The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
MARCHED FROM
 HOME TO CAMP
Oakland Welcomes the As sembIing Companies of the
 Eighth Regiment.

The stern reality of war was mani- fested in Alameda county yesterday. From her two largest cities there marched out over two hundred brave boys, who were last night under canvas at Camp Barrett.
 The sun had not kissed the crest of the Eastern hills when the members of Com pany F gathered at the armory, but early as they were, others were before them The willing hands of many ladies had transformed the usually bare armory into a beautifully decorated banquet hall, for Oakland ladies never do anything by halves.
 The scene was a new one for all who figured in it, with the exception of a few veterans who thought of a generation ago as they watched the boys enjoy their breakfast. The armory has been the scene of many gay festivities and com pany drills and dress parades, but yes terday the usual jaunty air was missing. The boys were serious, and although IL was a labor of love to wait upon them the task was not pleasant.
 Before the boys went out they were given a farewell cheer and Judge E. M Gibson said few words. He recalled hiS youth, his enlistment in the Union army, his years of active service and expressed his confidence that the sons of the gener- ation that bore arms for humanitys
  as their sires.
 Dr. George C. Pardee also made a fare well speech He hinted that the rigors of war rarely permitted of the return of complete regiments and concluded with a ferVent God bless you"
 Both the doctor and the Judge spoke with much feeling and several handker- chiefs were in evidence when the order was given Forward march"
 Oaklands first contingent marched to camp through decorated streets. Thou sands of flags futtered overhead, antici- pating the great holiday of next Monday. As Company F passed down Broadway to Seventh street and up Washington to Fourteenth on their way to camp they were cheered on every street corner.
 Four companies more of the Eighth California Volunteers reached Camp Bar rett yesterday. Companies A and l., from Chico and Marysville, respectively, reached the camping ground at 9:30 a. m. and were given a royal reception by the boys already in the tents. There were few civilians to greet them, nearly everybody being at Oakland or Alameda to participate in the farewell demonstra- tion to their own boys, who were about to abandon peaceful pursuits for the stir however, who were out to meet the new corners. The ladies of the Red Cross Society of Oakland and neighboring towns did not forget the tired soldiers who had been up all night. An appetiz- ing breakfast had been prepared for them, for which the troops were most grateful.
 Before the men had fairly got their tents up the roll of drums and flare of brass to the south and west announced the simultaneous arrival of Company F of Oakland, escorted by Companies A and c of Alamada. Both commands were preceded by bands and followed by all the citizens of their respective local ities who could muster bicycle or buggy or were able to keep up with the pro- cession on foot. It was an inspiring scene and the men were gayly bedecked with flowers. Sisters and sweethearts clung to the arms of many of the soldiers and would not discontinue their escort duty when the guard line was reached, but, brushing past the sentries, continued into camp.
 It was Surprising, considering the num- Der of recruits in all the companies, the celerity with which the tents were pitched and the men settled down to the routine of camp life. The greatest difficulty they have to contend with is the management of the BuSsacott ovens, two of which are issued to each company. It is consider able of a knack to prepare a meal on these camp stoves without burning the food or destroying the stoves, and were 1t not for the fact that all the companies come into camp fairly loaded down with edibles they would find their fare eX- ceedingly meager. The amateur chefs declare they will soon have the hang" of the Bussacott, and some of them already boast that they can boil water without burning it.
 The four companies that arrived yes