Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/102

 after 1822 of the expeditions to Boston and elsewhere. They were justly famed, and occupied all the afternoon, probably much more agreeably for the spectators than the interminable “speaking of pieces” in the hot and crowded chapel all the morning. The battalion performed evolutions of the highest accuracy in the Yard and on the Common,—the old training field,—one of the favorite “stunts” being to march, company front, the whole length of the Yard and halt in front of Holworthy, when the line seldom required more than two or three inches to dress.

In 1828, under the command of Robert C. Winthrop, freshmen were admitted to the ranks, and few seniors took part, unless officers. The honor of leading the organization was very eagerly sought. It used to be said that the three greatest prizes of college life were to be the first scholar, the most popular man, and the commander of the Washington Corps. The requirements for an officer were very severe. In accordance with the true critical spirit of undergraduates, the candidate not only must have all the technical knowledge and capacity for command, but must look the part to perfection. Away with the short and pursy, with the spindling and anemic! Only the thoroughly well-set-up had a chance—a rule of real benefit to the college physique, then not encouraging. Indeed the drills, save a little football