Morning journal and courier., 1882-09-08
Mantle.


 ceH.nt Work-A Pleasant Call the ! Governor-rIajor General Shaler-Yes- terday's Rev1esv-An Estimate Of the l Meritortous Work-The preparations for rTo-day.-Review by Governor Bige- lovv-Battalion Drill, Etc.-The Veteran Gravs' Visit To-day
 CAMP HARMON,
 NIANT1C, Conn.,, Sept. z.
 It was stated this morning by an officer who IS recognized as able tactician that the escort duty as performed by the First regiment was unusually we'll done. The First IS receiving much praise for the excellent work which it is doing in the field. Their manual is good, but it is claimed that the change which they have made should be counted against them. They have introduced an extra motion in bringing the piece from the position of support arms to a carry, mak- ing four motions where the tactics provide for three.
 After the brigade dress parade last evening the Fourth regiment held dress parade. The formation not as quick as it might have been and the various movements were only fair. The manual was not particularly good, owing to the disposition to hurry and go to supper The Fourth has done much better and can do so again.
 All the commissioned officers in the brigade l called on Governor Bigelow last evening General Smith made very happy speech, 1 thanking the Governor and staff for their ! efforts in behalf of the national guard, and referred in fitting terms to the fact that his trip abroad was shortened on account of the i approaching encampment. The Governor in | his response congratulated the General and spoke of the brigade in fiattering terms. l The guard mounting this morning was a great improvement over that of yesterday. l The men were steady and the marching was very good An officer of the Third failed to salute while the guard passed in review and on this occasion the guard mount was pro l nounced failure by officer who looked | for perfection. There are visiting officers ! here who watch the small details and cannot excuse anything so noticeable as the failure ! of an officer to salute.
 There is great improvement in the bat talion drills. The guides are prompt, but as yet have not shown an ability to preserve uniform distances. So much improvement has been made that formation which is not completed in one minute is considered rather I slow.
 Major General Shaler arrived in camp this morning and watched the mornings work closely. Accompanied by several members of his staff he called on Colonel Graham this forenoon. He complimented the Colonel on his pleasant quarters, and remarked that the camp very fine indeed.
 The review this afternoon took place at two o'clock and was witnessed by large number of interested spectators.
 ! The ceremony 8 whole credtably performed, but not equal to former reviews. The marching generally very good, but the same old trouble in regard to distances was observed. There was too much distance between companies in the First regiment and not enough in the Second. Those of the Third and Fourth were rather irregular. The salutes were poor generally and very few of the officers were able to judge the distance. Instead of saluting at distance of six yards from the reviewing officer some of them sa- lutsd fully fifty yards distant. Another thing which is still noticeable is the habit some officers have of carrying the sword in both hands. It reminds of the remark that Major McCrea made last year, when he saw the same thing: "Hello," said the major. "there is drum major in command of that company"
 Colonel Graham was the only one who brought the battalion to carry at the con- mand Attention :" given by tEe General, the others waiting for the order to be given by the General. The section of the tactics GOV ering that point reads as follows:
 | "While the reviewing officer is passing in front and in rear of each battalion it stands at curry 01Tas. The remainder of the time the colonel causes it to stand at parade rest. The battalions brought to the carry at the signal attention from the general, given l after the reviewing officer leaves the right of the line"
 The feeling between the different regiments is very friendly. The officers and men ex change courtesies and most of the old bitter l feeling has worn away.
 l During the absence of General Smith Col onel Tubbs of the Third is in command oi the brigade The General is expected to re turn tomorrow.
 The preparations for tomorrow are com pleted, and the various ceremonies, whicl consist of review by His Excellency Gov ernor Bigelow, followed by battalion dril and dress parade, will be very interesting. large number of distinguished visitors ar, . expected, and it is probable that many thou sand people will be on the grounds.
 The Grays are making elaborate prepara tons to receive the veterans to morrow. 1 , Is not known how many are expected, but al F who come will be well taken care of and as sured pleasant time. Doubtless many of tn vets will live their military career all ove ; again during their short stay. Amongsthe visitors to day were noticed Cap , tam Russell Thompson, the former adjutan s of the Second, and ex Lieutenant F. A. Bow man, of the Grays.
 E The reporters have been advised to giv , more attention to writing up the camp ant , omit the current camp gossip. k. \