From Columbus we took the first train of cars to Cleveland; it was late in the evening when we arrived. Passing a boot and shoe store that was yet open, I obtained leave of the Lieutenant to stop and purchase a pair of boots before going to our place of lodging. The Lieutenant and party did not stop, but continued on to the hotel where we were to stop. After having purchased a pair of boots, I got into an interesting conversation with the shop-keeper, and remained somewhat longer than was necessary. I had been intrusted to the care of Corporal Grinnell by the Lieutenant, and my long absence had created a suspicion in the mind of the Corporal that I had deserted. He had also heard Lieutenant Bostwick, while in Columbus, advise Lieutenant Downs not to enlist me, for fear I would run away. At last he started out with three men in search of me, and found me still at the shop. I have since had many a joke with Lieutenant Bostwick and Corporal Grinnell about their suspecting that I would desert. They have been among my warmest friends in the army. The next morning, at eleven o'clock, we reached Warren. At that place the party dispersed to their homes, and I was furnished boarding at the Eagle House, where I remained for ten days. On Monday, January 8, 1862, we met to go to the regiment, then at Camp King, near Covington, Ky. The squad had increased by accession of recruits to twenty men. Our journey passed off pleasantly, and in two days' time we reached our regiment. The party that went home with the Lieutenant had carried their knapsacks with them; not knowing at that time the name for them, I asked the Lieutenant if he had a "Bunker Hill" for me to wear on my back. From that I received the name of "Bunker," and have been more generally known by that name in the army than any other. The next morning after our arrival in camp, we were marched over to the Surgeon's quarters for examination. From a list of names that the Lieutenant had handed him, the Surgeon called "Lorain Ruggles!" "Here I am, Doctor," I answered; "what do you want of me?" "I want to examine you, and see if you are sound." "Oh, that's it, is it. You need not be to that trouble, I'm _sound_ enough." "Well, but I must _see_ whether you are sound or not; hold out your hands; work your fingers; touch your hands over your head." Going through the motions, I added, "_Oh, I tell you that I am all right._" "Are you ruptured," he continued. "_Ruptured!_ what is that?" "Are you bursted?" "No, I ain't _quite_ busted yet; I've a couple of dollars left." "You don't understand me, Mr. Ruggles," continued the surgeon, placing his hands on my abdomen. "Are your _bowels_ all right?" "_Oh, I understand you now! They are a little thin; the rations don't relish well yet._" The doctor succeeded at last in making me understand, and having finished his examination, we were accepted as a soldier in the United States army.