Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-08-16
B U R N ING POW Err
Firing Statutes and Doing Target Practice
at Marshall Hall.
The Light Battery Hard MT Work Ac-
Practice-Camp News.
Correspondence Of The Evening Star,
CAMP FORSBERG,
MARSHALL HALL. Nd

what gloomy appearance by reason of the
misty and very threatening weather. This
was soon changed, however, as about 10
| am. the sun came out brightly, and the
prospect seemed good for at least one bright
| day. Reveille was sounded as usual at
| $40 am, but the majority of the men Were
| out at least an hour earlier. After feeding
and grooming horses all hands went to
| breakfast, which, by the way, is taken at
the dining room, as we'll as the other meals.
One of the best features of the camp is
| the excellence of the meals, which are
served by the management of Marshall
| Hall. One of the special features of the
camp will be a full dress military hop, to
be given at the fine dancing pavilion on
the grounds. This will take place Thursday
evening, the 18th instant, and will be the
annual camp ball of the command. The
| military and civic friends of the battery
Will be pleased to know that Prof Happen
| is bard at work inStructing the cannoneers
and drivers in the new military quadrille.
That the hop will be a great success goes
without saying. After guard mount a
drill with the gatlings was participated in
by the cannoneers under Lieut.. Griffiths.
Great improvement was noticeable in this
drill. as the errors were very few and the
movements quite active. During the drill
of the cannoneers Capt. Forsberg was
gagged In instructing the drivers in the
difficulties of artillery driving One of the
pleasant features of the camp is the great
interest manifested in all matters pertain
ing to artillery command in the drill Sew
eral of the officers of the cava-ry at present
stationed at the Hall have expressed sur
prise at the willingness of the men to clean
horses and such other work pertaining to
the same. and at the same time paying for
the privilege.
1t shows very evident that patriotism and
the military spirit are yet very high. During
the morning Calling practice with ball
cartridge was had, and the result was quite
QrIf wi he ia MIA God Of hn
same distance as yeSterday-6OU yards. 1t
was found necessary to float new target,
as the old one in use was completely de-
moliShed, SO accurate was the aim of the
artilerists. From present appearances ii
does not look very promising for any body
OF men who may ever face them. Somebody
would surely get hurt
After Calling gun practice rifles were got
out and considerable practice had with
them. At one time several barrels were
taken up the river and placed in the chan
mel and then allowed to float down with the
current, during which they were fired at,
and they were finally sunk, being per-
forated in a large number of places. Con-
siderable revolver practice was also done.
There is no lack of powder smoke about the
artillery camp. After noon mess nothing
of note occurred until $3.50 pm. when drill
call was sounded for the daily mounted drill
The teams were harnessed and hitcned in a
very short time, and at 4 O'clock sharp the
battery started for the drill field. Capt.
Fosberg was in command and drilled the
battery for about an hour. and then Lieut..
Griffith took charge and drilled for awhile.
Sergt. Tappan had charge of the first Sec
ton, while Sergt. Marion commanded the
second. The gunnerS were CorpOralS, Pierce
and Wilson. The work of the cannoneers was
exceptionally fine, showing clearly the bene-
fit of the standing gun drills had earlier in
the day. The work of these cannoneers
would compare very favorably with that of
their regular competitors, while the drivers
handled their teams with as much ease as
could be expected in handling horses that
never before were hitched to a gun. Blank
cartridges Were used during the drill, and,
much to the surprise of the spectators, the
horses behaved like regulars. 1t is really
wonderful how quickly a horse will learn
the intricate movements of a battery The
mounted drill of today was a great improve
ment over that of yesterday. which was, of
course. to be expected. as the men became
accustomed to their horses. The drill lasted
for one hour and half. AS the heat was
very intense the men wore blue flannel
shirts and campaign hats which are much
more comfortable than -blouses and caps
After returning from drill stables, fol-
lowed, and then work was over for the day,
Tor all except the guard, which. by the way,
is very important for any command using
horses Tomorrow practice with the six-pound
guns, with solid shot, will take place This
Will be quite interesting work, as it will BE-,
something of a novelty. 1t is rather a diff
cult matter to secure a suitable place for
the fire of artillery. The battery hopes to
make some good shots.
Saturday will be interesting as blank car
fridge will be used with the Gatlings Fri
day there will be a mounted inspection and
review Target practice will also be had
during every day during the STAY One of
the principal features of the battery Camp is
hard work, though lots of pleasure is had
when no duty is to be performed One of
the pleaSanteSt places where the men con-
gregate is around the flagstaff after night
fall; other camps and trips are talked of
and notes compared, which makes the time
pass very rapidly So far the camp has
been very pleasant one, and further en-
toyment is looked for until the end. Nearly
all the officers of the regular cavalry, here
for target practice. have called socially on
the battery officers, which calls have been
returned. Another noticeable feature of this
camp Is the good feeling existing between
the cavalry and the battery men; such
things make good feeling all around. and
closer associa ton between the regulars and
militia can do nothing but good as each Is
capable of learning something from the
other. or course it is of more benefit to the
militia than the others, but 1t can do no
ceived number of congra tulations as to
It's camp and its splendid arrangement
Some of the cavalry officers say it is much
heater and cleaner camp than that of the
professionals. Several of the army officers
who have been watching the battery drills
say they are creditable. and worthy OF
much praise. One of the reasons for the
good results In drill is due to the good feel
ing existing between officers and men, and
their mutual confidence in each other
when every one works to one end good
showing Is sure to result. Some of the
visitors at the camp today We're Cant
Fountain, DIR. Phillips. Lieut. Steele and
Lieut.. Merrillat of the cavalry, Mr. Conasier
ccmmissary sergeant Of the D. c. brigade.
Mr.. j. r. Freeman. DR. Walters Mr. For
syth and Mr.. Newman-the three latter be-
ing honorary members of the battery
Lieut. Robbins and Sergt Murray of the
battery also visited camp. These members
were unable to go with the battery into
camp on account of business engagements
Mention of the firing of ten salutes to the
River Queen ard Manchester on their de-
parture and arrival respectively. has been
made. The Manchester will be saluted each
evening on her arrival. The health of the
men has been all that could be expected
no sickness of any consequence occurring
WEARY OF THIS LIFE,