Why Does Rhodes Join The Army

Although reluctant to let Rhodes join the army given that he was the sole provider for their family. Eliza Rhodes eventually agreed to let Rhodes join the army. He met up with Levi Carr, a friend from school, and signed up for Rhode Island’s Second Regiment of Volunteers. Eventually, and even though he had no clue what the post entailed, he was elected First Sergeant of his Regiment. Rhodes was asked to be the clerk during the selection process for the First Light Infantry. He was told by Major John S. Slocum – later Colonel – that the army only wanted good men. The first to be examined was Carr, so Rhodes looked up as he had been instructed to do when a “good man” entered the tent. Carr passed and Rhodes proposed to that they should examine him. The Doctor, Surgeon Francis L. Wheaton, disagreed as he believed that Rhodes would never make it as a soldier. Rhodes managed to convince the Major, however, so he could be part of the Infantry. Later, a school hood bully of both Carr and Rhodes entered the tent and Rhodes refused to look up, which caused the Doctor and Major to send the bully home.
Rhodes goes on to describe an event that took place after their dress parade, where they were given important orders, attended for roll call, and were dressed in their uniforms. He wrote that he was called upon by Colonel Slocum to go and retrieve a deserter for punishment. Rhodes, along with two privates in his company, went to the young man’s home and were greeted by his sister, who told them that he was sick. Upon entering the deserter’s room, Rhodes discovered that the young man was faking his illness due to the young man wearing his boots in his bed. Rhodes and the privates led the young man back to the Colonel, where he was promptly arrested. Rhodes noted that, despite the reservations of a few of the men, that the majority were supportive of Rhodes’