CHICAGO, ILL. Books were opened on this evening for the
formation of a new regiment to be enlisted under the auspices of the Chicago
Board of Trade. After several speeches and songs, enlistment rolls were
produced, and George Heafford was the first to sign, and myself the second. I
trust I may never have occasion to regret the step, as I enlisted from a pure
sense of duty toward my country and love for the old flag. Quite a number
enlisted, and the company was called the "Hancock Guard" in honor of
the President of the Board of Trade. Being disappointed in not getting into the
service at the first call of President Lincoln, owing to the company I had
enlisted in not being needed, I trust there may be nothing to prevent my going
this time.
SOURCE: Joseph Stockton,
War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier
General Joseph Stockton, p. 1
