Evening star., 1898-08-29
Experience of the District Troops on
the Hudson.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES were LACKING
Heroic Service as Nurse Done by
Private Simpson.
SICKNESS ON THE VOYAGE
From a Staff Correspondent.

CAMP WIKOFF, August %, 1898.
When the order came to the District
regiments camp in front of Santiago Thurs
day, August IS. that 500 of the boys were
to Immediately embark for home it was
the most welcome order that had ever been
read to the men. They had been disap-
pointed two weeks before when they heard
that they were to return on the Catania,
and fourd that Colonel Harries' protest
against the unseaworthiness of the ship at
the last changed 1t all. Indeed, 1t was,
rLmored around the camps that General
Shafter in one of his customary fits of
sp,een had declared that the District troops
would be the last to leave the island, and
that when they did go it would be on the
Catania.
In this connection 1t is only fair to Colo
mel Harries to say that what he did re-
garding the Catania was for the best in
terests of his regiment. On the trip down
the ship had never steamed twenty-four
hours suecessively. If she had been caught
in any rough weather she must almost
necessarily have met with disaster, for
aside from her weak machinery she was
manned by a crew that were filter subjects
for a hospital than the forecastle.
All on the Boat.
But all this was forgotten when the well
come order finally came that the I'd and
Sd Battalions were to Immediately embark
Oh the Hudson for home. Friday afternoon
f:.and them all aboard the transport. and
bat for the putting aboard of the neces-
sary stores they would have gotten away
on the sailors unlucky day. Bright and
early Saturday morning the stanch trans
port, in command of Capt. Halsey, typi-
h,ya
of stalwart American sailors, steamed by
old MORO and pointed her nose to the
United States.
There little enthusiasm among the
men. However joyful they felt, and there
question that they did feel glad
at getting away from despised Cuba, they
gave no vent to their feelings. 1t was in
strange contrast to the sailing from Port
Tampa, when the Catania went out with
the men in the rigging, the band playing
national airs and the soldiers cheering.
Since that time the men had gone through
experiences that had made veteran SOL
diers of them. They felt just as strongly
perhaps but were less demOnstratiVe.
Large Number of sick.
One thing which dampened their spirits
was the large number of their comrades
lying sick and helpless in the sick bay, with
few of the comforts which aneiorate the
condition of men suffering from fever and
malaria. 1t was indeed distressing sight
to see the wan faces of the poor fellows
lying helplessly in their hammocks, not
knowing whether they would be able to
last out the voyage or not. 1t was with
anxious faces that DrS. Cox and Ebbert
went through the hospital every morning.
There were several Of the men with whom
1t was a question whether they would last
through each succeeding night. Private
William Mcdonald of Captain England's 8
company died Monday morning, August -
His sorrowing comrades gathered up on
the stern of the boat about 8 o'clock and
as the vessel hove to they consigned his
remains to the Atlantic. His death neces-
sarily had depressing effect on the spirits
of the others. but they bore up like SOL
diers and hoped for the best. Indeed, after
this the men seemed to begin to feel the
beneficial effects of the bracing sea air
and there was a noted change for the bet
ter, not only among those who were on
the sick report but among the others as
well.
Capt. Halsey Of the Hudson proved to be
most sympathetic officer. He turned over
every part of his ship to the use of the
spar deck and the topgallant forecastle,
something that few captains will allow
even under the most extraordinary circum-
stances. The men appreciated his kindly
sympathy and the lighter drew away
from the Hudson at Montauk the soldiers
gave three cheers and tiger for the gal
liant captain.
Insufficient Medical Supplies.
Poor SeIgt. Newton Ferree, however,
though he rallied for the first two or three
days out, toward the end of the voyage
began to show marked signs of weakness
ana sinking. The doctors labored unceas-
ingly with him and gave him every atten-
tion within their power. But they We're
hampered by that spectre of want for the
necessary medical supplies, which carried
off many another brave soldier in Cuba
They were limited as to stimulants and
everything in the way of tCnics and food
for convalescents. Think of a great gov
eminent like the United States allowing the
brother of sick soldier to go down into
his own pocket and pay 50 for a little
brandy to try to keep him alive. Yet this
v as done in Sergt Ferree's case. The doc
tors simply did not have the supplies
one man particularly deserves special
mention for the heroic part he took in
working for his sick comrades This is
Private Charles Simpson
simpson volunteered as a.nurse as soon
as the men went aboard. He is a man of
splendid physique and there seemed to be
no limit to his strength and ability to take
care OF his comrades. He simply worked
night and day, cheerfuIIy, hopefully and
successfully NO doubt several of those
VINO pulled through owe their lives to Pri-
Yate Charles Simpson.
Glad They Escaped the Cntania.
Men and officers had every reason to be
thankful for Col, Harries' protest against
the Catania. The Hudson was q better