From the Richmond Commercial Bulletin, 9/2/1865, p. 3, c. 1
“HOMEWARD BOUND.” – At an early hour on yesterday morning, the 98th New York volunteers, who were mustered out on Thursday, were ordered to “fall in,” preparatory to their march to Rocketts, an announcement which was greeted with three rousing cheers.
Breaking up their camp in Manchester, they defiled across Mayo’s bridge, and formed on Main, near 14th street, to salute the 20th New York, which was to escort them to the steamer on which they were to leave for home.
Presenting arms as their escort passed, they formed in the rear of that regiment, and took up the line of march in column, by company front, presenting a fine appearance as they marched down Main street, their muskets glittering in the sun-light, their flags fluttering in the breeze, while the fine band of the 20th made the echoes ring again with their martial strains.
The flags were three in number – two State and one Union – the latter bearing the names of some fifteen of the important battles in which they have been engaged.
Arriving at Rocketts, the 98th, about 350 strong, embarked on the spacious Government steamer, the City of Albany, which lay in readiness to convey them to Baltimore, but some delay, occasioned by the late arrival of certain commissary stores, afforded the officers of the regiments and a few friends to quaff a parting glass to the memories of the past and the hopes of the future, and to bid each other a smiling adieu. A goodly number of the soldiers improved the occasion in like manner, while the band of the 20th, stationed on the pier, threw the charms of music around the parting scene.
The last words were exchanged, the 20th marched away, the missing wagons made their appearance, stragglers hastened aboard the panting steamer, the hawsers were cast off, and the stately vessel moved majestically down the sparkling river, the shouts of the soldiery ringing out as she receded from the view, and was finally lost in the distance.
The 98th will disembark at Baltimore and take the cars for New York, whence they will proceed to Albany to be paid off and finally discharged. It was a gallant regiment, its officers a noble body of men, and its courteous and honorable Colonel parted from us regretfully and regretted.