, October 28, 1861

Nothing of importance today. All the boys of the company like to drill under Compton, our first lieutenant, for he can give the correct commands in the manual of arms, and he makes us toe the chalk line. He is not at all overbearing, as some of the officers are, but is kind to the men, especially to those who try to execute the commands.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 15