Year: 1879

During the summer of 1862 the Tenth New York Cavalry was uartered at the Blanden burg Toll Gate in Washington, D. 0. It was here the regiment re- celved the drill necessary to make it efficient. It was comp osed of men who left their homes for the preservation of the Union, not for money consideration, but because the cry had gone forth that our brave fellows were being beaten on many hard-fought field. While wait ing for orders in Washington there came to the regiment young man bear ing the name of Charles Morgan hailing from Waverly, New York, where Com pany H, of the Tenth Cavalry was recruited. Being an invalid he could not enter the service, but had come to Washington in the hope of being able to work his way to the army in the field, that he might visit his brothers (three m number), who were members of the Twenty Third New York Infantry. Alter trying various expedients for the accomplishment of his purpose he was finally forced to call upon his friends of the Tenth New York Cavalry to assist him in his undertaking. Knowing that the time could not be far distant when they would be called to the scene of conflict, 1t was agreed that Charley should remain with us and bear us com pany whenever the day arrived. Accordingly. he was fitted with a cavalry jacket and hat and allowed to do as best he could in the routine of soldier life.

 The morning of the 18th of August came, and the sun rose bright and beautiful, the camp was astir with the hum of busy preparations for orders had arrived for our departure. AtIp. m. Boots and Saddles" was called from the shrill bugle, and in thirty minutes the Tenth New York Cavalry was on it's way to the battle fields of Virginia, As fitting prelude to what was to follow, a drenching storm of ram set in, accompanied by such terrible gale that the regiment was nearly swept from the long bridge over which it was crossing.

 Many soldier that day looked up on the gay city of Washington for the last time, and as the last glitter of the dome of our country's Capitol faded fromview, the conviction seemed to grow and inn press the men that the days of soldier play were over. We realized that for the remaining three years or during the War we would have to bear the brunt of battle in common with the thousands who had gone before us.

 After brisk march of twelve miles. during which we passed hundreds of wagons and vehicles of all descriptions laden with families fleeing as if for their very lives, we halted at the village of Falls Church, and prepared to camp.

 The fleeing fugitives had reported Bob White and Mosby with their bands of marauders as being close at hand and liable at any moment to attack us, The night was fearfully dark, but in spite of 1t We established our guard and picket lines, the writer hereof being one of four who volunteered to stand picket on the road to Drainsville. After many in- structions and admonitions as to what we should do in case ve were attacked, we rode forth to our duty. During the whole long night we watched the road, and when, at 6 a. m., the officer came on his grand round we reported all quiet. There was consultation as to who should dismount for nap, and by lot it fell to the narrator to keep his saddle, which he did,. At 10 8. n. we were relieved and returned to camp. Each day while here encamped the com mandant sent forth scouting parties in the direction of DrainsvilIe, Chantilly, Germantown and Fairfax.