Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-01
A PULLING QUESTION.
When VIII Lees Men ve.-Life at
Camp Cuba Libre.

CAMP CUBA LIBRE JACKSON
VILE, FLA, June 2S.-(special.)-
A more thoroughly puzzling question than
that regarding the movement of the
Il oops from here can hardly be conceived
The greatest mystery prevails about
headquarters. Nobody will discuss the
subject of moving now. j am sometimes
of the opinion, however that the officers
will not talk because they do not know,
ana not for the reason that military
etiquette seals their lips.
With the exception of the First Mis-
sissippi, it may be roughly stated that
all the regiments here are ready for SER
vice In Cuba, or Porto Rico. OF course,
in every company there are recruits not
entirely equipped, but this could be ac-
complished in very short time.
There are about 1900 men here at
present, all infantry with the exception
OF Colonel Torreys Rough Riders from
Wyoming. The Seventh Corps has not
yet any artillery, and II is not known
whether any will be assigned. There are
several regiments to be sent here from
Chickamauga, but no artillery.
1t is generally regarded as pretty well
settled that there will be no movement
of General Lees Corps for several weeks
General Coppinger's Corps will be the
next TO leave the United States for Cuba.
1t is now at Tampa, and the transports 20
convey il to the theatre OF hostiities
have been ordered there. On officer here
expresses the opinion that it will not be
far short of three weeks before the corps
| Is landed on Cuban soil, unless the expe-
clifton is dispatched with the most extra
ordinary celebrity.
1t would require at least as much more
time TO get General Lees force To Cuba.
so that il would be at least the middle
OF August before the troops here could
be sent TO the scene OF action. 1t has
previously been stated in this correspond
ence exclusively that the department did
not contemplate moving the Seventh
Corps before September 18th at the car
Hest. This seems to be as true now as
when l first wrote ii several weeks ago.
1t was also stated that the destination
Of the troops was to be Porto Rico. no
late developments have contradicted the
statement.
General Lee and his staff will take the
field next week. Headquarters have been
at the Windsor. but the General desires
TO be nearer his men, and win remove to
camo
The scenes at the Windsor have been
very interesting during the past weeks
II being corps headquarters naturally
caused great many military men 10 be
coming and going ali the time. and at
night the lobby corridors. and verandas
are crowded with officers and ladies'
with a considerable sprinkling of news
paper men. A military band plays every
other night at a stand near the hotel, and
mertlal music adds to the interest. GEN
eral Lee Is the centre of attraction, of
course. though in few minutes one sees
a great many other men with whom the
papers have made the public very ia
miliar recently.
l am struck with abe fact THAT there
Is so little drinking among the officers.
Many of the officers are absolute tee
totalors, and few of them drink except in
the utmost moderation regular-army
brigadier said 10 the Dispatch corre-
spondent the other night that he never
drank inioxicants OF any kind and added:
'ssv~ tsssn.aiars how~ psisht< snea health
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