"The following incident took place on the arrival at Boston [of the State Fencibles in June 1832]. The band they took with them consisted of 25 pieces and had been selected by Frank Johnson, the leader of the band connected with the Corps. All were colored men and were equipped with green uniforms trimmed with gold. 

"On the arrival in Boston the Fencibles were waited on by a committee from their escort, who stated that if the colored band was allowed in the line the white bands would refuse to parade. Captain Page, not desiring to interfere with the arrangements, wisely ordered the band to march to their quarters, and await the arrival of the Corps. After the escort reached the hotel and was dismissed, an immense crowd assembled. It was then that Captain Page gave 'Johnson' his cue. Johnson being a perfect master of his instrument, his band all experts, and at the time having a remarkable reputation for their performances, still burning under the slight they had received, only waited for the chance to be revenged and now it came. Johnson filed his band on the porch in front of the hotel and, in the words of Captain Page, 'Frank never got so much out of his bugle before.' They spent three hours on that porch, and before they were through had entirely captivated the 'Yankees,' and were the victors." (Thomas S. Lanard, One Hundred Years with the State Fencibles. Philadelphia, 1913.)