Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1895-09-21

AAsa oAAA ~ AHA Il
We were fortunate enough to strike a
train of empty army wagons going to
Georgetown, and they gave us lift
that far It was about the middle of
a very hot and oppressive afternoon
| that we formed line in Georgetown
and marched into. Washington. To
most of us this was our first sight of
the Capitol City, and with our weari-
ness and the dirty and forlorn-look-
/ ing aspect of things the sight did not
/ impress us much. Pennsylvania av-
enue. along which we marched. had
only rough cobblestone pavement and
was deep in dust, with deep ruts here
and there where the cobble was brok-
en- through. The air was filled with
dust, caused by the movements of
mounted men and army wagons, long
trains of the latter continuously pass
ing and repassing. We marched in
tolerable order until pump was spied
on the sidewalk, when a break was
made to it for water 1t proved to be
near Gen. SCOTS headquarters. A
commissioned officer standing on the
steps of the latter saw rather I'M
seemly squabble between two of the
men over tin cup, and stepped up
and ordered all the men to fall in line
and march in order past the pump.
One of the contestants, looking at
him, asked 'Who the ID are
you? Mind your own business, will
you!" The officer walked laughingly
away, evidently thinking that was a
crowd had better be let alone. When
passing the White House, man who
had been in Washington before, and
wished to air his information, exclaim-
ed, Boys! that's the White House"
"Why, you simpleton, said another,
''that is Gen. Scott's horse stable''
On we stumbled over the rough pave
ment and through the sitting dust
until we were halted in sight of and
near by the Capitol building. One OF
my most esteemed comrades seated
himself upon the curb stone with an
air of utter WEAKNESS and dropped his
head between his two hands. I told
him to look up-that there was the
Capitol of the United States. ooh,
darn the Capitol of the United States,
was his reply, Il wish I had some
place to lie down" We soon were
again on the march and taken to
long ~ story wooden structure near
the B. & o. depot, called the Soldiers
Rest. We were quartered in the
loft, and slept on bare board tables
extending the length of the building
The room below was used to feed sol
diers in when they first arrived, and
2, 200 could be fed at time. Owing
to the multitudes of soldiers constant
ly arriving through the night, we did
not get our first meal until two O. clock
next day, as the newcomers had to be
served first. We were given coffee
strongly tinctured with pepper to
drink. and were told it was to prevent
stiffness of the joints from marching
The noise of the drum and fife was
unceasing day and night, as the
North, East, and West poured in their
mighty hosts of young and noble
looking men to the support of the
Government. AS / have said, most
of us were in Washington for the first
time, and having the opportunity we
wished to see all the sights of the
city. Now came in some amusement.
Those comrades who chose to march
on Washington in all the glory OF
new uniforms were halted on every
hand when they ventured out. They
were told they must obtain passes
from the proper authorities to go any
where, which were good for only one
day. Those of us in citizens dress
could go anywhere without hindrance.
1t was only another instance in which
men S vanity was grati6ed at the ex-
pense of their convenience. Sunday
was included in our stay in Washing
ton and on that day Governor Thomas
of Maryland came to our quarters to
conduct US into and through the Cap
itol building, which was a special
favor, as it was closed on Sundays
generally. We were glad of the in
vitation, and thankful to the govern
or for his kindness and thoughtful
ness, and all took advantage of it.
The great dome was then in an in
complete condition and we assembled
1t on spiral stairway round a mast
in the center of the rotunda. On our
way up we passed the artist Brurnidi
at work on his picture in the canopy.
We were furnished also with field
glasses to assist our vision from the
top. OFF to the south some miles,
at Munson's Hill, in Fairfax County,
Va, we saw a Confederate force on
dress parade. Their arms glittered
in the declining sun. Coming down,
we were shown the ovens on the west
side Of the Capitol, where GOO barrels
of flour were baked every "a hours for
the army about Washington.
The next day we were marched