Four companies of the 3rd Iowa Infantry, under post commander Capt. Richard Herron, conducted a review to the tune of "Yankee Doodle" and marched up Main Street to where a flag sewn by the women of Huntsville was hanging from a balcony, "supported by a bevy of Huntsville's fair ones," the anonymous writer reported.
Addie Keebaugh gave a speech on behalf of the Union ladies, "and we regret that our distance, and the hard wind blowing, prevented our getting the full benefit of her remarks," the letter stated. "But enough was heard to convince us they were decidedly appropriate and earnest."
Herron and Capt. Matthew Trumbull both spoke. "The remarks of the officers were brief but eloquent and patriotic," the writer reported. "They declared that the folds of the noble emblem floating over them should never trail in the dust, nor suffer disgrace while in their keeping, and from what we know of that command we have no fears for the 'old flag.' "
The ceremony ended with three cheers from the soldiers and a return to camp to the strains of "Dixie."
"They seemed as if they could give a good account of themselves 'in the land of cotton' and no doubt they will if the opportunity be offered," the letter stated.