The Washington times., 1895-06-02
Crack Cavalry Troop
Of Our GifiZ6n SOldioru
Organization of Presidents Troop and Its Remark
able Success and Efficency-Review of Its
200 Mile March Four Years Ago

worked faithfully for the progress and
success of the troop.
The 2lst of July, 1890, again found
the troop on the march to Fort Washing
ton Tor the second annual eacampment
OF the brigade, decidedly improved in per-
sonnel, military appearance aud disci-
pune during this cncampment the pos
slb1llty of employing cavalry in mari
time warfare was demonstrated. 1t was
ordered from headquarters that no liquors
should be sold in camp. A dealer who
had esta blished himself IN a long, low.
raklsh-looklng craft near the shore of the
Potomac river, defied the authorities.
word was sent TO cavalry headquarters,
ana detachment under corporal pro-
ceeded to the scene at a gallon. By n ma.
neuveT not prescribed in driIl regulations
they boarded the piratical craft fore and
art, drove the crew below decks. spiked
SIX nfteen inch demijohns. drew the
cuarges from the loaded beer bottles and
ran the craft ashore with a cavalry gufdon
attn main. ThencXt night acavalry patrol
was established along the entire river
'front.' OF the camp and was maintained
throughout the week. The whisky pirates
threatened TO shoot the patrol. on which
account ball cartridges were issued TO the
troopers, with orders to keep the boats
away at all hazards, aid to allow no en-
listed man TO leave shore without a pass
night or two later an attempt was
made TO burn the troop stables. Fire was
discovered III close proximity TO the hay
stack, Immediately in the rear of the
stables, and in a few minutes it would
nave been ablaze but prompt response to
the IRE calI OF the trumpeter OF the guard
prevented serious results The double
guard duty had told rather heavily upon
the men, but the troop sustained its repu-
tation and discipline. and the end OF the
encanIpmeut found it materially improved
IN Its knowledge of military duties.
THE FIFTEEN DAYS MARCH.
But the event par excellence of its mill
tary career was the fifteen days practice
march during the summer of 1891. Con-
gress failed to make an appropriation for
brigade encampment, and the Troop.
feeling the necessity Of a larger experience
than could be gained from a camp, ar
ranged for practice march II was re-
solved to make an extended march through
Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia.
1t was the first time in the history of
the National Guard of the country that an
organization had ever attempted a march
OF such magnitude, nor has a similar trip
been attempted since. 1t was determined
at the outset that the march should not
be a pleasure trip or holiday outing pure
and simple, but that the discipline, drills.
duties, etc, should be carried out as
nearly as practicable on regular army
lines. The interest in the undertaking
was not confined to Washington. but ex-
tended TO the regular serYicesand the War
Department. as shown by the detail of
Lieut.. A. w. Perry, Ninth United States
cavalry, and Sergt. Prizes, of the First
United States Cavalry, to accompany the
expedition for the purpose OF instructine
the troop in army methods and reporting
to the department the results of the under
taking.
New York's crack cavalry organization.
Troop a, showed its interest in the enter
prise by sending a detachment, consisting
or Capt Charles F. Roe, Lieutenant Oliver
ID. Bridgeman aud fourteen truopers TO
report tu Capt Barbour for active duty
on nthemarch. Intact, wherever an interest
was taken in the citizen soIdiery of the
nation an interest was taken in watching
this practical field work
The press throughout the country, and
more especially, of course, that of Wash
ington and New York, published daily
kilograms and articles of the progress of
the troops, which were read with much
interest. The troop, since its organiza-
tion, has adhered strictly To the regular
army uniform, both fatigue aud full dress,
and consequently presents business like
i
when fancy uniforms are worn
With strength of seventy eight men,
and train of three four-horse wagons,
one two horse wagon, one ambulance,
one water cart aud light road wagon for
the Use or the cummsSary officer, the
command left its armury on the morning of
July 1S, in the rain, as usual, which grad
ually Increased until the afternoon when
1t fell in torrents, but. no amount of water
could hn IF 4I,a
and their hearts were lightest when their
boots were wettest. Tents Were pitched,
supper eaten, and the tired aud water
logged troopers were soon sound asleep.
The objective point was Winchester,
Va, by way of Harper's Ferry, through a
lovely country fun of historic interest.
When the clear notes of first call for
reveille aroused the camp at O'Clock
the morning after the start, clear sky
greeted the somewhat sore aud stiff troop
ers, many OF whom found considerable diff
ficulty in mounting their horses For the
first four days the command marched
by easy stages TO accustom men and horses
to the unusual exercise, and the soreness
aud stiffness soon disappeared
JUST LIKE REGULARS.
Lieut.. Perry began his instruction of
the troop by explaining the theory and prac-
tice of outpost duty and reconnoitering ,and
some interesting movements were ex-
ecuted preparatory to resuming the march
ou the second day. This days march and
hat of the succeeding day, when the troop |
crossed the Catoctin Mountains were severe |
1n the wagon train, the route having been |
,ver some hills and bad roads calculated
TO weary the spirit of the average wagon !
lorse. Notwithstanding this, however, the |
rain was kept well up with the command
nd on the 26th it took the troopers just