from The Webster Times, 20 July 1861 (Volume III # 19), 
Departure of the Slater Guards

This company of soldiers took their departure from this place yesterday{ July 19}, destined for their new quarters in camp, on the agricultural ground in Worcester. Their departure was the occasion of quite a demonstration on the part of our citizens. The Slater Guards received their uniforms from Boston last Monday, but they were not used until yesterday. The uniform consists merely of a pair of grey pants, a grey cap, a blue mixed overshirt and a patent leather waist belt. It was cheap but quite becoming, and shall do good service while it shall be needed. The Guards numbered about ninety men, although over one hundred names are upon the roll. They have been in camp at Eliot’s Beach, two miles east of this place, for several weeks past, and have become thoroughly browned, and look tough enough.

Yesterday morning, at about 10 o’clock, the Home Guard Cavalry Company, numbering about forty horsemen, under command of Solomon Shumway, Esq. formed, and headed by the Webster Cornet Band, proceeded a short distance towards “Camp Storrs,” when they met the Slater Guards and Cadets, and returning, escorted them through the village, to the west side of the square.

When opposite Mr. Stevens residence, that gentleman appeared and in an appropriate speech invited the company to partake of refreshments which he had provided. After a short time spent in acknowledging the kindness of Mr. Stevens, the procession passed through Main Street, the South and North Villages, by way of the new cemetery to and through the East Village, and returned by the Methodist and Baptist Churches to the New Hall, where a beautiful supply of refreshments had been supplied by citizens, of this place, which after the dusty march were partaken of with an apparent relish. After an hour or two at the Hall, the company proceeded directly to the cars, and at two o’clock took their departure to Worcester.

During the passage of the procession through the Village, cannon were fired, and other various patriotic demonstrations were made at various points, and at the depot, a grand rush of thousands attested to the interest felt in behalf of the company. The demonstration was well carried out, and reflected credit upon all concerned.

The Webster Cornet Band, which accompanied the Guards to Worcester have unanimously voted to tender their services to Gen. Morse as a regimental Band. if they are accepted, the Twenty-first will be sure of having a first class band of musicians.
G.W.L.

 

15th Massachusetts VI