Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1861-05-31
OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
HEAD QUARTERS, 1sr Iowa Rect.
KEoKUK, Nav oath, 1861.


HEAD QUARTERS, 1sr Iowa REG'T.
KEoKuK, May oath, 1861.
To-day has been grand gala day for the
LIST Iowa Regiment The ladies Of Keokuk
got up the finest and most substantial table
that 1 ever saw at public dinner. All the
first regiment, and all the companies Of the
second now here, marched to the ground.
The tables were set in beautiful grove about
mile from town. Mrs. Samuel Miller, Mrs.
Curtis and Mrs. Comstock, were indefatigable
in their exertions, and to them is owing in
great measure the complete success of the en-
terprise 1t was said that the affair was op-
posed by some of the ladies of Kcolluk, but
can hardly believe that this was the case, for
the beauty and fashion of the Gate City SEEM
ed certainly to be congregated on the grounds
to do honor by their lively presence to the
cause of our common country and the defend
ers of its flag. The compliment has been duly
appreciated by the soldiers, and the names of
those citizens who have conferred it upon
them will long be remembered with gratitude
and honor in every part of Iowa. Seven
companies of the regiment will probably go
into camp tomorrow. We will inform you by
letter more fully on the matter.
Yesterday we received our arms. They will
do very well for drilling and suppose will do
to fight with, though think it is probable that
this regiment will be furnished with the i'm
proved arms.
Charles E. Compton, of company a. y has
been appointed Sergeant Major of the regi
ment. Next week will probably see brigade
organized here. l think we will march either
to St. Louis Or Cairo. The dog of the regi-
ment is well and marches with the company
regularly. Il. .. =.
HEAD QUARTERS Iowa VOLUNTEERS,
KEoKuK, May "a, 1861.
Friend Jou rnai The first grand parade
of the volunteers now here took place. All
hail to the fair ladies of Keokuk. They have
done nobly-well grandly. Let our people
rejoice. Yesterday the attention of our COM
pany was called to sgeneral order" from
the Colooel, accompanied by an invitation
fro,z the ladies Of this city, to meet with
them in good, old-fashioned pic mic style.
The Col. was happy, and the boys agreeable.
At half.past IL A. NJ. today, the several
companies of the first regiment, followed by
such of the second as are now here, formed
at quarters and fell into line of march on
Fifth street, and by various man@uvreings
proceeded to the groves along the river above
the city. A more beautiful spot for such an
occasion could not have possibly been select
ed on the West bank of the Mississippi riv
er. The clouds which at morning seemed
full Of rain, only served to protect US from
the suns rays, which would otherwise have
been intolerable. The military display was
fine-the display of local beauty was grand,
and shall l say that the Widespread table
was grander display than all. Tables for
thirteen companies were filed with all that
stomach could crave. Each company was
marched to its appropriate table-the men
star ding outside, the ladies in. After sup
plying the inner man the companies were
called to order, and such as were disposed
listened to toast responses, made by COL
Bates, Curtis, Judge Wright, and Sam. Mil
Ter, interspersed with vocal and instrumental
music. At about half past three the compa-
nies-except company "C"-formed and
marched back to town. The ladies, too, re-
NAMED. The real outside amusement of the
day was by our boys, who entertained the
crowd with songs, &c. Drummer Fowler
was the wag Of the day. His negro speech
on women's rights" took like wild-ire, and
was rewarded by bouquets and rosettes.-
| Upon the whole, it was day long to be re-
membered, especially to Fowler, privates Van
Buren,, Twieg and Beatty, who experienced
some lofty tumbling in the "double quick
time" home.
| Our arms have arrived, and are distribu-
TED. We expect to 60 into camp tomorrow
morning. Our boys are in frs rate spirits,
and ready for that anticipated move on Han.
nbal or St. Jo
The tedium of our daily labors is now re
lieved by nightly theatrical performance,
by an excellent company from st. Louis. 1t
has become the favorite resort Of soldiers,
and believe far more desirable than night
oungings around saloons.
Col. Isett arrived here yesterday from be.
low jerome Croker to night from home.
1t is good for ones eyes to see an acquaint-
ance from home. The city is all alive with
military excitement. WE'D.
HEAD QUARTERS 1sT Iowa REGIMENT