The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-23
INDIANA SOLDIERS In CAMP.
What Major Loder Learned at the State
Legion Encampment Last Summer.
An Efficient Body of Troops, but Deficient in
Some of the Minor Details-A Circus Not
Inappropriate Military Attachment.

The much-criticsed State encampment held
at Lafayette, last summer was attended by
Major r. Loder, of the Third Artillery, who
was detailed by Adjutant-general Drum to visit
the camp and present an Official report of his OBJ
servations Many of the officers and members
of the State Legion have waited rather impa-
tiently for this document to appear. The delay,
however, has caused some of them to suspect
that the Major had reached the conclusion that
the customary formal language of an official re-
port would not satisfactorily represent his opin-
ion about the affair, and that his observations
would not be made public. However, his report
was filed with the Acknowledgement at Washing
ton, yesterday, and was telegraphed to the Jour
nal by its correspondent last night. The Major
says:
ION July &C. 1886. reported to Brigadier-gen-
eral George W. Koontz, Adjutant- general of the
Indiana State Legion. and brigadier general
commanding Camp Gray, and remained at Camp
Gray and Lafayette, Ind, during the encamp-
ment, O.. until Aug, 2, 1886 On my arrival
found the camp at the fair ground, some miles
from the city. The camp itself was fairly laid
out, and very suitable for the purpose. Head
quarters ware not properly situated, and much
nor was the brigade represented by a proper
number of staff officers orderlies, at first rem
deringit difficult for the general commanding to
put things In proper trim and efficient working
order; in fact he had to do duty which should
have been left to suborduatss. Desiring to
stay in camp. I applied for tent,
but none could be furnished neither could OBJ
tain horse until late, and then borrowed one.
Wishing TO aid by all means in my power, Of
fered my services in any capacity, and was re-
IN aA& 0t Pf&T i'm
drills, which did
'In the meantm followed the instructions
contained in the letter from the War Depart
ment, Announcements Office, of June 80, 1886.
picking up points here and there was enabled
to come to a fair understanding, but it was not
until July 80 that was able to obtain a CONSOLE
dated report Of the legion, which is herewith pre-
sented, together with the independent Indiana
and other organizations The report shows:
First Infantry, 367 men; Second Infantry, 557:
Third Infantry, 367; First Artillery ILL., total
Indiana legion, 1862 The Logansport Grays,
33; indianapolis Light Infantry, %; Emmett
Guards, 81; Rice Guards, 33; total independent
Indiana organizations, $50. The visiting COM
panies from outside the State were Taylorsville
Guards. 81; Company F, First Kentucky Legion.
Louisville KY, 80; total, &c. A recapitulation
shows: Indiana Legion, ], 1862; independent In
diana companies, 15O; visiting companies. 66;
total IN camp, 1,478.
witnessed the efforts made by the infantry and
artillery commanders to improve the military
status of their commands, and must say that
their work was continuous during the short time
from settling down to breaking up, and decided
Improvement was visible but the grand parade
in connection with Barnums circus was great
drawback. 1t was not only derogatory to the
dignity and morale of the troops, but it occa-
stoned loss of much valuable time which could
have been utilized in various camp duties. Dur
the DaTada and rAvjew N honor nf G0varnOp
Gray, l noticed that many officers did not know
even how to salute. but the marching was
good. and the men made good appearance.
"On Sunday made a thorough inspection.
examing each piece and man thoroughly. and
this inspection in connection with observations
made at other times enables me to state that
found as follows In ali cases the clothing was
serviceable. and generally the United States
uniform; the fit was of such a nature as to make
a decidedly good-looking soldier The arms
were the United States breech-loading riaed
musket, calibre 49, and in all cases serviceable
their condition showed me that considerable
care was manifested in keeping them in order.
After the sham battle found but few pieces
that had not been properly cleaned. Cartridge
boxes and belts were worm and were in good
condition. No knapsacks were used. The camp
and garrison equipage was only picked up for
temporary use, and is not available in case Of
emergency. The tents were hired for the occasion.
The department of supplies consisted of quar-
ter-general, and he ordered from the city
stores as wanted. Rations were not issued from
any supply tables, and the staff department had
no system. The Quartermaster.general and
Adjutant- general seemed to do all the staff work
Transportation was ordered from the city as re-
Quired. Officers and men were anxious to learn
their duties, and so far as / saw. were obedisnt
and willing. The men failed, in nearly every
case to salute officers; in fact, only saw a sa-
lutte given in one instance. Guard duty was
performed in q very slovenly manner. so far as
detail and appearance went, but the men were
vigilant and tried hard to do their duty. /
might mention here that l noticed the necessity
OF the officer of-the-day being recognized by the
old way of wearing a sash. In company forma-
tons the men were quite steady, but when
brought together in regiments they seemed lost
and bewildered, and there was a great want of
stability noticeable. This was through no fault
Of the men. it was the first time the companies
had been consolidated to form regiments. The
company and regimental drills-the only ones
acknowledgements frequent, and properly con-
Quoted.
II must mention the Second Reeiment-Col.
n. II. Ruckle--as an instance of what the energy
and attention of a regimental commander will
do. The artillery, consisting of threeinch
rifles, deserve credit. They had soldierly ap-
pearance and took pride in their guns and duties
as they had no horses, they had only standing
gun drill and mechanical maneuvers. The de-
tails OF camp life were not carried out in any
great degree, vet it was attempted. In my camp
inspection / found considerable care had been
taken to police the tent grounds and place things
in shipshape order. am satisfied that one full
week of thorough and well-conducte6 camp life,
with everything prepared and in working or
der on the day the troops arrived, attention
being given to the camp only, and not
to parades and reviews in the city-that the In
diana Legion would show an Improvement
which would surprise even themselves
II found great drawback to be want of funds
for the encampment, none having been appropri-
ated by the State; in fact it had to be- obtained
as gift or by the sale of tickets to the fair
ground and Barnum's circus. 1t certainly did
not look we'll to see officers in full uniform act
ing as ticket agents at times Before an encamp-
ment of this kind can be successfully carried on
the show business left entirely out In conclu-
sion, would state that the 1.262 men of the In
diana Legion and all who were mustered into
service, can be depended on in an emergency.
They have good basis of drill and discipline in