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7.

We began our regular duties on the day after our arrival and found them arduous. Reveille at 5 a.m. followed immediately by "Sable Call" which we attended until 7 o'clock. We walked up and down the lines while the men were grooming the horses and inspected the Stables. Each of us had charge of about thirty horses. Whilst we were all up in the theory of these duties it was for a few days fortunate for us and the service?that we found the formalities? of instructing recruits? in their stable duties in the hands of old Sergeants. Guard Mounting was called at 8 a.m. and at 9 mounted drill began and lasted until 11:30. At 1:30 p.m. there was a dismounted drill which lasted until 4:30 and Stable call again at 5 o'clock. After that we had the evenings to ourselves, those of us who were not on duty as officers of the day or officers of the guard. Sometimes, with leave, we used? to gallop into the city, eleven miles, to social entertainments or to the theatre. The Planters House was a famous hostelry in those days and at no other home I ? felt quite so much at home. St. Louis was then distinguished among all cities west of Detroit for its social attractions. Its relations with the Army had long been intimate and strong. There was a degree of "go" or personal force and adventurous spirit in the men and a frank courtesy, felicitous common sense with an absence of affection in the women that made society particularly refreshing and