To-morrow we start for the war. Since Wednesday I have been
receiving the utmost attention from everybody. It is so strange to see this
wonderful enthusiasm and loyalty. It is impossible for a man in uniform to pay
for anything he wants; wherever I go all want to do something for me; in
crossing the ferries men filled my pockets with cigars, and even insisted upon
my taking money from them, and when I refused, actually forced it into my
pockets; they must do something, and look upon us, I suppose, as their
representatives. There is no end to their generosity and enthusiasm, which is
well for the republic.
I attended a great reception given in my honor at the E---- Hotel
to-night, which proved a magnificent affair. Everybody that I knew, almost, was
there, and fun and frolic with songs, music, and speeches, continued until the
clock struck twelve. There were amongst the young fellows a number belonging to
a glee club, who sang patriotic and pathetic war-songs innumerable, and
contributed immensely to the enjoyment of the evening. When we broke up, and
our last good-byes were spoken, every man grasped me by the hand, many of them
kissed me, and all united in wishing me good luck and a safe return. After
taking an affectionate farewell of one who was more to me than all others, I
hastened from the room amidst the cries of “God bless you”; “Take care of
yourself”; “Be sure and thrash the rascals,” etc.
It was very hard to part when the time actually came, being
my first experience, and I must admit feeling decidedly unwarlike and very
desolate. However, I went home, turned into my comfortable bed, wondering what
sort of beds we should probably have in the army.
SOURCE: Josiah Marshall Favill, The Diary of a Young
Officer, p. 14
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