Daily Republican., 1883-08-18
FUN IN CAMP.
How the Pennsylvania Soldiers
spent . Raiuy Day.

OYOuu - s~sDy ASSJs
The Pennsylvania National Guards,
who are encamped near Phoenixville,
intended to have sham battle and
dress parade on Thursday, but were un'
able to do SO on account of the rain,
and they determined to have some fun
to pass the time. The manner in which
they went about IL Is thus described by
the Philadelphia Record:
SPORTS IN THE CAMP.
When it was found that the sham
battle and the parade to PhGnixville
were off, the boys decided upon some
sport. Jacobs and Walter, two OF the
colored walters attached to the Second
Regiment headquarters, were induced
to put on the gloves, of which, by the
way, there are q number OF pairs In
camp. Ex-Lisutenant Martin killacky
kindly offered his services as referee,
and those who were In the secret pro.
ceeded to a secluded spot in the rear OF
the tents. The bystanders formed a
ring, and then each man threw his con-
tribution into q hat for the benefit OF
the sparrers.
There was not much time lost In fan
cy work, and Walter, who had been
reading about Sullivan, made a rush at
jim. The latter WAS on his guard, and
planted q left-hander under his antago.
mist ear. The crowd cheered, and the
fighting was fast and furious until Jim
was sprawlod in the mud He came up
In the second round full of business, ,and, ,
after quick exchange Of blows, was
landed on his Tack just as the mill
was becoming interesting Quartermas-
ter Franks made his appearance and the
crowd scattered. He threatened arrest,
and ordered the sparrers to the more
peaceful occupation Of husking corn and
peeling potatoes.
But the greatest fun of the day, and
what might have proved very serious,
took place in the State Fencibles' camp.
The colored cook of Captain Mosher's
Company A was given leave of absence
yesterday morning for few hours. He
0verstayed his time, and when he re
turned to camp was ordered to give an
account of himself. Between the " hics'
he told how he had met some friends,
and produced small flask to substanti.
ate his story. After severe reprilnand
he was told that he was forgiven, and
informed that after supper In the even.
ing he should carry case of surgical
instruments to the college in PtDnix'
vile.
"What college, Cap'n,?" asked the
cook.
"The PhBuixville Medical College
report at O'clock" replied the Gap
tain.
Can't do 1t you don't get me into
any msdical college after dark; nos
said the colored man.
You refuse, then ?" said Captain
Mosher.
Yes, sah," was the answer.
The CAPTAIN sent for drum major
and some of the boys and told OF the
occurrence. The drums were piled up
and court-martial held in due solem-
pity, The cook was found guilty OF
disobedience of orders and sentenced tt
be shot.
"I'd sooner die dan 60 to dat col
lege," said the cook.
He was escorted with drums and
ffes to q field near camp, and q hole
dug. Then twenty men were drawn ul
in front of him armed with rifles loaded
with blank cartridges. The man was
determined and said: "I'll die like 9
soldier" His eyes were bandagel anc
he got on his knees to pray. The com
mand to fire was given, and as the gun'
were discharged one of the pen station
ed near the cook hit him on the head
with corn-cob. Over he rolled into
the hole and lay out stiff for a few
seconds, thinking he had been struck
Then he was pitched ont, tied to raj
and carried about the camp to the tun'
of the Dead March," Hewas thrown
into ditch, and when the boys begal
to shovel dirt upon him he yelled lustil'
and was taken out As the cook role,
his big eyes and rubbed his head tt
ascertain if he was hurt, he said "Di
chile will never go to dat college, sure
i I'll die fust"