Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-10

This does not include the AZ men of the
ambulance and signal corps, nor the
field and stan officers. So it will be
seen that this is large encampment
as well as a remarkably successful one
in every other respect.
One Of the pleasant incidents of Mon
day in the camp was the receipt Of the
news that vacancy had occurred
among the captains of the 9Th U. s. In
fantry. thus giving Lieut.. Morton the
rank of captain. His rank as captain
will date from last Saturday but before
he actually wears a captains straps
and bears that title he must go through
the form of passing an examination
which will not come just yet Lieut.
Morton was detailed by the war de-
partment last winter to act as the in
structor and inspector Of the N. G. s.
NJ, and every man in the Guard looks
upon him as helper and friend. He
is taking very active part in the pre-
sent encampment. and his host >of
friends extend congratulations on his
promotion.
The guard mount, yesterday morn
ing, was exceptionally well done in
both regiments. This is quite an eiab-
crate ceremony and very pretty when
well done. At that time the old guard
is relieved, and a new detail Of half a
hundred men. selected equally from the
Companies. enters upon guard duty for
"a hours. 1t is arranged so that each
man PAGES beat two hours and then
is relieved and rests four hours. The
ceremony Of guard mount is accom-
panied by music by both bands and
lasts half an hour or more.
The heat yesterday made it pretty
uncomfortable on the drill field. The
sun beat down in a scorching manner
and there was no breeze till afternoon.
The men were all supplied with broad
trimmed campaign hats and they
wore these during the drills
and on guard duty. They are
not things of beauty, but they do much
to protect the head and face from the
hot rays of the sun. The ambulance
corps had work to do, yesterday, dur
ing the drills of both morning and
afternoon, as number Of men found
the strain Of drilling in the hot sun too
much and gave out. Once in the hos
pital they were soon themselves again.
There were quite number of cases Of
sickness in the hospital. yesterday, but
none of any serious aspect. The change
of diet and the constant out of door life
for men not used to it always make
work for the camp doctors. Lieut.. Lee,
who was thrown from his horse, Sun
lay, is still confined to the hospital ana
will do no work, this week.
The morning drill Monday. was by
battalion in both regiments. It lasted |
two hours and the men were given
some solid work, being put through
very possible battalion movement and
thoroughly drilled in the manuel and |
n marching. The six battalions under |
heir respective majors were scattered
LII over the big parade ground, and
rave 1t the liveliest aspect 1t has yet
worn. The colonies and stats were
present and watched the work. Occa-
ionally the men were allowed to throw
themselves on the ground and rest.
rhe officers were well pleased with the
moving of the Guard in battalion
york. Lieut.. Morton pronounced 1t
tightly satisfactory for the first drill.
If course before the week is over per-
ection will be more nearly attained.
The drill OF the afternoon was under
1ore favorable conditions. The air was
ooler, clouds obscured the sun, and a
dee breeze soon sprang up. The LIST
regiment came out half an hour earlier
han the I'd. as 1t had dress parade on
he programme for 4 o'clock The
rill of the LIST was first by battalions
hen by regiment, and 1t was given
pine solid work. The I'd drilled by bat
alions. and both regiments did some
cry effective marching and drilling,
hing two hours with most profitable
xercise.
At r. N. the LIST came out on the
ED for dress parade. The campaign
Continued on page 8,