Military Ardor In Baltimore

Part Of 1829 Map Of Baltimore

From The life of John Pendleton Kennedy:

The war was coming near to our own doors and events every day grew more exciting. Our military ardor was on the rise. I was in a state of constant exhilaration. Our drills and occasional detached service became more frequent and severe. In fact Baltimore assumed more and more the character of an extensive garrison.

I visited a great deal among the younger belles of the city and rather piqued myself upon the importance of belonging to the army which was entrusted with the defense of the state. Very natural this egotism...everybody looked upon our regiment as an elite corps. We began to long now for more active service.