kets, with a slit in the centre, to wear over our shoulders in
bad weather; also one grey blanket, knapsack, to contain our extra
clothing, haversack, canteen, tin plate, knife and fork, spoon, and
tin cup.

CHAPTER II.

OFF FOR THE FRONT.

On Saturday, April 19th, the first detachment, made up of details
from all the companies, to the number of nearly six hundred men,
including the regimental band, of twenty-four men, were in readiness
to start for Washington. The regiment formed on Exchange Place at
noon, where they received a costly and beautiful regimental flag, of
silk, presented by the ladies of Providence. Colonel Burnside, on
receiving the precious gift, remarked as follows:--

"I know that the gallant men I carry away will prove themselves
worthy of the beautiful banner presented to them by you. We are
fully impressed with the fact that we take with us your most
fervent prayers, and we shall constantly feel that your eyes are
upon us. God grant that we may yet see the Union out of danger.
Bidding you an affectionate farewell, and thanking you in behalf
of my command, for your kindness, I feel that I can assure you
in the name of each and every one of them, that no act of theirs
shall ever cause you to regret this your generous and patriotic
contribution to the cause we mutually cherish."

The flag was then given in charge of Company F, the color company of
the regiment, Charles Becherer, of Company G, being detailed as color
sergeant.

A short regimental parade was made through the streets of Providence
to the wharf where steamer Empire State was lying with steam up, in
readiness to take the regiment to New York. At about 2.30 P. M. the
boat cast off her lines and steamed down the bay and through the
harbor of Newport out to sea. When the steamer was passing Long
Wharf, a salute was fired by a gun squad of the past members of the
Newport Artillery. A salute was also fired from Fort Adams, as the
steamer passed on her way out to sea.

Sunday morning, April 20th, arrived in New York. The regiment, with
its baggage, was at once transferred to the United States Government
transport Coatzacolcos, on board of which we remained all that day,
and Monday steamed away for Annapolis.

A tug boat which spoke us in the afternoon, gave us the information
that the Norfolk navy yard had been blown up and destroyed by orders
from our government. At daylight th