The infantry regiments went to the front fully armed and equipped, their arms being of a superior quality to those which had been furnished to most of the preceding troops sent from the State, while the cavalry were equally well equipped, although they did not receive a portion of their arms until they reached the army in the field. Prom the Red Book of Michigan the following is taken: "At the time the call was made by the President, and on which the regiments referred to were raised, much anxiety as to coming events and results existed throughout the land, and great despondency pervaded the masses, prevailing to an alarming extent in the army. The disasters of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff, and Banks's retreat from the Valley of the Shenandoah were fresh in the memory. McClellan's fruitless peninsula campaign had just terminated. Gloom covered the Union cause throughout the North, and loyal hearts were sad. But with these disasters and discouragements patriotism seemed to grapple, and strong and loyal men flocked to service under the standard of their country,