Waitt, Ernest Linden, History of the Nineteenth regiment, Massachusetts volunteer infantry , 1861-1865

[12] lower station. The band played the national airs, the flags were flying and there was no lagging behind. Everyone looked for a different greeting from that they received in Philadelphia, and got it, for the regiment received no attention whatever, except two faint cheers from three persons, led by a United States soldier. As it marched through the streets where the men of the Sixth had met with so warm a reception, the bullet marks on the buildings were pointed out. The mayor of the city accompanied the regiment and the people looked and acted much like other people, but did not seem glad to see the Nineteenth.

The journey from Baltimore to Washington was long and tedious. The train was continually being side-tracked to allow the regular passenger trains to pass. At one of these stops, First Lieutenant John Hodges, Jr., of Company B, was in danger of being left behind, and the men of his company unshackled their car to prevent its departure without their popular officer. At frequent intervals, soldiers were seen doing guard duty on the railroad, and, for the first time, the members of the Nineteenth saw men being punished at the guard house. One was seen with his head through a barrel and another was carrying a heavy log of wood.

At midnight, August 30, the regiment arrived in Washington and was halted at ‘The Soldiers' Rest.’ The Nineteenth had to stand under arms until a Pennsylvania regiment had eaten supper. The meal furnished was very bad. A vigorous protest was instituted by Col. Hinks at the quality of food supplied, and on the following morning a more respectable meal was served.

Some of the companies of the Nineteenth were obliged to camp on the platform outside of the building that night because a Pennsylvania regiment occupied the barracks. The other companies slept on the floor. The night was warm and the men outside slept soundly. When they awoke it was to witness a strange scene. A great number of hogs were running about, grunting and squealing and eating of the refuse matter that lay in the muddy streets. It was the first time most of the men had seen hogs running at large. Some resented the