The National tribune., 1901-07-18

and distant about four miles from Bos-
ton proper, and from South and East Bos-
ton distant about one mile and a half;
elongated in form, about mile from point
to point. A large public house stood upon
the island, which had always been
favorite Summer resort. The island, as
/ remember, was, upon the south side,
thickly studded with trees; a beautiful
verdure clothed the miniature valleys, and
of a Summer morning, when the sea was
calm and the red glory of Summer sun
rise looked down upon the dotted camp
ground, the scene was inexpressibly beau
tiful.
1t was a good thought, the selection of
Long Island for military rendezvous, not
for its sanitary merits, but for the Sc
curity it afforded against desertions. II
boasts many fine parade grounds, walks,
and lounges, while beautiful views of sea
and land greet the eye in every direction.
1t is OF easy communication with the
city. / repeat, its selection was a wise
idea-a happy accident in the councils of
our city SolOns. Our removal from Fan
euil Hall to Long Island was a glorious
change. The close. cramped quarters at
the hall, with the natural accumulation
of filth incidental to the garrisoning of
large number of recruits, rendered still
more SO by the crowds of visitors who
were continually besieging the doors for
admttance to see their gallant friends
before their departure for the seat of war,
from this to the bright sunshine, green
fields, and an uDimpeded view from the
lofty rising ground over an uninterrupted
expanse of sea, with capital places for
sea bathing, rendered the change one Of
special congratulation.
We started from Faneuil Hall early in
May, 1861, having previously dispatched
engineers to lay out the camp, which, at
that time, seemed a formidable arrange
ment; though later it was scarcely five
minutes work, then it was five hours Tht
regiment was there Quartered in wall
tents, and even with those comfortable ac-
commOdations they were not well satisfied
Though they later were glad of the shelter
of few boards, and the lucky possessor
of an overcoat, or rubber blanket, thought
himself extremely well protected). Hav-
ing taken possession of their new quar-
tiers, the Irish Regiment, for the first time.
considered themselves soldiers.
MILITARY DISCIPLINE.
Immediately upon the arrival of the
regiment at Long Island, Col. Cass as
sumed control, and it soon become evident
TO him and his officers that to make the
regiment good one, and worthy of its
distinctive character, large amount of
work must be gone through, and the strict
est system Of discipline maintained More
than any other man, Col. Cass knew this.
he thoroughly understood the elements
of the organization he had to COM
mand, and with this knowledge he
used the best method OF control and in
struction. The men were at once in
structed iii the formula OF guard and
picket duties, whilst regimental lines were
formed, through which none could pass
without the countersign or other proper
authority. A picket was thrown out
around the island, TO prevent desertion by
boats, or the advent on the island Of pleas
ure parties, without proper authority to
land. The strictest surveillance was then
maintained over the men, and in a short
time the island presented the appearance
of a regular military post
Col. Cass, though not then proficient in
military science, gave, thus early In his
military career, evidence of fine soldierly
qualities, which, with cultivation, prom
ised noble fruit. The regimental disci-
pline experienced by the men was also
felt by the officers, until at length the
spirit which animated the commander ex-
tended itself throughout the entire regi-
ment, and soon all joined in the various
duties apportioned to then with a hearty
good will and spirit, which prognosticated
glorious future-a promise which was
nobly and CALAMITY fulfilled
Company drills took place at stated
hours, and in the afternoon battalion
drills. under the supervision of Col Cass,
gradually, yet surely, developed the sol
dierly qualities Of the men. In no camp in
the State OF Massachusetts could there be
found more hearty desire. or q regiment
who worked more strenuously to achieve
military perfection than the 9th. This
is vouched for by the citizens of Boston,
who on many occasions assembled to wit
ness our drills, when they often expressed
themselves greatly gratifed and astonished
at the extraordinary proficiency of the
men, and the rapidity with which they ac-