A week afterwards, on the 18th of August a public Parade and Review of
the entire force of the Vigilance Committee took place. The several
Companies assembled at their Armories and marched from thence to the
Head Quarters of their Regiments, and thence to Third Street, where the
whole force of Cavalry, Artillery, Riflemen and Infantry, consisting of
at least four thousand men, in black frock coats and pants and caps and
white gloves, were formed in line in double rank, extending a full mile
from Market Street some distance beyond South Park. The line was
reviewed by the Commander and his staff and the Executive Committee,
about forty persons in all, who thundered along it with heads uncovered,
at full speed. The line then broke into columns of companies, and with
inspiriting music from numerous bands, began their march through the
City. The sidewalks, windows and roofs of buildings on the line of march
were crowded with spectators. The scene from the upper part of Clay
Street, when the Cavalry and Artillery, having wheeled into Stockton
Street, the whole steep ascent of Clay Street, between Montgomery and
Stockton Streets, was filled from sidewalk to sidewalk, with the dark
moving mass of infantry, was most imposing; and to very many, of the
spectators so touching from memories of fears, anxieties and terrors for
their relatives and friends throughout, the eventful movement now so
happily drawing to a conclusion; as to dim their eyes with tears of joy,
and thankfulness. The march extended through the principal streets of
the City, and was terminated and the line dismissed at six o'clock in
the afternoon. This was the last public appearance of the Vigilance
Committee.

In the last week of August, the Executive Committee caused the
fortifications in front of the Head Quarters to be razed to the ground,
threw open the doors and invited public inspection of their rooms, and
disbanded the whole force; retaining however, as they stated in their