The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-04-30

stood, means great deal to the First Regi-
ment, which is a tip-top command. in spite
of the natural precedence given to the
Fourth and Fifth. 1t is made up of the very
best young men in Maryland's small cities
and towns, and If men are taken from its six
companies to act as batteries it will probably
result in the First Regiment having to be
organized all over again.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BATTERIES
The four batteries of heavy artillery will be
officered and organized as follows:
There shall be in each battery one captain,
one first lieutenant. two second lieutenants,
one first sergeant. twenty-five second ser
geants. ten corporas, two musicians, two
artiiicers. one wagner and one hundred and
eight privates, subjec: to such changes as
may he necessary by any law of the United
States or regulation of the War Department
The officers remaining in said regiment
after the organization of the four batteries
required, as above set FORTH will not, except
for good and sufficient cause, loose their
commissions, but their services will be
availed Of, if occasion require, in organizing
or reorgauizing another regiment for future
emergency.
At the termination of the services in the
United States Army of the officers and men
Of the Fourth Regiment thus volunteering it
will be recommended and urged that the
regiment shall be converted into permanent
heavy artillery regiment of the Maryland
National Guard.
The impression has gained strength in
some quarters that part of the new batteries.
if not all, might be detailed to man the de-
fences Of Chesapeake bay. 1t was said that
the Notifications at North Point and Hawkins
Point are still without their full complement
and other batteries further down tha bay
would soon be in shape for a number of men.
TO MUSTER IN U. s. VOLUNTEERS.
Captain Walter L. Finney, OF the ninth
United States cavalry, has been assigned to
Camp Wilmer to muster in the Maryland
niIitiamcn rs United States volunteers. He
has been detailed for several years from the
War Department on the staff Of the Governor
of Maryland to watch the militia organization.
He is we'll and favorably known by the
Maryland military officials and they express
pleasure over his selection rs mastering
officer.
No one at camp knows when the physical
examination will be made or when the men
who volunteer will be enlisted in the national
service.
Orders announcing the plans of the War
Department are expected in few days
Colonel william P. Lane anticipates little
difficulty in recruiting the First Regiment up
to 60O-the number required for four batter
les of heavy artillery, which the officers of
the regiment agreed to raise. The present
strength OF the regiment is about half the
number required Not man is in any way
familiar with artillery work. Major George
I, Robinson, late of the Fourth Regiment,
who has well drilled Independent battalion
of $50 men, is willing to help Colonel Lane
out of his difficulty. Major Robinson has
been trying to get into the First Regiment
for several months. He went to Annapolis
Thursday and had consultation with Major
General Wilmer. Major Robinson was adj
out delay. He visited camp in the afternoon.
and may receive orders to march his men
into camp at any time.
1t is likely that the First Regiment, after
being recruited up to the total strength of
600 uen, and divided into four batteries of
artillery, will be sent to Fort McHenry to
practice with the big guns there, and get in
shape for the coast defense work the soldiers
may be called upon to perform.
Lieutenant George r. King, OF Company
L, OF Elkton, obtained leave and came home
to EIkton, on Thursday afternoon TO see his
family, several members of which are sick.
and returned TO Camp Wilmer on Friday
afternoon. He stated to a representative Of
the CECIL WING that all the Elkton boys
were showing up to be soldiers Of the true
blue stamp, but that they were all in the best
Of spirits and in good condition notwith-
standing the severe weather they have en-
countered. Lieut.. King said that every one
OF the men was ready to 20 to the front, and
tnat he thought the company would show up
well in the physical examination which is
about to bo conducted.