The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-05-03
MASTERING INTO SERVICE.

respective companies. Eacn COMPANY "oo
ordered separately into line, when Captain
Nelson and Lieutenant Sanders, o. S. A.,
with DR.. Stewart, walked along in front and
rear, cursorily examining the men. After.
wards Captain Nelson, standing about
twenty PAGES in front, had the Captain or
Orderly call each mans name, to which the
man responded "here," and stepped forward,
taking position in rear Of the mastering
officers. Every man was scanned closely
as be passed on, and when one was found
who was supposed to be under age, he was
required to step aside for more particular
inspection. 1t was somewhat amusing to
witness the efforts of the "short boys" to
add an inch to their stature, by standing
straight-"s straight as the marble statue on
the gates of Altorf." We believe, however,
that nearly all who presented themselves
were accepted.
After inspection, Captain Nelson admin
istered the oath, the whole company uncov.
ering their heads and holding up their right
hands. The oath was as follows:
All and each of you do solemnly Cor affirm,
as the case may be.) that you will bear true
allegiance to the United States of America,
and that you will serve them honestly and faith.
fully against all their enemies or opposers
whatsoever, and observe and obey the orders
of the President of the United States and the
orders of the officers appointed over you, &C
cording to the rules and articles for the gov
eminent of the army of the United States. So
help you God.
The above oath was not taken, as often in
judicial proceedings, with carelessness and
levity, but with stern solemnity. After i'll
spection each company broke ranks with
hearty cheers.
FIRST SOLDIERS MEAL.
About one o'clock dinner was ready /;
and each company filed off to its respective
quarters. The tables were of rough boards,
in the centre of the rooms, and the seats
wooden benches. Next to the wall there
was bed of straw, about six inches thick,
running around the room. The table SER
vice was tin plates and cups, and tin coffee
pots for pitchers. The food was boiled
meat, potatoes, and stewed white beans, and
bakers bread. We heard several of the
boys call for the dessert, creams, cakes, pies,
almonds, Miss 3" Charlotte Russo, &C.,
but we believe they called in vain.
DISTRIBUTING CLOTHING.
Many of the volunteers came provided
with one blanket, and some with shawls,
but the largest portion had nothing but the
garments which covered them at the time
they enlisted. The Quartermaster was
fortunate in finding sufficient supply of
blankets in ST.. Paul. They were carried
up to the Fort and distributed in the after
noon by Mr.. George Harrington, of the
firm of Culver & harrington. Eight hun
dred blankets, eight hundred shirts and
eight hundred pairs of stocking, were taken
by the soldiers at once. The same number
of hats and pants are engaged, and will
soon be ready. The blankets were red, white
and blue, and some green, we believe, and
the "boys" Immediately used them as shawIs,
on the parade ground.
REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.
Late in the afternoon the following order
was promulgated:
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF MIssEsoIA,}
Fort Smelling, April %, 1861,
GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 4.
Willis A. German is announced as Colonel of
and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
I'd. Stephen Miller is announced as Lieut..
Colonel of the First Regiment Of Minnesota
Volunteers, and will be obeyed and respected
accordingly.
Sd. VIM. H. Dyke is announced as Major of
the First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers,
and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
By order of the Commander-inChief.
JOHN B. SANBORN,
Adjutant General.
Governor German and Mr.. Dixie were
present, and accepted their respective ap.
pointments. Governor Ramsey, in tender
ing commissions to those gentlemen, made
some we'll chosen remarks. Governor Cor.
man responded in a very neat speech. Mr..
Dixie also responded.
Colonel German Immediately took pos
session of the commandments Office.
THE MINNESOTA REGIMENT MUSTERED IN.
The first night in garrison was not alto
gether devoted to sleep. The boys had not
become accustomed to straw and hay, or to
sleeping with their daily clothing on, and
were somewhat restless, and the night wore
away very slowly. The sertries were set
and paced their monotonous paths for two
hours, when they were relieved by others,
and the routine of camp life fully inau.
gurated.
MORNING GUN.
At six o'clock, squad of Pioneer