, encamped on the edge of a clearing,
that an Irish Regiment was not far distant, inquired the name (State and
number).

"I think, sergeant," said the officer addressed, "that it is an Irish
Regiment from Massachusetts, but I do not know the number; they have an
Irish flag anyhow." Thanking the captain for the information, we sought
the locality of the Irish boys and their green flag.

"Halt! who comes there?" demanded a sentinel, pacing his beat, a few
yards from the road, as the squad approached in the twilight.

"Friends!" was the response.

"Advance, friends, and give the countersign!"

We had no "countersign," and could not give it. I did the next best
thing, and addressed the sentinel thus:

"We are Union soldiers, trying to find our regiment, having landed this
morning at Fortress Monroe. We are tired and without anything to eat,
since early this morning. Be good enough to tell us the name of that
regiment yonder."

"That is the Ninth Massachusetts, Col. Tom Cass," was his response.

"Call the corporal of the guard; I would like to see the colonel."

"Corporal of the guard, Post Five!" he lustily called out, at the top of
his voice.

"Corporal of the guard, Post Five!" was repeated in succession by the
respective posts; bringing that officer on the run, in a few minutes to
the post designated.

I repeated the request to the "corporal of the guard," a bright little
man, about twenty-four years old. He requested us to remain where we
were until the "officer of the guard" was consulted, "for ye know we are
in the enemy's counthry, and we must be cautious." We assented, of
course. Presently a lieutenant made his appearance, and after hearing
our story, told us to follow him. We passed the guard and made our way
to the colonel's quarters, before which a soldier was leisurely pacing.
The lieutenant entered, but returned in a moment and desired me to
follow him. I did so, and found myself in a group of officers. I saluted
and came to "attention."

"Well, sergeant, what can we do for you?" kindly asked an officer with
the eagles of a colonel on his shoulders.

"We are benighted, sir; my men and I landed at the Fort this morning,
and are on the way to find our regiments. We have had nothing to eat in
twelve hours. We're hungry and tired, and claim your hospitality for the
night."

"May I ask what command you belong to, sir?"

"My regiment is the Sixty-Third New York, colonel, and the detachment is
for