Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-06-27

morning 1t was thought best to go into
camp without loss of time Just how to
leave the road and where to camp were
questions which occupied the minds of the
officers. as one side Of the road was bor-
dered by a corn field and the other lined
by a bar bed-wire fence.
Finally, the fence was deftly removed
by Saddler Sergeant Fry, and the carriages
parked and the horses picketed for the re-
mainder of the night.
Bonfires were kept burning during the
night. and at o'clock the quartermaster
and his assistants were making prepara-
tons for breakfast.
Startling Challenge.
A number of the men started, with the
coffee pot, which is the size of an ordinary
wash boiler, for a nearby well. and on ap-
preaching, the challenge, What do you
want here" was heard Two apparitions.
clothed in white and armed with horse
pistols about two feet long, came cautious
~ in the direction of the thirsty soldiers
from a neishboring house. The leader of
the expedition hesitatingly replied: I'VE
would like to borrow a little water, If you
Please" The horse pistols were thereupon
lowered, and a hearty welcome was ex-
tended by Mr.. Ballinger, the proprietor of
the manor. and a delicious breakfast serv-
ed the artillerymen.
AS the sun rose so did the spirits of the
men, and after the horses had been groom
ed and fed, a mounted drill and ride was
greatly enjoyed.
Tour of Inspection.
During the day Captain Forsberg and ex-
Quartermaster Blonde rode into camp on a
tour of inspection.
The march homeward was begun at 3
o'clock in the afternoon. After passing
through Alexandria the battery left the
turnpike and followed the Georgetown road
passing through Arlington reservation and
Fort Myer, and crossing the Aqueduct
bridge.
Major Alexander, inspector general, ac-
companied the battery and entertained the
men with a description Of the almost con-
tinuous line of fortifications which STR
rounded the city Of Washington during the
war Of the rebellion, using maps prepared
by himself.
During the ride home Sergeant Pierce in
dulged in an original mounted exercise
not included in the drill regula tons, with
results that, for time. threatened to be
serious.
Shower Baths at Camp.
Without doubt the chief topic of interest
among the rank and file of the guard just
at present is the pending summer encamp-
ment. For several weeks past the ques-
ton has been constantly discussed and
many who claim to be in position to know
have declared that the camp of instruction
for which an appropriation was made at
the recent session of Congress- would not
materialize until June, 1897. However it
may be stated on the best authority that
the brigade will be ordered to Fort Wash
ington during the present summer, and
probably early In August, it not being at all
likely that the outing will begin July 20.
as has been freely stated during the past
few days.
1t is practically a certainty that a much
needed Improvement in the way of shower
baths will be introduced at the next camp.
The idea is borrowed from Savannah. Ga.
p,h in connection with ha
of troops attending the recent interstate
drill, the baths proved a decided luxury
Lieut. Drury Of the Engineer Corps has
made a report in regard to the baths ac
companied by drawings, and, as Fort Wash
ington is well supplied with water. there