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61st Illinois InfantryThis article concerns the passing through of the 61st. Regiment of Ill. Volunteers under Col. Fry through Jerseyville. From: Carrollton Gazette (Carrollton, Greene County, IL), Saturday, March 8, 1862, page 2, col. 2.

Greetings On The Way
     On the arrival and departure of Col. Fry’s Regiment at Jerseyville, most marked attention was paid to the gallant men. The Prairie State says:
     They were met a short distance north of town by a delegation of citizens on horse back, a detachment of the light artillery under Major Sanford and the Jerseyville Band and escorted into town. The regiment was drawn up in line in front of the National Hotel, where they were welcomed by a short speech from Dr. Buffington, chairman of the committee of reception, Col. Fry responded in a few brief remarks.
     The soldiers were quartered during the night about in different buildings – some in the court house, and others in Clendennin’s Hall, the Baptist church and Morean’s warehouse. At 8 o’clock, yesterday morning the regiment was formed in a line on Main street, and after three cheers for the citizens of Jerseyville, departed for Alton.
     It affords us much pleasure to state that the citizens of Jersey county turned out with teams and conveyed the soldiers to Alton. About one hundred and twenty wagons were filled with these brave men who are going to fight the battles of their country.
     The regiment numbers about 700, and we doubt whether a finer body of men have been sent into the army. * * * The citizens of Jersey and Greene county have much reason to be proud of the soldiers they have sent into the army. Should an opportunity be offered them, we expect to hear that these gallant men have conducted themselves as true soldiers should.
     The procession on its departure from Jerseyville numbered 127 wagons, and was about a mile and a half in length, as we are informed by an officer of the regiment.
     The Alton papers speak of the arrival of the regiment on Friday night, and its immediate departure by boat for St. Louis.

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