Maryland National Guard report, 3.1936, page 4

about noon, Wednesday Morning, March 25th. when they were relieved of duty and returned to Hagerstown,

Throughout the entire tour of duty, in spite of the many very disagreeable features, — the limited time and improper conditions for sleeping, the irregular meals, the unfavorable weather, the deep mud in the protected area, the unfair criticism of local residents who were refused admission to restricted area because of lack of proper passes, the loss of pay while away from regular occupations,-the members of the Company performed their duties in a most creditable manner. Although the area was inspected at different times by Governor Nice, Major General Reckord and Colonel D. John Markey, not a single authentic report of failure of the Military force to properly perform its duty was received.

To those who served – your performance of duty was a credit to the Company----You may well enjoy the satisfaction coming from a duty well done.

To those who were left behind----No failure on your part prevented your going.---The failure of normal communications and transportation facilities due to the flood prevented or delayed your summons resulting in your arrival at the Armory after the Company had departed.

On the next page is reproduced a letter from Mayor Legge to Colonel D. John Marker which expresses his ideas of the value of the National Guard service during their emergency. The extent to which the city officials depended on the Military assistance is further shown by the fact that troops at Cumberland were to have been relieved on Saturday, March 21st. but were held until Monday on request of Mayor Legge and troops at Hancock were to have been relieved on Monday, 23rd of March but were held until March 25th in compliance with request from the Mayor.

The Western Maryland Railroad Co, expressed their appreciation of service performed in protecting their property by making a contribution of One Hundred Dollars to the National Guard Organizations on duty in Cumberland. A number of local companies showed their recognition of the importance and need of the National Guard by paying their employees, who are members of the Company, for the full time they were away on duty.

(This report of our Flood Duty experiences presented to each member of the Company at our Annual Banquet at Beck's Tavern on May 4th, 1936)