Morning journal and courier., 1882-09-11
Mantle.
Last Night in Camp-The Verdict as to the Work Done-The Signal Service It's VaIue-PIeasant Incidents-Break- ing Camp--The Return Home.

Last Night i'm Camp-The Verdict as to
 the Work Done-The Signal service-
 It's VaIue-PIeasant Incidents-Breai<-
 ing Camp-The Return Home.
 NIANTIC, Sept. 9, 1882.
 Friday night was noisy enough, but the men were tired after week of hard work and did not feel as frisky as usual. Last year 1t was horrible and sleep was almost impossible
 but their surplus energy was exhausted and at comparatively early hour the majority were glad to go to their quarters. The streets in the First regiment were very quiet after taps. Officers and men throughout the bri- gede exchanged calls and the best of feeling prevailed. It was common thing to see squads containing members of all the rsgi- ments parading through the different compa- ny streets exchanging friendly courtesies.
 It is admitted on all sides that this encamp-
 ment was the best ever held. The improve ment was rapid and the various duties well performed. The Third and Fourth regiments and the Battery are probably entitled to the greatest credit, for they have no advantages ! which the other regiments possess and came into camp awkward men, but they worked hard and made wonderful improvement. Their work on Friday shows that there is plenty of good material there. The First 4 regiment came in splendid shape, having had ! the advantage of regimental armory, where
 battalion drills are possible and every thing in their favor. They execute
 the movements in the field prompt ly and smoothly. The Second did re- 1 markedly well. It has been said that the old Second was in poor condition, but this can be said no longer. Said an officer in the First & ''There is no best. We think " e OK - eel in some points, in others you are supe- rior. Your division fronts cannot be beaten and never in my life saw dress parade equal to yours of Friday evening"" This is very hattering and must be very encouraging to the Colonel, who has worked hard for suc- cess and may justly feel proud of his regi- l ment. Harmony prevails throughout the regiment and every officer seems to work for the best interests of the command. Great ! credit is due the field and staff and it is un- ! necessary to be personal, for all worked hard and each one is entitled to praise.
 The importance of the signal service was fully demonstrated on Saturday morning The troops were moved entirely by orders S-AO" pidity of the system, message came order ing both regiments to move at once with the First on the right. The Second being ready | to go, it was agreed that they should proceed and take position on the left after reaching I the depot. The man at the depot, seeing the l Second start, thought there was mistake ! and repeated the order and received the ex planation before the regiment left the field. The delay was taken good naturedly Dy the men, and there a disposition to make the best of it. After waiting for the through | trains to pass the special proceeded to Say brook, where the First regiment and Com panies A, G and H were dropped and sent up l the Valley road. At Clinton the second platoon of the battery was switched off, and then the start for homo really began. Su- perintendent Stevenson managed admirably, and is entitled to credit for the manner in which he performed his many arduous duties. The entire brigade was transported without accident or unnecessary delay under the cir l cumstances.
 A very pleasant affair took place On Friday evening. It has been the custom of Sergeant Major w. H. Stratton to hold nightly meet. ings of the first sergeants, and the benefits | derived from this course are very marked. He Is about to sever his connection with the ! regiment, and desired to meet the sergeants l once more before leaving He invited them | to paTtake or cOuae1On served ln one or Ine | mess tents, and thanked them for their l efficient services and disposition to work for | the improvement Of the old Second At the
 conclusion of his speech of welcome Com missary General George R. Dimock, in
 behalf of the non commissioned staff
 and first sergeantsFpre 'nted him with an ele- | gant gold badge token of their esteem. There were only three or four personal
 friends present besides the sergeants. Speech es were made expressing regret at his inten- ] tion to leave and full assurance of good
 will. The remarks of Majcr s. c. Waldr on
 were particularly happy and were we'll re- l ceived.
 The winning team in the brigade shoot last
 fall were pleasantly surprised on Friday. It ! was unfortunate that the men received nc
 recognition of their services at the time, but
 personal efforts were put forth and Captain
 Allen had the pleasure of presenting hand some badge to each member of the team. l The men who constituted the team were Captain A. Allen, I. T. F.; Captain F. R. ! White, Go. A; Captain H. J. Bacon, Go. H
 Lieutenant J. N. Lane, Go. I; Lieutenant G.
 G.. La Barnes, Go. K; Sergeant R. M. Walk.
 CT, Go. B; Sergeant F. l. Scofeld, Go. Fl
 Privates H. Atkinson, F. L. Whaples, W. H. ! Talcott and D. Ross, of Go. K.