The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-11-24

line, in rear Of a double row of large trees.
facing the infantry line, having the artillery
| camp on its left
The ground was very well adapted for the
camp OF small force, and notwithstanding
tne heayy and almost constant rain of the
week, was in good condition and free from
surface water,
The State has small store house to the left
and rear OF the artillery camp.
There was no brigade guard, each regiment
having police guard with quarters upon the
TANKS of the infantry line.
All tents were extra large wall tents, in ex-
cellent condition; each so numbered and let
sered, as 70 be issued year after year to the
ing 1t possible to hold the proper persons ac-
countable for any defacing or damage
Six tents were allowed to each company, of
winch one was for the use of the officers, and
five for the men.
The company streets and intervals between
regiments were wide.
At the ends of the company streets were
boards indicating the name and locality of
each company
Water was drawn daily into camp from
springs and stored in large casks near the cook
houses and at the guard tents
Inc sanitary condition of the camp had re-
ceived attention.
The system for feeding the command was diff
ferent from that of any other New England
state. In place of money allowance rations
essentially the same as prescribed for the
United States army, were issued daily. Cooks
were either hired by or detailed from the
several companies
by this method the cost to the State, of feed
ing The men, is about thirty cents per man per
day. Companies occasionly own mess furni-
ture, which consisted of knives, forks, spoons,
tin plates and mugs.
Aside from the saving in money, the troops
to, If in actual service.
During our stay in camp, the day being wet
ana with frequent showers the ranges, (of
which there are several from 100 to 1000 yards
IN lengthy were in constant use. The prof.
cheney OF the command in rifle practice is ex-
traordinary; something over seventy-fye per
cent OF the entire militia having qualified as
marksmen.
To bring about this most desirable state of
affairs, an inspector of rifle practice had been
appointed, who early in the season, visits each
company in its armory and personally instructs
members in position and aiming drill. So
much interest has been developed that the
company officers follow up these instructions
with much company practice, which is sue
eeeded in camp by much earnest and always
intelligent work at the ranges,
There seem to be no special or definite orders
issued for the direction of the inspector of rifle
practice; he rather seems to be able to give to
each company what in his opinien is mcst
needed; and the unusual success attained
would csem to be a good argument for the
The artillery are armed with brass Napole-
ons. HorEes and equipment were in excellent
condition, and the battery seemed to be in ev-
cry respect the best have yet seen.
The command was provided with the latest
pattern safety notch) Springfield rife. Cart
ridge boxes were of the McKeever pattern and
very we'll adapted for the ammunition now
used. Equipments were of the U. S. army
pattern. No haversacks or canteens were in
the hands of the men.
Uniform in tha infanfru consisted 81 1;obt
blue trousers and dark blue coats, cut away;
three rows of buttons with buff facings; with
the regulation infantry helmet. The artillery
were uniformed in dark blue frook coats,
trimmings or facings scarlet; helmets of the
regulation pattern.
Owing to the unfavorable weather, the con-
templated review and battalion drill was aban-
doned. In the afternoon, notwithstanding
frequent showers, the infantry, by companies,
and the battery, were allowed to drill in the
hrings for two or three hours. A very large
number of blank cartridges were used to ex-
eellent advantage. Men and officers eeemed
to thoroughly enjoy the duty, and were reluc-
tant to return to their quarters when the recall
sounded. For short time, it was difficult for
the officers, in the midst of constant firing,
to keep their men in hand: but scoa the men
became steady and gave an excellent exhibit
tlon OF their proficiency in skirmish drill; /;
charging, rallying, and irings by company,
rank, platoon and file. The artillery and 9TH
and confusion, and behaved in the best possi-
Bile manner.
1t is believed that greater attention is paid
in Maine than in any other New England
State, to preparing the militia for active SER
vice; and the camp was remarkable: LIST, for
the method of feeding, and especially because
the method adopted was SO satisfactory to the
men; I'd. for tho surprisingly large percentage
Qf qualified marksmen; Sd, for the success Of
its skirmish and firing drills; 4th, for its arma-
ment and equipment being so modern; and 5th
that so much could be accomplished with an
annual appropriation by the State of only S16,-
600.
To his Excellency the Governor and staff, to
Adjutant General Beal, to Major General
Chamberlain and staff, and to Colonel Brown
OF the First Regiment we are greatly indebted
for kind attention and great assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) EDWARD G. STEVENS,
Colonel and Assistant Inspector General, NJ.
V.M.