The National tribune., 1883-09-13
NEW JERSEY.

In our last issue we gave description Of the
opening of the Grand Army Eneampment of
the Department of New Jersey at Camp Olden,
near Princeton, on Monday, September Sd.
Monday was devoted to the preliminary work
of the Eneampment, and on Tuesday the num-
Der of members of the Grand Army at the
camp was doubled, about 1900 veterans
and militiamen being present. At dress
parade in the afternoon the Grand Army men
were in line with the National Guards and the
drill was very successful. The exercises of the
day included a balloon ascension. which was
unsuccessful, and display of fireworks, which
was fine. Company, Post and battalion drills
were taking place all day and gave the camp
an animated appearance. During a sham
battle on Wednesday thirteen soldiers were
wounded severely enough to require surgi-
cal attendance. All but three or four were
able to be around after their wounds were
dressed. The most serious injuries were
those of Albert c. Harrison, Post 81, from Red
Bank, hit severely in his right leg; William
COttrell, company ID, Sixth regiment, hit in his
left breast; Major Blanchett, Post "a, from
Morristown, into whose left arm three wads
entered; Alva Thorn, company A, Sixth regi-
ment, badly burned in the face with powder
Chas. a. Koenig, Post 72 from Egypt, shot in
the cheek, and A. Wesley, Post 80, Princeton,
shot III the side and arm. Others who had to
be cared for were L. r. Schoenheit Commander
Reed, company II Sixth regiment, face burned
Corporal Schmitzler, company b, Sixth regi-
ment, leg wound; Wm Daniel company B.
Sixth regiment, leg wound; Sergeant Sage,
company ID, Sixth regiment, face burned John
Garner, Post 35, Paterson, face burned. The
Injuries of the Others were painful but not
serious. The wounds were received by powder
and wads fired directly into each others faces
when the opposing lines came nearer together
in the excitement of the fight than was SAFE
Until this event occurred the sham ight was
brilliant affair. Five hundred men and eight
pieces of artillery were engaged. During the
day fine silk flag was presented to the Depart
ment by Philadelphia firm, Colonel Peyton,
OF ofHaddonteld, making the presentation speech
1t is estimated that 10000 people were in the
grounds. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles was among
the guests expected at the camp OH Thursday
but like many of the other invited guests he
came not lthad been arranged that he should
review the veterans and the militia. Circum-
stances thrust the honors of reviewing on Col
Cooper, of the Sixth regiment In the line,
besides Col. Cooper's regiment, were the Fourth
regiment, the crack regiment of the State, un-
der command of Col Dudley S. Steele, some
scattered regiments and the Grand Army
Posts. The ranks of the Grand Army paraders
were noticeably thin. The veterans were not
disposed to turn out and lounged about their
tents stood III the field looking at the parade
u
large crowd of spectators witnessed the evolu-
lions Of the soldiery. Beyond the review and
balloon ascension and aregiInental drill between
times there were no special attractions at the
camp. Commander-inC Chief Robert B. Beath
OF the Grand Army Of the Republic, attended
by his full staff and accompanied by deega-
tions from the Posts of Philadelphia visited
the camp Friday afternoon and at $50 reviewed
the military organizations. AT the depot he
was met by Emmett Guard, company D. of the
Seventh regiment, which acted as an escort
The number of men in line at the review was
greater and the scene more brilliant than at any
previous Encampment. In the evening there
was brilliant display Of fireworks, after which
the visiting party returned to Philadelphia. AS
Friday was devoted to recreation" discipline
was not SO strictly maintained, and "eood
night did not reach Grand Army headauar-
tiers until o'clock Saturday morning; but
officers and men, as rule, were up and at their
posts at the usual hour. Just after breakfast
some excitement was created by the cry and
sight of fire. The origin of the flames could
not be accurately ascertained 1t occurred at
the quarters of Van Houten Posts drum CORPS
which is made up of small boys. Fortunately,
there was little or no breeze, or more than half
the camp would have been destroyed As it
was, three tents and several drums were con-
sumed before the fire was stamped out.
The Encampment, judged from financial
q
than $4,000 people in all, and these mainly of
the neighborhood, have attended. The late
ness of the season and its coolness also were
against it. A movement will be made at the
next session of the Legislature to purchase the
grounds upon which Camp Oiden was instituted,
dedicate them to military uses and thus aid to
perpetuate the memory of New Jerseys best
remembered and honored governor
Department Commander Fielder decided to
omit the proposed fight, owing to the fact that
several of the Posts from distance had to leave
for home; the regiments were to leave soon in
the afternoon, and, besides, the Commander
feared possible repetition of Wednesdays ac-
cidents.
At / p m therefore, the Sixth regiment
struck tents, followed, halfan hour later by Col
Steele's Fourth. The Posts that remained
marched to headquarters and gave Commander
Fielder hearty goodbye" The battery
fired regimental salute as the Sixth and the
Fourth in turn past, and before o'clock
Camp Olden was almost deserted.