William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

[595] in New Jersey while the company was on its way to Washington, It was now wearing late in the afternoon; and, as I had ridden about twenty miles, we drove over the Bladensburg pike to Washington, and arrived there at dark.

There is an extension of these works on the Maryland side reaching as far as the Chain Bridge; but, as there are but two of our companies in them, I did not think I could spare another day to visit them.

My chief purpose in visiting these fortifications was to see our Massachusetts men, and to impress upon our officers the importance of making out the muster pay-rolls of the men in their several commands who had elected to take the twenty dollars a month State pay. I carried with me blank rolls, and gave instructions how to make them out. The families of these men have called at the State House in numbers every day for the monthly pay; but, as returns had not been made at this office, I could not make out the pay-rolls. The officers promised to attend to this matter at once, and would leave the rolls at Colonel Tufts's office at Washington, so that I could take them home with me on my return from the front. Colonel Tufts promised to attend to the two companies which I did not visit. I may say here that the promises made by the officers were kept in every instance; and on my return to Washington, ten days after, I received the rolls from Colonel Tufts, made up to the 31st of October, which I brought home with me. I have no doubt I shall hereafter receive the rolls regularly.

I found the defences of Washington almost entirely garrisoned by our men, and their good conduct and soldierly bearing were universally acknowledged.

The health of the companies, as a general thing, is good, although in some of the companies a good deal of malarial fever, and fever and ague, prevails. The men, however, did not complain, but appeared cheerful and happy. Of one thing I am thoroughly satisfied, that they have good officers, who are qualified to command, and who regard with zealous care the comfort and health of the men. All I regret is, that I could not stop longer with them, for I had a hearty greeting and pressing invitations to stay longer in each of their camps.

The evening I passed in my room, and quite a number of our officers and other friends called upon me.

Oct. 25.—I passed several hours at the War Department transacting business with Colonel Breck and Colonel Vincent, who have lately been promoted to that rank. It is a pleasure to do business now at the War Department, every thing is so well arranged and systematized. Having completed my business, and obtained a pass from Major Polonzie,