Excerpt from Three Years on the Saddle: From 1861 to 1865, Memoirs of Charles D. Field; Thrilling Stories of the War in Camp and of the Field of Battle; The Cavalry Soldier Scout and Dispatch Bearer Private, Non-Commissioned Officer Commander of Skirmish Lines; In Over Thirty Engagements
I enlisted in the service of the United States at Joliet, Illinois, September 20th, 1861, and went with my company to St. Louis, Missouri, and into camp in Abbey Race Course as the 9th Company of Fremont Hussars, or, as they were formerly called, Fremont"s Body Guard. We formed into the second Battalion which was commanded by Major Knott. The first battalion was commanded by Major Zagongi. Both battalions were drilling their horses at the Abbey Race Course for about three weeks. Here, also, Thad my first experience of a night in camp. We reached camp about 11 o"clock P. M., and received our orders to take a wedge-shaped tent which would accommodate about four men. We had no blankets and only about two inches of straw on the ground. Soon after reaching camp it began to rain. When the reveille sounded for the break of day I awoke to find myself in about four inches of water. Soon after our arrival at Abbey Race Course our horses were assigned to us which were purchased by Freemont. General Freemont selecting them in person. We drew no clothing from this camp except caps and boots.
We were moved shortly afterward and took up camp in the amphitheatre. Our company at the time consisted of about thirty men, commanded by W. W. Danforth as Captain, and Ira B. Swain 1st Lieutenant. These officers were very strict with their men and would enlist no man who indulged in any kind of intoxicating liquors. We had another trouble which proved to be of great importance to all concerned.
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