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| 86 were the regular duties of camp, and then for the hours of leisure no lack of amusements. The hotels were filled with visitors, and the soldiers of Maryland were prime favorites with them, and all united in contributing to the pleasure and entertainment of the soldiers. Almost every evening there was a ball or reception given to them at one of the hotels. The Cincinnati Light Guards were also at Cape May, and at some of the entertainments they were guests along with the Fifth. On August 1 the regiment returned to Baltimore and was received at the railroad station by a detail of 25 men who had not gone to Cape May. They marched into the armory—the band playing "Home, Sweet Home"—and there Colonel Loney made a brief address congratulating them on the success of the encampment and the admirable discipline that had been maintained. The 19th of October found the Fifth Regiment, along with the Sixth, in Philadelphia, celebrating Maryland Day at the Centennial Exhibition. There was a reception at the Maryland Building by Governor Carroll, much speech making and a march of six miles through the streets by the militia. To defray the expenses of the two regiments to Philadelphia there was only $1,200 of State funds available, and the remainder, about $500 for each regiment, had to be contributed by the soldiers. Late in the evening they left for home. While outwardly everything had been pleasant at the Cape May encampment of 1876, it was not long after the return to Baltimore before there were disquieting rumors. It was said that there had been serious friction between the officers. Shortly after the return, that is, the 2d of August, Quartermaster E. F. Pontier gave in his resignation. The resignation was accepted and then it was rumored that there were other troubles. A secret meeting of line officers was held, at which the situation was discussed, and then it was said that other resignations would follow. These dissensions had their inevitable effect upon the rank and file, and the membership of the regiment fell almost down to 200 muskets, at an |