The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-07-27
FROM CHICKAMAUGA.
An Interesting Account Of Division
Review and Inspection.
HEADQUARTERS 1sr S. G. V. IMAM
- TRY, CAMP GEO. H. THOMAS. sG ::ssss
- CHIcKAMAUGA PARK. =
LYTLE. GA. July 23, 1898.

men of the 1st South Carolina when l
say that [ wish those who saw US
march to the depot from old Camp
Ellerbe on June 9th, clad in every
possible variety of citizens raiment,
could have seen us as we stepped out
at quick time yesterday morning for
division inspection and review.
For the past few days, since it has
been definitely decided to advance on
Porto Rico, the various regiments
encamped here have been eager to
know what regiments would be lucky
enough to be selected for Miles army
in Porto Rico. We had hopes of
being so chosen but were cast down
when it was reported that only the
first two divisions of Brooks Corps
would go, but later it was rumored
that there was possibility of only
the best regiments ordered out and we
thought we stood show. Be it
known unto you, good people at home,
that our life here is not that of a
summer picnic encampment by any
means. We came for stern business,
and came much later than majority
of the regiments here, many of whom
were completely equipped at the time
of our arrival, so you see that in order
to stand any show at all when the test
came we had to work. We have
nearly FIVE hours drill day, sentinel
duty to perform, long marches to
make, all of which keep one busy
most of the time. But the officers
and men have worked faithfully and
we'll that you people may not be made
to feel ashamed Of us, and how we'll
they have succeeded I shall proceed
to show.
Day before yesterday orders were
issued for every man to be ready to
march at 6 a. m., promptly. 10 be
ready one must be in heavy marching
order, that is his rubber blanket con-
tanning tent and poles must be rolled
and slung over the left shoulder.
Haversaok, canteen, tin cup, cartridge
belt and scabbard and rife complete
one man s burden.
At 4:3O yesterday the camp was
made lively by the men getting into
shape for a test of endurance and
knowledge of military science. At
little before six the bugle sounded
assembly, and in five minutes the
First Battalion was in line of march,
followed successively by the Second
and Third. As we passed out Of our
grove the band struck up beautiful
march, and nothing more was heard
but the steady tramp of twelve
companies of blue clad boys from the
old Palmetto State as they wheeled
into column of fours and began it's
three-mile tramp to Snodgrass Hill for
Division inspection and review.
1t had been whispered along the
line that this drill was competitive
and the best regiments would surely
go to the front at once. So we were
put on our mcttle.
Eight other regiments were also
on the move, and the march was made
very pleasant by the goodnatured
sallies between soldiers of different
regiments. The sun was very warm
and our loads were heavy, but we got
accustomed to the sun at Camp Eller-
be, and so didn't mind it in the least.
Upon our arrival at the point of
rendezvous we were drawn up in bat
talions, four companies deep, and
awaited the arrival of Gen. Sanger
and staff. We didn't have long to
wait. The band had been instructed
to play upon the approach Of the Gen
eral, and as he appeared over the crest
of hill to our right we were called to
attention and at once became as rigid
as statutes. The band played lively
march as the chief of our Division
with his numerous staff searchingly
inspected the sons of men who started
the late unpleasantness. We stood
the test. Every gun was properly
presented, every blanket roll, haver-
sack, canteen, etc., was properly
adjusted, and when it was over each
of us felt that we had nothing to be
ashamed Of But the review was still
to come. The General. after the in
spection of all the regiments, took his
position on a knoll and the Division
was ordered to pass in review lin col
umn of companies. We stood at rest
as regiment after regiment, each led
by its band, marched bravely by. COM
mcnted on the merits and defects OF