Backus, David E. Harbaugh, E. N. Wilcox, C. I. Walker, Colonel Sylvester Larned, Henry C. Knight, William Jennison, Henry M. Cheever, Rev. Manasseh Hickey, Rev. Seth Reed, J. Logan Chipman, Alfred Russell, and others.

At Perkins' Hotel, on Grand River avenue, Saturday evening, July 26, was an immense gathering. The patriotic appeals reached the hearts and pockets of the multitude. The recruiting was lively for Captain Warren G. Vinton's company. One could not go because of a wife and five children, but he would contribute one-tenth of his earnings for the families of those who did go. Another had no money, but, stretching forth his brawny arm, exclaimed, “I have muscle, and my country shall have that." An enthusiastic meeting was held at Clark's Dry Dock (Springwells) the same evening.

On Monday evening, July 28, over 5,000 gathered in front of the Biddle House to hear Senator Jacob M. Howard, Hon. Rowland E. Trowbridge, Governor Austin Blair, Captain E. B. Wight, and others. Judge James V. Campbell presided. Two brass pieces were brought up from the Fort and a salute of thirty-four guns was fired.

On Wednesday evening, July 30, Degendre's Hall, in the old seventh ward, was filled, and the enthusiasm brought several recruits.

On Thursday, July 31, two spirited demonstrations were held in the Congregational church at Wayne. In the afternoon, Colonel Morrow earnestly pleaded with the wives and mothers to give up their husbands and sons for their country. Upon a vote, many women rose up who were willing to make the sacrifice. One mother of five boys arose in opposition, declaring she would disown her sons if they should go. Upon hearing that two of them had enlisted, she relented, and called God's blessing upon them. It was only a mother's excusable love. Dr. Alexander Collar presided at the evening meeting. The enthusiasm was strong and good results followed. A large number of ladies were present, who manifested their approval with smiles and tears.

On Friday, August 1, a goodly number enlisted in Captain W. W. Wight's company, at a meeting at Livonia Center. The same evening a most excitable gathering was held on the corner of Beaubien and Elizabeth streets. It was dark, and a candle afforded light for signing the enlistment roll. Captain William J. Speed was the chief speaker. As the announcements of the names of recruits were made, the young men tossed their hats in the air and the old men shouted for joy.

On Saturday, August 2, at the Redford Center meeting, the people were inspired by the deepest sentiments of patriotic devotion, and over forty enlisted. The Methodist church of the place had been foreclosed on a mortgage, and sold back to the congregation for their

TOWNSHIP MAP OF WAYNE COUNTY, IN WHICH THE TWENTY-FOURTH MICHIGAN WAS RECRUITED

IN AUGUST, 1862.

individual notes. The holder of these notes was at this war meeting a few weeks after, and agreed to return to each man his note, who would enlist. Nearly every note was cancelled on the spot. This same evening a meeting was held at Grosse Pointe, and on Monday night, August 4, there was a fine rally at the corner of Seventh street and Michigan avenue.

The Plymouth meeting, on Tuesday, August 5, will never be forgotten while any one who was present survives. The triangular grove in the village witnessed one of the largest outpourings ever held

in the county. The excitement was intense, and many affecting scenes occurred to thrill the heart as the enlistments were announced. Nearly an entire company enlisted inside of two hours amid the wildest enthusiasm. It was truly an en masse meeting, and an honor to that loyal old township.

At the Pike's Peak meeting, on Wednesday, August 6, thirty-three volunteered, one man donating a cow to the relief fund. On the same day, very successful meetings were held in Greenfield, and at Euler's Hall in Detroit.

The Dearborn meeting, on Thursday, August 7, was a general turnout, and thirty-one volunteered. Dr. Sweeney canceled all accounts against any volunteer, and gave his services free to the families of those enlisting.

At Belleville, Friday, August 8, a large open air meeting was held. Hon. C. I. Walker made the chief address, and fifteen enlisted.

At Flat Rock, on Saturday, August 9, the loyal citizens of Brownstown, Huron and Sumpter assembled in great numbers, many ladies being present and several bands of music. The ladies contributed liberally to the relief fund. Alexander Kittle could not go, but gave two cows. Lieutenant Wallace enrolled forty-seven recruits, and was tendered, through Dr. John L. Near, a sword and belt for his past services in the army.

On the same evening, at Trenton, a war meeting was held, women, children, and even Canadians from over the river contributing to the relief fund. On Monday, August 11, the final meeting for filling up the regiment was held at Wyandotte, at which Captain Eber B. Ward was the leading spirit.

And thus the recruitment of the regiment proceeded. Colonel Morrow received authority to raise the regiment on Saturday, July 19, and recruiting began that day, but not till a week later, July 26, was it arranged who should try to raise companies and enlist recruits for commissions. In ten days thereafter, exclusive of Sundays, enough had enlisted for the regiment's organization. Within two weeks from the arrangement of July 26, the maximum limit was reached and the regiment mustered. Men were even turned away to other regiments. Captain Edwards recruited the last company within two days.

AT CAMP BARNS.

The Detroit Riding Park, or old State Fair Ground, was designated as the place of rendezvous and called "Camp Barns,"

after Henry Barns, editor of the Advertiser and Tribune. The field extended from Woodward to Cass avenue, and from Alexandrine avenue on the south to a point a few rods north of Canfield avenue. Here, on July 29, Captain Cullen's company went into camp, followed the next day by the companies of Captains Vinton and Ingersoll. By August 6, those of Captains E. B. Wight, Owen and Speed had joined the camp, which now assumed a martial aspect. The other companies came in directly after and all were lettered as follows: Company F Captain Edwards.

Company A-Captain E. B. Wight.

On Wednesday afternoon, August 13, Col. J. R. Smith, U. S. A., mustered Companies A, B, D, E and G into the United States service, and on Friday, August 15, he mustered in Companies C, F, H, I and K.

The sudden manner in which those enlisting had to give up their wage-earning occupations, would have resulted in hardship to their families, had not the city and citizens of Detroit raised a relief fund to assist the families of volunteers until the paymaster came up. And thus, while not a man of the Twenty-fourth Michigan received a cent of State or County bounty, through the liberality of generous friends, a relief fund was raised for those enlisting in Detroit. This course was pursued in four or five townships, but those enlisting in the other townships received no local aid whatever.

On August 23, the allotment commission visited camp and arranged for the assignment of portions of the soldiers' monthly pay for the benefit of their families. The men were very liberal, giving nearly all their pay to those at home dependent upon them.

The few days between the mustering and day of departure were occupied with busy preparations for the field. Clothing and arms. were distributed and the voice of the drillmaster was heard from daylight till dark. Relatives and friends crowded the camp daily, to complete final home arrangements with those who so suddenly were leaving their firesides for the war.

PRESENTATIONS.

Presentations were numerous. On August 18, J. Logan Chipman, on behalf of some friends, presented a sword to Captain Cullen, who replied:

Friends - There are emotions which no man can express. They are felt and buried in the grave, unknown to those who excite them. Such are mine at this

moment.

On August 22, Adjutant Barns was presented with a sword by his brother, Henry Barns, who said:

Sir- For long months you have been a prisoner in rebel dungeons. May this sword witness that your own and your country's wrongs are avenged.

To which Adjutant Barns replied:

I shall observe your admonitions with all the will which my own and my country's wrongs prompt."

On the same day, H. N. Walker, for the Free Press, in the presence of Company E, gave Lieutenant O'Donnell a sword, who replied:

Sir-To be the recipient of this blade from a body with whom I have labored for years, is a happy honor. In the hands of an O'Donnell it will never cause a blush to mount the cheeks of those kind friends.

On that evening, the friends of Captain E. B. Wight presented him with a sword, who accepted, saying:

Friends and Neighbors - Going forth with hundreds of others in Detroit's favorite regiment, may it never be said that I disgraced my birthplace, and may the record show that I have proved faithful to this trust. God bless you all.

On August 23, Captain Vinton was presented with a sword by H. C. Knight, Esq., who said:

Sir-Your neighbors present you with this weapon. You understand the claims of our beloved country upon her citizens, for you have dedicated to her your life. We need not urge you to be a true soldier, for no man but a hero is expected to enlist in a Michigan regiment. May God bless you, and when this sword flashes in the face of foes, remember kindly your friends who have not the privilege of serving by your side.

Captain Vinton responded with feeling and in fitting terms. On August 25, Captain Edwards' Company presented him with a sword through Colonel Morrow, which he accepted, saying:

Colonel Morrow and Men - I receive this sword with the sacred resolution so to use it, that neither you nor I shall ever regret your kindness. I am devoted to the cause of my country and the blade I now draw shall not be sheathed till the stars and stripes shall wave over every foot of American soil.