The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-05-13
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Burroughs; Quartermaster, George A..
Wheatley; chaplain, Rev. B. II. Carroll, Jr

Burroughs; Quartermaster, George A..
Wheatley; chaplain, Rev. B. II. Carroll, Jr.
Camp Mabry, Austin Texas, May II -.
| am no longer Tenth corporal Physical
examination has thnned our ranks, and
an order cutting down corporals to six took
away my stripes. The contingent from
ltasca, twenty six, out of which number
only three failed on physical examination
filled our ranks to the required number
and yesterday afternoon we stood uncov-
cred in the presence Of Lieutenant Elliott,
U. S. A., and with our right hands up
held, swore allegiance to the United States
OF America, and promised 10 obey the o.
ders OF the president and the officers ap-
pointed over us for the period OF two years,
so help us, God The usual talking in
ranks, when in place rest was hushed.
No man but realized the step he was TAX
ing. AS our names were called we an
swered here and stepped off about
twenty PAGES and formed IN double column
before the recruiting officers tent, into
which We filed, one at time, wnere we
affixed our signatures to the muster ro.l
in triplicate. We were then allowed to go
where we chose-no, | mean where our
officers chose, for we were then regular
soldiers in the Volunteer Army of tha
United States.
1t would be difficult to describe our feel
ings. An incident may throw some light
on the state Of mind of two Of us. Ssr-
geant Frymier, always put with his re-
marks, murmured something like III you
have thoughts to thunk, now Is the tina
to think EN-" One OF our German pri-
Yates realized audibly: "Deres no more
monkey doodle piztness now. poys."
For most Of US, we felt little blue, for
it meant complete cut-away from all we
love at home, business, comfort, friends,
relatives, and, yes, sweethearts, some OF
us, but wives none-we have espoused
| Columbia, the Stars and Stripes her bridal
dress.
Changes have occurred in our ranks.
Two men lost from our tent, Mcleod, a
most willing and courteous soldier, and
Lorenzon Lamkin son OF DR.. Lamkin, TO
whom we are indebted for many kind
words Lorenzo D., Jr. was transferred
to the Houston cavalry fl which command
he has brother We are sorry to lose
him: be was true soldier and VII re-
fleet no discredit on his name. Our other
losses are known to you by this time. The
| prediction that the writer would fall was
general and looked for, perhars hut he
| has survived, while splendid specimens OF
physical manhood, apparently, were cut
out right and left.
| A word about our drlll. Our captain has
twice complmented us. He is extremely
patient and painstaking in instruction. He
has learned the names Of most of the green
men--his wing dancers" he calls them,
and he keeps them by dint of good natured
rsillery and persistent coaching. exertipg
| their utmost to learn He will have no
talking in ranks-he does all that himself
he says The old members of the Houston
Light Guard In its halcyon days need have
no fear that we will disgrace the name
| While of course, we DO not attempt any
intricate movements, our drill is even and
steady, and is improving every day. we
now must get down to work in good earn
est, and 1t Is possible. If we come through
Houston, our friends may see an exhibi
tion of our ability.
Especially do our man feel grateful u
Eugene Hudson, quartermaster sergeant
for his untiring energy and falthfulness II
looking after that most necessary end o
the camp--the commissary. Our lieuten
ants and first sergeant are as courteous
and kind as disoinline will permit In ex
tending leave of absence to the men, Will
It is easier to give an EXAMPLE thar de
scribe our appreciation OF our oaptaiu.
One of his wing dancers" was called u
before Captain Mccormick for some sligh