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| 160 noble rider, and with a parting cheer and to the air of "Dixie," the Marylanders took up their homeward route, leaving Richmond by train at 10 o'clock. Commenting of the visit of the Fifth, the RicJimond Dispatch said: * " Colonel W. A. Boykin, of that superb command, the Fifth Regiment, Maryland National Guard, doubtless felt his heart swell with laudable pride when he entered the capital of his native State the chief officer of one oi the most famous, and at all points, the best military organizations of America, the leading volunteer body of a great city, and of a State other than that which claims him as a son by right of birth. He must have been proud to note the almost intense enthusiasm with which his regiment was greeted wherever it made its appearance." During this summer Colonel Boykin addressed himself to the task of recruiting the regiment up to the full number of 600 muskets, to increase the efficiency of the command and its proficiency in drill, and to enlarge the armory. He addressed a letter to each man, asking his co-operation and his attendance at the coming parade of the militia. This effort of the colonel was crowned with success. The appeal to the members of the regiment for co-operation bore abundant fruit. The ranks were rapidly filled, and at the parade of the National Guard, on September 26, there was a large turnout of the men. The number of enlisted men having greatly increased, plans were procured for an enlargement of the armory. It had been proved long ago that the restricted and unsuitable quarters of the regiment militated strongly against its efficiency and thorough drill. The plan for improvement was presented to the city council, and was rejected on account of a lack of funds, $75,000 being the amount demanded. Is was suggested that the aid of the State should be enlisted, but this was not done until the General Assembly, at the session of 1898, made an appropriation of $300,000 to erect a suitable building. On October 8, 1890, Rev. William M. Dame, rector of Memorial Episcopal Church, was appointed chaplain of the regiment, vice Rev. Joseph Reynolds, who had removed to New York and resigned. |