non-commissioned and privates,
were residents of Cleveland or its vicinity.

On Thursday, September 4th, 1861, the company having been recruited to the
maximum number, we took our departure from Cleveland. A large number of
relatives and friends had assembled at the depot to see us off. At 2.40
P. M., the train on which we embarked moved slowly out of the depot amid
the cheers of the people. At Grafton, Wellington, and other points along
the road, we were joined by a large number of recruits, who had enlisted
in these and surrounding towns. Many of their friends and relatives were
present to bid the bold "soger boys" good bye. Early the same evening we
arrived at Columbus, were delayed for an hour, then got under way, and
reached Camp Dennison the following morning, when we at once formed in
line and marched to our quarters.

At Camp Dennison commenced our first experience of a soldier's life. We
were quartered in shanties built for the purpose, eight or ten persons to
each. The first day was passed in looking around the Camp. The next, we
had guard mounting, and were given the order of the day. Each day we were
twice drilled, and soon became quite proficient in handling the guns. A
few days after arriving at Camp we were regularly mustered into the United
States' service, when we received our clothing and equipments, and now
pitched our tents for the first time, in a beautiful grove about one mile
from our old quarters. The horses, harness, and other necessary articles
soon arrived, and on the 5th of October orders were received to hold
ourselves in readiness to march at an hours' notice. Each member of the
battery was assigned his position, and all was got in readiness to march.

On Sunday morning following, the order was given to strike tents, harness
horses, and be prepared to march without delay; and, although it was then
raining heavily, no time was lost. Every one was actively engaged in
getting ready. Soon came word to move, but some of our horses were
inclined to disobey orders, as they refused to proceed. Camp life had not
been without its charms to them; they had no inclination to give up "going
to grass," so soon; but, after considerable coaxing, and a little
"persuasive force," we were finally on the road, and with but little
adventure, aside from our horses being once or twice stalled in the mud,
we reached Cincinnati.

On arriving at the "Queen City," we were quartered at the Elm street
barracks. The b