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| On two occasions came orders directing that the troops embark on transports, and each time the hopes of the boys of the Fourth ran high, but each time the order was revoked and the troops returned to camp at Fort Monroe. In October, 1898, came an order sending the troops to Augusta, Georgia, and October 18th found them encamped there, awaiting orders to start for Cuba; but the troops remained at Augusta until peace was declared, when the First Maryland was ordered to Camp Meade, Pa. In December, 1898, the regiment was mustered out, and the battalion from the Fourth, stained and weary from travel, but showing the effects of months of constant training, marched through the streets of Baltimore to the plaudits of thousands and the strains of martial music to the Armory, and thus ended the labors of the Fourth in the volunteer service. Probably the most important service performed by this regiment was during the Baltimore Fire in 1904, when the entire militia did excellent service in safe-guarding the property of the citizens of this City. Sunday morning, between ten and eleven o'clock, February 7th, 1904, a fire which originated in the basement of John E. Hurst & Co.'s dry goods establishment, then situated at the Southwest corner of German and Sharp Streets, spread with such rapidity that before it was gotten under control Monday night, February 8th, about 10.30 o'clock, had laid in waste seventy-three blocks in the heart of this city's financial and business district, causing a loss of more than $125,000,000. Sunday evening, after the fire had been burning fiercely since morning, a conference of the City, State and Military officials was held relative to calling out the National Guard for duty within the burnt district. After the conference Mayor McLane ordered the "riot call" sounded from the City Hall for the purpose of summoning all members of the National Guard to their armories. The duty performed by the Fourth Infantry during this memorable time is a matter of history, and should be a source of great pride to all who were on duty during this time. Throughout this whole period of distress there was no looting and no undue excitement. Perfect order was maintained and business firms and corporations resumed operations in temporary quarters with little inconvenience, while the City and State governments addressed themselves actively and intelligently to ways and means for the speedy rehabilitation of the burnt district, and this was made possible through the efficient work of the National Guard. The Fourth Infantry received orders about 9 P. M. February 7th, 1904, about twenty minutes after the order had been delivered to the Fifth Infantry. The orders directed that as soon as a company was formed, it should proceed /'«#«• Titvnlr-lhrrr |