The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1890-08-27
National Guard Encampment.

The annual encampment of the National
Guard of Vermont began at Bradford on
last week Tuesday. The tents had been
pitched and other camp arrangements
made by Quartermaster-genera Gilmore,
and everything was in perfect order when
the men began to arrive. Every company
was on the grounds by dinner time. After
dinner came guard-mounting. Captain j.
w. Symons of Company was offiCer-of-
the-day, Lieutenant w. S. Thayer of Com
pany NJ was officer-o f-the-guard, and Lieut.
enant Il. f. Griswold of Company X was
lieutenant of-the-guard A skrmish drill
under command of Colonel Kinsman fol-
lowed. During this rain fell at intervals
At six o'clock the first dress parade oc-
Cured, Colonel Kinsman commanding. A
heavy rain fell that night. Wednesday
morning dawned more auspiciously, and in
the afternoon the weather was delightful
Guard-mounting was followed by battalion
drill. The right wing of the regiment was
inspected by Lieutenant Foote, the United
States inspecting officer. The dress parade
passed off well, and in the evening the band
gave very fine concert. Governor Dill
lingham and staff, Mrs Dillingham; and
others arrived on the noon train There
were many visitors in camp during the day.
After guard-mounting, Thursday morning,
came battalion drill under Majors Bond
Watson and Evans. While this was in
progress details from the companies were
shooting for the Washington centennial
trophy and the three Webb prizes. The
range was in charge of Major Charles E.
Nelson. The centennial trophy was won
by Company E of Barre, and the Webb
badges were awarded as follows: First
Private Whitmore of Company NJ of Rich
ford; second, Sergeant Sampson of Com
pany f of Barre; third, Private ID. Robin
of Company f. Company L won the leather
medal for the poorest score last year. This
year it retrieved itself grandly. Fuller's
battery practiced target-shooting in the
afternoon. Secretary Proctor, Lieutenant
governor Woodbury. and General w. w.
Henry arrived at four o'clock. At the close
of the dress parade the secretary addressed
the officers briefly. Among the other ar
rivals were Senator Morrill, and Hon. G. s.
Page.
Friday was governors day, and fully six
thousand persons witnessed the parade in
the afternoon. The column was reviewed
by Governor Dillingham; and other prom.
inent men, after which the governor and
staff inspected the men. Then the trophy
and badges We're presented by the governor.
The next thing on the programme was the
presentation of service badges to the vet
eran members of the National Guard. Five
veterans received twenty years badges,
nine fifteen years badges, eight ten years
badges and twelve five years badges.
Dress parade took place at the usual hour,
Major Bond receiving the parade. The
troops returned home Saturday morning.
Lieutenant Foote makes some frank COM
ments on the condition of guard. He SAYS
that the officers show need of thorough
training at the hands of competent drill
masters. The clothing and equipments of
some companies are excellent, while that of
others is very poor. Some of the companies
seem to think that their appearance is much
improved by additions of their own to the
prescribed uniforms, but Lieutenant Foote
considers this a great mistake. The mill
tary appearance of the National Guard of
Vermont does not compare with that of the
regular army, but will compare favorably
with the militia of other states, which have
more material from which to choose. Many
of the faults of the men could be corrected
by officers il the latter were better posted
in the military tactics of the present day.
With regard to the battery, Lieutenant
Foote said their movements were slow, but
this was to be expected with the little drill
they receive. At the same time he regarded
the battery as very efficient organization.
The equipments were in an excellent con-
dtion and their guns work well.