Thursday, June 13, Colonel William S. Rosecrans appeared and assumed the command. Our regiment was paraded after retreat had been sounded. The long line looked well, although the men were ununiformed and without arms. We were lucky in having a band enlisted as privates at Ashland.
Colonel Rosecrans is a spirited, rapid talker and worker and makes a fine impression on officers and men. Appointments of regimental staff officers were made. . . . Guards or sentinels detailed. Men lectured on manners and behavior, etc., etc.
There are many good singers in camp, and as we are not reduced to order yet, the noises of the camp these fine evenings and the strangeness have a peculiar charm. How cold the nights are! I am more affected as I look at the men on parade than I expected to be; not more embarrassed. I am not greatly embarrassed, but an agreeable emotion, a swelling of heart possesses me. The strongest excitement was when I saw the spirit and enthusiasm with which the oath was taken.
Our captains impress me, as a body, most favorably. Captain McIlrath is a large, fine-looking man, six feet three and a half inches high; has been a chief of police in Cleveland—one of the best in his vocation; takes great pride in his company and has it in a fine state of discipline—the best of any in camp. Captain Skiles has served in Mexico, is apparently a man of fine character, a member of church. Captain Moore is a New England-farmer-like man, shrewd and trusty. Captain Zimmerman is a conscientious, amiable, industrious man and has a stout set of men from the iron region, Mahoning County.
