Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1898-05-28
A GRAND REVIEW OF TROOPS.
Spectacular and Interesting Military Dis-
play Mt Chickamauga National Park
Old Veterans Entbused.


CHIcxAMAUGA NATIONAL PARK, Ca,
May 24-Maj ten James +. Wade,
until recently in command OF the Fifth
corps at Tampa, reported here ycster-
day to Gen. Brooke, having been as
signed by the war department TO the
command of the Third corps now being
formed here.
The first division of the First army
corps was reviewed yesterday by its
commander, Mai. Gen. James IL. Will
son and Inspector-General Breckln-
ridge and staff, the latter carefully in
specting the lines and declaring him
self very well pleased with the appear
ance and conduct of the men on the
field.
Although no particular demonstra-
ton was made, yet it was a spec
tacular scene, made doubly interesting
because it would go in history as the
first great formal movement by large
body of troops organized for the Amer
ican-Spanish war. 1t is, moreover,
had since the civil war.
1t began in the cool of the day, be-
fore nine o'clock. The three brigades
of the first division, nine regiments,
practically 5000 men, formed line OF
battle the right resting north of the
historic Kelly field. Thence it ran
mile perhaps along the ridge, portion
Of the command forming in the rear, a
second line. as If for reserve in an
assault.
After the usual formal inspection of
line, which took some time, the divi-
sion formed and moved in column OF
fours, changing direction twice until
on line parallel with Gen. Wilson,
who sat on a magnificent horse in
front of group of brilliant staff oiii-
GERS.
The lines were formed with re-
markable rapidity and precision. Then
in column Of companies that is,
each company marching in line, one
behind the other, the division ad-
vanced in splendid form. 1t was
grand sight, and all the veterans in
the camp enjoyed the unusual spec
tacle.
Each regiment in the line had a
reputation to maintain and every com
pany and individual was impressed
with the necessity OF doing the best
possible. The result was singularly
gratifying. The marching WAS as
rule in excellent time, the alignments
accurate and the distances well.main-
tanned.
Gen. Wilson expressed himself as dc.
lighted and very proud of the fact that
the division when maneuyered to-
gether for the first time should act so
much like regulars and veterans. With
the morning sun glanclng from pol
ished arms and trappings and the
silken Stars and Stripes and state flags
waving in the breezes that came from
Missionary Ridge, the sight was a
glorious one and inspired the most
enthusiastic patriotism in both specta
tors and men in line.
The regimental and brigade drills
begun yesterday in the First army corps
will be prosecuted now with increas'
ing activity each day. The men are
being put through the manual and
slower maneuvers as they may be able
to stand. 1t is not intended to force
them to severe work at present, the
purpose being to inure them grad
ually to work under hot sun.
Inspector General Breckinridge and
staff, visited the park yesterday and
inspected the camp of the first divi-
sion of the First corps which'they found
to be in excellent condition. Sanitary
conditions are to be improved.
The First District OF Columbia infan'
try, Col. Harris, II companies, 9s2 Off
GERS and men, arrived yesterday fully
equipped. They complete the second
brigade, second division, third corps.
The Third Tennessee, Col. Fyffe, ar
rived yesterday.
The Fiftieth Iowa, Col. D. b Jack
son, passed through yesterday for
Tampa.
The remains of George NJ. Walker,
Co. ID, First Missouri, who was killed
in the railroad accident Saturday
were shipped TO his family at st
Louis. The other injured men are do
ing well, no unfavorable symptoms
having appeared
Gen. Brooke yesterday assigned the
following as provisional commanders
of the third division of the first corps:
Gen. Wilson, first division; Col. Bobie
ter, of Minnesota, second; Gen. Bates
having been ordered to Mobile ant
Col. Van Duzen, of the Fourteenth Min
nesota to command the third dlvl
sion. Gen. A. X. Arnold has beef
ordered to Mobile.