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+//The New York Times//, May 25, 1861
+MOVEMENTS OF THE EIGHTH REGIMENT
+CAMP MANSFIELD, EIGHTH REGIMENT N.Y. S. T.,\\
+WASHINGTON, Monday, May 20, 1861.
+To the Editor of the New-York Times:
+Our friends in New-York are continually writing to members of this Regiment about their ignorance of our whereabouts and doings, while they read whole columns concerning other Regiments'; in consequence of which, I determine to give them, through the medium of your wide-spread and popular columns, a defiled account of our doings singe leaving New-York.
+We embarked on the steamship Alabama the 23d ult., sailing under sealed orders to be opened at sea, and after a pleasant voyage arrived at Annapolis, Maryland, on the morning of the 25th ult, disembarking the same cay, and at night sleeping on the dewy grass with our blankets for a covering. The next day the Regiment went into quarters, occupying the Naval Officers' elegant mansions,' fronting the beautiful grounds of the Naval Academy.
+While stationed at this post, a detachment of 7 engineers, 2 pieces, Capt. VARIAN's Eighth Regiment Battery and 200 men, under command of Lieut.-Col. WATERBURY, were detailed to erect a fort on Mount Misery, a point 7 miles up the river Severn, commanding all the land approaches to Annapolis. Our men suffered severely from incessant rains and poor rations, but performed their duties with credit to the Regiment. The remainder of the Eighth had eight days' guard duty to perform out of the ten we stayed At Annapolis, although 4,000 troops were at the station.
+Nothing further of special import occurred, except repeated calls to turn out at midnight to repel fancied attacks of the enemy.
+On Saturday, May 4, orders were received for the Regiment to prepare to march on the following morning at A.M. The "boys" were up bright and early with gladsome countenances, and eager to leave a station that had become so obnoxious to them, by the actions, of those over whom they had no control. At the precise time indicated, the orders were given to march but without our noble troop or music.
+It seems the band was stationed at the post without the knowledge of the regiment, and being a Government hand, we count not help ourselves; however, we made the best of our misfortune, only too glad to get away.
+The regiment embarked on the cars, not caring where they went, so long as there was active work, and after a few hours' ride, found ourselves at the Relay House, nine miles below Baltimore, on the Washington branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On leaving the cars and forming into line, the regiment took up the line of march for the heights overlooking the Relay House, the Harper's Ferry Branch a Railroad and the viaduct over the Patapsco River, which had been threatened by the rebels.
+The same night the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment arrived, and next day the Boston Flying Artillery—the latter immediately placing their guns in a position covering the points alluded to above. The brigade was under command of Brig-Gen. BUTLER, of Massachusetts. The telegraph wires were taken in charge by the General, and no trains allowed to pass either way without inspection. This was a most important position. Sixhteen carloads of provisions and clothing, as also DICKENSON'S celebrated steam-gun were taken by the combined efforts of the Sixth and Eighth Regiments, although the former have wholly monopolized the credit of those acts. The men were in daily expectation of an attack upon their position. Two companies of the Eighth were on picket guard constantly ranging from one to four miles from the camp. Guards were doubled every night, and the
+utmost vigilance prevailed. Notwithstanding the regiment was called up to repel attacks a number of times, they responded with alacrity, coming into line at 12 o'clock, midnight, and answering for duty in ten minutes from the roll of the drum. The camp rules were extremely rigid, and no man was allowed to pass the lines without special permission from the Colonel.
+Orders were received, on Monday, 13th inst., for a portion of the Regiment to proceed to Baltimore, and with the Sixth, of Massachusetts, to occupy that city. A detachment of artillery, also, accompanied us. The soldiers were very enthusiastic on receiving the orders, as symptoms of a fight were everywhere visible, certainly in the eyes of the Eighth members. At 4 P. M., six hundred uniformed troops marched out of the camp, amid the cheers of those who remained. We reached Baltimore about 5 P. M.—the Sixth Regiment leaving the cars, and forming into line, without a flag. The Eighth, however, supplied the deficiency, as almost the first man out of the cars, was our noble Color-sergeant, B. L. BLONK, who immediately unfurled the glorious emblem of liberty—the Star Spangled Banner—to the gaze of the astonished but delighted thousands. Cheer after cheer followed that noble flag as the Regiment passed to Federal hill, where the Sergeant hoisted it to the top of the flag-staff,—the two Regiments uniting in singing:
+"The Star Spangled Banner,\\
+Oh, long shall it wave.\\
+O'er the land of the free\\
+And the home of the brave."\\
+The sight of that flag seemed to nerve the dispirited Union-loving men in that city, and to unloosen the chains that had so long bound them. Free thoughts and free speech were once again privileges to the indulged in by the free men of Baltimore. Secession was crushed in Maryland; the reign of terror was over and mob-law ceased to be the order of the day.
+The Eight Regiment seemed to be especial favorites; whether it was from the fact that they carried the first national flag through the city since the riot of April 19, or to show their displeasure at seeing the Sixth Regiment, or not, I cannot say; but certain it was that the citizens threw open their doors to them wherever they went, and a gray coat was a pass anywhere through the city. We were treated hospitably and kindly during our stay, and regrets were expressed on ail sides at our departure.
+On Wednesday, orders were received to consolidate the regiment and report at Washington immediately. Thursday, A. M., the 16th inst., we left Baltimore, and on arriving at our old camp, our astonishment was great to find the recruits all uniformed; and on parade next morning, they equaled the "old members" of the regiment in appearance and drill. The uniforms that had been so long on the way, were received during our absence, new spirits were imbibed by the recruits upon receiving their equipments.
+Much credit is due to our worthy Quartermaster CORNELL, for his exertion in behalf of the regiment while in New-York.
+We have a fine body of men, and could we march up Broadway to-day, our friends would not be ashamed of the old Eighth.
+Saturday, 18h inst., we left our quarters at the Relay House, and proceeded to Washington, where we arrived at 10 A. M., immediately taking up the line of march for our camping grounds viz Pennsylvania avenue and the White House. Our camping grounds are beautifully situated, and the thanks of the regiment are due to Engineer in-Chief WALTON and Quartermaster CORNELL for their admirable selection. Yesterday the camp was inaugurated, and named in honor of the commander of this district, Gen. MANSFIELD.
+We have passed through great hardships, endured fatigues, and have been placed in trying and difficult positions, but we assure our friends that under the lead of our gallant Col. LYONS, the Eighth Regiment, N. Y. S. T., (Washington Greys,) no matter where our duty may call us to go, are now, as they ever were, Paratus et Fidelis.
+P. S.—I forgot to mention that the Regiment owes much to our worthy and self-sacrificing Adjutant, D. B. KEELER, Jr., for its present state of excellence and efficiency. He is respected and beloved by the whole regiment.

Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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