Evening star., 1898-06-29
.TRANsF Err OF TROOPS
Probable That Projected Move Will
Be Delayed.
REPORTS CIRCULATED At CAMP ALGER
Adiutant Gebhart Makes State
ment in His Own Defense.
ANOTHER SOLDIER MISSING

Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
CAMP ALGER, Va, June %, 1885,
A report was circulated in camp today
that the wholesale departure of troops
from Camp A1ger would not take place as
soon as has been supposed for the past
two weeks. 1t was to the effect that only
one regiment and one battalion would leave
the camp this week, going to Newport
News to be transported on the Yale. The
other troops of the I'd Brigade, so the re.
port ran, will not leave until Tuesday or
Wednesday of next week. Afterwards, as
soon as additional transport facilities can
be secured the greater part Of the second
division is to be sent to Porto Rico. No
one could be found who would father the
report, and it was not generally accepted
as true.
Nevertheless, nothing occurred to warrant
the belief that the I'd Brigade is to leave
this afternoon or tomorrow. The regular
routine of camp duty was observed without
change. The Quartermasters and ordnance
oncerS continued the regular work of iSSu-
ing supplies and adjusting their accounts
and no orders were received from any
source that would indicate that any break
In the old order of affairs was imminent.
1t may be that the brigade will be ordered
away Friday Saturday, but, if the ex-
periences Of the commands that have al
ready left camp are indicative of anything,
the brigade is not likely to go before Sat
urday, certainly, and probably not before
Monday. When the Michigan regiment and
the 9th Massachusetts were to leave camp
intimatiOn of the orders directing that
movement was sent to the regimental COM
manders several days in advance. AS far
as can be learned no one in the I'd Brigade
has been given any such early informa
tion When 1t does come. the 9Th Illinois.
Sth Ohio and 9th Massachusetts Regiments
will be ready to go.
Fourth of July Ceremony.
Fourth of July is to be made the occas-
ion of several Independent celebrations by
different regiments and one rather impress
sive ceremony in the first division The
Sons of the Revolution of New York state
are to present to Major General Butler,
on Independence Gay, fine saddle horse
and accoutrements. General Fred. Grant
is TO come to Camp Alger from Chicka-
mauga and will be given a sword, sword
belt and epaulets. Mr.. King of New York,
a typical northern man, will present to
General Butler the gifts intended for him,
and Mr.. Calhoun of South Carolina will
present those intended for General Grant.
The entire first division will be drawn up
for parade and review, the presentation
taking place during the former ceremony.
Charge Of Attempted Murder.
Adjt. Gebhart of the 159th Indiana Regi-
ment was examined yesterday by the court
martial convened several days ago. He will
appear before the board again this after
noon. The charge against him is attempt
ing to kill a sentry on duty. He consented
to make a statement of the case for pub
lication in The Star. which is as follows:
AT the time of the incident l was IL the
act of delivering a rush order to Col. Bar
nett. i was stopped by sentry not on duty
and commanded to halt. My explanation
that / was the bearer of a rush order did
not satisfy him. and l drew my sword
merely to intimidate him. Thers wasn't
even the slightest idea of using it on the
man." e..
Private w. T. Elder, Company D, 7th IL
linois, injured in the shoulder about
two weeks ago AS the bruse disappeared
he thought his shoulder was well, but two
or three days ago he was troubled with the
most acute pain in the back. Surgeon Sulli-
van examined him and has decided that an
operation is necessary to save the arm. The
operation will be performed this afternoon.
Camp Notes.
During the sham battle that concluded
the road march of the I'd Brigade, 1st Di-
vision, Private Harvey Reed, Company B,
9th Massachusetts, was severely injured.
A blank cartridge was fired in his face at
close range. The injury inflicted may in
volve the loss of his eyesight and a part of
his ear. He was taken to the division hos
pital at once and placed under treatment.
1t was thought this morning that his eyes
might be saved.
Three men were detailed yesterday to
drag the river for the body of Private
Dearth, Company D. 9Th Illinois. who was
drowned Monday afternoon. They were all
acquaintances of the unfortunate man and
worked devOtedly all day long to rescue
the remains of their comrade.
Private Jno. Myers Company L. 9Th Illinois,
has been missing since Monday afterpnon
at $50 o'clock. He left at that time to go
to the Potomac, having previously obtained
leave of absence. Nothing has been seen
of him since. No fears are entertained that
he has been drowned in the river, as none
of the guards stationed about the swimming
pool saw him after the time named. He is
supposed to have crossed the river in
boat and to have gone to Cabin John
bridge. Myers has the record o being
sober and Industrious.