National Republican., 1883-07-19
TIE RIFLES, RECREATIoNs.
Four Members OF the Command Treat
Their Comrades TO serenadc-The
Origin OF the Surf Drill.
Specidl Letter.


CAPE MAY, July 1.-THE life the rilemen
are leading here is rather life TO lead than
to read about 1t is settling down now, in
its third day, into kind of routine that
might look dull to an outsider but is full of
minute interest to those concerned. The
boys rise early in the morning for review, or
roll call, or inspection, or something of that
sort. Tho neighborhood of Congress Hall and
the anuexes got their first notice of new
day by the "cra-a-a-y humpp and "d-a-a-a-a-r
humpw of the officers, and the rattle of musket
butts on the pavements rs the troops
come in from this early expedition.
After it is done they have breakfast
and after breakfast they dress in citizens
dress and disport themselves as they please
until time for dress parade. The surf drill
has grown to be q regular feature now. IL
originated in an assault on Lieut.. Oyster,
who was caught on Monday and ducked by
about twenty Of his men, and rctaliated by
drilling them until they could drill no longer.
The dignity of the spectacle is not its most
remarkable feature. A party of soldiers in
bathing costume marching company front
through n Kissing surf that cares not for SOL
diery is not party of soldiers as seen at their
| best. Pennsylvania avenue would DO amazed
at the sight.
Tho detachment quartercd in annex 4 de-
clared itself last evening in manner that
! left no chance for q question as to whether
| they were enjoying tho evening. After the
| hop (Which was both crowded and brilliant),
| they retired to their house and found the
Weccacoo band asleep-that worthy musical
organization being quartered with them. IL
took but very little time for few of them
to borrow q cOrnet, q baritone, and both the
drums and to lock the musicians in. Then
guard was put at the front door, and as soon
rs the men who were not in the project had
turned into their beds and gotten well along
toward sleep the music broke loose in the hall
way. A rush was Immediately made for the dis
turbers, who permitted themselves to be
elected from the premises with willingness:
that explained itself later The firing party
had just about time to turn In again, wher
the gentlemen with tho instruments who hat
ranged themselves along the curb outside, in
sttuted sercnade that would have awakened
and frightened the occupants of q cemetery
Another rush was made by those within
and then the efficacy of the guard at th,
door was made apparent. Nobody coult
get out, and the serenaders serenaded t
their hearts content for about half al
hour. Several times during inter missions
soldiers in undress would appear at uppe
windows and invite tho serenaders in TO
refreshments" and sometimes one of then
would make a piteously touching appeal 70
peace, but neither invitation, entreaty, no
appeal could touch them. They had not fin
ished when they got through, for the reasoi
that some one inside conceived the idea O
drenching them, and the Others proceeded
carry it out. And drenched they were, mos
thoroughly. The drums were both on tn
curb this morning, in the sun, getting thei
heads in order.