The regiment had been hurriedly called out, and at an inclement season of the year, but its officers felt that it was fairly ready, so far as equipment went, for any service that might be expected in the immediate future. In the matter of small-arms there was little to be desired, since an issue of the latest model Springfield rifle—fresh from the national armory, and in perfect condition—had been made during the winter previous. Uniforms and great-coats, if lacking in smartness, were at least serviceable. Many batteries owned their blankets, and in addition to these there was on hand a full supply for the regiment, both woolen and rubber, which only awaited issue. The medical department had well-filled chests, with the necessary equipment and furniture for a small field hospital. Each battery had started from its station with full travel rations for forty-eight hours, which would tide over the interval required to set in operation a consolidated regimental mess. Several cases of heavy shoes had been ordered, to have at hand in case delay should be experienced in filling requisitions for foot-gear. There were on hand twelve thousand rounds of small-arm ammunition—not enough to go far in an infantry fight, but sufficient for supplying the belts of sentries and patrol-boat crews at a coast fort. Considered as a whole, and more especially in contrast with the wretchedly found commands sent into the field by most other States, the regiment certainly was in efficient and serviceable condition; it had the material necessary for taking care of itself, and, better still, its officers and men were self-reliant and capable. The only cause for uneasiness lay in the matter of quarters. On the New England coast, and at this time of year, the use of canvas for sheltering volunteer troops, just called from their homes and yet unseasoned, seemed unadvisable; arrangements, therefore, had been made by General Dalton for the use of the portable houses owned by the City of Boston, and employed as polling-booths at the municipal elections, and it was understood that something over fifty of these had been erected on the parade at Fort Warren, in readiness for the coming of the regiment. In this expectation, however, the commanding officer was destined to meet disappointment. THE REGIMENT AT FORT WARREN V.