The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-07-29
FROM SOLDIER TO CIVILIAN
Sunday Marks the Successful Close ofthe
Encampment at Camp HOyey.
The Last Night in tie Woods Made One of Dis
comfort by the Heavy Storm-The Final
Dress Parade and Review.

Yesterday was the last day at Camp
Hovey. Shortly before o'clock the seven
teen hundred soldiers, who, with the ex-
ceptiOn of the guards, were all dreaming Of
wives and children. sisters and kindred
long distances from the scenes of the bat
aground, were suddenly awakened by a
somewhat louder reveille than usual. As
peal after peal of thunder rolled out on the
clear morning. air, the echoes were suf-
ficiently impressive to cause the youngest
corporal to poke his head out from beneath
his blankets. punch his bed-fellow in the
side, and ask, in a home-sick tone, what it
all meant. While it is fact worth men,
tioning that, so far as known, none OF the
militiamen actually resorted to an
Old-fashiOned cry as nerve-quieter,
it was true that the storm was
of sufficient force to disturb the peace and
comfort OF great many. In very lew
moments the captains and higher officers
rose to a remarkable height of popularity.
Half-dressed privates flocked to their sides,
clamOring for fatherly advice. Some were
engaged In packing up their blankets and
tin-cups, while still others were transfixed
in silent meditation upon the hardships of
army life The Third Regiment, which
was encamped in a slight ravine, Jared the
worst. Pouring down on either side came
small torrents of rain, and In a very short
space of time bedding, clothing and all was
floating at leisure in two inches of water
1t was next to battalion drill in a brOiling
sun, pretty good test for some or the
newer recruits. No damage was done. now
ever; no lives were lost, and after the storm
had passed over every body waded back to
their respective quarters.
Notwithstanding the damper that was
thrown over the earlier portion of the day
it was undoubtedly one of the most pleas
ant that had been spent in camp The last
breakfast was eaten, the last morning roll
was called, and the last guard mount gone
through with. At 1880 o'clock Kew. w. IL;
Parr, of Elkhart. chaplain of the Ihird
Regiment of Infantry, was TO conuuct the
farewell religious exercises, but on account
of the dampness of the ground 1T was de-
cided to dispense with the exercises. Inc
morning was spent in u general time OF
hearty good feeling, as no military duties
or ceremonies We're on the programme.
Dinner was hardly over when the camp
began to be filed with visitors from the
city. Hundreds drove out in carriages, the
street cars were filled to overlooking spe-
cial railroad trains contributed their share,
some preferred to go by boat, and shlI
others walked. 1t was estimated that by
o'clock fully 1900 people were on the
grounds, the largest attendance of any
day since the camp opened. Promptly atthat
hour, according to general orders, camp
full as it was brief. At the proper signal
from bugle calls, every tent in camp was
dropped TO the ground, and as one glanced
over the field where. a moment before,
nothing but the canvas tents were vlsl bic,
it seemed to him that some giant hand had,
at O blow. demolished every house In a
small village, leaving the inhabitants I'M
touched and safe. Then ensued, among the
privates, a general scramble for personal
property. Knapsacks were packed, blank
xafo Had 70 Tod
companies formed in preparation for the
last ceremony of the day, brigade dress
parade. AS a mark of respect to Col. n. h.
Ruckle, the entire brigade formed IN COM
pany front and marched in front OF his
tent. While not intended as review
proper, the officers of each company saluted
their brigade commander as they passed,
and the compliment was returned.
At o'clock dress parade was formed In
| front of the largest crowd of spectators
that has witnessed any of the military
maneuvers of the week. The scene was in
deed one that was inspiring, as it was
pleasing to the eye. Seventeen hundred
uniformed men, standing side by side, with
muskets polished and attire perfect, formed
an array that more than repaid the visitors
for their presence. The movements con-
nected with the ceremony. were all exc
cuted with prOmptness, and with but few
noticeable mistakes. Especial praise was
heard mentioned in the crowds for the excel
lent manner in which the First Regiment of
Infantry performed it's duties, although 1T
was a difficult matter to draw any lines of
demarkati0n on basis of excellence and
skill After the ceremony the most of the
companies disbanded, the First Regiment
leaving the grounds almost immediately.
Some remained in tho city over night, and
some in camp, where the usual guard
mount for the last nights duties was made.
From every point of view the encamp-
ment has proved grand success. 1t being
the first time that the State has taken the
matter under control, some concern WAS
naturally felt for the outcome. but every
hope has been more than realized. 1t is
believed that the success of this year will
only add argument for a like encampment
in 1890, on much larger scale.
One of the most pleasant events incident
to the eucampment was the banquet given
by Mrs. Olive Douglas and Nellie Clark, of
this city, and Miss BOwdell of Piqua. o.,
accompanied by Mr. Chas. Clark, on Satur-
day evening. to Governor Hovey and Pri-
vate Secretary Roberts, Captain Tarleton
and Lieutenants Dean and Beach, of Com
pany Z. The evening was most agreably
spent. and was evidently greatly enjoyed
W fhooa WI m no IT ri aI