The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-08-09
AT CAMP CECIL CLAY.
HOW THE DEPARTMENTAL BATTAL-
ION rs ENJOYING ITSELF.
The Boys Enduring the Hardsbips of
Camp Life without Complaint-A
Watermelon DriIl-Guard Duty in
the Rain.
Correspondence of THE SUNDAY HERALD.

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Correspondence of THE SUNDAY HERALD.
CAMP CECIL CLAY, BAY RIDGE, Aug. Z.
When Congress failed to make the usual ap-
preparation for the annual encampment of the
National Guard Of the District of Columbia,
the soldier boys who went into camp at Fort
Washington last year were naturally much
disappointed. But the members of many
of the companies early In the spring
determined that this should not prevent them
from enjoying at least short period of camp
life during the summer in independent camps.
In order to do this the boys willingly con
tributed small sum each to defray the ex-
pense. The Sixth Battalion chose Bay Ridge,
and thus far there is no cause for regret.
ting the choice. This battalion is better known
as the Departmental Battalion, its members
being composed principally of Department
clerks, and is commanded by Major George A.
Bartlett, the popular disbursing clerk of the
Treasury Department. The Major is veteran
OF the late war and every inch q soldier.
Withal he, is vert modest, puts on no extra
frills, and In consequence Is very popular with
the officer and men under his charge. He is
ably assisted by Adjutant Alexander B. Nc
Dowell, whose West Point military training
makes him valuable officer to the battalion.
The fact that employees of the Departments
titled by act of Congress to eight days. leave
with full pay, besides their annual thirty days
leave, is sufficient inducement to make the
men respond with more alacrity than might
be the case otherwise. The clerks who have
been industrlously engaged at their desks dur
ing the not weather look forward to camping
time with much pleasure. for the reason that
the outdoor life and drills are conducive to
health, and after camp is over they go back to
work with clearer heads and stronger nerves
and In hattar condition for narfOrpinu their
respective duties during the remainder of the
summer The bureau chiefs very generally
recognize this fact, and very Few 'kick"
about sparing those men who are in the
militia this extra vacation.
By invitation Company b. Fourth Battalion,
is camping with the Sixth. This company is
commanded by Captain Riley, another vete-
ran, and the captain takes great pride in ex-
acting from his men all military require
ments The camp is situated just back OF the
pavilion, and the men take their meals in the
hotel. This is something quite different from
the usual way, but is most satisfactory to the
men, who are getting fat on fish, soft crabs,
and other delcacles that the manager sets be-
fore them.
The eight rows of white tents, with forest
in the background and the broad bay in 'front.'
is very pcturesquely situated. Each tent ac-
commodities very comfortably two men, and
is supplied with two straw beds with the
necessary woolen and rubber blankets
The majors tent is pitched between two
large elms and the American flag waves on
the right and the handsome battalion colors
on the left. ltlooms up conspicuously among
the village of tents.
AS was understood before coming, the men
have had no picnic during their soiourn here.
With drills, guard duties, and dress parades
the time has been fully occupied, much to the
discomfort OF those who would expect an
easy time The men detailed for guard duty
Monday night had rather a rough experience
and got taste of soldier life in earnest.
heavy rain set in early in the night and con-
tnued until the next day. In consequence
the sentinels placed on posts to protect the
camp had to pace to and fro In the teeth of q
pelting rain, but they stuck bravely to their
posts until relieved. Some amusing incidents
occurred during that night. The guards
were instructed, as is usual, to allow
no one to cross the lines after taps
without the countersgn. AS there is
no evil disposed persons down here who
would wish to invade the camp, especially
upon such dlsagreeable night, the only
ones the sentinels had to keep sharp look
out for were the officers OF the guard who
might attempt to surprise them and see II
they were properly performing the duties APP
pertaining to such responsible positions. With
heads crammed full of a confused mass OF the
manual, they had assiduously studied for
weeks past, they often got things hopelessly
mixed. Private Sliney gave up his gun to an
officer, and uncertain as to the fate that
awaited him, would have walked back to
Washington had he known the way. He
finally concluded to leave his post, which he
had patroled for half an hour without his
piece, and there he appeared crestfallen and
disgusted He shaTpened his bayonet next
day and says the next time he is on guard and
his gun is stolen there will be a funeral in
camp Another sentry halted coal oil cask
and called for the corporal of the guard.
Last night the boys got up a mock dress
parade and with Sergeant Simonson acting as
adjutant went through numerous evolutions
hitherto unknown in military tactics They
wound up in watermelon feast in which such
commands as "cut watermelon'-
pieces'' III the melodious voice of the sergeant
resounded throughout the camp. Their fun
was finally spoiled by the officer of the day,
Captain Wilson, who objected to the drum
corps playing for any such purposes within
camp lines and the whole crowd would have
been run into the guard-house had it been
large enough to accommodate the partiei-
pants.
Taken altogether this camp has been ex-
tremely orderly and no boisterous amuse-
ments have been INDUCED in. The soldiers
have, without any exceptions, conducted
themselves in the most gentlemanly manner,
and the officers one and all, deserve credit
for their admirable management.
Hundreds Of ladies have visited the camp