The Portland daily press., 1886-08-05
A SHAM FIGHT.
The Gallant Tars At the Cape.

The entire landing force of the North At
lantic squadron, composed of the officers,
seamen and marines of the different vessels
now in this harbor, the flagship Tennessee,
Galena and Swatara, embarked yesterday
afternoon in their respective boats in orde
to land near the beach at Fort Preble, wher
sham fight was to take place. AT one o'clock
in the afternoon general signal hoisted on
board the flagship gave the order for the brig
ade to embark, EARNED and equipped" The
infantry companies of blue jackets armed
with rifles manned their respective boats,
while the artillery crews armed themselves
with cutlasses and reyolvers and took pos
session Of the steam and large sailing launch
es. The field artillery pieces, three inch
breech-loading rifles and Gatling guns were
planted in the bows of the launches and se-
cured for action, so as to be in readiness for
use should occasion arise to protect the adj
vanced skirmishers. After everybody had
embarked, the fleet of boats, directed by sig
mails, hoisted ON board of a dinghey which
carried the commander of the landing forces,
together with his staff of officers, formed in
single line close order, with the guide boat
on the right wing
The boats proceeded on westerly course,
heading from the outer bay toward the city,
until abreast of the hills situated on Cape
Elizabeth, when all changed their course and
in line abreast pulled in toward the beach.
The artillery opened fire, and, although nei-
ther powder nor shot were usud, still the
clicking of the howitzers and the rattling of
the Gatlings, were plainly heard and an
nounced to the imaginary enemy on shore
that battle was expected. While the artil-
lery kept up a rapid and hot fire the
boats on either wing and in the
centre of the line carrying the
skirmishers pulled aheadsat full speed and
under the protecting fire forced landing,
advanced in quickstep and drove away the
enemy's imaginary skirmish lines. AS soon
as the skirmishers had safely reached the
shore and apparently driven back the enemy
the resi- of the boats neared the beach, and
in less than no time the entire landing force
had safely reached the shore. Where the
shallowness of the water prevented the
heavy launches and cutters from coming in
close to the landing, officers and sailors
iumped overheard and waded ashore, drag
ging the heavy canons after them.
The skirmish lines proceeded up the bluff,
and took their positions in order to keep
off the enemy. The main body commenced
building entrenchments along the beach
While this work was being done the skirm-
ishes who first landed were apparently sud-
denly driven back and had to be REINFORCED
by more marines and blue-jackets. This
supplementary force proved sufficient to
keep back the enemy ,and the entrenchments
were soon completed. and the field artillery
together with the infantry found shelter be-
hind these newly built walls.
For while the skirmishers remained in
their positions unmclested, when all at once
the sound of the bugle announced the ad-
vance of the enemy, who had come out In
full power to drive away the landing forces.
A heavy skirmish fire took place, but the
enemy was apparently too strong for the
skirmishers, who were compelled to retreat,
although defending the soil with great skill
and energy.
By this time notice had been received at
the regular headquarters, established behind
the entrenchment of the enemy's approach,
and that our forces were rapidly driven back
to the camp. The assembly was sounded
and as soon as the skirmishers had found
refuge at the camp the order for the bat
talions to advance was given. New COM
panies of skirmishers, closely followed by
the advance guard, surprised the enemy. All
the battalons of infantry left their entrench-
ments and the artillery with the howitzers
on either end, and the gatlings in the center,
now formed the regular line of battle.
The entire naval brigade in quickstep
started up the bluff and it was fine sight to
see the body of sailors advance in regular
line of battle with the colors floating to the
breeze. The field pieces were dragged up
the hill and brought about ready for action.
The battle was apparently won, the enemy
driven away, and the battalions headed by
the excellent band from the Tennessee,
marched to the parade ground at Fort Preble
where dress parade was held.
Large crowds of spectators had gathered
around the bluff and everybody felt delight
ed to see the sham fight as well as the dress
parade. Exercises of this kind certainly are
of the greatest value to both officers and
men, as opportunities are thus offered to
drill on shore, where there is plenty of room
for maneuvering, which is greatly missed
on board ship. The site selected at Fort
Preble offered all facilities for an extensive
sham engagement. The weather came to
help, and a splendid day was enjoyed by
everybody.