The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-19
VETERANS IN CAMP.
The Reunion of Old Soldiers at CastIetOn-
Their Spirited Skirmish Drill Yesterday.

The attendance at the encampment of old
soldiers at Castleton on the opening day yester-
day, was not large. The rain and frowning sky
during the morning are partially responsible for
this, but the managers were not very long be-
tween the inception Of the enterprise and its
fulfllment. They did not have sufficient time
IN which to advertise the event, nor to arrange
for excursion trains and other essentials for car
rying out an ambitious performance. 1t is their
purpose, though, to make this the first of an
nual encampments, and hereafter veterans may
look to the Castleton gatherings of old soldiers
as the event of the summer in this county.
The grounds are admirably adapted for camp
ing Observation-Disclosures shade, plenty of
water, and hospitable people Whereabouts to con-
tribute all their love for the boys who wore the
blue can suggest. It is not to be thought that
the movers in this affair are disappointed at
yesterdays result Indeed, they had SO much to
do and so little time in which to do it that they
are to be congratulated on the evidences of the
success they secured. very important factor
In affairs of this kind is the interest veterans
display in it. and this hours hard drill to which
about nifty OF them were subjected during the
afternoon shows that this interest is not want
ing 1t had that of farmers, their wives and
amusement, and talked of the events of to-day
with keen expectation. Perhaps the attractions
of the programme could have been better dis
tributed, as all the speech making and the
sham battle occurs this afternoon. Yesterday
had nothing to offer but the dull routine of
camp life, subjected to strict military discipline
under the command of Major James r. Ross.
The provost marshal service is looked after by
Captain Robert E. Smith, and DR.. Rocker, of
Castleton, is at the head of the surgery, besides
being one of the committee general affairs,
in connection with captains Johnson, Page, Neg
ley and others.
An incident of the afternoon was the skrmish
drill by fifty veterans. 1t occurred in splendid
field, with rising ground the north on which
four battery guns are stationed. The old sol
diers were little awkward at first, but within
few minutes all the kinks in their memory
were straightend out and they took
up the deploy with as much vigor
and enthusiasm as if enemy was in front of
them. The guns manned by the Light Artillery
boys were short of ammunition, and had to sub
NIT to capture on the second charge. The old
fellows, for there not in the charging
company under fifty .fve did not find their
limbs responding as readily to run up the hill
as they did twenty two years ago. But it was
done with the spirit, dash and precision only
veterans can give to a charge. This company
will take part in the battle to-day, which will
also include the military companies of this city
Governor Gray and staff are to be present to-
day. and will be given, at the Castleton depot,
formal reception by the military companies and
veterans The Governor, Major Holstein, Gen
eral Coburn, Judge Howe Major Calkins and
Hon. Stanton j. Peelle are announced to speak
The camp can accommodate all who visit it to-
day. and arrangements have been perfected for
a comfortable return of city people who may go
out on the regular morning and afternoon trains