ould be
eaten; and although it was near one o'clock before we sat down, we were
disgusted to find our systems so disorganized by a habit of taking
breakfast late in the afternoon, and omitting the other meals altogether,
that half the things that were ordered could not be disposed of; in fact,
it was at least three days after our return to the bosom of our families,
before we could manage three regular meals a day, without feeling
uncomfortable; but this sensation soon wore off, and when it did, ample
amends were made by all, for past abstinence.

From Baltimore to New York was a short and uneventful journey, and on the
18th day of July we found ourselves swinging up Broadway, glad to be home
once more, but sorry enough to think that we were denied the pleasure of a
shot at the rioters in general, and our worthy ex-mayor in particular. And
although a long and aggravating tour of duty at home was still before us,
here ended our eventful campaign.

It has been a favorite argument against the militia organizations, to
decry them as Broadway troops, good for playing soldier, but who would be
found wanting if subjected to the stern realities of a soldier's life.
This test has now been made, and the New York militia can proudly point to
their record.

Marching one hundred and seventy miles in less than three weeks, in the
most inclement weather, through mountain passes and over abominable roads,
on ten days' rations, without a change of clothing, in expectation of an
attack at any moment (our regiment alone forming line of battle over
nineteen times), they point with pride to the thanks tendered to them by
General Meade in his official report, and claim that they have done all
that could be expected of them--if not more; and although smarting under
the usage they received from those they went to protect, they stand ready,
if an occasion of similar emergency should again arise, to meet again the
same hardships, and undergo the same labors; but the next time we hope to
be directed by generals who know _a little_ about the details of their
business, and will not have to learn at our expense.

It is an elementary maxim that soldiers will not serve with any credit
under a man they do not respect; and when they find their leaders ignorant
of the first rules of military life, obliged to ask information from
subordinates, and constantly sneered at as ignoramuses by those who _do_
know what they are about, they speedily become disc