The Portland daily press., 1898-07-20
THE FIRST MAINE.
Rainy Days at Chlckamauga- How the
Boys Are Spending Their Time in Camp.
Especial Correspondence of the PRESS.

Especial Correspondence of the PRESS.
Chickamauga Park,
Lytle, Ga, July 10th, 1898
TO the Editor of the Portland PRESS:
For the last two days the Park has been
visited by the most terrific downpour of
rain, that the volunteers have yet experi-
Fenced since their arrival here. Water ran
in torrents, but SO nearly perfect is the
drainage of the reservation that the camp
practically escaped serious inconvenience.
All drills were suspended on account of
the storm, so those Of the boys who were
fortunate enough to be of duty contented
themselves by remaining in their tents,
reading the many books, papers, maya
zines, etc., which have been so kindly
contributed by our worthy Portland
friends. DR.. O'Neil, the chief surgeon,
floors of tents, claiming that the portion
of fever in the camps affected is the result
of the men being compelled to rest on the
bare ground, especially during the wet
weather, for after q rain storm The earth
under canvas upon which the men lie at
night is generally damp. The captains
of the respective companies are pushing
IN every away DR.. O'Neils wise sugges-
lions with q strong cooperation on the
part of their men to assist in this direc-
tion Many, tents are already in the
possession of tent boards, while other
companies are only awaiting the lumber.
This will add materially to their con-
venience
= Lytle the small town situated about
two miles from camp, has been we'll
patronized since the paymaster visited US,
for there can DO purchased at reasonable
rates eatables tempting to a soldiers
palate. 1t was interesting to watch first
one and then another return with tin of
sardines in one pocket, toilet soap, cocoa
and other articles of refinement in the
other. Not omitted was the souvenir of
Chickamauga Park to be forwarded to
the one receiving their most attention
while at home. Many have even gone
so far as to invest in bed COTS made of
canvas, SO you see to all intents and pur-
poses the boys have set their minds on
making camp life agreeable to themselves.
With the exception of the two or three
confined in the hospital suffering from
internal cramps which we all have had,
there are no serious cases reported from
DR.. O'Neil The general health of the
Mainesb boys is excellent.
News comes of the fall OF Santiago and
cheers again fill the air. What en-
thnsiasm, yet what discomfort on the part
of the boys to think they were not there
to participate. 1t is the opinion of officers
OF other regiments. not mine, that the
Maine regiment is body Of we'll drilled,
healthy men; many Tins, while out on
march being taken for some of Uncle |
Sans regulars. I trust that some day if |
occasion arises, the boys will have the
gloFlo opportunity to thrust aside the
hand which for ages past to the present
time has made itself conspicuous by many
acts of cruelty and injustice. Could our
country stand and gaze on the scene? |
ADD to this the death of our gallant |
sailors, poor fellows, without even the
privilege Of prayer This is a Christian
war, Icing carried on by q Christian
country. Is it strange that the Presi-
uent's call should be so eagerly responded
'o No, indeed. Americans can never
witness such scenes without relieving
rom pain and anguish. The cries o. the