_Tuesday, Aug. 1, 1865_.--About 3 o'clock this afternoon (sun broiling
hot) in Fifteenth street, by the Treasury building, a large and handsome
regiment, 195th Pennsylvania, were marching by--as it happen'd, receiv'd
orders just here to halt and break ranks, so that they might rest
themselves awhile. I thought I never saw a finer set of men--so hardy,
candid, bright American looks, all weather-beaten, and with warm
clothes. Every man was home-born. My heart was much drawn toward them.
They seem'd very tired, red, and streaming with sweat. It is a one-year
regiment, mostly from Lancaster county, Pa.; have been in Shenandoah
valley. On halting, the men unhitch'd their knapsacks, and sat down to
rest themselves. Some lay flat on the pavement or under trees. The fine
physical appearance of the whole body was remarkable. Great, very
great, must be the State where such young farmers and mechanics are
the practical average. I went around for half an hour and talk'd with
several of them, sometimes squatting down with the groups.