7 December 1861

Yesterday afternoon, a grand review of four regiments of infantry and one of cavalry came off upon the field opposite the Odd Fellows' Cemetery, on Islington lane east of Ridge avenue. The field was large, open, level and well adapted to the purpose. The interest of the occasion was in a great degree heightened by the presentation of flags to the regiments participating. Before the hour fixed upon in the programme for presenting the flags had arrived, several thousand persons had assembled on the grounds. Ridge avenue and the lane were blocked with private vehicles and passenger cards.

The first regiment to reach the ground was Colonel Rush's Light Cavalry. They came in at the eastern entrance to the lot, about eleven o'clock, and were drawn up in a line about a hundred yards from the stand which had been erected for the Governor, staff, and invited guests. This regiment was accompanied by a fine band of music mounted. The Ninety-first Regiment, Colonel Gregory, was the next to enter, and were followed by the other regiments in succession. Colonel Lyle's regiment did not arrive until after twelve o'clock.