Daily Kennebec journal., 1882-09-23
THE TENTED FIELD.
The Encampment of the Militia Affected
by the Bad Weather.
Some Fine Artillery and Infantry Drills in
Spite of Rain and Mud.
incidents Of Muster Lffe-Camp TO be
Broken To-Day.

/ The lnclement weather of the past two days
has had depressing and disastrous effect
upon the Muster, interfering with the routine
of camp life and at the same time increasing
the discomforts of the young soldiers. The
boys bear their disappointment well, although
they avail themselves Of the privilege of
grumbling. The regiments will break camp
between twelve and one o'clock to day,
and the amateur soldiers will not be sorry to
get back home again. Considering that two
days Of the Encampment have been almost
wholly lost, the Militia of the State has made
commendable and encouraging advance in
efficiency and drill. In the future the an
nual Muster will be held at an earlier date,
before the September storms come with their
equinOctial fury. Notwithstanding the bad
weather there has been little sickness at
Camp Shepley, although many of the men
have severe colds.
! Friday forenoon the command was in
spected by Brig. Gen. John j. Lynch, In
spectOr General, assisted by Lieut.. Totten of
the 4th Battery, L. S. A. Each company
was inspected thoroughly and the quarters
/
critically examined. The Militia passed the
ordeal we'll.
The Battery occupied the field in the be-
ginning of the afternoon with their drill We
have before spoken in high terms of this
branch of the service, and we can only reit-
crate our commentator. Every movement
was excellent, their firing BY platoons and
sections like that of old artiilerymen, and
the whole drill one OF the best ever witt
messed in the State.
When the field was clear the Infantry came
filing out of the tents by companies. The
Capital Guards, Portland Light Infantry and
Montgomery Guards threw out administers,
and drilled in skirmish tactics. The Mont
gomery Guards then gave an exhibition
drill. They moved like SO many
eye their drill was simply perfect. The
companies were next drawn up into line, and
spent some time in firing by platoons. COM
panies and files. The rattle of musketrv
and the discharges of artillery gave quite
vivid idea of what an actual engagement
is like.
Dress parade came at five o'clock as usual.
| The battaliOns were consolidated, and the
bands consolidated on the right under COM
mand of Band Major Bean. Adjutant Mitchell
of the First Regiment acted Adiu-
tant in forming the line, and Sergt. Major
Chase of the First Sergeant Major. The
soldiers were pleased with the new Adjutant
and his promptness. after the S,eeH they had
had on previous occasion in getting ready for
the Colonels orders. Adiutant Mitchell has
splendid voice. which can be distinctly
heard down the whole line. Col. Brown of
the First Regiment took the command, but
was obliged to omit the usual manual of
arms on account of the showers which in
terfered with the parade, and the troops
were returned to their tents.
NorEs.
Remarkably fine shooting was done in the
continual match, which closes to-day.
About % marksmen competed. We shall
announce the viii ners Monday.
Mai. Gen. Chamberlain and staff had
pleasant little reception at the Augusta
House last evening. after which there was
dancing.
! Col. Dolton and Col. Stevens late of the
regular army, now Inspector Generals in the
Massachusetts Militia looked over the COM
mand yesterday. They were the guests of
the field officers of the First Regiment.
Two suffers were arrested and placed i'll
the guard house yesterday for selling liquor
to the men, Their tents were taken down.
The men were handed over to the city au-
tborities. and will be tried this morning.
The heavens were luminous last evening
with the reflection of the camp fires which
blazed IN every street. The boys gathered
around the CHEEKY blaze, and passed the hours
with songs and story telling. crowd OF
troubadours from Cos. b and G., serenaded
Coils Brown and White, and made the whole
camp ring with their songs. Marching
through Georgia" seemed to be the favorite,
and hundreds of voices caught up the chorus
"uur,ah. hnrrah we'll bring the jubilee.
Hurrah hurrah, the flag that makes you free