Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-10-19

two separate companies have now the
blue uniform. The gray uniforms are
neat, and generally fitted their wearers
we'll. The blue uniforms looked well, but
the trousers in many instances were too
short and generally ili-fitting.
The 1st Battery is uniformed in the army
blue. Whenever this battery
paraded in full uniform it made hand
be said to be we'll uniformed, and all have
warm overcoats.
ARMS.
The infantry is armed with the latest
model Springfield rifle, furnished with the
Burlington sight. The inspection showed
that the men do not understand the value
of proper care of their arms. The dirt on
them was such as would accumulate in a
railroad ride of a few hours, and some of
the pieces showed rust-marks from the
exposure of the wet night and morning
preceding the inspection. All the guns
that | saw, with one exception, showed
good care in the armories, on which de-
ponds their preservation from serious in
jury. The ammunition is carried by the
soldier in the new Frazier cartridge box.
All are equipped with the black leather
waist-belt.
TARGET PRACTICE.
Owing to the failure of the legislature
to make suitable appropriations therefor,
and to the want of safe ranges in the
places of yearly encampments, there has
been but little target practice by the
troops. Some few OF the companies had
limited amount of shooting, but there
has been no systematic practice. They
have had no gallery practice whatever.
PROFICIENCY IN DRILL.
The infantry companies showed fair pro.
flciency in battalion drill, Marked i'm.
provemept was manifested from day to
day in this matter until the end of the en-
campment. The lst Battery showed
great improvement from day to day with
the other troops. 1t was exercised daily
in the simpler formations.
was informed by Col. Fuller that on pre-
vious occasions it had had practice in
firing projectiles whenever a safe range
could be secured. The battery harness is
old and worn out. Col. Fuller informs
me that he has now in his possession an
order for a new set of harness and new
battery of the 32-inch field-guns.
THE FIRST BATTERY MOUNT.
This battery is probably one of the best
Ia the volunteer militia, as to its readi
ness to respond promptly to call for ser
vice. This is owing to the peculiar man
ner in which its mount is secured. All
the horses are owned in Brattleboro,
where the battery is located. Whenever
it parades or exercises mounted the pairs
are generally used in the same teams and
in the same places In teams, and the
horses are not strangers to their work
The lead driver of the right piece owns
his own tie m and % other horses in the
battery. The drivers of the pairs are the
drivers in their daily work in Brattleboro
and some of the other drivers own their
pairs. This element of efficiency is so I'M
usual that | consider it worth noting.
MILITARY COURTESY.
The attention to this important aid to
discipline and loyal subordination I'm.
proved from day to day. On the first day
it was largely overlooked. On the last
man pass an officer without salutiug him.
CAMP EQUIPAGE.
The camp equpage of the whole COM
mand Is abundant and of fine quality.
Most of the tents are new All the troops
were quartered in wall-tents. The mess
tents were large marquees-otficers and
men messing in the same tent but at diff
ferent tables. Each company provided
its own subsistence out of the allowance
of 81 per diem for each officer and man.
The cost averaged about dollar a day for
each person. The company streets We're
covered by large flies and were kept dry
and clean. | have never seen troops moi e
comfortably sheltered.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
The following recommendations are re-
spectfully submitted
First. That permanent camp ground
be secured for the annual exercises of the
Vermont national guard. Such men as
are attracted to the force by the desire to
see new places at public expense, and feel
ho particular interest IN military duty,
would drop out and leave room for better
material. The plan would also be more
economical for the State than the one now
in use. The experience of New York,
Massachusetts, and New Hampshire in
this matter ought to be sufficient argu-
ment to induce other States to follow their
example.
Second. That systematic instruction
and practice in rifle shooting be inaugu-
rated as soon as practicable, and that, as
preliminary thereto, a State inspector Of
with reduced charges and round bullets,
be begun, aud suitable appropriations
therefor be made by the Legislature.
Third. That the period of the annual
encampment be extended to eight or ten
ten days, and that during the encam1-
ment less time and attention be given to
ceremonies and brigade movements and
more to battalion and company drills and
skirmish, aud some time and attention to
target practice. Instruction in skirmlsh-
ing has been. to great degree, overlook
ed. Its increased Importance in modern
WAR entities IL 10 more CONSIDERATION.
| Fourth. 1t was observed that there
was considerable delay in obeying calls to
military duty when sounded by the field
musicians. 1t is recommended that
promptness be insisted on. 1t is further
recommended that company officer from
each company be required to superintend
the policing of company grounds. includ-
ing those near the kitchens, and that neat
ness and cleanliness of those places be re-
gardeed as primary Importance.
desire, in closing, to say that am in,
debted to Governor Ormsbee, to General
Peck, to General Gilmore, and to other
gentlemen of the governors staff. as we'll
as to General Greenleaf and his staff, and
to Colonies EStey and Fuller, for the most
courteous consideration throughout the
time of the encampment.
am, sir, with great respect, your obed
lent servant,
PETER LEARY, JR.
lst lieutenant, 4th artillery
The military records of the regular Off
GERS, who were in camp with the Vermont
militia at Newport is rs follows: Capt. o.
b Read, 18th United States infantry, borI
in Colchester Vt, September 10, lS43; ap