The evening times., 1898-06-25
Interesting Events Noted by
Washington Gty.Vo!unteer.
THE STAMPEDE OF MULES
Gallant Rescue Of n Comradc From
Drowning by Private O'Brien, of
the Enmct GuardvGclebrntthg the
National fenciblcst aAnniversary.
The Boys Anxious for ActiOn.

Columbia Volunteers.-1n Camp, Tampa,
Fla, June 21.-Many events have recent
ly occurred in camp which will be Of in
terest to folks in Washington. Our regi-
ment wen. out for practice march We'd
nesday evening, June 15.; We went as far
as Tampa Heights, where we camped for
the night. Next morning we had a sk.r-
mish drill and returned to- camp about
10 o'clock We marched through Tampa,
and SO well was our showing that the
citizens commented and were very out
spoken in their expressions in claiming
that our regiment, priyates and officers,
are among the best that have visited their
town. In fact. not only did the citizens
say kind words about us but the news
papers published articles Of a commend
atory nature.
Thursday was day long TO be remem-
bered in camp. After We returned from
our practice march we were allowed to
rest for the remainder OF the day. and
most of the boys took a sleep.
In the evening after supper as We were
loungirg about our tents and taking
things easy. We were suddenly interrupt
ed by II noise and gun slot and befo.e
we could realize the meaning of IL
herd of unmanagable horses and mules
were upon us, and were running pell NELL
down the company streets. That We were
for the moment alarmed was evident as
signal to arms was sounded by trum-
pets from our neighbors, the Fifth Mary
land boys, we following, and soon all
were upon their feet. with gun and bayo-
net and formed a human wall so as to
prevent the five or six hundred panic
stricken animals from breaking into our
camp. We remained in this position for
some few moments, until we were assured
that We were free from danger. after
which most of US remained up till morn
ing. Most all of the horses have now
been captured and returned to the &C = ii
from which they broke loose. None of
the District boys suffered any injury.
The day following this memorable
night was rife with all kinds OF ruI--<-;
about the news sent TO Washington claim
ing that many of US Were wounded and
others killed, and SO worried were the
boys over this statement that the tee
graph wires for while were kept busy
in imDarting news TO our mothers -
families OF our safety.
Our regiment has made several jour
neys to Tampa Heights on practice
marches and each time the boys acQutt-
ted themselves in a very commenda BILE
manner.
Several privates of Company ! were in
bathing the other day, and noticed 4
large eagle flying round. Private Louis
Mallet swan out into the bay and after
some difficulty managed 10 capture the
big bird. The company will probably
present the eagle 10 Col. Harries.
Yesterday. after we returned from our
march. our boys in CHARGE of Lieut.. Crist
went bathing in the large natatorium
which is connected with the Tampa Bay
Hotel Majors Urell and O'Brien also
took a dip.
Today. June 2l. completes the first
month since We left Washington for
Chickamauga, and during that time we.
have broken camp twice and travelled over
loo miles. Now We are thoroughly sea-
soned for any duty thar may be assign
ed us and are anxiously awaiting orders
10 be sent to face the enemy.
The Emmet Guard. Company A, has
good swimmer in Private John O'Brien.
quite heroic fellow. "A few days ago
while a large crowd of the boys were in
bathing one young fellow was taken
with the cramps. O'Brien made quick
haste for the struggling TelISw and soon
had him on his shoulders and made for
shore. He was afterwards the recipient
of many congratulations in acknowledg-
ment of his heroic act.
Company II is still at Port Tampa and
from what can be learned all the boys
are in the best of health and working
each day at pontoon-bridge building.
A sad accident occurred with our neigh
bors, the Fifth Maryland Regiment, on
Saturday morning. While the boys were
cleaning their arms n gun shot was heard
and after examination 1t was found that
one of the boys had received a wound in
the left side of his body. The bullet. which
passed through him, also going through
a number Of hoa I'd
fence some distance off. The unfortunate
man died Sunday morning. This sad ac-
cident cast gloom over the entire camp.
The occurrence was purely accidental
and no one feels more prostrated over the
sad affair than the young man, who, II is
said, is responsible for the deed.
Lee Rea continues to get his mail by
big punches. Jim Brown. of Company I.
declares that Lee would get a push of
postal cards from Washington. and that
he Uee) would have to take a day off and
read them.
If our Washington friends could see
some of US now II is doubtful II they could
recognize their soldiers. Several have
changed their appearance by raising
boards. Others are tanned by the Flori-
da sun and sand. For the last few days
we have had an occasional shower, and
this has given us some relief.
Down here 1t will be raining hard in one
place and the sun shining in the other.
Rain comes quickly. and one has to have
his tent so arranged as to be at oil times
prepared. The shower generally lasts
about three-quarters of an hour. and then
again comes the heat. At night. of course.
this is different, for a shower cools the
atmosphere. It is now about time for
the rainy season, which continues. so the
natives here say, from three to six
months. 1t is not probable that We will
be here that length of time. At least, We
hope not.
Every morning at roll-call our band
plays 1.-THE Star Spangled Banner" dur