The Highland Weekly News: Departure of the 60th
THE HIGHLAND WEEKLY NEWS:
HILLSBOROUGH, HIGHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
FEBRUARY 13, 1862

DEPARTURE OF THE 60TH

DEPARTURE OF THE 60TH. -- Rather unexpectedly, the 60th regiment received marching orders on last Thursday night, requiring them to leave on Saturday for Gallipolis. The notice was so short that there was not time to recall many of the men who were at home on furlough, consequently not more than about 300 to 350 men were in camp at the time appointed. About 9 o'clock on Saturday morning, Lieut. Col. Collins's battalion of cavalry from Camp Crittenden went out to Camp Mitchell to escort the regiment to town, and at about 11 o'clock they marched through to the railroad depot, preceded by the band. A large crowd of our citizens, with many from the country, had assembled at the depot to bid "good-bye" to their friends and acquaintances in the regiment, and many affecting scenes of leave-taking were witnessed, as mothers said farewell to sons, wives to husbands, sisters to brothers, and sweethearts to their gallant lovers. About noon the train which was to convey the regiment to Cincinnati arrived, and the men were soon on board. At half-past 12, everything being ready, the signal was given, and the train slowly moved off, amid loud cheers, and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs, by the excited throng, which continued until the cars were lost to view. The band stationed on the rear car played "The Star Spangled Banner" in splendid style, and to the soul stirring music of its notes the people bade "Farewell and God-speed!" to the gallant "60th!"

At Westboro most of Capt. Lynch's company from Fayetteville joined the regiment, and at Loveland a portion of the new company from Fayette county, increased the whole number to nearly 450. They arrived in the city about 4 o'clock, and embarked on the steamer "Goody Friends." At 7½ o'clock the steamer left for Gallipolis, where she arrived safely on Sunday night. A dispatch from Quartermaster Blount states that by 6 o'clock on Monday morning, the regiment had their tents all up and were beginning to feel "at home" in their new quarters. We learn from gentlemen who have seen the camp-ground at Gallipolis that it is very pleasantly situated on the Public Square fronting the river. The soil being gravelly, is soon dry after the heaviest rains, affording an excellent and spacious parade ground. The Government stores to be guarded are estimated to be worth a million of dollars. The town is regarded as very healthy, and its citizens have a high reputation for intelligence, loyalty and hospitality.

We understand Col. Trimble was assured that his regiment would only be kept there until the ranks are filled and the men improved in drill and discipline, when they will be relieved by newer troops and sent into the field.

It is gratifying to learn that the good behavior and find appearance of the "boys" drew forth the highest compliments from all who saw them on their journey. They were unanimously pronounced one of the finest regiments -- morally, intellectually and physically, that our noble State has yet furnished for the war. We know that the honor and good name of the "Old Highland" are safe in their hands.

The Surgeon of the regiment remained here to take care of a few of the men who were too sick to be moved. Major Marley left the regiment at Portsmouth and returned to look after those left behind, who will be forwarded to camp as soon as practicable.

We must not omit to mention that previous to the departure of the regiment a splendid stand of regimental colors was presented to them at the residence of Col. Trimble, by Mrs. Sarah Buckingham Beecher, a sister of the Colonel's wife. The colors consist of a handsome silk American flag, a rich blue silk banner, and two white silk guidons -- all lettered with gold, and costing nearly $200.

We have the promise of regular correspondence from several members of the "60th," by which our readers will be kept posted in regard to its movements.


"Departure of the 60th." The Highland Weekly News: Hillsborough, Highland, County, Ohio; February 13, 1862.


Microfilmed article contributed by Theodore E. Lewis.




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