iged 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 command