Morning journal and courier., 1880-05-27
The CoIored Soldiers.

A Gala Day in New Haven for the Fifth
 Battalion, c. N. G.-Fine Appearance
 Good Marching-Incitients of the Day.
 The Fifth battalion, Connecticut National Guard, made fine appearance on their pa rade yesterday. They were 8 credit to their officers and the State, and were accorded much praise. It is the first body of colored troops organized under our State laws, and is composed of four companies, Company A (Wilkins Guard), New Haven, and one con- pany each from Hartford, Bridgeport and Norwich. There were about 200 men in line The Bridgeport company arrived first and were escorted by the Wilkins Guard from the depot to the Wilkins armory, on Grown street. The Norwich company arrived at SIP, and the Hartford company at 9:22, both companies being met at the depot by squad consisting of a sergeant and eight men, and the visitors were escorted directly to the armory. On their arrival there all of the visitors were given a collation. of coffee, sandwiches, etc., to prepare them for the hard work of the day which was to come after the men reached the parade ground. The collation. was of course very welcome to the men, who did full justice to the eatables.
 The light fatigue uniforms were now donned and preparations made for the bat talion drill which took place on the Howard avenue base ball grounds. This was the companies first battalion drill and they re- fiected credit upon themselves, doing well for beginners. It was very warm work, and Major Layne, who was the drill master, gave frequent rests for the command, which were I.an k5-.11 which was witnessed by many people, the battalion marched back to the Wilkins Guard armory, where they were again served handsomely with refreshments. The wealth CT being so hot the street parade was delayed from 2:3O, the time appointed, until after 4. In the meantime the soldiers were free to cir culate about, and the visitors were to be seen in squads strolling about the city, their appearance and demeanor be- ing greatly to their credit. Many of the women folks were out, adding to the iveli- ness of the scene. Squads of colored people waited about on the lower Green eager for the appearance of the militia, and many of the friends were out riding enjoying the day. There was much activity in Church street and in Grown street at about half past three. The fine band which the battalion had, Howe's of Bridgeport, played some fine pieces The utmost interest was manifested by large throngs of colored people as the sound of the drums and the band music was heard draw ing nearer, telling that the battalion had started. The battalion went over the route of march published yesterday.
 The parade attracted great attention. The inspiriting music of the Howe band was let out at it's best as the battalion passed the City Hall. Broadway was alive with people. At Capt. Wilkins house halt was made, and amid cheers the captain came out and ad- dressed the battalion, speaking in terms of high satisfaction of what had been done and the present good discipline and appearance of the command. The captain furnished re- treatments, which being partaken of and cheers given, the battalion proceeded on it's march, which terminated at the Old Green. On the Old Green dress parade was had, hundreds of lockers on in attendance, and the battal- ion was reviewed by General S. R. Smith, commandant of the c. N. G., accompanied by Colonel Morgan and Major Stetson. The visiting commands had escorts to their respective trains, and departed full of satisfaction at the day and it's events The companies were finely welcomed on their ar rival at the armory in the morning by Capt. Grifing. The ball by the Wilkins Guard in the evening at National Armory was the largest and without exception the finest affair ever given by colored people in the State The large drill hall was thronged with dancers the music was by the Howe orchestra and all the arrangements evidenced laudable spirit of enterprise and pride in the corps. Captain Seymour of the Hartford company, Welch of the Bridgeport company, and Williams of the Norwich company, remained to the dance; also Lieutenant Seymour of Hartford and others of the visiting organizations The fine company rooms and various ante-rooms were all occupied for the occasion. The affair was highly enjoyed.
 There were a few cases of illness caused by the intense heat, and one Bridgeport man, after receiving medical attention from Dr. Surridge of this city, was taken to the train and sent to his home.