The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-09-05

pure air breeds life. energy, activity
The boys were better prophets than
they knew when, crossing the state
line last night, they gave three mighty
cheers "for Gods country" for that
1t certainly is. No description could
do justice to the camping grounds of
the Thirteenth, and, in fact, of every
other regiment here. On the north of
us is the Eighth Pennsylvania, on the
south the Twelfth, and on tile west
the Seventh Ohio. The other regiments
are distant from us about three miles
The Thirteenth received the glad
hand' from the Eighth and the
twelfth. They were expecting us, and
turned out in force TO wish us welcome.
soon after reaching here the boys set
tied down to work. The wagons began
to arrive. and in a short time lunches
were made ready. tents pitched, and
then began the hunt for water. Pipe
lines are being laid, and, in a very
short time. good supply of pure water
viii be furnished. The wells of the
farm houses helped to quench the
thirst of the boys after the march and
during the day, while they worked in
the sun. In the afternoon many walked
mile to stream of running water,
where they had a much-needed bath.
There We're a few sick members of
the regiment left in the hospital at
Camp Alger, but they are out of there
by this time. Major Phillips. now in
charge, told me before leaving that
another hospital train from Phliadel-
phia would remove all Pennsylvania
soldiers to the hospitals of that city.
The boys are resting contentedly
now. There is only one thing neces-
sary to complete their happiness-to
gee some friend from home. An ex-
cursion run from Scranton to here
would cheer the boys up, and they
would give a royal welcome to those
now at home if they would only come
down for a day.
is A GOOD BREEZE.
During the day the suns rays beat
down hard on the exposed hills upon
which the camp of the three Pennsyl-
vania regiments, the Seventh Ohio and
the First Delaware are pitched, but
refreshing northern breeze, which
sweeps right over the camp uninter-
rupted by any obstacle, makes life en-
joyable.
Besides the other advantages, this
place deserves special mention for it's
bountiful supply of water. Just at
present this is not quite apparent, but,
in day or two, after everything shall
have been reduced to a system, the
boys will have little cause for COM
plant. There is a large tank, contain
ing nearly forty thousand gallons, a
short distance away, and from this any
amount of the finest water can be had.
l was informed by an intelligent far
mer, who has lived here for years, that
this whole locality contains any num-
ber of artesian wells, and that the
quantity of water possible to be OBJ
tained is practically without limit.
There is no fear as to it's quality either,
and, after many months of fear and
terror the men are drinking all the
water they can get without dread, or
even the suspicion of sickness and dis
ease.
Away to the east of the Thirteenth's
camp is the Sweet Arrow river. Very
appropriately named, a creek, or river,
as we would call it at home, which
winds and bends through these valleys
till it finally loses itself in the Susque-
hanna near Cornwall Junction. About
ninety-five per cent. of the men went
there the first night in camp bringing
with them towels and soap, and en-
joyed a good swim. 1t is an ideal
place for bathing, and absolutely safe,
even for those who cannot swim. The
current is strong enough to keep the
water pure; and in many parts of the
stream, which is nearly seventy yards
wide, and on the average about eight
feet in depth. the white, sandy bottom
is plainly visible, even where the water
is five feet deep. This is the paradise
for which Virginia had no counterpart.
The boys returned to camp shortly af-
ter sunset, looking happy, bright and
thoroughly refreshed. They soon be-
took themselves to their hunks, or to
their comfort" cots, where they slept
like little children till the bugle and
drums called them in the morning
The daily routine of camp life now in
cludes a bath in the Sweet Arrow.
RATIONS SCARCE.