I. sketch from Bowen's Massachusetts in the War (1866)
II. Diary of Sgt.-Major N. S. Liscombe (excerpts)
III. article from the (Worcester) Massachusetts Spy, 1 July 1861
THE Third Battalion of Rifles, at the outbreak of the rebellion, had its head-quarters at Worcester, two of the three companies being located in that city and the other at Holden, the towns in the vicinity being generally represented in the ranks of the latter. To these Company D, recruited in Boston on the 19th of April, 1861, was afterward attached, the entire battalion being made up and officered as follows : —
Major, Charles Devens, Jr.; adjutant, John M. Goodhue; quartermaster, James E. Estabrook; surgeon, Oramel Martin; sergeant major, Arthur A. Goodell; quartermaster sergeant, George T. White, all of Worcester.
Company A, City Guards of Worcester — Captain, Augustus E. B. Sprague; first lieutenant, Josiah Pickett; second lieutenant, George C. Joslin; third lieutenant, Orson Moulton; fourth lieutenant, Elijah A. Harkness.
Company B, Holden Rifles — Captain, Joseph H. Gleason; first lieutenant, Phineas R. Newell, both of Holden; second lieutenant, Edward E. Devens of Charlestown; third lieutenant, Samuel F. Woods of Barre; fourth lieutenant, George Bascom of Holden.
Company C, Emmet Guards of Worcester — Captain, Michael P. McConville; first lieutenant, Michael O'Driscoll; second lieutenant, Matthew J. MeCafferty; third lieutenant, Thomas O'Neill; fourth lieutenant, Maurice Melvin.
Company D, Boston — Captain, Albert Dodd; first lieutenant, Charles Dodd; second lieutenant, Cornelius G. Attwood; third lieutenant, George A. Hicks; fourth lieutenant, Joseph Nason.
Major Devens was directed on the 20th of April to report at Washington with his three companies at once, and at 5 o'clock that afternoon the battalion stood in line in the streets of Worcester ready for the departure. The command was addressed by the mayor of the city and others, and that evening took cars for New York, where it arrived early the following morning. It was entertained at the armory of the Seventh New York Regiment during the day, being visited and addressed by Senator Sumner, and that evening took the transport Ariel for Annapolis, reaching there on the morning of the 24th. There the battalion remained till the 2d of May, when it was ordered to garrison Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, and went thither by steamer, reaching the fort next morning.
Company D was meantime being equipped, drilled and disciplined at Boston, and on the 2d of May it left that city on the steamer Cambridge under sealed instructions, not to be opened till Boston Light was passed. These directed the captain to proceed by way of Fortress Monroe and the Potomac to Washington, expressing the wish of Governor Andrew that "the ship Cambridge shall reach Washington and demonstrate that a Massachusetts ship manned with Massachusetts men, shall be the first ship to arrive by that route, as our Sixth Regiment was the first to arrive at Washington, through the hostile city of Baltimore." These instructions were strictly carried out, and the company was the first organization to reach the capital by that route. After remaining at Washington 12 days it was sent to join the battalion at Fort McHenry, and on the 19th of May the four companies were mustered into the government service.
The history of the battalion was marked by no notable event. The men were drilled in handling the heavy guns and in infantry tactics, winning much praise for their good conduct, and at the request of General Dix, commanding the department, remaining two weeks after the expiration of their term. Major Devens was meantime promoted to the colonelcy of the Fifteenth Regiment and Adjutant Goodhue to a captaincy in the regular army. The command returned to Massachusetts and was mustered out on the 3d of August. It was commanded by Captain Sprague after the promotion of Major Devens, and during its service lost two men by death from disease.
Orders were issued to the companies of this battalion to report to Maj. Devens on the afternoon of April 20, 1861, at Worcester. At 5 o’clock P.M., battalion line was formed in front of the City Hall, and from thence, under escort of the Highland Cadets and the ‘Old Guard,’ they marched to the Mechanics’ Hall, where they were received by Mayor Davis, who made an address appropriate to the occasion; after which, a prayer was made by the Rev. Dr. Hill. Major Devens addressed the battalion, and the exercises were concluded with the singing of The Red, White, and Blue, and the Marseillaise Hymn. The battalion then returned to company quarters. At 9:30 P.M., battalion line was formed; and escorted by the Old Guard and citizens, marched to the Western railroad Station, and left Worcester about 10:30 P.M., reaching New York at eight o’clock, Sunday morning of the 21st.
We were well received in New York. Major Anderson had been there the day before, and it seemed as though the stars and stripes were floating from every window. We breakfasted and dined at Fifth Avenue Hotel, and marched from there to the armory of the Seventh regiment. In passing through the city, we were cheered on every side; our Springfield rifle, with the sabre-bayonet, attracted much attention. While at the armory, we were visited by the Hon. Charles Sumner, and other distinguished individuals. Mr. Sumner made a few remarks. Complimenting us on our soldierly appearance and the promptness with which we had replied to the call of the President. After the most enthusiastic reception on the line of our march, at eight P.M., we embarked on the transport Ariel for Annapolis.
April 23d. Arrived off Fortress Monroe at four, p. m. Found awaiting us transport De Soto, having on board the Boston Light Artillery, and a part of the Fifth Massachusetts Regiment, the other part of the latter being on board the Ariel. Both vessels immediately bore up for Annapolis. It being deemed possible that objections would be offered, either to our progress up the bay, or to our landing at Annapolis, ammunition was distributed, and stations assigned for each company, where they were ordered to immediately assemble, upon hearing the long roll of the drum. No opposition was offered, and we arrived off Annapolis on the morning of the 24th, Found the naval grounds and buildings in the hands of General Butler. The battalion were ordered to disembark, -which was done at one, p. M., and were furnished with quarters on the piazza of the mess hall, and bivouacked for the night on the brick pavement.
25th. Were assigned quarters in the main building of the school, over the headquarters of General Butler, who immediately ordered from Co. A a detail for duty at headquarters, the detail to continue during the stay of the battalion at this post. We were all expecting to leave for Washington this morning, but General Butler thought he wanted us with him.
28th. Sunday; no drill to-day. It is a new thing for us to pass the Sabbath in this way. Most of us have been writing home.
29th. Hon. Dwight Foster came to-day, on his way to Washington, and brought the first news from home. We were all glad to see him, and what letters he brought were prized very highly. Commenced reading a chapter in the Bible and singing at eight, P. M. Capt. Sprague read this evening, to be followed by Lieutenants Pickett, Joslin, Moulton, and Harkness. We have some fine singers, and think this part of our daily exercises will afford us much pleasure,
30th. Quite a number of the men are sick from eating too much fresh meat ;but as this is the first we have had, since leaving New York, it is not strange.
May 1st. Colonel Phillips came this afternoon, and brought letters, etc., from home. Just as we were reading our letters and having a sociable time, orders came to pack up and be ready to leave in the morning, at seven o'clock, for ____
2d. All ready; knapsacks packed and waiting to move. Orders came that we would not go till evening, but where we were going none could find out. At eight, p. m., embarked on board the transport Maryland, bound, as we learned after the steamer was under way, for Fort McHenry,
3d. Arrived at Fort McHenry at six, a.m., and landed in the midst of a cold rain-storm. As we had passed quite an uncomfortable night and found nothing in good shape, our feelings were not as pleasant as they otherwise would have been. After landing our stores, we marched to what were to be our quarters. Companies A and C were ordered to take charge of some old barracks which look as though they had been filled with rubbish, just after the war of 1812, and had so remained ever since. We soon had the doors open, and the floor was cleared up, and we saw what was to be our sleeping place for the night. We had tried the brick at Annapolis, and made up our minds if we could find anything softer we would have it. Were supplied with boards, and so had our choice of a pine board or a brick floor. We had not had much to eat that day; our rations were all gone, and raw pork and hard bread were not plenty. The first day at Fort McHenry was not exciting, but perhaps we will have something from Baltimore which will make it more interesting. Major Morris is in command here.
4th. Rain and snow this morning; we thought we were moving South, where it would be warm, — not only warm work, but warm weather. Governor Andrew's over-coats, which some thought a foolish purchase, are just what we need, and we should suffer without them.
5th, Sunday. No drill to-day; inspection and dress parade. Rev. Mr. Roberts, of Baltimore, preached in the chapel this afternoon.
7th. We have been at this post about a week, and have had rain, with some snow, all the time. We are anxious for a change. The soil sticks to our patent leathers in such quantities that if we could send them to Massachusetts we would be in possession of considerable real estate, and our names would be in the list of those who paid a tax of $50 and upwards.
9th. Major Morris orders each company to be drilled by a member of the Fourth Regular Artillery. He thinks we will improve faster. We think our officers are not much behind the Regulars.
14th. General Butler seized a large lot of arms, etc., and we marched outside the gate to guard them. The order came at 9 p.m., just as the roll was being called, and we supposed we were bound for Baltimore — every man was in his place. This is the first time we have been outside the gates. We are hoping to go to Baltimore soon.
15th. Captain Dodd's company came to-day. They are nearly all from Boston. Captain Dodd belonged to the Tigers.
19th. General Cadwallader arrested one of our company for insulting Marshal Kane, as he said. Captain Sprague soon procured his release, or I think we would soon have been in trouble, for Massachusetts men do not think much of Kane, whether he be the first murderer or the one who lent his aid in murdering the Massachusetts men on the 19th of April, 1861. All hands took the oath this morning.
20th. We now drill six hours per day; and, with guard duty, we have not much time to spare. We are drilled by our own officers now.
26th. A choir came from Baltimore, to assist in the services, this afternoon. It made it quite interesting.
3lst. Went through inspection in company with the Regulars to-day. Maj. Morris was much pleased, and thought we would compare very favorably with them.
June 1st. About half the battalion are on fatigue duty. We have all the cannon in the Water Battery to dismount, which are twenty-four pounders, and are putting in forty-two's in their place. It is hard work, and could be made much easier, if we were allowed to do it our own way.
5th. A sergeant and corporal, with seventeen privates, were ordered to proceed to Fort Carroll and relieve the recruits now there. Sergeant Johnson, of Co. A, took command of the detail.
21st. The fatigue duty still continues, and we have changed the looks of many things since we came. I should think Baltimore would have a poor time if Fort McHenry opened upon her.
26th. Capt. Sprague, with three men of Company A, was ordered to make a thorough examination of the bridges between Baltimore and Havre de Grace, which he did, and made his report to the Major, which received his approbation.
27th. Marshal Kane and the Police Commissioners were brought in this morning. Kane is a fine-looking man, but should have been here long ago.
30th. Adjt. Goodhue left this afternoon, having been appointed captain in the regular army.
July 1st. Lieut. Harkness has been appointed acting quartermaster. Quartermaster Estabrooks being stationed at Fortress Monroe. Lieut. McCafferty appointed acting adjutant.
3d. Major Devens went to Washington this morning. Capt. Sprague is acting as major. All the boys are looking for the paymaster, and want him to come before the Fourth, as our funds need reinforcement.
4th. Each company has planned to have a grand time to-day. A dinner, such as is got up in New England, is to be provided. We have no drill, and each company is to relieve the guard of the other, so we can all have our dinner together. The following order was read, which somewhat interfered with our plans, but we celebrated a little. ‘The commanding officer being officially informed that the Hon. Secretary of War would visit us today, arrangements will be made for his reception. Major Morris will proceed to the city at 9 1-4 o'clock for the purpose of receiving him and accompanying him to this post," &c. The Secretary did not arrive till 1 1-2 o'clock, so that our dinner came a little late. Company A, the City Guards, had their dinner about 4, p.m. Capt. Sprague presided at the table, and everything passed off to our entire satisfaction. This was the first time for two and a half months that we had seen a table with table-cloth and dishes. Some of us, perhaps, would have eaten more if we could, but when we got through we did not have much of an appetite. Companies B, C, and D had a nice time, and few who were there will forget the Fourth of July dinner, 1861. Company A were very quiet, owing to the sickness of one of their number, A. H. Gilbert, who joined us soon after our coming here. He had made himself very popular amongst us. His sickness was caused by taking cold while doing fatigue duty, which he had volunteered to do for one who was not very well. A national salute was fired at meridian.
5th. Gilbert died last night at 11 1-2 o'clock, of typhoid fever. This is the first death in the battalion, though we have had much sickness. The following resolutions were offered by the battahon: ‘Whereas, an all-wise Providence has called from our ranks and the active scenes of life our comrade and friend, Amos H. Gilbert, in the full strength of his early manhood and the vigor of his days. Resolved, that while we bow in submission to the decree of our Heavenly Father, whose ways are inscrutable and past finding out, our grateful hearts shall render thanks that in our daily duties we have been cheered by associations with one who has endeared himself to us by the exhibition of the qualities of the gentleman, the soldier, the affectionate friend.
'He, the young and strong, who cherished
Noble longings for the strife,
By the wayside fell and perished.
Weary with the march of life.’
Resolved, that while we would not invade the sanctity of private grief, and while words of consolation are of little avail while the heart is breaking, we bear our testimony to the noble qualities that inspired our comrade, and pray that ‘He, without whose notice not a sparrow falls,’ may comfort and sustain those who were bound to him by the strongest earthly ties.
‘None knew him but to love him,
Or named him but to praise.'
Resolved, that we will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days in testimony of our affectionate regard and esteem." This afternoon drill was suspended, and, with arms reversed and muffled drums, we followed the remains to the depot in Baltimore, where we left them in charge of his parents.
6th. Col. Wetherell and one of Gov. Andrew's council came this morning; — the battalion went through drill and dress parade, and was reviewed by them.
9th. Last night, at about 11 o'clock, orders came for a captain, Lieutenant, and sixty men to be ready to take a steamer which would be at the fort wharf at 1 o'clock. Capt. McConville, of Company C, and Lieut. Pickett, Company A, were in command, and each detachment reported to the Major in double-quick time. Some who were not detailed, finding out what was up, were anxious to be counted in, but no more could be taken. One young fellow, more anxious than the rest, at last bought off one of Company B for the sum of five dollars. At that time our paymaster had not made his appearance, and five dollars was a large sum, but as we had heard that we were bound for a vessel which had left Baltimore with arms and ammunition, and that a brush was expected, the money was of small account. After waiting till 4 a.m., and no steamer making its appearance, we were all dismissed to quarters, to be ready at a moment's notice. At 6 we were all called together again, but were informed that but forty could go. It was decided to draw lots, and as all were anxious and none volunteered to remain, fifteen slips of paper, with from 1 to 15 on them, were procured. Those who drew ten and under were to go. The young fellow who was to pay the five dollars drew no 15, and so was counted out. The old saying, "Where there is a will there is away," was proved to be true. Before the troops were ready to leave, he had bought out another of Company B for the same amount, and formed in as one of that company. The Major smiled as he passed, but he had obtained his permission and so was all right. Some said that he had tried so hard to go that he would not come back. At 7 o'clock the steamer Chester touched at the wharf, and we all embarked amid the cheers and good wishes of our comrades. We found on board a company of Pennsylvanians, and were joined by a detachment of regulars, with two field-pieces. We had a pleasant sail down the Chesapeake, touched at Millstone Landing, and then proceeded up the Patuxent River. We soon came in sight of two schooners that seemed to be trying to steer clear of us. The steamer was soon on their track and was fast overhauling them, when each lowered a boat and made for the shore, leaving one man in charge of each vessel, who ran them into the sand. We lowered a boat, boarded them, and found them loaded with oysters. Supposing, by the haste in which the crews left, we had two prizes, sure, we were some disappointed; but oysters not being in our line, we were soon on our way again. They had violated the State law of Maryland in taking oysters at that time of the year, which was the reason they were in such haste to get on shore. We had not proceeded far before we saw a black-looking vessel, which proved to be the U. S. gunboat Yankee, making for us. We ran up the stars and stripes, and continued on our course, and as the gunboat came up we could see several guns looking at us through her portholes, and a boat was lowered to board us. We slacked up, when an officer came on board, and we soon convinced him that we were Union men on legal business. We overhauled several vessels, but were obliged to return without accomplishing our object. On our way up the bay, we encountered a very heavy squall of wind and rain, accompanied by lightning and thunder. The Chester is a good boat, and we experienced no inconvenience from the storm. We arrived at the fort at about 11, p. M.
11th. Major Devens being about to leave us this morning for Worcester for a short time, the battalion were called together, and he made a short but happy speech. We like him very much, and should like to have him remain to go home with us. Capt. Sprague, of Company A, will act as major.
12th. Captain Gleason of Company B, with a detachment of men from each company, was sent to Queenstown to protect the Chester, it having been rumored that a plan had been laid to seize her as the St. Nicholas had been a few days before. They accomplished their object, and also succeeded in bringing to FortMcHenry the schooner Georgianna of Baltimore, valued at $2,000. which had been run ashore and deserted at the mouth of Chester River.
15th. Sergeant Major Goodell was appointed and commissioned as adjutant, and commenced his duties to-day. The heat-looking man we ever saw came to-day, it was the paymaster. Each private received $30.95, and the officers several dollars more, I think.
16th. A detail of twelve men went down on the George Weams to guard her. N. S. Liscomb was appointed acting sergeant major.
17th. A detail to guard the Mary Washington was made this morning.
18th. A detail of forty men, commanded by Lieutenant Pickett of Company A, and Lieutenant O'Neil of Company C, left about six p. M. with a steamtug and sloop, proceeded just below Fort Carroll, and anchored for the night. In the morning we proceeded to the mouth of the Patuxet, where we arrived about two p. m. The steamtug left the sloop, and proceeded across the bay in search of the tug Resolute, but did not succeed in finding her. While waiting for the tug, we went on shore and obtained a supply of potatoes, oysters, corncake, milk, berries, &c. On our return, we were followed by the gunboat Yankee, who seemed bound to find out what we were doing, supposing we were rebels. They lowered a boat and came on board, at the same time preparing for action. We were ordered to remain where we were till morning, when we would be taken to Annapolis. Lieutenant O'Neil having his commission with him, we finally convinced him we were Yankees, and all the way from Massachusetts. About half past eleven o'clock, in company with two boat loads of marines from the Yankee, we went on shore for the purpose of taking one Haden, who had been furnishing aid and comfort to the rebels; but the bird had flown; so we had nothing more to do. The next morning we left for Fort McHenry. Two men of Company B were accidentally shot by a pistol in the hands of one of Company D — one in the leg, and the other in the arm, both flesh wounds. This is the first wounded we have had since leaving Massachusetts.
19th. Our three months are up, and all hands are talking of going home. We can find out nothing about going. Major Morris says we must stay till the 19th of August, because we did not take the oath till May 19. Perhaps he knows. He likes the battalion, and will keep them as long as he can; but I think he has taken a poor way to do it. Some of us think we have seen enough of Fort McHenry, — if we could go south, we would be much better pleased.
24th. Our battalion have suffered much from sickness — a kind of slow fever — twenty leaving this morning for home in charge of Lieutenant O'Driscoll, who is unwell also.
25th. General Dix took command this morning. An order was issued to call the battalion together, and we were soon formed in front of the Major's quarters. General Dix came forward, and spoke as follows: ‘Gentlemen, your time of service expired on the 19th, and you are entitled to go home. If you say you wish to go, I will order your transportation to-morrow; but I had rather you would not ask it to-morrow, or for the next five days. I will order it within ten days. You have done your duty, and more.’ That is the way men like to be talked to, and every man must have made up his mind that General Dix was a man, a soldier, and a gentleman. We were then dismissed to quarters, as each man was to decide for himself whether he would go or stay. Now we know we were needed, we will see how each company voted. Co. A ( City Guards'), every man voted to remain till we should be ordered home; Company C (Emmett Guard) voted the same; Company B and D were not unanimous, and the next morning eleven from Company B and one from Company D left for home. We did not cheer them much, and thought if that was a specimen of their patriotism, it had grown small, or that they did not start with much.
29th. An order was issued this morning for the battalion to be ready to leave at six A. M. tomorrow for home. I will not try to tell how we who were off guard passed the last night at Fort McHenry; but morning came at last, and with all our luggage we took the steamer for Baltimore. We were in time for the seven o'clock train for Philadelphia; but, owing to an accident on the road, we must remain till seven p. m. at the depot. It was warm, it was hot, and such a day as I hope never to see again. At last we were off for Philadelphia, where we arrived at six A. m, 30th.
30th. After much delay in procuring cars, we started on our way again. If possible it is warmer than yesterday — and the dust! How we long to get on to a New England railroad! To-day we were from nine A. M. till five P. M. in going eighty miles; but we are travelling on a special train. Would it not be fine to try one of the regular trains on the Camden and Amboy? At last we took the steamer for New York, where we arrived, after a pleasant sail of thirty miles, at ten P.M.
August 1st. About six A. m. we formed the battalion line, and marched to the Park Barracks, and about four P. M. we took the steamer City of Boston for home via New London and Norwich. You can hardly imagine our feelings as we came on board. Everything looked better, and was better than we have seen for a long time. What a change it had made with us! — some were singing, some joking, and all seemed to be happy. After a delay of several hours in New London, so as not to arrive in Worcester before our friends were ready for us, we took the cars for the "Heart of the Commonwealth."
2d. Arrived in Worcester at half past nine o'clock a. m., and found the whole city with open arms ready to welcome us. Our friends were so eager to see us that it was some time before the battalion line could be formed. At last we were on the move; and, amid the cheers of the people and the showers of bouquets, we marched into the City Hall, where we were welcomed home again by Mayor Davis, who invited us to fall in and do justice to what had been prepared for us. There was food enough for a regiment, and we were only four companies ; but if we had only met the rebels, and scattered them as we did the eatables in the City Hall, all would have delighted to do us honor. After a while we were again formed into line, and, escorted by the Home Guards of rifles and infantry, marched through Main Street, returning by the way of
Court Hill. The streets were splendidly trimmed. The Sixth Regiment having passed through the day before, the display remained, and others were added. It seemed as though every one was trying to see what they could do to add to our happiness. We marched to the Common again. Mayor Davis made a short speech, welcoming us home again, which was responded to by Captain Sprague, acting major, who also read a letter from Major Devens, who was not able to be with us, being away on business connected with the Fifteenth Regiment, of which he was now the colonel. We again marched into the City Hall, after escorting Company D, Captain Dodd, of Boston, to the Foster Street Depot, where we bade them good-by. We were then dismissed till the morning, when,
August 3, we formed in Brinley Hall, and were mustered out of service bv Captain John M. Goodhue of the Eleventh United States Infantry, formerly adjutant of the Third Battalion Rifles.
Much credit is due our ofiicers for the good order which was maintained by the battalion during our whole term of service.
December. In looking back, I find that of the three hundred and nineteen men which composed the battalion, more than one hundred have been sick. Of that number two have died — Amos H. Gilbert and Eaton, of Boston.
Company A, City Guards, have re-enlisted for the war in the following order: Fourteen as commissioned officers, nineteen as non-commissioned, two as musicians, and five privates. Some of the others are all ready, and all can be counted in if
During the three and a half months of their service, the battalion were under five generals; namely, Butler, Patterson, Cadwallader, Banks, and Dix.
[from: The Massachusetts Register for 1862, Boston, 1862]
"Headquarters Third Battalion Rifles
"Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md., June 26, 1861
“When we arrived here (on 3 May) but a few of the guns were mounted, everything was in a sort of harmonious confusion, covered with the rubbish and dust of many years' peace. Wherever you looked you could see evidence that the old maxim: Si vis pacem, para bellum, (if you want peace, prepare for war) had been forgotten. Fort McHenry could have been taken at that time with but little sacrifice of human life, if secession treason had been organized in the state of Maryland. This organization, fortunately prevented, would have taken place had the government slept much longer in belief that peace would be restored within ninety days.”
“Ever since we came here we have worked day by day mounting gun carriages and guns, loading, unloading, and piling cannon balls, and, in short, doing everything within the scope of garrison life. All this manual labor we have to perform besides our drilling, which amounts to four hours on very hot days, and five to six hours on cooler days. Much of this labor could have been done in a simpler way if draught animals could be used in moving the heavy guns. This work is called in military parlance “fatigue duty,” and there is really meant by it what it expresses. The men work hard and accomplish more in one day than the “regulars” can dream of in two. The latter seem to be exempted from almost all fatigue duty, at least I have seen them occupied but twice in mounting cannon as long as we have been here. I presume the commander of the post, Major Morris, wishes to give the Massachusetts volunteers an opportunity to earn all the laurels. He has repeatedly spoken I praise of their energy, skill, and willingness as laborers and mechanics.
“Many of our battalion are also detailed for “special duty” as mechanics. These are exempted from other duties, and receive 40 cents a day extra, in payment for working 10 hours a day. Yet, however hard the fatigue party may have worked, however exhausted they may feel, if they get back to their quarters and find a stout meal, they are all right again. I wish you could cast a glance on one of Uncle Henry's meals; if you are ever so tired, he will conquer the weakness of your muscle. Invigorate your system by his delicious soup, and prepare you for the duties to come. I believe that a good kitchen alone will conquer half of the enemy. Let the soldiers therefore not suffer in this respect! – L.W.”