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Beloit, June 3rd '61
Mr. Editor:- C.C. has backed out- His patriotism- pluck- courage or whatever you call it has "gin out"
Thus, I imagine, some think if they don't say so in so many words. Now I don't propose to enter into a discussion to prove that the facts, the case does not warrant such a statement or charge though.
I am quite sure that a battle of words and pens is a very safe method of warfare compared with a real battle with Powder and Ball. No! I don't propose to engage in such a useless battle for though such an one might be safer than a real one. I think I should get soundly whipped or traitors, as they ought always to be called on the field of battle. I propose simply to give no explanation- a vindication of my conduct in not enlisting since our company broke up. This, in my private opinion, is sufficient- yes is the same as "owning up" the coin that I am a little afraid of getting hurt.

Well it will have to be so then. Can't help it.
After our company disbanded several of the College Boys and myself visited other companies and even went to Camp Scott at Milwaukee for we had heard that, besides there being vacant places, they were to leave for the south the next day. When we arrived in M. we learned from prominent citizens that the First Regiment would not probably leave the state until their term of service (3 months) expired; when they would be discharged or kept at the expense of the State till there should be another call. This was enough.
We did not enlist to fool away time- When we enlisted we expected to be in a situation to do justice to our southern brethren before this time. (When I say 'we' so bravely I mean my comrades, not I, the coward).  We all concluded that under the circumstances we had better come back to College for the present. After Commencement if there is prospect of seeing any fighting we are ready to go. With sorrow for leaving the camp and exhibiting cowardice in fight I shall remain a warm friend and champion of the American idea of Liberty and free government.
Yours in vindiofon. C.C.-

Return of the Beloit Cadet Rifles
We announced a short time since the departure of the Beloit Rifles for Camp Randall and we the seek announce their return from that famous rendezvous. The fact of the company's return is already a matter of general information but the causes which led to their return, we regret to say, are not so generally known as they should be and opinions were hastily formed here and elsewhere with regard to the matter which as now appears were not warranted by the facts in the case.
We publish herewith a statement from Capt. Slaymaker which thoroughly unfolds the particulars of the affair and places the matter in such a light as in our opinion fully justified him in his refusal to serve under Col. Coon who, as appears from the statement, was manifestly guilty of the grossest
double-dealing and perfidiousness of conduct towards the Beloit Company with a view of covertly ousting them from the Regiment in order for reasons political or personal or both to give their place to another company.
As a matter of course our citizens deeply regretted the return of the company. But we have the most implicit confidence in Capt. Slaymaker's integrity and are far from believing that he would do anything that would in the least compromise his own honor or that of the city with which he was entrusted.

His action was unqualifiedly endorsed by a majority of the company and also by several disinterested individuals at Madison and elsewhere from whom we have heard. In view of the interests involved, Capt. Slaymaker felt that it was due to himself and to the public that the particulars of the affair should be published, the statement to which we have referred.

To Editor Beloit Journal & Courier:
Dear Sir:-  I wish to submit, through your columns, a statement of the causes and circumstances which led to the sudden withdrawal from Camp Randall and the ultimate disbanding of the Beloit Cadet Rifles.
The first difficulty which beset our path was the change of the term of enlistment from three months to that of the war, or three years. This, however, was quickly and definitely settled by taking the sense of the company on the evening of Saturday, 11th inst. which resulted in the withdrawal of about one-half of our number against those withdrawing there was no demonstration of displeasure on the part of those remaining.
Their right to withdraw, and for an honorable discharge, seemed to be conceded - This I did at the request of the Colonel of the Regiment and the proceedings were reported by me to him the following prevailing or day; and he was assured that the company would be full within the required time - I took my stand with those agreeing to enlist for the war and never altered my determination until the occurrence which I am about to relate took place. I did not ask them to to make that determination until I found I could not be transferred to another regiment, which I asked only after I could no longer have confidence in the commanding officer of the 2d Regiment in which we once held a place.
Up to that time I had used every effort to keep the company together, was anxiously desirous of recruiting for the places left vacant by the recent withdrawals; so I had set about making arrangements for a prolonged absence from home.
But now, for the real cause, which being fairly related will show where the blame should rest - who it was had the "ax" to grind.
On the morning of Thursday last about one half hour before the morning parade, which had been ordered the evening previous, being at the regimental headquarters I was called aside by the Colonel who, approaching me in a friendly manner, mentioned the object of that parade which was not known to me before nor was it generally known, if known at all, by the men in the company - that it was preparatory to taking the oath to service three years, or the term of the war,- that he intended to address the men who should assemble at that parade in such terms as were intended and he calculated would stir their military ardor and awaken enthusiasm. He went on to say that some of my men being young might get hasty in assuming the obligation and perhaps if would be well not to bring them forward then as time enough would be afforded but concluded his remarks by saying that this was merely a suggestion to be acted upon or not, as I thought proper. If I thought fit to act upon, it he would excuse us from that parade.

As this seemed to me to come in such unquestionable shape and I could see no motive beyond the actual welfare of the men, I at once assembled the other officers of the company and having laid the matter before them, they all agreed that acting upon the suggestion would be proper.
This commander led me to believe also that we could have until 2 o'clock of the next day in which to take the oath and in any event we should have a place another regiment. In the afternoon I called at the office of Adjutant General to obtain passes home for those unwilling to take the oath for three years. Upon presenting the list of names, he inquired if that included all the men. I informed him that it did not. He wished to know what I was about to do with those who remained. I told him that active steps were being taken to recruit the company to the required number and, suspecting nothing, said that they would remain in their present quarters as heretofore. Whereupon he informed me that he had ordered to rendezvous immediately a company from Milwaukee, which had not previously been assigned a place in any other regiment adding to my amazement that we no longer held a place in the 2d Regiment and that he had been informed that I fully understood the whole thing and that all this matter had been fully prearranged between the Colonel and myself.

This I here emphatically deny. I had entered into no arrangement with that officer or any one else relative to the company. But I may here say that I committed an error in not setting myself right at once with the Adjutant General by exposing, in round terms, that duplicity which belongs to the Colonel of the 2d Regiment but which is now fastened upon me. Let it be borne in mind, however, that the facts were not fully unfolded to me nor understood in their true light. I still had faith in his honesty of purpose.
Soon after this interview with the Adjutant General, I again met him in the presence of the Colonel at regimental head quarters, where he informed me he would be for the purpose of sifting the matter and ascertaining who was in the wrong. Upon confronting us, the Colonel in polite terms, expressing high consideration for me, trusted that there was no misunderstanding and could be none. We fully understood each other &c. - I was utterly confounded.

The Adjutant General then proposed that I should prepare a paper setting forth the facts but, as I said before, it not being clear to my mind, told him that he might prepare such a document as he thought proper and as he expressed an aversion to having the thing go back to Beloit that a wrong had been perpetrated against her favorite volunteer company and deprecated the effect which such a report would be likely to have, I assured him that I was willing to assume all the blame if it belonged to me. He prepared the following letter to which being far, very far, from the facts, I declined affixing my signature, though I may add that he thought it was what it should be and as he understood the matter;

To Hon. W.L. Utley,
Adjutant General of the State of Wisconsin
Dear Sir: - My company, having enlisted but for three months and most of them being young and inexperienced, I after due deliberation judged it to be for the best not to urge them to enlist for the period of three years but, on the contrary, rather to dissuade them from doing so. This I have done with entertaining the highest respect and esteem for the officers of the regiment as I am aware my men also do.
Under the circumstances I have deemed it my duty to act as I have in this matter and I respectfully request that you will grant passes over railroads to them to their respective homes.

It was then that I began to realize my situation and I at once determined to make no further efforts to regain my place in that regiment.
(Here, I may mention, I have learned that it has been said, and used as a weapon against me, that I put that letter in my pocket and never again produced it or spoke of the matter. I did produce it in his presence and assured the Adjutant General that it would never be signed. I took care, however, to retain possession. From this time, until the close of the day, I was called upon by several members of the Legislature and others who urged me to insist upon retaining my place in the 2d Regiment.
Kindly promising to sustain me in my efforts, which they were sure would be successful, many freely admitting that they believed I had been adroitly over-reached. However, as I could have no positive assurance of a subsequent transfer of the company to another regimen, a matter which now began to be demanded by most of the men, I was unwilling to act on the advice.
That evening, the company assembled together and resolved not to serve under any circumstances in the 2d Regiment, endorsed my action and appointed a committee, myself among the number, to call the Commander in Chief and respectfully request him, if possible, to assign us to another regiment. The result of the interview was that it might be done for us but gave no positive answer as the 3d or 4th regiments and indeed, all were full, that our former position could again be taken but he seemed to think that there would be no chance for a future transfer.
At a late hour that night, and after I had retired, I was called upon by two of the non-commissioned officers just returned from an interview with the Adjutant General who informed me that he said there were two alternatives left to me - the first of which was to come forward with my company and with it retake my place on the 2d Regiment by taking the oath to serve in it for the war or submit to having my commission taken from me and the company and myself discharged. These men had deeply at heart, I am sure, my honor and fair name and whilst they assured me that a different course would involve not only myself but them, I agreed to be guided by them, unwilling to do anything which would not save the honor of the company.
After reflecting over this matter and beginning to see in such a course some relation to the letter above Printed and that I would then be in the same position as though I had signed that document. I determined not to change my first propose, advising these men to do as they saw fit--to take the oath and thus save themselves.
Accordingly, on Friday morning last, I assembled the Company and, by instructions, marched them to headquarters where they were addressed by Col. S. Park Coon, the burden of which was that they should have nothing to fear from him should they remain in his regiment; should be well taken care of under all circumstances &c.. Those declining to take the oath to serve under Col. Coon, although willing to go for the war if an honorable place could be secured in another regiment, stepped to the rear leaving twenty-five men or thereabouts in a line.
Now the end was accomplished. No organization was left and to clinch the thing and make it very sure, he added lest those men should rally and fill up a company and thus leave no chance for his ultimate object, that he could not be held accountable for the disposal of them in the event of war's disasters by which their numbers might be decimated, and it became necessary to separate them by drafting into other companies under strange captains.
I wish to say that had Col. Park Coon kept to himself his friendly disinterested advice,  fifty of the Beloit Cadet Rifles would have marched up to the parade ground last Wednesday at 9 o'clock: listened to him, have become no more honestly fixed in their determination, by his eloquent appeals and returned at 10.5 o'clock of the same day and unflinchingly taken the oath to serve their country on the battle field any length of time she might need their service. By disregarding that advice I might not have had my present position rendered equivocal by the thus far successful efforts of him who had an subject to attain.
For myself, I had passed my word to serve with the company during their term of enlistment which was determined to be for the war. I had no thoughts of doing otherwise. I had set about making arrangements for a longer absence from home. My oath would have been uttered and registered with those of the 50 men. I think, with very few exceptions, that none will be found unwilling to bear me out in saying that I adhered to one course in relation to the decision of matters immediately touching the feelings and interests of the whole company. Such I considered this question of enlistment.
I attempted to interfere with the exercise of no man's judgment in that matter. I certainly did not dissuade, either by word or example, any one from enlisting, nor didn't attempt, nor would I allow, any man to be bullied or forced into doing so. If, by my management of the affairs of the company during our stay in camp, I did anything which was calculated to defeat the purpose on which we started out, it was done unwittingly, an error of the head not of the heart. I did not know that the qualities of a politician were requested as a Captain when I left home. I was not aware that politics were to be learned where only the "school of the soldier" should be known.
For what am I condemned? Was it for heeding the suggestion of a senior, the chief officer of the regiment - my superior officer?
Was it because I had declined to say more against that officer than that I misunderstood him? That the whole was a result of a misunderstanding? So it was, I admit now, not of the facts but of the man. Had I known him and, scorning his feigned friendly advice, marched the men forward to take the oath then and now, would I be right? Why was I put off from undoing what I had done when I offered a few hours afterwards to bring forward 40 or more men to his quarters to take the obligation? Surely he might have stepped aside a little from form to get back into his regiment individuals who were then out by acting according to his suggestion, whom, but a day before, he expressed his unwillingness to lose for the sum of $1,000. It is true. he told me. of the necessity of getting in another company in our place for the purpose of drilling - that was obvious - but I did not suppose that anything would by done before the expiration of the time for us to act.

Yours truly, S.H. Slaymaker

The soldiers are enjoying themselves very well at
Camp Randall.
The exercise of drilling, however, keeps the blood in motion.

This morning at 11 o'clock both the companies were hard at work marching and counter marching - the Guards at the barracks paced up and down with gun and bayonet on shoulder in warlike style. Their sleeping quarters, if not elegant, are warm and comfortable and superior to those which usually fall to a soldier's lot. McGonigal gives them abundance of wholesome and well-cooked food. The tables with the new tin plates and cups look neat and inviting. The boys have all the beef, bread, potatoes, beans and coffee they wish and these sauced with a soldier's appetite are more delicious than is the most luxurious fare to the sedentary dyspeptic. This morning at 11 o'clock both the companies were hard at work marching and counter marching - the Guards at the barracks paced up and down with gun and bayonet on shoulder in warlike style. Their sleeping quarters, if not elegant, are warm and comfortable and superior to those which usually fall to a soldier's lot. McGonigal gives them abundance of wholesome and well-cooked food. The tables with the new tin plates and cups look neat and inviting. The boys have all the beef, bread, potatoes, beans and coffee they wish and these sauced with a soldier's appetite are more delicious than is the most luxurious fare to the sedentary dyspeptic. 

Camp Randall Items 
We were present last night at the evening parade of the Second Regiment - Drawn up in double line with the beams of the setting sun glancing from their muskets they made quite an imposing appearance.
The drum and fife corps, as they marched up and down in front of the line, showed that under the training of Drum Major Dyke, they had made good proficiency in music.
Every company is now filled up beyond the minimum number of men under the new regulations and about half have the maximum number or within one or two of it. There were reported last night, 963 men present or accounted for as follows, giving the companies in the order which they occupied:
La Crosse Light Guards...86
Portage City Light Guard...101
Belle City Rifles Racine...100
Fox Lake...93
Oshkosh Volunteers...95
Randall Guards Madison...96
Grant County Grays...99
Janesville Volunteers...106
Miner's Guard Mineral Pt....84
Wisconsin Rifles Milwaukee...102

Though the line was so long that it was a little difficult to hear the word of command at its extremes, the companies went through the manual with a good degree of accuracy and promptness. About half the men are provided with something in way of arms to use for drilling. The proficiency made by the men, as shown in the regiments parade and company drill, when occupied about five hours a day, is very much greater than that of ordinary recruits and is an indication of the earnestness and zeal of those who have enlisted to defend their flag and crush out rebellion and are assiduous in their endeavors to qualify themselves to act in the most effective manner.
Some 15 or 20 carriages with a considerable number of ladies and citizens were out at parade last evening.
The behavior of the men gathered here as soldiers has been, on  the whole, commendable but among so many men it could hardly fail that there should be some some of the "baser sort". A few rowdies have been cutting up some rascal pranks - condemned as severely by their comrades as by anyone else - which had necessitated greater strictness with reference to leaving the camp.
Men are allowed to leave the camp only in charge of a officer who is responsible for their good behavior.
A Lodge of Good Templars has been organized in the regiment, numbering now over 100 including an addition of 24 last night.
There are no cases of serious sickness in camp.

Watertown Ladies - The material for 500 flannel shirts for the soldiers has been sent to Watertown to be made up, the ladies of that city having kindly volunteered to do the work.
The ladies are as patriotic as the men and are now proving that they are made up with the same spirit that was evinced by the women of the Revolution.
In times of peace, with nothing to arouse them, they have been blamed for knitting lace and doing other fancy work - but now when dangers threatens their country their fingers are found to be equally nimble in making shirts for the patriotic soldiers who go forth to defend their country's honor.
The war is just what is needed to prove that our people have not degenerated. We rejoice to find the heroic spirit that animated our grandmothers has descended to the women of the present day. The Ladies everywhere - God bless them!

Regimental Band-The Band of the Second Regiment were on parade last night for the first time and considering the circumstances performed admirably. The Band is made up of musicians mostly taken from the companies of the Regiment and came together with their instruments yesterday morning for the first time and after a brief practice together in the grove back of the camp grounds took their place at the head of the Regiment last evening and performed their part to very great satisfaction. Many of the musicians had not been in practice for some years, but we are satisfied from what we witnessed last evening that, with a brief practice together, this will become a very superior band.
The leader of the Band is H.S. Chandler of Oshkosh.
The sum that will be required for the Government purposes this year is estimated at $320,000,000

Matters at Camp Randall-A couple of pleasant days have put everything right again at Camp Randall. At 11 o'clock this morning the soldiers, having for the most part concluded drilling for the forenoon, were enjoying a quite bit of camp life.
A few squads were still persevering in the exercises. Many had turned into their berths and were reading newspapers; others sauntered about the grounds, or collected in groups while making the most of the warm bright spring day, were engaged in social chat.
The young trees in the vicinity of the barracks were extensively ornamented with blankets, red shirts, socks, handkerchiefs, and other garments of various hues hung there to air or dry.
An eager and somewhat excited crowd were collected about a booth just opened by N.L. Andrews, by permission, where lager beer, pop, cakes, and pies were dispensed.
But one man remains in the hospital - one of the La Crosse Volunteers. He has been threatened with typhoid pneumonia but his symptoms were more favorable this morning.
In addition to the companies given yesterday which have volunteered for three years or during the war are the Miners Guard of Mineral Point commanded by Cpt. Thos. S. Allen.

Camp Randall Items
The heavy rain of last night gave a good many of the boys at the Camp a soaking and to-day beds, blankets and clothing were laid out and hung up in all directions to dry. Now that other pressing matters are attended to and it is found that prepared canvass will not make the roofs tight, the barracks are to be re-roofed with better lumber wherever they are defective. The Hospital is now ready to receive patients. It has comfortable beds for ten, the floor is carpeted, the roof shingled and the sides whitewashed. Those who have been seriously sick are will getting along well. There are eight or ten unfit for duty. Colds and diarrhea are the principal complaints. One man is ill of a fever caused by getting rained on last night. The medical store room is complete and occupied. A building is begun for the Surgeon's quarters.
The National Flag floats from a pole on the west of the camp. A "nine-pounder" was taken down the other night and is fired morning and evening. Blankets have now been received and the quarters so prepared that all companies will hereafter stay on the grounds. The camp has been provided with a lot of excellent wood procured of Darwin from some point west on the railroad. The boys frequently
receive tokens of remembrance from home in the way of supplies for the inner man or comforts for the outer body.
All seem to be in good spirits.
The proposition to enlist for three years is a good deal discussed. Some companies have already agreed to accept it almost unanimously; in others, there is more difference of opinion but there is not a company in camp the majority of whose numbers are not ready to enlist for the war and who do not maintain that the places of those who are unable or unwilling to do so can be filled up "at home" very shortly.

THE SECOND REGIMENT-

The last report as to the route of the second regiment is that it will pass through this city. The Madison Patriot of last evening says-"It is now decided that the second regiment will proceed east ward on Wednesday morning , at 9 o'clock.

Brig. Gen. King is here, and they will doubtless be directed as to route by him. a plan to send them by the roundabout way of Milwaukee and to show off in other cities is likely to be abandoned. They will proceed by the most direct route, avoiding long marches between depots with their camp equipage and so as to be at their post of duty fresh, and not unnecessarily fatigued."

The Journal says-"we are authorized to state that the second regiment will leave this city for the seat of war at 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning next."

It seems probable there fore that the regiment will pass through this city to-morrow about noon unless there is a change of arrangements.

P.S. The following dispatch was received this after noon:

Madison, June18-P.M.
In consequence of the non-arrival of some of the uniforms, the departure of the 2d regiment is again postponed. It is now said positively that they will leave here on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock

June 18, 1861
The Daily Gazette
Janesville, Wis

DEPARTURE OF THE LIGHT GUARD

Last evening, the firemen of the city held a meeting to decide whether thy would parade as a body to escort the Light Guard on their departure from the city. Committees were appointed to ascertain what member of members in each company would turn out and in the event of a specified number agreeing to appear the Chief Engineer was instructed to call out the department. A sufficient number having been reported the Chief Engineer has issued his call.

We have made repeated inquires as to the precise time when  the Light Guard will leave, but have been unable to learn anything more definite that that the company are under orders to depart whenever transporting is provided it.

It is not probable that its departure will be delayed beyond Friday, and it may possibly leave Thursday. the expectation among the officers of the company is that they will be called away as soon as the regiment now in camp in Madison leaves there."

We regard this movement on the part of the firemen as a very proper and commendable one and should be glad to see it participated in by our citizens generally. The Light Guard deserve well at the hands of the Janesville. Probably there is not and will not be a company in the state which will excel it in all the requisites of good citizenship and good service. during the long period in which they have awaited the call now made their conduct has ever been marked by sobriety and good order; quietly pursuing their duties thy have thoroughly commended themselves to the good will of their friends, neighbors and associates and have well earned such a testimonial as will fitly express the feeling of the community in which they have resided.

We do not know that any specific arrangements have been commenced other than the action of the firemen; but it does seem to us that the Light Guard are eminently entitled to such a demonstration of good will as marked the departure of their predecessors to the field of toil and danger to which they are hastening.

June 18, 1861
The Daily Gazette
Janesville, Wis

HAVELOCKS FOR THE VOLUNTEERS.--

The ladies of the Baptist society in this city have completed a sufficient number of Havelocks for Capt. Ely's company of volunteers, which will be presented upon the arrival of the company in this city on their way east, on Thursday.

We also learn that the ladies of the Congregational society of this city have raised a sufficient amount of money for the purchase of cloth of Havelocks for Captain Wheeler's company, and will have them ready before that company departs for the wars.

The patriotic ladies of these two societies deserve and doubtless will receive the grateful acknowledgment s of our citizen soldiers for this timely present.

June 18, 1861
The Daily Gazette
Janesville, Wis

War Items
Commissions have been issued as follows:
Duncan McDonald, as Major of the Second Regiment of Wisconsin Active Militia. T.P. Russell of Winnebago Co. as Surgeon's Mate of the Second Regiment.
Charles D. Gage Captain, Wm. T. Lyon Lieut,. and Paul Kritos Ensign of the Hamilton Guards, Fond du Lac.
John C. Lynch Captain Michael Lunch Lient and Wm Eddy Ensign of Montgomery Guards, Janesville which company is reported full and tendered service.
Ernest F. Pletschke Captain, Thomas Richard Hudd Lieut, and Joseph H. Marston Ensign of the Appleton Light Infantry.
-The following companies have volunteered for three years, or during the war:
Bragg's Rifles, Fond du Lac.
Janesville Light Guard
Waupun Light Guard
Dane County Guard
Prairie du Chien Volunteers
Montgomery Guards, Janesville
Wisconsin Rifles, Milwaukee
Lemonweir Minute Men
Sauk County Riflemen, Baraboo
Janesville Volunteers
Randall Guards, Madison
Scott's Greys, Racine
Appleton Light Infantry
Eau Claire Badgers

Camp Randall Items-There was quite an impressive scene at Camp Randall yesterday afternoon when the regiment was drawn up in line and the death of Senator Douglas announced.

Col. Coon spoke briefly substantially as follows;
We have just received intelligence of the death of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois.
All party feeling is lost in this calamity as in the great calamity which has fallen upon the nation in the attempt to divide it. A great sorrow fills the public heart. Yet all is not lost though one of the great ones of the land has fallen. No man can talk - no words can express the feelings which now fill every breast.

General orders were read directing the commissioned officers to wear crape on the left arm for ten days and the flag to be displayed at half mast and draped in mourning till the remains of Senator Douglas are laid in the tomb. The Band marched up and down in front of the line to slow time playing the Sicilian Hymn.
Battalion drill is about to be inaugurated at the camp.
The regiment is now filled up to about 1000 and the barracks proving insufficient to accommodate all the men some thirty tents have been pitched along the trees they make a very picturesque appearance.
We understand that plain crash towels, an article not regularly provided for, are needed at the camp.
Here is an opportunity for patriotic merchants and ladies to do something.
There are one or two nuisances in connection with the camp which ought to be speedily abated.
One is the roaming of drunken soldiers about the streets at night howling and smashing things generally another is the practice by members of the some companies, from the air and escape holes on the outside of their quarters, of insulting men and women who happen to be passing.

Camp Randall---The Feast Saturday evening--Its incidents--Items: The giving on the part of the ladies of Madison and the receiving by the soldiers of the collation Saturday evening was one of the pleasantest affairs we ever witnessed. The first movements toward what was there carried out were made on Wednesday after the speedy departure of the 2d Regiment had been determined on and there was little noise about it.
The short time of preparation however was well improved as was shown by the long tables adorned with flowers and amply supplied with bread, cheese, sandwiches, pies and cakes in endless variety for 1000 men-- When they had everything in readiness, the ladies took positions in the unoccupied space in the western part of the eating hall and the Band took places in front of them. After the several companies had taken their places, they rose and the Rev. Mr. Taylor invoked the blessing of God on them and the food provided.
Seats being taken, the men "fell to" as if they relished their change of rations. Eating finished, Col. Coon, in very fitting terms, on behalf of the solders, thanked the ladies for their kindness, assuring them that it was fully appreciated by his men not so much because what had been so generously provided was different from and better than their ordinary food - for those whom he commanded did not grumble or complain but were content with soldiers fare - but because it evinced an interest and sympathy with them and their cause. Though soldiers were often men of rough exterior, they had large hearts as well as strong hands and while they might remain in camp and when they went forth to their country's service - for which they had left behind much that was beautiful and pleasant - on the march and on the battle field this scene would be remembered as a cheering beam of sunshine, as an inspiring incentive to do their duty.
Expressing confidence that they would never have occasion to regard this generous manifestation or have reason to be ashamed of the 2d Regiment, the Col. closed by proposing three times three for the ladies of Madison who had provided this entertainment which were given when a refreshing heartiness.
Rev. Mr. Taylor, on behalf of the ladies who had already spoken by their deeds, responded briefly assuring the soldiers that their prayers were offered for their efforts in the righteous cause to which they had devoted themselves which would be watched with eager interest.

He requested that men might be appointed to take charge of what was left.
Three more cheers were given for the ladies: The playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" was then called for and three cheers given for Col. Coon followed by various "tigers" and peculiar cheers by different companies. The Col. expressed his thanks for these and other evidences of devoted hearts and referred to the greater joy with which he should listen to the cheers after their first victory.
The "Start Spangled Banner" was then sung by the Regiment and spectators and a flag brought in when "At once there rose so Wild a yell" as clearly showed the loyalty of the crowd. Most of the companies then marched out but the La Crosse and Racine companies remained while a patriotic song was finely rendered by Mr. Bunner, of the former, which was loudly applauded.
The band played several lively airs during the proceedings. There were some 30 or 40 carriages on the ground and a large crowd of spectators of both sexes, most of whom remained to the evening parade. The reports showed that all but two or three of the companies had their full complement of men making an aggregate of over 1,000. The La Crosse Guard wore some brown linen harmonized with with the uniform and seemed to us preferable to white as less trying to the eyes of those marching behind. The Randall Guards made a fine appearance in their new uniforms which, after all are not quite
uniform in color. We were glad to learn that this excellent company has never yet had a man in the Guard House nor a man found drunk.
The boys had evidently been making some preparations to receive their friends.

They were all neatly dressed had their Quarters in tip-top order and the Mineral Point, Janesville, Racine, Fox Lake, Oshkosh, Madison and Grant Co. Companies had their barracks more or less garnished with green branches and row of trees planted in front of them.
There are about fifty tents now pitched on the grounds. As the report has spread that the regiment is soon to go into active service, many of the men have had visits from friends.
Father and mothers have come to say good bye to "our boy," brothers and companions to see their friends once more and wives and sweethearts to bid adieu to those whom they love best.
Divine service was held at the Camp yesterday morning, Rev. Mr. Britton officiating.
There was no drill during the day. Capt. McIntyre is in town and commenced mustering the men into the U.S. service to day.

Mustering in the Second Regiment-

Capt. McIntyre completed the mustering in of the Second Regiment yesterday There was not a recreant found in the Regiment. None had repented their enlistment; none shrank back because "the track is growing fresh." Only five men were ruled out and these were excluded solely on account of exceeding the age prescribed by the army regulations Or for physical defects.
The old man in the Portage company who gave his age at forty one was among the rejected, Capt. McIntyre refusing to take his word. Afterwards he admitted that his age was sixty-two but declared he could do as good a day's work as he ever could and that he believed himself fully competent to bear the fatigue and hardships of active service.
Change of Positions in the Second Regiment- After retaining thus far positions corresponding with the order in which they reached Camp, the companies of the Second Regiment have, we learn, been re-arranged, the honors being assigned according to the date of captain's commissions as follows:

Company A on the right of the line - Fox Lake Citizens' Guard,
Capt. Stevens; Company B on the left - La Crosse Light Guards
Capt. Colwell; Company C in the centre, with the colors - Grant County Greys,
Capt. McGee; Company D, Janesville Volunteers,
Capt. Bouck; Company F, Belle City Rifles,
Capt. Strong; Company G, Portage Light Guards,
Capt. Mansfield; Company H, Randall Guards,
Capt. Randolph; Company I, Miners' Guards
Capt. Allen; Company K, Wisconsin Rifles,
Capt. Langworthy.
The companies on parade are arranged in the following order,
Beginning at the right:
A, F, D, I, C, H, E, K, G, B.
When the Regiment is thrown into five divisions, the first is commanded by Capt. Stevens, the second by Capt. Ely, the Third by Capt. Colwell.
We hear that there is some dissatisfaction about this arrangement, which, of course, does not at all depend on the relative merits of the companies.

Military Items-The following companies in the 5th and 6th regiments, having failed to muster full for three years, have been erased from the lists of the regiments:
5th Regiment - Carrol Guards, Fond du Lac; National Guards, Kenosha.
6th Regiment - Union Guards, Fond du Lac; National Guards, Janesville; Scott Guards, Racine; Lodi Guards, Lodi.
The Appleton Light Infantry being the first company in the 7th Regiment as originally reported is assigned to fill vacancy in the 5th and will be immediately mustered into service.
- Orders have been received by the Secretary of War that if the Second Regiment does not receive arms prior to leaving, it will be supplied at Washington.
From the north land - Several hundred Norwegians, fresh from their native mountains arrived here on Saturday. All but about three hundred stopped here and were warmly welcomed by their countrymen, who had preceded them in other years and have been distributed through the country hereabouts.
They were a hardy looking and a goodly attired company.

Departure of the Second Regiment
We are authorized to state that the Second regiment will leave this city for the seat of war at 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning next.

Randall Guards The Second regiment is expected to leave the State for the wars to morrow -
We have frequently spoken of this Regiment as a whole as being composed of unusually stout, hearty, and superior men, physically. As the Randall Guards hail from this city, it may not be amiss to make special mention of this excellent company. It is full in numbers, having one hundred and three upon its roll - Much pains were taken in the organization of this company, in picking men in the full vigor of health and physical proportions capable of endurance and in this respect eminent success has been attained.

It is very rare that a company of men can be found whose average height and weight is so nearly equal.
It is perceivable in the Randall Guards. The men are nearly all above the medium height and well proportioned. They are also intelligent, well-informed men who go into the army from a sincere love of country and with a patriotic devotion to its free and enlightened institutions. In military discipline, it would be difficult to find a body of men that will excel this company with the same experience.
Although most of the members were ignorant of military matters when they were called together, they fully appreciated the necessity of preparation before being called into actual service and have devoted themselves with energy and success to this work. Their appearance on parade is more like that of a company of regulars than that of volunteers - the general bearing of each man being that of a thorough soldier. As citizens of Madison we feel proud that so fine a company hails from our locality and shall, in the future, expect to be able to make record of many bold and noble deeds of the Randall Guards in defense of the country's honor.
Much of the credit for the excellence of this company is due to its energetic competent and enterprising officers. The enlistments were mostly made under the personal direction of Capt. J. F. Randolph who has devoted himself to the organization and discipline of the company with a skill and a zeal worthy of all praise. He is well know to our citizens as a very intelligent and energetic man in whatever he undertakes: Having had considerable experience in military matters in former times and being well adapted to the imparting of his knowledge to his men, he has brought his company to a remarkable proficiency in a short time. While he insists upon perfect obedience from his men, he retains their respect and confidence to such a degree that obedience is a pleasure.
Not only has the company been fortunate in the selection of its captain but in all of its officers.
The First, Lieut A. A. Meredith is well known to our people as a well educated military man whose exertions have been indefatigable in advancing the interests of the company. He has fulfilled will his part in all things and is entitled to his full share of credit for the general good appearance of this company.
The Second Lieut. Nat. Rolline is also a man who never lacks energy in what ever he undertakes. He, too, was well informed in his duties previous to entering upon them and has devoted himself to the promoting of the interests of the company with an energy worthy of the noble cause in which the country is engaged. The non-commissioned officers have also been well chosen; and all, both officers and soldiers, have done, and will continue to do, their full duty in the maintenance of our glorious Union.
Madison has great reason to be proud of the four companies that have hailed from our midst. The two in the First Regiment maintain an honorable position among their fellows and the one in the Third (Capt. Hawley's) will  no doubt do the same. Of the Randall Guards, there is no fear that they will ever cause our people to blush on account of their conduct.
"God speed, and bless them."

Volunteers on a "Lark"---
Row at Voigt's Brewery---Several Shots Exchanged.
We regret to have to record a disgraceful affair which occurred in this city last night.
Last evening, as we are informed, Col. Coon granted leave of absence to a number of the members of the Second regiment to visit their friends before their departure for active service. Some of these volunteers remained in the city and a party of nine went to Voigt's, the brewer in the first ward and attempted to get into his saloon at two or three o'clock this morning. The saloon is in the basement of a two story brick building the upper portion of which is occupied by Mr. Voigt's as a residence. He refused to open his saloon for them.

They then broke open or let down a window opening into the bar of the saloon and got out several bottles of liquor. Mr. Voight, from a window above, fired a shot-gun over their heads with a view of driving them off not intending to injure any one. Upon this they fired upon the house with revolvers and threw stones into the windows breaking glass, sash and blinds. Mr. Voight fired several times over their heads with a revolver and finally discharged his shot gun aiming at their legs as nearly as he could upon which they decamped.
Nearly a wheel-barrow load of stones we are told were thrown into the house and the walls, in several places, are chipped with bullets. Blood was found upon the sidewalk leading towards the camp and we understand that a member of the Belle City (Racine) Rifles has a wounded hand and leg this morning.
A soldier was found near the Brewery dead drunk, lying upon the ground; a member of the Randall Guards is in the Guard House, the first instance ,we believe, where any member of that company has been found guilty of ill-conduct.
In the Third Ward also we hear that some handsome shade trees in front of Mr. Hinrich's residence were cut down or mutilated.
This is attributed to the soldiers, but without any satisfactory evidence as we learn that they are the guilty parties.
We have been disposed to allow a good deal for exaggerations in regard to the conduct of the soldiers of the Second Regiment but it is evident that there are some hard cases among them. The great mass of them we believe to be sterling men who feel as keenly as any one how much the regiment is disgraced by the few insubordinates and who have no sympathy with them in their riotous conduct.
These wild fellows who disturb the peace of the city are but few in numbers and ought not, by their unseemly acts, to be permitted to involve the whole regiment in disgrace.
They should be sharply looked after by the officers.

The Second Regiment-
The Argus of this morning contains an article commenting in severe terms upon the want of proper discipline in the Second regiment and the abuses and annoyances which have been the consequences to our citizens.
We regret that there should be so much cause for these strictures for it is undeniable that the soldiers have not appeared to be under that restraint which a wholesome discipline would impose.

At the same time, great care ought to be taken not to bring false and unjust charges against the volunteers. A great many exaggerated rumors prevail which, if strictly investigated, will be found to be wholly without foundation in fact. Such is, we believe, the report of the violation of a German woman and her subsequent death mentioned by the Argus as a "notorious fact". From the best information we can obtain it is not a "notorious fact" but a notorious falsehood. It has been widely circulated and we supposed for some time that it was true; but a number of persons and among others Judge Vilas, the Mayor, have assured us that after much inquiry they were satisfied that it is a fiction out of whole cloth.
It is due to the soldiers that they should be relieved from the stain of such an infamous calumny though we have no doubt our neighbors of the Argus made the statement in good faith supposing it to be true.
On Wednesday last, a small advance guard of the Second regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers from Camp Randall at Madison started for Harrisburg. On Thursday, the balance of the regiment left for the same place with sealed orders not to be opened until after their arrival - Their passage through our state and Illinois was a continual ovation.
Before leaving the camp the Governor, on behalf of the people of the State, enjoined upon them to guard sacredly the honor of the State, to do their whole duty in defending the principles of the government against anarchy and barbarism and after reminding them that the prayers of the 800,000 people of the State of Wisconsin would continually ascend to heaven in their behalf he bid them farewell.
At Janesville a collation had been prepared and thousands of citizens greeted them. At Chicago they were escorted through the city by a number of the volunteer companies of the city and the streets through which they passed were crowded with people.
The following is the list of regimental officers:
Colonel - S. Park Coon
Lieut. Colonel - Henry W. Peck
Major - Duncan McDonald
Adjutant - E. M. Hunter
Colonel's Aide - Henry Sanders
Quarter Master - James D. Ruggles
Sergeant Major - P. McAdams
Surgeon - J. M. Lewis
1st Ass't - T. P. Russell
2d - P.S. Arndt.
Quarter Master Sergeant - Wallace M. Spear
Commissary Sergeant - E.R. Chase
Hospital Steward - G.H. Irwn
Drum Major - F.A. Dyke
Fife Major-
The companies composing the regiment are as follows:
Fox Lake Citizen' Guard, Company A
LaCrosse Light Guard, Company B
Grant County Greys, Company C
Janesville Volunteers, Company D
Oshkosh Volunteers, Company E
Belle City Rifles, Company F
Portage light Guard, Company G
Randall Guard, Company H
Miner's Guards, Company I
Wisconsin Rifles, Company K

The Departure of the Second Regiment
Speech of Governor Randall
The Boy's delighted at the prospect of active service.
The Second Wisconsin Regiment struck their tents this morning at Camp Randall and left on special trains at eleven o'clock for Chicago whence it is supposed they will proceed to Harrisburg.

At that point they will be furnished with arms and detailed to some field of active service.
At a little before nine o'clock when we first visited the camp the several companies composing the Regiment were irregularly disposed under the command of their respective officers near the northern portion of the grounds. Some were resting on the grounds. Some were resting on the ground while others were calling the roll to ascertain if all were present. Every man had on his knapsack with a couple of good blankets each was furnished with a tin canteen enclosed in green flannel.
In their knapsacks were two rations each. Every face was animated and the most careless observer could not fail to perceive in the elastic movements of the soldiers their prompt and hearty responses to their names and their glad looks that it was with no forced or assumed appearance of joy but the genuine exhilaration of pleasurable feeling that they were preparing to join the grand army of the Union and to "Drink delight of battle with their peers" "This said Corporal Chandler, ye Shanghai of the Adams Co. Independent, as he passed us "is better than two editorial conventions"
A large concourse of people from the city were present to witness the spectacle.
At about half-past nine the regiment was drawn up in line. Nobody was sick this morning. Every company was full and the line reached almost across the grounds - Col. Coon then directed the captain to proceed with their men to the pumps and see that every canteen was filled with water. The regiment was then dismissed and some time was spent in obeying the orders of the Colonel.
At about ten the regiment was again formed under command of Lt. Col. Peck and drawn up in a solid battalion in front of the speaker's stand erected by the State Agricultural Society.
They were then addressed by Gov. Randall in a brief and appropriate speech in substance as follows:
Soldiers of the Second Regiment:-
It remains to give you a parting word as you go forth on you great mission-Out of great conflicts and often through severe trials nations have grown strong. By the shedding of blood. You go forth not on any holiday errand not on any Fourth of July excursion but as men to perform great and urgent duties. You go not as forced conscripts, not for the eleven dollars a month or for the higher pay which officers receive, but because you will go to aid with you own right arms in maintaining the integrity of your Government and my Government.

You go not to hold up lands of Abraham Lincoln, but of the President of the United States not to fight for one section or one State, but for the rights and liberties of the people of all sections and all the states. You will not fail to do your whole duty as soldiers. Let it never be said there were cowards from Wisconsin. Let no man be wounded in the back.
Be sure that Wisconsin will not forget you, let no man fear that the wife and children he leaves behind him will be allowed to suffer want. But you go forth as citizens as well as soldiers. It will be your duty to maintain good order wherever you go and worthily to represent the State of Wisconsin. While no rebel or traitor is entitled to mercy at your hands every defenseless woman and feeble child should be saved. There is but one foe you have to fear and that I need not name. You need nave no fear of traitors. Let no man among you from this day forth until your warfare in accomplished use that which will unman him in the camp or on the field. (Loud and prolonged applause) You go hence supported by the hearty good will of a great people. May you so demean yourselves as to merit the acclamation, well done good and faithful. I bid you fare well, invoking the blessing of the great and good God upon you now and always.

Lt. Col. Peck-"Soldiers, let us give three cheers for Gov. Randall" the three cheers were not only given with the heartiest will. The regiment was then marched under command of Lt. Col. Peck out of the grounds to the cars which were in waiting near the camp. There were two trains each containing eleven passenger cars besides several baggage cars.

With some harried farewells to friends in the crowd of people assembled the soldiers went on board the trains, the iron horse shrieked, the bell rang and the cars moved off with over one thousand of the sturdiest and bravest of our Wisconsin boys on board many of whom have doubtless looked upon its pleasant fields for the last time.

They left waving caps and handkerchiefs from every window and from the platforms and making the air ring with jubilant hurrahs. The ladies of this city furnished the regiment with a beautiful silk flag which was only ready this morning. There was accordingly no formal presentation here.

It is much regretted that the Second Regiment were not furnished with arms before leaving as it would have added so much to their appearance. In other respects they are more thoroughly and comfortably equipped than the First. But in the absence of arms and the flash of bristling bayonets they will not be likely to produce as favorable an impression upon casual and inexperienced observers as the First Regiment. As a body of men, however, we think them decidedly superior in stamina and muscle. They are nearly all from the rural districts of the State accustomed to active out-door labor and inured to fatigue. They are men who can go into the harvest field and swing the cradle through the sultriest day of July nor lose their elasticity much less succumb to fatigue. They go hence to an unaccustomed harvest but we will warrant them to mow down traitors under the hottest suns of Virginia with no more wincing than they would exhibit in a Wisconsin wheat field.

The Oshkosh Volunteers, Capt. Botick, will probably average the tallest and most powerful men many of them being from the Pineries of Wolf River. The Randall Guard, Capt. Randolph, are the most even and uniform in size and appearance. The Grant County Grays, Capt. McKee, the Fox Lake Guards are excellent companies - we might as well include the whole regiment. For the rough uses of war, Wisconsin nor any other State can hope to send our a more stalwart able bodies determined set of men. We regret to say what it would be useless to conceal that with regard to the Regiment officers in one or two instances their is not that full measure of confidence in their military experience felt either among the commissioned officers of the companies or the rank and file which should exist.

If this want of confidence does injustice to the officers in question doubtless a little experience in the more active service upon which the regiment now enters and the opportunities which will be afforded for observing the conduct and drill of officers of other regiments will speedily dissipate it. If it be founded upon just grounds the war Department possesses and will doubtless exercise the power to correct the evil. It would be cruel indeed to march a regiment of brave gallant and patriotic soldiers into action and the hazards of battle under the command of officers either incompetent in fact or wanting the confidence of their men. Our brave volunteers must not and will not be exposed to such unnecessary peril to the unjust suspicion of cowardice which might result from the one case or the fruitless sacrifice of life involved in the other. They go to lay down their lives if need be for the maintenance of the government. Their lives and their honor must be looked after with tenderness and care.

We trust however that events will soon demonstrate that all the officers of the Regiment are as competent as we have no doubt they are brave and patriotic.

Their Trip To Washington

(From Echoes from the Marches of the Famous Iron Brigade, prepared for The Evening Wisconsin. 
The following descriptions draw heavily from Cornelius Wheeler’s diaries )

The Second Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry rendezvoused at Camp Randall, Madison, in May, 1861, to serve for a term of three months. Before it was fairly organized and mustered in the quota for the term was filled and this regiment mustered in on the 11th of June, Under President Lincoln’s call for three years or during the war. (It was issued the state militia uniform of gray ) Capt. McIntyre of the regular army was the mustering officer. 

The regiment remained at Camp Randall and kept in almost constant drill until June 20th, when orders from the war department assigned it to the Army of the Potomac, and on the morning of that day it took the cars for Washington D. C. 

At Janesville, Wisconsin, a sumptuous dinner was served; at Chicago we were escorted to the Eastern Depot by a military organization. 

The regiment came into Toledo on the morning of the 21st, where a fine breakfast was served by the citizens, the boys being waited upon by the fair sex. About the same greeted them at Cleveland, the Mayor making an address, which was responded to by Col. Coon. At 10 o’clock we reached Harrisburg, Pa., and pitched tents, going into camp for the first time at Camp Brady. On the journey, when near Perryville, Pa., one of the men of Company D was knocked from the car on which he was standing , while passing under a bridge. On the 24th, camp was struck, cars taken for Washington, passing through Baltimore with pieces loaded and ready for action in case of molestation from rioters, arriving in Washington at daybreak of the 25th; quartered in Woodward Block on Pennsylvania Avenue. Later in the day moving to Seventh Street Park, where we go into Camp Randall, remain here about a week. 

Wisconsin Second Regiment

The Second Regiment - It is still in doubt whether the Second Regiment will leave Tuesday or Wednesday. General King has written from Washington to have them sent on without delay, and stating that they will be furnished with arms at Harrisburg.
The Madison Journal, June 17, 1861

June 20th,1861
Their Departure For Washington
The Second Regiment of Wisconsin volunteers left Camp Randall, Madison on Thursday last via Chicago and N. W. R. R.  for the East with sealed orders, their destination however being, no doubt, Harrisburg to join the gathering hosts of the U.S. Grand Army that will ere crush out the rebellious followers of Jeff, Davis and their slave propaganda schemes. The Badger State has reason to feel proud of her noble hearted sons who are gone forth to do battle for the sacred cause for freedom.
They are splendid fellows! not hirelings of poor "white trash" whose souls have been degraded by the curse of human slavery until their natures are scarcely elevated above the brute.

The troops of Wisconsin are volunteers gone forth at the call of their country in an hour of peril; intelligent, active, honest, sturdy patriots, honored at home and will win credit abroad.
One thousand and thirty-nine Badger boys, rank and file, compose the 2d Regiment and is made up as follows:

Regimental Officers
Colonel - S. Park Coon
Lieut Col. - Henry W. Peck
Major- Duncan McDonald
Adjutant - E.M. Hunter
Colonel's Aid - Henry Sanders
Quarter Master - James D. Ruggles
Sergeant Major - R. McAdams
Surgeon - J.M. Lewis
1st Asst. - T.P. Russell
2d Asst. - P.S. Arndt
Quartermaster Sergeant-
Commissary Sergeant - E.R.Chase
Hospital Steward - G.H. Irwin
Leader of regimental Brass Band - H.S. Chandler
Drum Major - F. A. Dyke

Belle City Rifles
Captain - William E. Strong
1st. Lieut - A.O. Doolittle
2d    "  W.L.Parsons - 104 rank and file   

Fox Lake Citizen's Guard
Captain - George A. Stevens
1st Lieut - Edward B. Marsh
2d   "   W.W.Jones - 101 rank and file

LaCrosse Guards
Captain - Wilson Colwell
1st Lieut. - Frank Hatch
2d    " Robt. Hughes - 107 rank and file

Grant County Greys
Captain - David McKee
1st Lieut. - Chas. K. Dean
2d    "  Wm. Booth - 99 rank and file

Janesville Volunteers
Captain - George B. Ely
1st. Lieut - Archibald B. McLean
2d    "  Dana D. Dodge - 106 rank and file

Oshkosh Volunteers
Captain - Gabriel Bouck
1st Lieut. - John Hancock
2d    "  H.B. Jackson - 106 rank and file

Portage Light Guard
Captain - John Mansfield
1st Lieut - Alex S. Hill
2d    "  Sam K. Vaughan - 101 rank and file

Randall Guards-of Madison
Captain - S.F. Randolph
1st Lieut - A.A. Meredith
2d    " Nat Rollins - 101 rank and file

Miner's Guards of Mineral Point
Capt. - T.S. Allen
1st Lieut - Wm. W. Lefieiche
2d    "    Thomas W. Bishop - 96 rank and file

Wisconsin Rifles of Milwaukee
Capt. - A.J. Langworthy
1st Lieut - Caleb Hunt
2d    "  W.A. Hopkins - 104 rank and file

The news of a call for active service gave the Regiment unbounded delight and we learn that when the day of departure came not a man could be found in the hospital sick enough to stay behind.
The entire Regiment was uniformed and equipped, excepting fire arms which will be supplied at Pittsburgh. The muskets used in drill being of the old date and by no means such as the boys want.
The tents are good and divided 8 to a company.
The chaplain of the Regiment is a talented but eccentric Episcopal clergyman, Rev. J. O. Richmond of Milwaukee of who a contemporary tells the following story:
In a difficulty with a former congregation in Milwaukee, the vestry barred out the rector from his church. He was equal to the emergency; shouldered a stout plank and marching up to the door began an attack instantly.
"In the name of the Father (thump) the Son (bang) and Holy Ghost" (crash) and then the Rector entered amid a halo of glory and splinters.

At Janesville the train stopped long enough to allow of refreshments which were liberally provided by the citizens. At Chicago the whole city turned out to escort them to the depot of the Michigan Southern R.R. With bands of music and home companies, all honor was paid to our brave fellows and amid cheers of, "God help you" the 2d Regiment from the Badger State whirled away to the scene of duty.

Arrival At Janesville - The Second Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers left Madison to-day at 11:45 AM and arrived here at 1 o'clock P.M.. There were over 1,100 men, occupying 21 cars. When they arrived at the depot in this city there was a large crowd of people, estimated at 3,000 or 4,000, who received the volunteers with hearty and reiterated cheers, to which the soldiers as enthusiastically responded. As the cars stopped, the different companies marched to the tables near by which had been spread by our citizens with ample provisions for the whole regiment. As the time of stay in our city was limited, there was little ceremony used upon the occasion. After the men had partaken of the collation, they immediately repaired to the cars, preparing for departure. Col. Coon thanked the people of this city for their generous hospitality and patriotic devotion to the cause of their country; to which Judge Armstrong made a short but appropriate reply.
While the troops were occupying the cars and the trains were preparing to depart, there was much cheering on the part of the people, waving of handkerchiefs by the ladies and shaking of hands between friends about to part, perhaps forever. As Capt. Ely's company belonged in this city, there were crowds about them bidding them farewell. It was in some respects a sad scene, the separation of near and dear relatives, with the certainty almost that with some it would be final. The boys, however, appeared in good spirits and anxious for active service. The regiment is a fine body of men, strong and healthy and able to bear their part bravely in the rough duties of war. We have no doubt they will do so and that in active service we shall hear a good account of them. They appeared to be well provided with every necessary to make them comfortable. Their arms will be furnished them at their point of destination which is probably Washington, although nothing is known certainly about it. The regiment remained here about one hour, and departed at 2 o'clock for Chicago, amid the cheers and hearty good wishes of thousands of Janesville and Rock County people. If there had been a day's notice that the regiment would certainly arrive here at a specified time we have not a doubt that ten thousand of the hardy sons and daughters of Rock County would have greeted them.
Janesville Gazette, June 20, 1861

The Janesville Gazette is evidently out of humor. After an article involving the program of the movements of the second regiment, it adds a P.S. "Word has been sent us from Madison by Capt. Ely that the train will not stop here long enough to allow the entertainment provided for the soldiers and the train will not arrive until between one and two o'clock. We have to come to the conclusion that we nor anybody else knows anything about the matter and let the whole thing take it's own course. Probably if the regiment could have been hauled around by way of Milwaukee, the officers in command would find abundance of time to partake of the hospitalities of that city. It is likely that some-thing definite will be heard in time for the meeting this evening."
Milwaukee Sentinel, June 21, 1861

CHICAGO, June 20

The 2d Wisconsin regiment arrived this evening. They were most enthusiastically received by our citizens, who turned out in large numbers to meet them. They leave for the east to-night via. Michigan southern railroad.

The Daily Gazette
Janesville, Wis

June 21, 1861

THE SECOND REGIMENT AT CHICAGO

From the Chicago papers, we learn that the Second regiment of Wisconsin volunteers arrived at that city at 6 o'clock P.M.

They were met at the railroad depot by five companies of the Chicago military and a very large concourse of people of foot and in carriages, who accompanied them thro' the city to the Michigan Southern railroad depot.

The Times says:-"The sidewalks along the entire line of march were crowed with ladies and gentlemen who cheered the soldiers as they passed. The cross streets were all blocked up with carriages filled with both sexes of all ages from the infant to the gray-haired grandfathers and grandmothers. This regiment is composed of the most soldierly looking fighting material of any we have ever seen. The most of the men look like sturdy farmers and frontier men. they are deserving of the highest honor and our citizens did their best to render them their due in this respect."

The Tribune says "the regiment took the cars for the east leaving at half past nine o'clock last evening. All along their route through the city, thousands of spectators lined both sides of the streets. The enthusiasm was great. Much praise was elicited by the appearance of this troops to who our whole community wish a safe journey.

Wisconsin has need to be proud of her regiments. They will do honor to the northwest."

The Daily Gazette
Janesville, Wis

Reception of the Regiment at Chicago - The Regiment was met sixteen miles from Chicago by a special escort and committee and attended to the depot where the troops debarked about 6 PM. Their march across the city was a continued ovation. The escort was admirably managed by Col. J.H. Tuckers and Lieut. Col.'s J.R. Scott and Booth and the following companies made up the stage.
The Light Guard Band leading was followed by
Co. A Zouaves, Capt. Hayden
Co. B Zouaves, Capt. Clyborne
Co. D Zouaves, Capt. Colby
Co. F Highlanders, Capt. Kuffen
Light Guards, 60th Reg. Lieut. G.W. Gage
Anderson Rifles, Capt. Raymond
Several officer of the Irish Brigade were also in the procession which moved from the depot through Lake Street, Michigan Avenue and Van Buren Street to the Michigan Southern depot where the regiment took the cars for the east leaving at half past nine o'clock last evening. All along their route through the city thousands of spectators lined both sides of the streets. The enthusiasm was great. Much praise was elicited by the appearance of the troops to whom the whole community wished a safe journey.
Janesville Gazette, June 1861

THE SECOND REGIMENT

The Chicago Journal thus speaks of the second regiment on
Wisconsin volunteers:

"the regiment comprised a splendid body of men, ten hundred and fifty in number and not a man under five feet seven inches, They are all young stalwart, vigorous, splendid looking fellows, capable of enduring any amount of fatigue, hard work and hard fighting. There are in the regiment 250 men who have graduated from some classical institution of learning. Nearly all of them of course are in the ranks. there are 200 lumbermen , hardy, cast-iron fellows from the north, who have not probably slept in a civilized bed in half a dozen years.-

One company, Capt. Bouck-is composed entirely of these sons of the forest. There is not a man in his company under five feet ten inches in height. There is another company composed entirely of foundry-men and mechanics, men who can turn their hands with skill to labor of any kind. the remainder of the regiment is composed of young farmers and mechanics.

There are some items of information in the above entirely new to us in this state, and the Journal must  have an enterprising news collector to have obtained them all, in so short a time.

Janesville Gazette, June 1861

The Second Regiment on their Way
The Chicago Tribune of this morning gives a full account of the departure of the Second Regiment from Camp Randall.
We copy below what is given of them after they left this place: 
The trains reached Janesville about 1 P.M. and there they disembarked to partake of an elegant collection furnished by the citizens. The ladies were out in force. The feast was a rich one and the welcome most genial. Strawberries and cream in abundance, followed the substantials of the repast and every volunteer was fed and filled, knapsack and canteen not forgotten.
Thoughout the whole journey, gallant Wisconsin sent out her welcome and farewell to her brave sons.
At stations crossings and cross-roads flags were flying, cannon fired and cheers sent after the swift trains. The regiment was met sixteen miles from this city by a special escort and committee and attended to the depot where the troops debarked about 6 P.M.

Their march across the city was a continued donation. The escort was admirably managed by Col. J.H. Tucker and Lieut. Col's J.R. Scott and Booth and the following companies made make up the same:
The Light Guard Band leading was followed by-
Co. A. Zouaves, Captain Hayden
Co. B Zouaves, Captain Clyborne
Co. D Zouaves, Captain Colby
Co. F Highlanders, Captain Kuffen
Light Guards, 6th Reg't Lieut. G. W. Gage
Anderson Rifles, Captain Raymand.

Several officers of the Irish Brigade were also in the procession which moved from the depot through Lake Street, Michigan Avenue and Van Buren street to the Michigan Southern depot where the regiment took the cars for the east, leaving at half past 9 o'clock last evening. All along their route through the city thousands of spectators lined both sides of the streets. The enthusiasm was great. Much praise was elicited by the appearance of these troops to whom our whole community wish a safe journey.
Wisconsin has need to be proud of her regiments. They will do honor to the Northwest.

More About The Second Regiment
The Chicago Post sets up the Wisconsin Second regiment as follows:
The regiment comprised a splendid body of men, ten hundred and fifty in number, and not a man under five feet seven inches. They are all young, stalwart, vigorous, splendid looking fellows capable of enduring any amount of fatigue, hard work and hard fighting. There are in the regiment 250 men who have graduated from some classical institution of learning. Nearly all of them, of course, are in the ranks.
There are 200 lumbermen, hardy, cast iron fellows from the North, who have not probably slept in a civilized bed in half a dozen years. One company - Capt. Boucks' - is composed entirely of these sons of the forest. There is not a man in his company under five feet ten inches in height. There is another company composed entirely of foundry men and mechanics, men who can turn their hands with skill to labor of any kind. The remainder of the regiment is composed of young farmers and mechanics.

The Second Wisconsin Regiment on the Route
The Daily Wisconsin says that a party of ladies and gentlemen, who accompanied the Second Wisconsin regiment on its route through Cleveland to Harrisburg, last arrived at the Angier Monday night on their return, says the Cleveland Herald. The party consisted of Mrs. S. Park Coon, wife of the Col., Mrs. Frishy, sister of the above; Mrs. Langworthy, wife of Capt. L., of Milwaukee Rifles; Mrs Ely, wife of Capt. E, of the Janesville company; Messrs J. E. Cook and J. Thomas of Milwaukee. Mr. T. reported that the regiment arrived safely in Harrisburg with but a single circumstance to damper the spirits of the men.
At a small place on the Pennsylvania Central railroad, a man named Stickney, one of Capt. Ely's Janesville company, climbed out of a car window on the roof to return the salutes of the crowd at the station. While standing on the top of the car swinging his hat, Stickney was struck by the beams of a bridge under which the train passed and knocked off.
He was shaken up considerably but not fatally injured and is now doing well. The Wisconsin boys were wild with delight when they received their arms at Harrisburg. One of the companies seized their guns and drilled for two hours before dropping them, though they were much fatigued before receiving the guns. All the men retain a lively remembrance of their visit to Cleveland.

The Second Regiment at Harrisburg
The war correspondent of the Chicago Journal writes from Harrisburg on the 22d inst.: As I am about to conclude this epistle, the 2d Regiment of Wisconsin troops, under command of Col. S. Park Coon of Milwaukee, has arrived, numbering 1,050 men, rank and file.
This is a fine appointed corps, consisting of picked men mostly from the mining and lumber districts of the "Badger State" and passengers tell me in the cars that they behaved like gentlemen during the whole route from Madison to Harrisburg. They are encamped about thirty rods west of the railroad round-house and will receive their arms and equipments to-morrow, to be in readiness to depart for Washington on the evening train.

LETTER FROM THE A MEMBER OF THE
JANESVILLE VOLUNTEERS

HARRISBURG, June 23, 1861
The second regiment arrived here last night at 11 o'clock in good health and spirits, with the exception of Albert Stickney.

He was on the top of the cars and got under a bridge that was too low which hurt him badly. He is in a bad condition and I have no hopes of his recovery.

the reception of our regiment in Ohio was highly gratifying. We were well received in Janesville-that was our home and was to be expected; but about all and more than all, the state of Ohio deserves our highest praise and gratitude, especially Cleveland, for the many favors shown to our regiment. THE RECEPTION I HAVE NOT TIME TO DESCRIBE; BUT GOD BLESS THE STATE OF OHIO, HER OLD MEN AND YOUNG MEN, HER WOMEN AND FAIR DAMSELS, WHO FED US , AND CHEERED US ON OUR WAY.

This is Sunday, and I have been on guard all night with Sanders, in command of a party of men to keep all right.

Orders have been received to take arms and leave to-night, for what quarter I have not learned. Two regiments and a company of flying artillery left here last night for Washington.

P.S. I have just seen Stickney. He is some better; and may live. William H. Parker is on our train and well.

John Hamilton

Madison Journal

The Second Regiment-Man Injured-

A note from B. E. Hutchinson, Esq., who, by direction of the Governor, followed the 2d Regiment to provide against accidents, and see to any soldiers who might be sick or injured, was received by the Governor yesterday, dated Harrisburg, 23d June, where the Regiment then was. One of the men had been taken very sick and was very seriously injured and unable to go forward with the Regiment
Mr. Hutchinson attended to providing surgical care and comfort for these men and his efforts were warmly appreciated. Another note dated on the evening of the same day, says that the sick man would be taken forward with the Regiment while the injured one would be left in the care of the surgeon at Camp Curtis, Harrisburg. The Regiment had just received it's arms and goes forward to Washington that night.

June 28, 1861
Janesville Gazette

The Second Wisconsin Regiment-
A Washington correspondent telegraph to the N. Y. Tribune, on the 26th, as to flows:
"The Second Wisconsin Regiment that arrived here last night is compose of splendid fighting material.
The regiment consists mostly of hard fisted lumbermen from the pineries of the Badger State. They say they will fight if ordered and, if not ordered, will fight any way"
-A. W. Bishop Esq., of LaCrosse, was the 4th of July Orator at Salem. The LaCrosse Republican, in commenting on the Prescott Guards, says "It is a fine looking company and if thoroughly drilled will compare favorably with any we have yet seen.
Look out for fun if the Prescott boys get among the rebels.

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE JANESVILLE GAZETTE.

FROM THE JANESVILLE VOLUNTEERS

WASHINGTON, JUNE 25TH; 1861

The 2d Wisconsin regiment left Harrisburg for Washington on Monday at men, fully equipped, with new guns, and forty rounds of ball and cartridge to each man.

We were delayed for want of cars, and at last were obliged to go on cattle-cars, which was a fatiguing mode of traveling. We all all loaded our guns before leaving Harrisburg, so as to be ready at a monument's notice.-

Saw nothing worth noticing until we got into Maryland, where we found federal troops guarding every bridge: passed the wrecks of a number of bridges which the rebels burned sometime ago.

We arrived in Baltimore at sundown, and stood in the street until midnight, when the last of our regiment came up. We were hungry and thirsty, but were not permitted to receive water of food from the citizens; and were guarded by the police the whole time. while passing down the street, about a mile and a half, the people groaned at us and cheered for Jeff Davis. The hour was favorable for traitors to be out: had we passed through Baltimore in the day time, we doubt not we should have seen a different set of people.

Our regiment arrived in Washington at sunrise this morning. I went to the white House this forenoon to see the president, he he was absent. Passing through the "East Room" of the president mansion, I had a good opportunity to view myself in one of the large mirrors, and was so soiled form our long journey, that I left with out further ceremony.

We are quartered to-day near the president's house waiting further orders. The drum beats, and we leave the city in haste.

John Hamilton

June 28, 1861
Janesville Gazette

Letter from our Boys
Washington, June 22, 1861
Here we are in Washington, safe and sound. It has been a hard tedious journey and the boys were all exhausted when we arrived, but we are all satisfied with the result. Our journey from Chicago to Pittsburgh was one perfect ovation - no language of mine can describe it.
Every city, every village along the route turned out entire population to greet us. Bands of music were playing at the stations, cannon were fired, flags waved and bouquets showered upon us by thousands.
At La Porte Indiana, where the train stopped for wood and water the people from the city and surrounding country had turned out by the thousands and such a reception I never witnessed. Every bay was filled with the most beautiful flowers - three or four bands of music were playing and two cannons stationed on an elevation a short distance from the train were kept in active service.- Here I came to a realizing sense of the difference between wearing epaulets and being minus that ornament.
One of the handsomest young ladies I ever put my eyes on came into our car and inquired for the Captain of the "Belle City Rifles" and presented him with a magnificent bouquet as large as a modern lady's hoops, and then to draped the whole put her arms round his neck and gave him a good hearty kiss and a "God speed on our way" which was very pleasant to him we doubt but as to ourselves you can imagine our feelings.
We reached Toledo Friday morning at 7.5 o'clock where we were furnished with coffee and every thing good to eat. Our whole company then took a bath in the river and were ready for our departure which took place at 9 A.M. in an immense special train for Cleveland.
Our accommodations on this road were all we could desire large cars and plenty of them - 20 passenger cars and 10 baggage cars will drawn by two powerful engines.
We reached Cleveland at 4.5 P.M. and were welcomed with the grandest entertainment of all: You have doubtless seen the accounts in the papers so I will not go into particulars. Our regiment received many compliments from the Cleveland people whether they were all merit or not you can judge better than I.
At 8.5 o'clock we again started on our journey to Pittsburg. Our ride though Ohio and Pennsylvania
I never can forget, nor will it be possible for any one of our boys to do so; to be sure our reception had been grand glorious before - music, the deep mouthed cannon, lovely flowers and still more lovely angels had cheered us on our way: though all these were excelled by that night's journey.
Our train was two hours behind time all through Ohio, and yet they waited for us at the depots, young and old, gray headed men, mothers whose sons had already preceded us in flying to the rescue of their country, and fair maidens proud of their absent brothers and lovers, eager to testify by their presence that their hearts were true in the flag of the free.
It mattered not what the hour of the night or morning they were there to shake hands with us and invoke the protection of heaven for us when we should meet the rebels on the field of battle. I never saw more flowers in all my life than were bestowed upon us thro' that journey.
We reached Pittsburgh at 8.5 o'clock Saturday morning and started again at 10.5 for Harrisburg by the Pennsylvania Central R.R. I shall not attempt a description of the scenery in crossing the mountains but our Captain and Lieutenant doubtless will, when they return to Racine, give you a vivid sketch of it all as seen from the head lights of a locomotive.
We reached Harrisburg at 10 P.M.
Our camping ground had been selected for us by Lieut. Hatch of the LaCrosse Light Guards who went on ahead for that purpose and the train ran directly to the spot. We all took hold and unloaded our baggage and commenced pitching our tents.
It was a beautiful moonlight night and we had the tents all up by 2 o'clock. The boys were tied out and slept soundly until 10 o'clock Sunday morning. About noon, Col. Coon received a telegram from the Secretary of War containing an order on the Harrisburg Arsenal for our muskets and 40 rounds of ball and buck shot cartridges, and directing the Regiment to proceed to Washington immediately.
It was a busy time for us the balance of the day and, in fact, nearly all night it is not a small job to distribute arms accoutrements and ammunition to 1,000 and we did not leave for Baltimore till 1 o'clock.
We had nothing but cattle cars, rather small ones at that, and poorly ventilated. The road is operated at the present time by the U. S. government and is the one as you will remember which had so much trouble with the rebels.
After we crossed the line and passed into Maryland almost every bridge was a temporary structure, the original ones having been burned by the secessionists. We anticipated trouble in Baltimore as we should be obliged to pass through that city in the night and the boys were accordingly ordered to load and cap their muskets before starting.
We left Harrisburg in four trains at intervals of half an hour. Companies A, D and F (our boys) were in the first train and reached Baltimore just at twilight - got out of the cars and formed in line to wait for the other 7 companies to come up; and there we had to wait till nearly 12 o'clock owing to some slight accident to the engine of the train next behind us.
It was rather exciting, I can assure you, as well as fatiguing standing there with our knapsacks on our backs, 40 rounds of ammunition in our cartridge boxes, cap box, bayonet, scabbard, two days rations in our haversacks besides knife, fork, spoon and plate.
But there we stood, not daring to sit down or be off our guard for a moment surrounded by thousands of the roughs of Baltimore who were armed to the teeth with pistols and knives - these rascals would cheer Jeff Davis and then groan for the Wisconsin Volunteers.
It looked many times as though we were bound to have a fight, but they dared not commence the cotillion. The boys stood in double file with their muskets on the half cock and always at a support of carry arms, ready and eager for the word. It was evident that some accident had happened to the other trains and of course we could form no idea of how long a time we should have to stand there.
Between 11 and 12 o'clock, the other trains came in and were soon on the ground with us. Lieut. Col. Peck broke us into sections, closed columns by sections, and thus we march through Baltimore at midnight.
We all expected to have a brush and once I really thought the ball had opened. As we were passing through the street in which the 7th Mass. Regiment was fired into some six weeks ago, a huge ruffian stepped out on the right flank of our company with a revolver in his hand and proposed three cheers for Jeff Davis and three groans for Col. Coon and the Wisconsin Volunteers, which were repeated by the crowd; not satisfied with this he raised his pistol and fired one barrel.
Capt. Strong was carrying his fancy drogue when prairie chickens were to be found in the heat stubble; and there is no reason to doubt that he would have reached the scamp's heart with a blue pill had any injury been done; as it was the ball rolled between two of our platoons and instantly brought every musket to a full cock - the click, click, going down the line and dying away in the distance.
In many of the streets we were received with great enthusiasm: the side walks were lined and the house tops covered with people. Bouquets were showered upon us by the ladies and the stars and stripes were waved over us.
In other streets we were hissed and insulted. It was 2.5 miles from one depot to the other but we finally got seated in the cars ready for our journey to Washington which place we reached this morning at 5 o'clock.
Our Regiment went into encampment this afternoon on "Capitol Hill" one mile out. The grounds are handsome and convenient and our boys will not discredit the place - We expect to be on the "sacred soil" of Virginia before many suns have risen over our heads.
Capt. Strong has been slightly indisposed owing to over exertion on the journey and want of sleep but he is all right again.

Your as ever

Specie- "The Wisconsin" is speaking of the payment of the Second Regiment says: The average amount paid to each company is $2,200, making something like $24,000 for the regiment, the companies having been in service on an average of 52 days. Of this amount, each company gets $1400 in gold, the balance in specie. We presume The Wisconsin means that the balance was paid in "species" of the genus cat.
Madison Weekly Argus, June 25, 1861

Letters from the Second Regiment
Washington, June 27th, 1861
Mr. Editor:
This has been a day of unusual interest to the Citizens Guard.
Having pitched our tents and make great preparation for a good old time in camp at Camp Randall, all had retired to rest and were passing the night in comparative quiet save the occasional shout of the guard for a Corporal and the quick hurried tread of men to the place of alarm with his file of men when perhaps the call had been occasioned by the appearance of a hog and dog who, not making them self known and not of course having the countersign, Mr. Sentinel upon challenging said swine to halt and not able to discern whether the noise in the bushes proceeds from man or beast, the Corporal of the guard is called and the matter investigated.
When it proves to be a straggler from some other camp who has sloped down town and stayed too long and has lost his way, Mr. Man is marched to the guard house to await trial and if he is not proved to be a secession spy or one of the secession scouts he is let loose to return to camp.
And here let me add that occasionally a spy is taken in the same way when a
court martial is called and spy if found guilty is locked up, but last night
was an unusually quiet night until the loud report of musketry at a neighboring camp (which was the N.Y. 31st) awakened us from our sleep and at the same moment a cry of alarm was heard when our drums immediately sounded to arms.
The alarm was followed by others and the noise and bustle thereby occasioned will be long remembered. In just eight minutes from the call "to arms" Co. A was on the ground followed by all the other companies-the line of battle being formed in just eight minutes when we were commanded to load which was executed in good order and quick time. Soon a scouting party was sent out to reconnoiter; they returned in about in about twenty minutes bringing the news that a secession spy had been shot and was then under guard at the camp of the N.Y.31st. After which, the order was given to return to camp.
But sleep was no longer a welcome guest to the boys of the 2d Regiment though ordered to return to camp it was but to lie down and conjecture as to the probability of a fight for which we are all anxious and waiting patiently for a chance to cope with those who have been the means of calling us into the field and may Your readers be assured that Company A will never return
willingly until the war is forever settled.

Camp Randall
Washington, June 28th
Ed. Gazette:
I commence thus soon again because I made the mistake in the name of our Camp or rather the name has been changed and because I thought I would give you my communication in the form of a Journal. We are getting quite
recovered from the effects of our journey here and begin to have our regular drills again so that things begin to look a little after the style of Camp Randall, Madison.
We had quite an excitement last night. We heard volleys of musketry and ringing of bells about twelve o'clock P.M. The drums were beat and the regiment formed in the order of battle. Men were sent one to the Camp of the Massachusetts 2d to find out the cause of the disturbance which proved to be this: The guard challenged a man who did not answer or halt and the guard fired
the ball hitting him in the head and glancing off and he still coming on, was bayoneted forthwith but finding it impossible to keep him still the guard tied him hand and foot and placed him under guard.
This morning they found a large quantity of poison and four revolvers on his person which made him look very much like a spy; and I assure you we have plenty of them around here. Our guard fired three shots at one of them and at the last shot he fell but the ground being very uneven and bushy they could find nothing of him and had to give it up. I would say that the regiment was
formed in order of battle in just eight minutes from the time that the drums beat and Co. A was the first on the ground. All the boys appeared to be of the true blue and no flinch about them and all spoiling for a fight. July 3d, yesterday, we pulled up our tents and being furnished with baggage wagons by U.S., started for nobody knows "where" and arrived at camping ground seven miles west of Washington about 8P.M., and pitched our tents in Virginia for the first time at a spot where the rebels had a camp and it seems
they were out of tents and had made them out of Cedar boughs and nice ones too. We slept on the ground, with naught but the Heavens and a blanket over us, and arose in the morning feeling as fresh and hungry as a set of men could well be. We shall probably move again in a day or two in the direction of Fairfax Court House or Manassas Gap, and then you may expect to hear of some fighting unless the enemy haul down their colors which, sooner or later, they have got to do. The people of Washington have an idea that we are a very hard set and have got the story started and and give it full credence that there are eight or ten scalps in every tent in the Reg't and it is a fact, but the scalps  are fast to craniums and are likely to stay on the caputs of their owners for some  time to come.
We are now about three miles from the enemy and all wish we were nearer as it is rather dull laying around camp and all the boys are getting sick of it; but I am thinking they will have a chance to show their punch soon if ever. All are in a hurry to "clean them out" (as the expression is with us) and return to their homes and I need not say that I am among the number. There is one thing certain-the longer they keep us waiting to pitch into them the worse we shall "Lick Em!"
No more for the present.
Yours truly,

Our Army Correspondence.
Camp Randall, near Washington, D.C.
June 28th, 1861.
Editors State Journal:-It may be that some of the incidents of our journey from Madison to this famous city where so much has been expected that never came to pass and so many events have occurred that never were expected will be of interest to your readers.
After leaving Madison until we reached Washington we were greeted at every city, village, mansion and cottage most enthusiastically.
We reached Chicago at about 6 P.M. From the N.W.R.R. depot to the depot of the M.S.&N.I.R.R., three and one half miles, the street was crowded on both sides. Thousands and thousands of all ages and all classes had gathered to greet and cheer the regiment as it passed. All along the line from the windows, doors, balconies, house-tops, and from the dense crowd, handkerchiefs and flags were waved incessantly.

This I noticed more particularly as the R. G. passed being with that company. From the time we started until we halted the cheering never ceased and was at times almost deafening.
We left Chicago at 9 P.M. The people along the road had anticipated our coming not only on this road but all the way to Baltimore. At many stations between Chicago and Toledo we were greeted by the firing of cannon and by bands of music.
The ladies seemed to have all left their homes and gathered near the depots to welcome the Regiment on its way. When the train stopped they crowded around the cars and shook hands with the men and bade them good bye and God speed. In the morning we arrived at Toledo where we were delayed until nearly noon by reason of some misunderstanding with the Railroad Company.

Through Ohio to Cleveland we were most heartily welcomed. The people and especially the ladies seemed to have become personal friends to every man in the Regiment.
But I must leave these good people to speak of Cleveland. And as to Cleveland. I am in almost the same fix as the swearing man who had spilled his cart load of potatoes going up a hill. I can't do the subject justice.
The beauty of its scenery both natural and artificial which has made it famous wherever Ohio has been heard of sinks into absolute insignificance when compared the magnanimity of its people.-
Had every member of the 2nd Regiment been a personal friend to every lady of Cleveland returning after years of absence and danger they could not have expected a more cordial welcome. The time was not taken up in formal speeches such as make men sleepy. The ladies had provided for the Regiment a splendid dinner in the public Park which they served to the men with their own hands.
After dinner an hour or two was spent in talking of the war, its prospects and its dangers. Many of them had brothers in the army, some had friends at that unfortunate affair at Vienna.
We left Cleveland and hosts of little girls dressed in white with blue and red ribbons in their hair and ornamenting their dresses came through the depot and shook hands with the men and over again wished them good bye and a safe return.
After leaving Cleveland I coiled myself up in a seat and fell asleep. At about twelve or one o'clock at night I was awakened. The cars had stopped. Our car was nearly deserted. I raised the window and looked out where I saw about two hundred ladies on the platform and about fifty of the regiment actively engaged in kissing them in such a business like way, that at first I thought the regiment had got into active service in fact.- Every man appeared to have taken a contract to kiss every woman in the crowd and vice versa and  degree of good faith and promptness rarely exhibited in public contracts; they were doing the work with thoroughness and dispatch.
In the morning we arrived in Pittsburgh. The city looked as smoky as ever. The cars pass through the poorest part of the town. The people seen by us generally looked poor, thin and haggard but they cheered us most lustily.
Women waved dirty handkerchiefs, night-caps (maybe they were Havelocks) aprons &c, at us. Half naked children climbed the fences and yelled and hurrahed at us.
At nine P.M. we left for Harrisburg. The mountain scenery was grand but the people at the villages were not so liberal or so enthusiastic as in Ohio. At 11 P.M. we arrived at Harrisburg where we pitched our tents and at 2 A.M. were ready to retire. The people here began to talk more war-like.

The regiment was provided at this place with 780 muskets and forty rounds of ball cartridges each. On Monday morning the muskets were loaded for action and at noon we started for Baltimore. After leaving Harrisburg, we proceeded with much more caution, the cars at no time going more than fifteen miles an hour and most of the way not more than six or eight.
On passing the line into Maryland we found the Twelfth Pennsylvania regiment guarding the road. They were stationed a half a mile apart in squads of from four to eight and at the bridges in larger force frequently as high as twenty at a bridge.-The sky was unclouded and the rays of the full moon rested quietly upon this beautiful city. As I looked over it, festering in every pore with the rankest treason but such is the fact. The same spirit is there to-day that actuated that disgraceful mob on the 17th of May. A cowardly fear is all that keeps Baltimore in check now. Our regiment was prepared for fight and they knew it.
With the exception of cheers for Jeff Davis, sneers and some swearing at us, we passed through unmolested. But do not think that Baltimore is all treason.

There are thousands of as true patriots in this city as can be found in the Union. While here and there a club of rebels cheered for Jeff Davis, their voices  would be drowned with cheers for the Wisconsin Regiment.
Much more  enthusiasm was exhibited here than we had expected to see. The streets through which we passed were crowded with people. We marched under the command of Lt. Col. Peck who exhibited a degree of  coolness and presence of mind that did him great credit. At 4 o'clock A.M. we arrived in Washington and were quartered in Woodward's building.
At night we went into camp near Seventh Street about one and a half miles west of the Capital. Last night we had an alarm. A straggler was shot in attempting to poison a spring near us at the camp of the New Hampshire regiment. A quantity of strychnine was found with him. Immediately after the firing - it being at about 11 o'clock at night - the long roll commenced beating at their camp. In two or three minutes it was ordered at ours and the regiment went into line of battle in front of the camp on the parade ground.
The line was formed at once and the guns loaded with ball cartridges. While waiting for orders a firing was heard at a company (N.Y. 31st) in the rear of us. Several shots being fired in quick succession.
A patrol was immediately sent by Lt. Col. Peck in command to learn the cause of the firing. On the return of the patrol we learned that a straggler being challenged refused to respond and was thereupon shot. At a little past 12 three mounted officers rode up and saying there was no further cause for alarm and ordered us to be dismissed. The coolness and soldier like bearing of Lt. Col. Peck on this occasion raised him very much in take estimation of the Regiment. Col. Coon had been in the city on business during the afternoon and evening and was not present to take command.
The soldiers are in good spirits and waiting anxiously for the time when they will be introduced to some of the chivalry.

P.S. Persons sending letters to friends in the regiment should be careful in the direction. Direct them to Washington D.C., 2d Regiment Wis. Volunteers, giving the letter of the company.
N.R.

The following letter from one so well known, serving in McKee's Company, it will be interesting. It shows camp life among other things:
Washington. D.C., June 29, 1861
Dear brother Joe: - I think it necessary to give you advice of our whereabouts often as we are subject always to be removed any minute yet we may remain here three months. I hope you have heard from us here as I see that the Western papers have it that while we were going through Baltimore 16 of us were killed, 75 wounded and the rest taken prisoners. Contrary I can say we were well received save by 30-40 prowling pug uglies who hurrahed for Jeff Davis. It is almost an impossibility to get the truth in camp.
Last night, midnight, guns were fired at apprehensions of close approach of the enemy; at one o'clock at night drums beat for alarm and in two minutes we were marching in double-quick time to form in Battalion; horsemen flying in post-haste ascertained that a spy was shot and we retired. I was ignorant of facts of course and was told by several that it was our own Regiment shot the spy; the spy was shot by N.Y. 28th regiment. (So much for report.) Hardly a night passes without capturing a spy in the vicinity. Our regiment are all alive I think. There was one knocked off the cars in Pennsylvania and reported killed then brought on to Harrisburg where he died again; I hear that he is improving since. Last night one of Company B was poisoned by drinking lemonade sold by a wench. He is comfortable this morning. To guess, I suppose, we will masse and sweep it clean. There is a town of soldiers here 20 miles square and from 4 to 5 regiments come in every day. I will send you the Revolution (paper) of Baltimore with this. We get franked envelopes hereafter and I shall certainly write often. My chances for writing are just such as you can imagine when sitting under a shade tree on the ground and a portfolio on your knee. Our grub is tough yet enough rations are dealt but poorly cooked. God knows that I would give $5.00 for one meal at home; such coffee that Ma makes and one cool drink of water; yet I must get used to it. I have been sick as a horse since I left Harrisburg where I took the sick headache. I was not able to go on duty till this morning and yet I am weak and have a very sore mouth. I did not sleep any the night before leaving Madison and none till I reached here; very warm here. We can not leave the camp to go into the city-sorry.
Expect we will have a big time the 4th.
E.K. McCord.

Camp Randall near Washington
30th June, 1861
Messrs. Atwood & Rubler;-for the first time since our regiment left Madison do I find time to give you a history of our trip but to do so in detail would be impossible for it was a perfect ovation for us from Madison to Washington - Baltimore excepted.
I will therefore give you a few outlines. After leaving Madison we had scarcely time to think of the pleasant home we had just left before we were ordered out to partake of the hospitalities of the good people of Janesville, where a dinner had been prepared for the entire regiment.
Six o'clock found us in Chicago, when after the usual amount of confusion and long marches we embarked for Toledo via N.I.& S.M.R.R. Our ride over this road was the quickest and the agents took more pains to make it pleasant for the soldiers than on any other road that we passed over. At sunrise we were in Toledo where the citizens furnished us with coffee. One train of 32 cars carried us to Cleveland; doubtless you have heard of our reception there; such a time as we little expected.
Refreshments of the nicest kind and in abundance where furnished us in the park, which was filled with ten thousand handsome ladies each trying to outdo every one else in showing the Wisconsin boys how well Cleveland "could do it" and only those who were guests can tell how admirably they succeeded.
We did not leave until 9 o'clock in the evening and at every station the Buckeye girls showered us with bouquets and the second night from home I slept on a bed of roses.
We arrived at Pittsburg Saturday morning where four trains of eight cars each were in waiting for us.
Our ride through Pennsylvania was marked by no particular incident; and after our arrival at Harrisburg at 12 o'clock Saturday night we were soon encamped near the railroad in our own tents. The arms which we had expected to find here had not arrived; but an order from the Secretary of War procured us 780 stand of the percussion musket and 30,000 buck and ball cartridges.
On Monday noon we started for Washington with our guns loaded preparatory to going through Baltimore. At midnight we had a march of one and a half miles through that ugly city. No general hostile demonstration was made  but many indignities were offered by small squads: cheering for Jeff Davis and telling us that we should never see Baltimore again. We hope we never shall; for if it is not razed before our return our expectations will not be realized. But one gun was fired - that into Capt. Strong's company; but it did no harm.
The men were really disappointed in not having a brush with the Pug Uglies.
At sunrise Tuesday morning we arrived at Washington, tired and hungry and were quartered in Woodward's block on Pennsylvania Avenue until night when we were ordered into camp in what is called the Park about 1.5 miles from the Capitol on 7th street.
Everything in Washington looks lively. Under the Capitol is a bakery where 30,000 loaves of bread are baked daily. Federal troops seem to be everywhere; in the basement of the Treasury building is a regiment. In and within fifteen miles of the city are 72,000 soldiers and varied are the rumors of expected fights. Rebel spies are daily arrested and shot.
On Thursday night last we were aroused by the long roll and firing of guns in every direction in neighboring camps. We could plainly see blazing rockets across the Potomac in Virginia but after forming in line of battle and going through our drill at midnight we were dismissed.

July 1861