The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-10-06

Muster and Inspection of the First Regiment.
Pursuant to General Order No. 6, current SERIES
from headquarters Third brigade, N. G., 8. N. Y,
the First Regiment Hawkins Zouaves assembled
yesterday at the regimental armory, Fourth street
and Broadway, at two P. NJ and marched to
Tompkins square for the purpose Of annual muster,
inspection and review. Owing to the fact that one
of the companies had selected yesterday for target
excursion and picnic, contrary to the wishes OF the
commanding oficer and in violation of orders, the
regiment presented very slim appearance. Line
was formed at half-past two precisely on the east
side Of the square. The total number present. rank
and file, was not quite $50. General Liebenau not
having arrived Brigade Major wentworth proceeded
to inspect the regiment and Colonel Hawkins acted
as reviewing officer. When the regiment had formed
for review General yarian and the star officers Of
the Third brigade accompanied the reviewing offcer
up and down. the line. The drum corps on the
right OF the regiment, continued to drum
after the reviewing party had passed. which was the
only mistake committed at that time When the
battalion was formed into column Of companies be-
fore marching past markers should have been posted
on the right flank and six or eight PAGES from the
reviewing officer. The wheeling was done pretty
well, nevertheless and the marching was In good
time. Colonel Hawkins being the reviewing Offcer
should not have returned the salutes OF Communicates
OF companies In the march past salute to the
manding officer and TO the colors being all that
etiquette required At this moment General Lieb-
enau appeared on the ground aud accompanied
General varian and stat to the head OF the regiment
which was formed into column Of companies for in
spectlon The non-commissioned stan having been
inspected in due form the Brigade Major proceeded
to examine the condition OF the arms and accoutre-
ments or the men. Very many OF the rnes were
found corroded with rust and besmeared with oil.
Az, however no private OF the National Guard Is held
responsible for the condition Of his piece
the Major had to content himself with o muttered
anathema on the armorer Of the regiment. But few
OF the men appeared TO know how to bring their
rides to inspection Of arms,n the majority execut
ing military travestie on the Grecian bend before
the reviewing officer. That fault however, il not
peculiar to the First Zouaves During the inspection
the men who were no. standing to attention amused
themselves with an impromptu game OF base ball
and ran about the parade ground without restraint.
When the inspection was completed the reviewing
party returned to head OF the column and com.
menced to muster the regiment.
The muster completed, the battalion was again
formed into line for review, General Iiebenau
this time acting as reviewing officer. The
markers were neglected again In wheeling from
tains OF the First, Second and Third companies
forgot to salute. There were several other mistakes
made. which, although not deserving OF notice,
ought not 10 be repeated. IL should be remem-
bered that this is about the very worst time OF the
year for an inspection OF our National Guard regi-
ments. The men have not been drilled since last
spring and are TO certain extent disorganized by
the loss Of members whose time has expired and by
tho infusion into their ranks OF recruits II the
inspections ordered take place In the spring,
at the conclusion OF the drill season, II would be
much better for the credit Of the regiments. Ger
tanly the ranks would be fuller and the men would
be better drilled and disciplined.
A large number OF spectators were present during
the inspection aud review and force OF police UNI
der Captain Blount kept the parade ground clear
during the manpuyres. The ceremony OF the final
review terminated the proceeding at i've O'Clock and
the regiment was marched directly 10 the armory
and dismissed.