Thursday June 20

It is said that a fleet of steamboats arrived last evening from Bellaire at Marietta with troops for Virginia.  Kate & I went to Mrs. M'Clures to attend sewing circle.  The circle made havelocks and prepared lint.  This afternoon four steamboats, the William Wallace, Eunice, Diadem, and AngloSaxon passed down together, literally covered with troops.  The view from M'Clures up the river is splendid.  We were all on the banks and with the soldiers at M'Clures trestle made a company of near fifty, the ladies waving their handkerchiefs and the men hurrahing.  The cheering from the boats was deafening.  The boats gave three short whistles and the troops on the AngloSaxon gave three times three & tiger.  Which they also did when they passed our house.  Capt. Guthrie's men who have been guarding the Union Railroad received notice to strike their tents and repair to the stations ready to move on to Virginia.  About ten of them were of Constitution Station.  As they had eaten no supper, we sent to them a basket of cakes, tarts & bread, also a lot of handkerchiefs which were made in the circle.  The cars did not come for them and they are spending the night in our barn.


Editor's comments:

Julia and her sewing circle seemed to have been quite busy making useful items for the Union troops.  On this day, she refers to "havelocks" which were cloth pieces attached to the soldier's hat to protect the man's neck from sunburn.

Havelock covering a soldier's hat

The Cutlers lived in a prime location to watch the early troop movement into Virginia.  Through Julia Cutler's account, I can picture the ladies waving, the men hurrahing, and the troops cheering.  The reference to "three times three & tiger" has to do with particular cheers which are also referred to in the words of the following song:


WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME 
When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah! Hurrah! 
We'll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah! Hurrah! 
The men will cheer, the boys will shout The ladies they will all turn out 
And we'll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.  


The old Church bell will peal with joy, Hurrah! Hurrah! 
To welcome home out darling boy, Hurrah! Hurrah! 
The village lads and lassies gay With roses they will strew the way 
And we'll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.  


Get ready for the jubilee, Hurrah! Hurrah! 
We'll give the heroes three times three, Hurrah! Hurrah! 
The laurel wreath is ready now To place upon his loyal brow
And we'll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.