The boys from Hanover, PA, arrived via train in downtown Harrisburg. They joined thousands of eager volunteers who milled about the city while awaiting instructions from military and civil authorities. Confusion reigned, as no one was certain if they would be asked to sign up for the Federal army as state troops for nine-months or, worse yet for many, three-years. Many had thought they were only enlisting until the Rebels left Pennsylvania, which Governor Andrew G. Curtin had originally envisioned.

However, all sorts of rumors circulated about the military's intentions. Hundreds of frustrated volunteers went home, and the outbound trains from Harrisburg were filled with angry men who had spent their own money for the fruitless trip. Among them likely were several men from Hanover, although records are unclear as to how many of the men who had traveled at their expense to Harrisburg returned without mustering into the service.




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