become the property of the one that
could catch and hold him; prizes were offered for the champion
wrestler and clog dancer, respectively, both of which were captured
by members of Company F, notwithstanding they had to compete with
picked men from both regiments. James Markham took the clog dancer
prize, and John H. Robinson laid every man on his back that presented
himself before him.

We now commenced to have early morning drill. Every morning,
directly after sick call, all the companies of the regiment moved out
of camp in different directions, for one hour's drill before
breakfast. This new order was not relished any better by the officers
than the men, there was seldom more than one officer with us on these
occasions, and often, as soon as a point outside the camp had been
reached, the order to rest was given, particularly if there was a
shady place handy; and I am of the opinion that those morning drills
did not add much to our efficiency as soldiers.

On the morning of July 9th, the battery of the 2d Regiment were
marching out for drill, and when a short distance from camp one of
the ammunition chests exploded, killing one man, and mortally
wounding the corporal of the gun, the latter dying in a few hours;
the caisson was blown to pieces, and the wheel horses fatally
injured. That afternoon funeral services were held in the camp of the
2d Regiment, and the remains of the deceased comrades were that
evening put on board the cars for transportation to Providence.

About the 10th of July, there were rumors in camp of an intended
advance into Virginia; extra rations were ordered, and new shoes
issued to the company.

July 11th Edward Wilson, of F company, who had deserted at Frederick
City, returned to camp, was placed in the guard house, and at dress
parade, July 12th, his dishonorable discharge was read to the
regiment. William H. Durfee and George S. Ward were the same day
discharged on account of disability.

July 14th, we received orders to be in readiness to march at short
notice, in light marching order, with no tents or unnecessary
baggage. The order was received by the men, generally, with much
enthusiasm, and as a decided relief from the monotonous existence
incident to camp duty. The men had come out there to assist in
putting down the rebellion and sustaining the honor of the flag, and
as their term of service drew towards a close, they felt anxious that
their journey to and sojourn in Washington