The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-07-23
FLORIDA'S BOYS In CAMP.
ELEVEN INFANTRY COMPANIES
AxDA BAIT RY OF ARTILLERY.

Mai Lancaster in Command-Locetio
of the Grounds-The Drill and Parade
Grounds The First Guard Mount
Shows Up the Lack OF Pract!ce-TWo
Bands on Hand.
ST. AUGUSTINE. FLA, July 22.-Ihe an
nual encampment of the Second battalion,
commanded by Maj. T. D. Lancaster OF
Ocala: the Third battalion, commanded by
Mai. W. F. Williams of Pensacola, and the
First battalion, Maj. Rydon NJ. Call Of
Jacksonville commanding, got ready TO be-
gin the usual camp routine at sunset last
evening Major Lancaster being the senior
officer Of the Florida state troops, was by
virtue of general order No. l, placed in
command Of the camp-named Loring, in
| honor Of Gen. Loring whose home was in
| this city.
The camp grounds are admirably located
near tue union depot of the jacksonville, st.
| Augustine and Halifax and the Palatka and
Daytona railroads. The tents are pitched
in a lot 575x40O feet The drill and parade
grounds are in the Ponce de Leon ball park.
a space 6l0x500 feet, inclosed with a high
board fence. In the Enclosure is the grand
stand, capable Of seating !, 500 people, be-
sides sealing capacity on the ground for
/ 900 more.
THE COMPANIES IN CAMP
There are twelve companies in camp in
Guiding Wilson's Battery of Jacksonville.
Each company is provided with kitchen
and utensils. Taken as a whole, the ar
rangement and appearance of the men
indicate a warlike spirit on the part of
Florida's citizen soldiery. Withal they are
the most peaceable and well-behaved body
of men Imaginable,
The first guard mounting took place last
evening, and while there were several bad
blunders made, principally with the junior
officer Of the guard during the taking of
position and in the inspecting of arms, they
were not of a nature to need criticism at
this early stage Of the exercises.
The dress parade was better than ex-
pected, although few captains had diff
Guilty in getting their men into line. The
trouble seemed to lie in the fact of the
officers giving too much of their thoughts
to the opinions OF the audience "Wyler's'
Pensacola band played stirring music dur
ing all the camp ceremonies. The Island
City Baud of Key West came here at the
personal expense Of the members lust for
the fun of blowing the wind out of the
Pensacola band" 1t will be hard work, as
the Litter band is composed of old-time
colored musicians. The contest, of course,
will add much to the amusement of the
people of ST. Augustine
THE OBSERVATION OFFICER
First Lieut.. Charles L. Phillips Of the
Fourth United States Artillery, stationed
at Fort BARRACKS, Fla, is present as obser-
walton officer. He is well up in the bust
ness, having been on several details of
similar nature.
First Lieut.. Harry H. Thornton adjutant
of the Third battalion (Pensacola) has been
detailed as post adjutant by Maj. Lancaster.
AdJt. Thornton is quite energetic, and
is to all appearances fully capable of dis
charging the duties of even a much larger
command.
The troops that have had things pretty
much their own way, so far as camp routine
is concerned, since the concentration began,
on July 20, listened to the words in extract
No. of general orders No. l of Camp
Loring at dress parade last evening, with
considerable anxiety, as it prescribed the
"order of the day." Battalion drill, a.
m" is a singer to the boys, who find COM
fort between the sheets several hours after
Old Sol looks on this locality. The boys
will have to arise some time before the sun.
MAI. CALLS APPEARA nee.
Maj. Rydon NJ Call, in full dress uni
form, attracted the comments of the crowd
through which he had to pass to the parade
usual in the uniform. but his face was the
cause. "Spartcus," remarked one.
Caesars face exactly, said another. "Wnk
Calls features in younger days." put in an
anti Call man. The majcr should give up
the practice of law and for soldier go.
Maj. Williams gives one the impression OF
the old soldier who enjoys life in its ''easy
way" but not unmindful of being on hand
for duty every time.
Ed. Gale Quina of Pensacola, the efficient
quartermaster of the Third battalion, is on
hand and should his battalion suffer for
articles of his department the men should
not put the blame on him, for he is the
kind OF a quartermaster SO seldom found in
the regular army, who believes in giving to
the boys all the law allows, and provides in
obedience to the law.
The st. Augustine Guards and Rifles are
doing everything in the cause Of making
the visiting comrades happy.
A heavy southeastern during the night
made it uncomfortable for the soldiers.