The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-07-16

Below, the Intelllgencer publishes two
letters from the Wet Virginia boys at
chiekamauga. Both will De found IN
contain breezy descriptions of camp
ilss, ana as win be seen by the letter
from Corporal C. 2. Evans, the Intelli-
gsnreFS correspondent with me regi-
ment, tho officers and men Of the First
West Virginia Volunteers are Indignant
1t statements in the Register of last
Monday, which were that this regiment
waS composed of lower grade of cid
Gems than that in the Second West Vir-
gtnia, now at Camp Atkinson, near
Charleston, this state.
The First West Virginia feels TINT
such statements were entirely uncaiied
for, and the brave boys point with pride
70 the fact that they rallied 70 the Pres
ldents first call, when Il looked as
though they were TO DO plunged In the
fray. Since the majority uf them, the
officers included, were In the state MILL
Tia, too, they feel they have an additions
al reason TO resent derogatory illusions.
There Is no need Of comparisons, nor is
there any Jealousy between the two regi-
Enents, and the Second West Virginia Is
probably as indignant at the article In
question as the boys In camp under
Georgia suns.
Corporal Evans letter is as follows:
To the Editor OF the Intelllgencer.
Co. NJ. LIST West Virginia Volunteers,
CAMP GEO. II. THOMAS.
ChIckamapga, Ga, July "a, '9S.
About ten days has elapsed since the
First West Virginia Regiment expected
to be on their way to the front, and finds
Il stu here yet, awaiting anxsously the
order to move to the front, which has
begun to look to those who are not In
position to know. that we would be here
for some time, although there are uIl-
official reports almost daily OF arrange
ments being made TO move the entire
First army corps at an early date. II Is
the opinion OF many that should Shatter
succeed in taking Santiago together with
the Spanish army, we Will never see
Spanish soil, which will be a great dis
appointment 70 all.
The First Chic cavalry passed along
IN front Of our regiment yesterday on
their way to the front, and were heartily
cheefed by the West Virginia boys. The
uuALE al AAAAIgaAAA6 ~
pearance, forming a column almost a
mile long, including their wagon train.
Many were the expressions OF regret
heard expressed by cur boys that we
were not with them.
The Register OF the 18th inst, contaiu-
ed an article which caused considerable
Indignation among both men and Off
GERS OF this regiment, and why the Reg
lister should take It upon Itself to so un-
Justly criticize and nahgn the First
West Virginia Volunteer Regiment Is a
mystery 10 US here. Surely Il Is not be-
coming Of newspaper in order To show
its esteem and give praise to. one OF the
states regiments to cast reflections and
untrlthfuI statements broadcast
throughout the state on the other regi-
menE 1t speaks OF the First as being
made up OF unemployed men who gave
their service 20 their country solely for
The purpose OF being fed and clothed by
Uncle Sam, while they enjoyed the
pleasures Of camp life; while the Second
regiment was made up Of business men,
who went cut with the sole purpose Of
going to the front. and were a higher
grade OF citizens.
We have nodoubt that the Second regi-
nnent IS composed Of men Of sterling
qualities and intelligence and II given an
opportunity will do credit t0 the Noun
tain state. We do not believe that our
grand old state, born In the midst OF
blood and strife. would ever send out
any other kind of soldiers TO hold up the
honor Of the state and nation, hut we
do challenge the Register 20 And a regs-
ment In the whole army Of volunteers
with q larger percentage OF business
men, laborers and professional men than
is found in the First.
About IS per cent OF our regiment
gave up business, positions and occupa.-
tions at the first call OF the President,
leaving homes, business and all the
cares and interests of q personal nature
at moments warning, when It was the
opinion Of all that we would be pushed
into the thick Of the fray without delay,
does Il look like the First was expect
ing to 90 on picniclSing excursion. Be.
sides, the First Is composed largely OF
men and ofilcers who have been serving
the state with honor as militia for years.
we ask why, the Register editor, while
sitting IN his easy chair, surrounded
with an the pleasures Of domestic life,
should take II on himself to cast .refiec.
ton on the First West Virginia VUlun-
teerA
Bugler shultz wishes to extend his
thanks through the Intelligencer to his