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We remained in
Colonel Cowdin's quarters all night, made an inspection of the regiment next morning, and, taking a friendly good-by of officers and men, rode back to the ferry, and reached
Washington that night.
‘The next day’ (says the report), ‘I went to see General Barry, chief of artillery, with Captain Davis, of Lowell, to have his company, which has been at Fortress Monroe ever since May last, changed to a light battery, as recommended by Major-General Wool.’
The change was made the next day, and the company was from that time known as the Seventh Light Battery Massachusetts Volunteers.
On the following day, we went to
Baltimore, where the Seventeenth Regiment and the First Light Battery were stationed.
We received a hearty welcome from officers and men; visited the barracks and the hospital.
There was more sickness in the regiment than in any others we had visited, which we attributed to its close proximity to a large city.
The number in hospital was thirty.
The report says,—
The officers take good care of the health of the men. Both the regiment and battery are highly esteemed by the loyal citizens of Baltimore, several of whom I saw, and conversed with.
On the same evening, we left
Baltimore in a steamer for
Fortress Monroe, and arrived there the next morning.
We paid our respects to
Major-General Wool, who was in command of the department.
He spoke warmly in praise of our State, and of the
Massachusetts troops in his command.
We quote again:—
I remained three days at Fortress Monroe and Newport News, and had an excellent opportunity of becoming acquainted with the condition of our Sixteenth and Twenty-ninth Regiments.
Here, as elsewhere, I found our men in general good health, and earnestly desiring to advance on the enemy.
Colonel Wyman is almost idolized by his regiment (the Sixteenth), which he has brought to a high state of discipline.
Colonel Pierce had taken command of the Twenty-ninth a short time before my arrival.
From all I can learn, his appointment seemed to give general satisfaction; and I believe he will be an efficient and popular officer.
The New-York Ninety-ninth is stationed near Fortress Monroe, and commanded by my old friend, Colonel
