Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-13


was discarded and preparations made in
earnest for long days march. Arriv-
ing at Blndensburg short halt was
made to water the horses and tighten
thge or two. There was noticed here marked
absence of the young colored population, due,
probably, to thoir imitation into the blanket
tossing degree last year. A few of the younger
generation were noticed in the distance peering
around corners, bat none were brave enough to
run the risk of closer acquaintance again.
Leaving the town by the ensterly road the
column climbed long hill, then down into the
valley through which passes the Baltimore and
Potomac railroad, crossed here at Landowner
station. and then up another long ascent at the
top OF which halt was made to rest the horses,
who began to show the effects of the intense
heat.
A few miles farther brought the command to
Brightseat, settlement OF three or four houses
and store, the latter being also the post Office.
Here the horses were watered and ted, the men
ate their rations and good rest was taken be-
fore starting on the afternoon march. Just OPP
posite the store was the house of the post
master, who resented the invasion of his door
yard by the tired soldiers. His inquiry for the
manager of this gang" afforded considerable
amusement. As the arrival OF the battery
caused such "a rnsh OF trade at the store as he
had probably not seen for n long time before
his complaint to the manager" seemed little
out Of place, especially as his door yard was not
much of place anyway. Every one purchased
a red and white bandanna, which added TO tbs
picturesque cowboy appearance of the gang
Tor the remainder Of the campain.
Soon after starting ont again ore Of the
cRnnoneers OF the first section was mi rcl from
his place on the timber chest. and inquiries
iailed to locate him, some having seen him
walking on ahead while Others were as certain
that he was asleep somewhere at Brigh tsca,
The cnuse of the anxiety did not turn up until
night; but more of his adventure later.
FRIENDLY JUDGE.
Six or seven miles farther over a hot and
dusty road is Mitchellsvillc where another
halt waa made 10 refresh man ard beast A.
the junction OF the roads was an unpre.entious
board sbanty. toward which the men seemed
drawn az by magnet. and here. on inve.tga-
Won. IL was found that warm beer could be- hn,l
Although close by stood "a well Of cold water
the bulk Of the trade seemed 10 be ut the
former Place. Hiiher reF aired the storekeeper,
"a neighbor and the squire, with his law books
and briefs under his arm, just returned from
court Mt Marlboro and accepted with ayidity
each invitation to participate in the exercise
The judge seemed 20 much pleased with the
military tha9 he felt much disappointed at the
captain = declina ion Of q game of seven-up
just as we were aboG, to star! away.
1t was the intention to strike south from
over The Patuxent river at Queen Anne but the
road thence was reported in bad condition, go it
was decided 20 take last year route and cross
further north.
This part OF The country formerly produced
good crop OF peaches. but this year the fine
large orchard of &c, 600 trees at this place has
yielded hardly any Thing.
II was expected that the missing cannoneer
might overtnke the command here but nothing
was seen OF him and many We're the conjecture
as to his fate, the general impression being that
If lost in this thlnlv eet,led and inhos pi;abie
ccun;r. lie would probably die of starvation
BIvoUAC AT CAMP FLEA.
After little over an hours marching the cx
petition dropped down into the valley OF the
Patuxent river, crossed Governors bridge and
went into bivouac on the same ground as on The
march OF last year. known az Camp Flea
The place took its namo from the multitude Of
those insects inhabiting ali old tobacco burn
III which many OF the men tired to sleep
Horses were watered and fed, supper eaten and
the guard mounted. after which almost every
one was tired enough to go to sleep.
AS the evening was sultry nearly all lav out in
the open air, but strong coffee for snpper. the
heat and the antics Of one or two irrepressibles
combined to keep eyes open until late. Asmnl
and select party, wishing to be exclusive Sc
lected for their place OF repose the veranda of
deserted house across the road but the
q
large number OF sharp and prominent bones
all over the body.
About o'clock loud eheets greeted Sergeant
Fry, who, having been detained by business in
Washington. left there at 8 clock in the after
noon and travelled steadily until reaching camp.
He claimed to be fresh and in good condition
but it was noticed that he was quieter than
usual during the evening and preferred lying
down to sitting on anything hard.
WELCOMING THE MISSING cAxSoNEER.
half hour later shrill yells welcomed the
missing cannoneer, who came trudging into
camp after long and weary journey. 1t seems
that he had started out ahead Of the battery
afoot from Brightseat, taking a wrong road
and tramped on and on, finally reaching Queen
Anne. Here he concluded that the command
had taken the other road and chartered O man
to drive him over. His little experience a. an
advanced guard cost twelve miles Of walking in
heavy boots and probably some anxiety. It In
safe to say he stayed with the command for the
remainder Of the trip.
Reveille was blown at AIS, followed
immediately by water and stable calls.
The horses being attended to. the mon ate their
breakfasts and the battery pulled out early, at
O'Clock, to avoid ~ much as possible the worst
heat OF the day, which promised to be equal to
that Of yesterday.
mornings march. Short halts were made every
slant demand, the drinking water being very
good all along the route. One Of the stops was
at Davidsonville, small hamlet of six or eight
houses half OF them deserted. Withholding
driver here created . diversion by driving to
cover with an empty pistol holster half-witted
colored man, who will probably keep out of
sight Of soldiers for the rest Of his days.
After red-hot pull over an OPEN road for
several miles the welcome waters Of South riser
came In sight and at II o'clock the battery
crossed the long drawbridge and stopped for
the noon halt at the house Of Mr.. Davis
wATHANILoNs AND YnEsH MILK.
Here watermelons, cantelouPes and fresh mix
were found and horses and men had much
needed rest In the afternoon the march was
taken up again, the main road being struck at
Parole station. Here the little darkies were on
the alert for the ':sojers," but fed precipitatey
IL Q horses head were turned in their direction.
One girl was convinced that there was "Rwine
70 Be wsh" and informed ell the nsighbors to
that sfyect Others wanted to know s.where are
you all gwine. at?" and expressed surprise that
men who were not obliged 70 should undergo
such hard work for The sake Of little pleasure,
It has indeed become the general opinion In
the battery that II another march \ made Il
should be in January.
Just outside Of Annapolis . short halt was
made. the men put on blouses, snd ths entry
into the city was msde IN Q neat and eoldferiy
manner. BATTLING down over ths soAhiestonco