April 12, 1861; The New York Herald
The News from Washington.
WASHINGTON, April 11, 1861.
The mustering of the volunteer troops into the service of the United States has been actively continued all day, and with the highest credit to the citizen soldiery. The companies turned out full, and not a man refused to take the oath to stand by the Union and the flag at all times and under all circumstances. The fear expressed by many of the members of the volunteer companies yesterday was, that they were to be mustered into the service for the purpose of being ordered suddenly away from their homes and business, which they were not prepared to consent to. They were willing to enter the service, however, for the defence of the District, which was, in fact, all that the government desired, as was explained today more clearly. Most of the men who were mustered in today were appealed to by secessionists not to enter the service, and told that the government was inaugurating a system of oppression worse than exists in Russia. Their appeals, however, had no effect.
The general excitement occasioned yesterday by the calling out of the volunteer militia to be mustered into the federal service has abated, and today four or five companies marched to the War Department and took the army oath, namely: – ‘To bear true allegiance to the United States, and serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies and opposers whomsoever, and observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over them, according to the rules of articles for the government of the armies of the United States.’
Previous to taking the oath the volunteers were informed that the obligation was for three months, unless they were sooner discharged, and an opportunity was given to such as might wish to retire. But as the men came there purposely to be mustered in, they assume the obligation accordingly. They now understand that they cannot be ordered beyond the limits of the District of Columbia, and will not be continuously on duty as guards to the armories, public buildings, &c. Not quite two hundred were accepted yesterday, but five hundred altogether will doubtless be mustered in during the day. Army overcoats have been plentifully distributed among them. When Col. Ellsworth, of Zouave fame, recently came to Washington, a company of Zouaves was organized, and this gentleman has been tendered the command. He has not, however, accepted it, but has been giving them the benefit of his proficiency in the drill.
The greatest excitement prevails here today. The different militia companies in the District have been ordered to assemble at the armory at ten o’clock. Nothing is to be seen in the streets but knapsacks, cockades, muskets, mustaches and the other paraphernalia of war.
The men of the West Point Flying Artillery have received orders to keep their revolvers constantly loaded so as to be ready for immediate action. In case Major Ben McCulloch makes an onset here he will meet with a warm reception from the regular soldiers at present stationed in Washington. There is not a man of them but would sooner die than have his gun taken by any enemy.
Part of the volunteers are to be stationed at the bridge across the Potomac, so as to defend it from an invading force.