Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1898-06-02
CAM p LEE.
For THE SPECTATOR.

|
Our boys are still here, they are we'll and
are fast being Drowned by the sun and
hardened as soldiers by camp life and
drills. The fact that one day brings the
news that we are to move to Tampa and
cars are piled up on the railroad tracks
near by, which look as if the order was to
be executed, and then little later comes
an order countermanding the "order to
march," has tendency to depress the spir-
its as the anxiety to get into active service
is very marked. On Saturday evening
thousands came out from Richmond to visit
the camp and those who happened to have
acquaintance amongst the visitors were
strictly in it, The beauty and fashion
which focked through the camp were very
inspiring because the ladies doubtless re-
ciprocated the feeling which pervaded the
| breasts of the soldiers, to wit: these are
our people, and there was swelling of
pride over the fact.
Lieut.. Carter Braxton was the recipient
of many congratulations on last Friday
morning when it became known that he
had been elected Commonwealth Attor-
ney for the city of Stauuton by such hand
some majority, and especially when 1T was
also realized that many votes were with
him in Richmond which would have been
cast for him had they only been where they
could have voted and swelled thatmaJorlty.
The men are not yet fully equipped. and
no one can understand why the department
is so slow. 1t is true that all now have
shoes, but the regular equipment is not on
hand. This is thought by some to be owing
to the fact that in the way of clothes at
least, there are to be great changes before
the invasion begins. The second regiment
would like to have band. They would,
at least our company would of course, like
the Stonewall band, both on account of its
historic associations and on account of its
excellence as an organization, but we fear
there may be disappointment in this. The
Blues Band renders some fine music and Is
much enjoyed, hut to us there are no sounds
so inspiring as those of the old Stonewall.
OnSaturday the second regiment mustered
and every man was in his place or account
ed for and it made splendid showing, and
no company in it a finer one than our COM
pany. The six feet three inch soldiers like
the Lambert boys, the broad shouldered
fellows after the type of Sergeant Lush
baugh, and the natty officers, and the order
Iy, we'll behaved conduct and promptness
in duty, give this company position in this
military organization which is very envi
able. The boys are constantly receiving
some good things sent by thoughtful friends
at home, which when received are divided
amongst the mess and such friends as are
fortunate enough to get a ibid" to the feast.
and the army fare is every day being eaten,
if not with more relish, certainly with less
complaint, as the teeth become more &C.
customed to the ration, and the jaw more
muscular in masticating it. 1t is useless to
deny that there are cases of inconsistencies,
and there may be an occasional case of sor-
row over the fact that that particular per-
son allowed himself to volunteer, but these
are usually we'll concealed. No day passes
without some familiar face being seen in
camp. and not infrequently person from
Staunton or Augusta drops In on us, and is
focked around by the boys for a chat and
to hear the news. 1t is useless to state that
there is great anxiety to get into more active
military operations than this camp affords
and all will welcome the day when we start
for Cuba, though later it may be filled with
regret. 1t now seems certain that the camp
will be moved to Forest hill Park within
the next few days. A.