The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-10-12

/ rare sight we had yesterday in the gran,
amphithcatre on the Fair Grounds, file,
> with soldiers Of every corps assembled 70
divine service, to the number of ut leas
5000. The spacious amphitheatre, tn
vast crowd of people, the martial music
! and the sturdy sentinels, all reminded m,
Of the scenes sketched by the historian o
the palmy days of the Roman Empire
1t was so unlike the democracy of oul
government that | almost fancied mysel
amid the scenes of the old world. rather
than in the valley of the great West, un
der republican institutions.
The troops are all in good spirits and
anxious to get equipped and in the field
where alone they expect to gain military
renown.
Gen. SAINT r. Curtis seems to give uni
versal satisfaction here and to have the
confidence of the citizens of st. Louis
which is source of great pleasure to us.
He is readily approached by all who have
business with him, while his courtesy and
practical business habits commend him to
all. His headquarters stands 10 the centre
of the plaza used for parade purposes,
surrounded by an angular picket fence,
and presents quite unique appearance.
Tomorrow we are ordered to our regu-
lar drills, and our arms are to be here soon,
so that We may hope to be fully prepared
for active service bye-and-bye. We are
proud of Colonel Warren as we become
more acquainted with his qualifications as
prompt and energetic commander
General Order No. Fl was read this
evening on dress parade, and it furnished
some good news for Company A. The
regiment was divided into three battal-
lions, with full appointments in detail -
Capt. Leffingwell of Co. B. has been
sworn in as lst Major of the Regiment,
Capt. Cover as I'd Major, and L. w.
Chamberlain as Sd Major DR.. j.. c.
Stone, of iowa City, was appointed Regi-
mental Adjutant Our genial friend and
prompt officer, Orderly Sergeant d. A.
Kerr, was appointed Adjutant of the LIST
Battalion with the rank Of Lieut.. Major.
May his shadow never be less.
j M. Bryan of Co. D. is Adjutant of
the ID Battalion, aud III. X, Robinson of
Clinton County Adjutant of the Sd Bat
talon
HenryC. Albers' many friends will be
glad to learn that he has been promoted to |
the post of Orderly Sergeant vice ID. A. |
Kerr promoted. We all think this first
rate appointment.
DR. John Mack, Of Carthage, H., was
Hospital Steward, and Michael
Cheesman, of Montrose, Veterinary Sur
geon of the resment--both of our Com
pany.
Six regiments left Benton Barracks last
night tor the west, among them the AID |
Illinois, commanded by Col Webb, known
as the Douglas Brigade. Their fine
soldier-like bearing attracted universal at
tention, and the short parting ceremony
was very impressive. The brigade moved
forward under Maj Robinson and halted
in front of the Generals headquarters,
when the Major TUNED and saluted the
General, saying: General, my men never
cheer, but they request me to thank you
for your kind and eentlemanly bearing to-
ward them as commander of this post,
during their sojourn here"
Gen. Curtis responded, saying: "Major
Robinson, part with you and your COM
mand with feelings almost too big for ut
terance, but | feel assured that you will
do your duty well on the battle field. Good
bye"
The earnest words Of both, uttered in
the stiffness Of twilight, followed by the
sonorous voice of the Major Of "Atten-
ton, Northumberland, march, !" echoed
by his subordinates, was truly impressive,
and will be long remembered by all who
witnessed it.
Hoping for forward movement of the
army, with the lst Iowa Cavalry Regi-
ment fully equipped, at an early day,
subscribe myself Yours, r.
From the UOwa SIKH.
CAMP CURTIS, JEFFERSON CRY, !
October Tth, 1861.
Prohibited as eyeryhndy is from writ |