Norwich bulletin., 1914-06-24
STARTING FOR THE WAR.
Benjamin Watson Describes in Diar, Experiences of Colonel Hariard's Soldiers.

Following is an extract from the diary of Benjamin Watson of Plain field (formerly of Voluntown). during the year 1881. when he was serving his country in the Eighth Connecticut regiment:
 The Eighth Connecticut regiment, to which 1 belong, was encamped at Hartford, Conn. some weeks before We started for the war. Our regiment consisted of 964 men when. Oct. IT, | we had orders to pack our knapsacks at a. m.. to leave Camp Buckingham. Supposing our destination to be Han;p- stead. L. l., we all fell in at the reat of the drum and we're soon in line. You could only realize by being present the soldiers hurrying to and fro. the gath ering of spectators and the rattlin~ of vehicles. The noise of the multitude reminds me of the old adage, The eye is never satisfied with seeing. nor the ear with hearing"
 At 10 a. m. We were all armed and equipped as the law directs and have fallen in for roll call. and at 2 p. m. we are on dress parade. It is cloudy and very warm The sun shines out occasionally, hot enough to remind Jeff Davis of his future home. At 2.30 o'clock we are moving off the field with all our property-real and per sonal-on our backs. We have left the Tenth regiment in the distance and I have not so much as cast a lingering look behind. for l am glad to leave Hartford
 Orders to Colonel HarIand. At p. m. six companies of us are on board the Granite State. boat that runs from this place to New York, and the other four companies are aboard the Mary Benton. that runs to the same place. One of our men from Willimantic tainted by the way. but is well cared for. Our equipage con- fu4. of
 blanket, knapsack. haversack with ra- tions. canteen filled with water. car fridge box, belts and musket. As we were getting aboard orders came to Colonel Harland to go to Staten fsl- and, where we go. bidding adieu to old Hartford.
 As we marched down Main street we were greeted by thousands of spec
 tators from the sidewalks, doors and windows. They were giving us their well wishes by waving their handker-
 chiefs and their earnest looks spoke
 volumes. There was a large crowd
 assembled at the wharf ready to re-
 view us. One son of the Emerald Isle
 observed that the captain of the
 Eighth regiment was fine looking
 man.
 Salute from Colts.
 When the boat started the air was vocal with the cheers and shouts of
 the multitude, and we tried to make
 our part of the noise. As we passed
 Colt armory they saluted us by firing
 spiked cannon and small arms of their
 own manufacture. As we passed down
 the river groups were assembled on
 either shore. One old woman shook
 her apron at us.
 One of our men drank very freely
 Of ice water when he came aboard. He
 had a fit and it was thought he would
 die but through the skill of Dr. liar
 rington he was soon able to return to
 duty.
 At p. m the moon is high and
 shines bright. and we are having a
 pleasant sail down the Connecticut river. We will soon enter the sound. There Is hardly breeze enough to stir a ripple. Will our lives be always like sailing on a mirror bosom sea? think can safely say Nay" At ssa we are passing Bridgeport off at our rignt. I wonder if P. T. Barnun is at homef