Friday, May 31, 2019

Diary of Corporal David L. Day: October 31, 1861


WE LEAVE WORCESTER.

It seems that at last we have been ordered from these cold, frosty climes, to a warmer and more genial one — the Sunny South. After partaking of a collation furnished by the ladies at the hall, at 3 p. m. we broke camp, and taking all our worldly effects upon our backs, preceded by our band, marched through Highland and Main streets to the common, where we took cars for New York. At the common we were met by a large concourse of citizens, friends and relatives of the regiment, who took us by the hand, giving us words of encouragement and a hearty God bless you.

Here were leave takings that required some nerve to suppress the rising tear. Probably some of us have seen our friends, for the last time on earth, and bade them the last good-bye. But we will go forward to duty, trusting in God, and hoping for the best

SOURCE: David L. Day, My Diary of Rambles with the 25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, p. 8

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