to eat pilot bread baked in the year “1848,” brought tears to the eyes of many an anxious mother.  But the tears were momentary only, and the sufferings of the boys were forgotten in the joy that Marblehead soldiers had been permitted to lead the advance on the memorable march to Annapolis Junction and to relay the track which had been torn up to prevent the passage of the troops.  The arrival of the troops in Washington; the new uniforms furnished in place of those worn out in eight days; and the quartering of soldiers in the United States Capitol Building, was all related in the letters that came home.

Some of these letters were so full of patriotic sentiment that they should be preserved to testify of the spirit of the men of Marblehead who participated in the struggle for national life.  I have space only for one of these, which is quoted in full because it is so characteristic of the heroic old veteran who wrote it.

  “HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
  WASHINGTON CITY, April 27, 1861.

“Dear Sir:  We arrived in Washington yesterday after a great deal of hardship and privation, living for thirty-six hours at a time on one small loaf to a man; water a great part of the time very scarce, and not of a very good quality.  But the men bore it almost without a murmur.  The Eighth Regiment had the honor of taking the noble old frigate Constitution out of the dock at Annapolis, and placing her out of reach of the Secessionists.  The Eighth came from Annapolis to Washington, in company with the New York Seventh,—­God bless them.  They shared with us their last morsel; and the two regiments together have laid railroad tracks, built bridges, run steam-engines, and contracted an eternal friendship, which has been cemented by deeds of daring for each other.  We have encamped in corn-fields, on railroad embankments, with one eye open while sleeping; and have opened R.R. communication between Annapolis and Washington, for all troops which may hereafter want to pass that way.

  “Give my love to all friends of the Stars and Stripes, and my eternal
  hatred to its enemies.

  “Yours Respectfully,

  “KNOTT V. MARTIN.  To WM. B. BROWN, Esq.”

During the latter part of April, active measures were taken to recruit another company to join those already in the field.  In a few davs the “Mugford Guards,” a full company of fifty-seven men, was organized, and Captain Benjamin Day was commissioned as commander.  Every effort was made to get the new company in readiness for departure as soon as possible.  The men were without uniforms, and the school teachers at once voted to furnish the materials for making them, at their own expense.  Mr. John Marr, the local tailor, offered his services as cutter, and they were gratefully accepted.  On Sunday, May 5, the ladies of the Soldiers Aid Society, with a large number of others, assembled at Academy Hall, and industriously worked throughout the entire day and evening to make up the uniforms.