Fifth Regiment, Infantry,
Maryland National Guard U.S. Volunteer, 1867-1899,

Baltimore, Maryland, Press A. Hoen & Co., 1899.
MSA SC 5390-1-1

MSA SC 5390-1-1, Image No: 221   Enlarge and print image (44K)

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Fifth Regiment, Infantry,
Maryland National Guard U.S. Volunteer, 1867-1899,

Baltimore, Maryland, Press A. Hoen & Co., 1899.
MSA SC 5390-1-1

MSA SC 5390-1-1, Image No: 221   Enlarge and print image (44K)

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220 privates to each of the 12 companies, making 935 enlisted men. The size of the regiment was 642 enlisted men, and so an additional 293 men had to be enlisted in addition to tilling the places of those who should be rejected upon physical examination and those who declined to go. When the troops first went into camp there was a long season of incessant rain—cold and penetrating—making the conditions of camp-life as disagreeable and dangerous to health as possible. There was, however, a liberal supply of wood for camp-fires, and the men escaped without serious sickness. As soon as it became known that recruits were wanted by the Fifth, a great many who desired to enlist began to apply. Most of these applicants were rejected by the captains of the various companies to whom they applied. Those who were acceptable to the captains were referred to the regimental surgeons, who made the physical examinations and rejected many more. Some of those who enlisted in the Fifth were members of the Fourth who wished to go to the war even though their regiment was to remain at home. The camp was a regular camp of instruction in all military duties necessary for soldiers about to embark in active service to learn. There was the regular routine of drills and guard duty, etc. The 31st Anniversary of the organization of the Fifth Regiment occurred during the camp, and it was celebrated by the presentation of a Stand of Colors to the regiment. The colors were presented by a committee of ladies, of whom Mrs. John Gill was chairman. The others were Mrs. Charles Ridgely Goodwin, Mrs. H. Irvin Keyser, Mrs. Stricker Jenkins, Mrs. I. E. Emerson, Mrs. William H. Grim, Mrs. Miles White, Mrs. Clinton L. Kiggs and Mrs. E. S. Beall. This committee collected the necessary funds in small subscriptions; the idea of the donation being suggested by the tattered banner which the regiment had been carrying. The new flags were of full army size and of handsome material. There was a Federal and a State flag,