The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1898-08-02
The FIRST SHAM BATTLE
Especial War Correspondence
Camp Cuba Librc,

Near Jacksonville, Fla. July 30.
The First North Carolina regiment yes
tcrday had its first turn at target prac-
tice in the rifle range. Though the 200
men sent out were almost entirely new
men. who had never before shot 4
Springfield rifle, they made excellent
scores. The New Jersey men have made
the best score yet and the North caro-
linianS come second.
The first sham battle since the camp
here has been established took place
Thursday morning from 1:3O to $50
o'clock. about three miles southwest of
Camp Cuba Libre.
The troops engaged in it were those of
the First brigade, Second division. Sev-
enth Army corps. consisting of the First
north Carolina. Second New Jersey and
Second Illinois regiments. The Illinois
regiment was divided. The Jersey men
with one Illinois battalion went out early
in the morning. chose Il field of battle
and entrenched themselves as strongly
as possible. Two hours later the Tar
Heels with two Illinois battalions start
ed out to find and attack their oppon-
cnts. Colonel Hine. of the Second Now
Jersey. was in command as brigadicr
general. of the cntrenched army, while
Colonel Armfield. Of the First North
81 una ~ N' N''-
force. Major Smith commanded the
First North Carolina regiment.
AS the Tar Heels and their allies pro-
cecdcd. an advance guard was formed.
OutpOStS were thrown out and scouts
deployed in regular order for passing
through an enemy's country. The ad-
vance guard consisted of the First bat
talon. First North Carolina regiment.
under command Of Captain Robertson.
Near Il swamp on the Jacksonville-Pan-
anna road. the first skirmish took place.
The cnemy's picketS on the extreme right
(caSt) were fired upon. and soon there
was 4 rattle Of muSketry all along the
line. \ courier sent in by Colonel Arm
field brought back word from Captain
Robertson that he had driven in the en-
emy's outposts. but had not yet located
their lines.
Hardly had the message been delivered
though. before heavy firing opened mp on
the left fweSt) and 4 courier gallopcd
up. saying a large force Of the enemy.
strongly entrenched, had been discovered
occupying ground we'll adapted for de-
Tense. in rear of 4 swampy ravine m
passlbie except at 4 few points. Major
Rutzler with the Second North Carolina
battalion was ordered to reinforce tho
advance guard at this point. while Major
butler was sent with the lnlfN Dalldilon
to the left. In the meantime the enemy
on the right had fallen back and 4 heavy
engagement was opening mp on the left.
Fearing Il flank movement in that quar-
ter Colonel Armfieid directed Colonel
Moulton. of the Second Illinois. to send
one Of his battalions to Major Buffers
aid. and in case he found him strong
enough to withstand the attack to flank
the cnemy's extreme right. The latter
movement was successfully made.
The other Illinois battalion was held
as 1 reserve for the centre, and we'll it
was. for the Jersey men soon discovered
that orr centre was our weakest point
and they began massing TO break
through. But they were too late. The
Illinois reserve was brought up at dOu-
bic quick and 4 whole company of the.
attacking party was captured.
Now the engagement became general