Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-08-21
A. MIDNIGHT CALL.

Guard in a Rain Storm.
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
WAR DEPARTMENT GUARDS CAMP,
SEA ISLE CITY, N. j., August 20, 1894
With the departure Of the Ordway Rifles,
company d. fourth battalion, District of
Columbia National Guard the military
camp was officially taken possession of by
the War Department Guards, company d,
sixth battalion. and Capt. Robert E. Will
son assumed command. After supper last
evening the Ordways put up an excellent
farewell drill. Almost every movement I'm
the school Of the company was executed
with characteristic vim and snap, after
which the command was wheeled from q
column of tours into line, and brought to
present arms" The company was at this
time directly In front of the Colonnade
Hotel where both organizations were being
entertained, and, turning around, Can't.
Williams saluted the ladies and soldiers
who thronged the veranda. This pleasant
little courtesy was warmly appreciated and
applauded as the boys of the fourth march
ed back to camp. All was hustle for a little
while, when the departing lads strolied out
in small squads to parade on the proyerbial
plank walk and tell the sweet summer girls
goodbye.
During the evening a few of the more
prudent remarked OF the ominous-looking
weather, and foretold a shower, but that
did not worry the others much. At $50
O'Clock the two companies We're formed and
marched in a column of tours to the DEPOT
where the new arrivals formed in line and
presen ted arms to their homeward- bound
comrades, which salute was duly acknowl-
edged. Then Capt. Wilson commanded
rest. Immediately proposing three cheers for
the Ordway Rifles. The later answered
with their company yell, and were soon fly
ing toward Washington.
the Ordways said to a man that their
soJourn had been most pleasantly spent.
hut to Judo hxr haf-
marching to the depot, one would feel
strongly inclined to believe the old, old say
ing that there is place like home"
AFTER returning to camp the guardsmen of
capt. Wilson'S company began making
preparations tc receive the expected storm
with due consideration for old Neptune but
more especially themselves. A sleep such
as only weary Soldiers can enjoy soon en-
veloped the Inhabitants of the Guards can
vas home. i1fB
A Storm mt Night.
Shortly afteR midnight the corporal of the
guard roused. everybody up with orders to
Il ok to the guy ropes Of their tents, and all
hands had 70 parn out and strengthen
foundations Soon, however. the wet work
had been completed. and the drenched SOL
diers put on dry clothes. then returning to
bed, listened. 9orrplacently to the patter of
the falling raindrops and long rolls of
thunder as they seemed to keep time with
the great ocean waves that dashed the near
by shore This company, while at Atlantic
city with the washington Light Infantry
last summer. survived one of the most ter
rible storms that has visited the Jersey
scaet for yeafs. Fepts We're Undergraduate.
,ly blown down, ahd the cx mn itself seemed
like little ocean, 50 it is no wonder the
boys turned out without awaiting for a
second call and took measures to prevent
a similar catastrophe.
Though rain came down in torrents, the
elements wi
injuring anything or anybody-if the i'm
prbmptu shower bath is excepted-and the
militiamen" reported a good nights rest
Following vas the detail for guard duty
last night and today. 8 pm. to- am.
Corp. Duffy, corporal Of the guard; Pri-
Yates Brooks, Mclaughlin and Depew,
ssntries; an. to pm; Corp. smyth.
Hartsfeld and Hundiey sentries
The camp was excelently cared for and
II everyone doing duty proves as efficient as
those who have already had charge of
things. this camp will be a model one
Tattoo was sounded at 10 o'clock and taps
at 1890 last night and reveille at half-past
this morning.
Drill in the foot movements was omitted
this morning on account of the muddy con-
dition of the ground. but a very satisfactory
lesson In the manual was learned by the
company.
Capt. Wilson was agreeably surprised
last last evening wen by the appearance Of his wife.
son to Sea Isle City from Washington.
Second Sergt. Feaster Is acting as first
sergeant. and fills the DILL to the satisfac-
ton Of all concerned.
RiMe Practice.
Last nights rain tore things up at the
rife range. the water swelling the sand
mound and thus disarranging the butts.
Corporal Colt, In charge OF squad consist
ing Of Privates Harper. Jones and Streater,
was detailed to repair the damage immedi-
ately after dinner. and Capt. Wilson has
ordered the company to assemble at z
o'clock this afternoon. at which time in
struction In the use Of rife will be given
the men, and rife practice will begin in
earnest.
Corporal Duffy, who has charge of the
full-dress equipments, issued the uniforms
he had to the men this afternoon, and dress
parade Is expected this evening
Capt Wilson called on the mayor of Sea
Isle City In his official capacity this morn
ing. and was heartily welcomed by that
gentleman.
The men are gradually making acquaint-
ances, and already feel at home.
When reveille was sounded this morning
''old glory was raised over the War De-
partment Guards camp. and the starry
banner tapped and cracked as 1t floatei
proudly over the abiding place of its volun-
teer defenders.
The boys were in favor of naming the
camp in honor of Capt. Wilson, but he pre-
ferred to call 1t for the organization. and
of course his wishes in the matter were
respected.
SURVEYING A VOLCANO.
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