The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-02
BOOSTERS AT TAMPA.
Studebaker's Men Did Not Get Away
When They Expected.

Correspondence of the Journal
PORT TAMPA CITY, Fla, Camp of the
One-hundred and ffty-seventh Indiana, u.
s. V. June 29.-The transports the docks
in Tampa bay are being loaded as rapidly
as possible. 1t is reported that most of the
boats are in bad condition. and forces of
men are working day and night to get them
in shape. 1t is said that it will be several
days before the One-hundred- -fifty-sev
enth Indiana Regiment will go aboard. Sew
erai of the transports are ready to leave.
The Northumberland -fifty-seventh Regi-
ment was to have embarked to-day. but the
unserviceabe condition of the transports
would not permit it. The latter part of the
week will probably witness the embarka-
ton of the remaining three regiments of
General Halls brigade The forty-five days
rations are at the docks being placed OH the
transports assigned to this regiment.
New recruits are arriving daily and are
being equipped as soon as possible. The men
all seem to realize the seriousness of the
situation and that their departing with this
expedition means business. There are no
signs of weakening, however. On the con-
trary, they only too glad their services
will at last be called on
A terrific storm visited this district last
evening about o'clock. The rain literally
poured down without interruption for over
an hour. Loud detonations of thunder were
very frequent and many of the new recruits
were told that it was the echo of the dyna-
mite guns on the cruiser VeSuvius sending
tons of nitroglycern into Santiago. OF
course they believed the story Vivid streaks
of lightning illuminated the sky and the sol
der boys could be seen hurredly getting out
of their tents, which were being flooded by
the rain. Some climbed trees and others
dug trenches and bitches as an outlet for
the water. Henry Schran of Company b,
Fort Wayne, hailed tugboat during the
excitement Nearly all the company streets
were under water and especially that of
Company III. Angola, Ind, which was in
undated foot. All the blankets were thor
oughly soaked Capt. n. w. Gilbert hurried
~ made an improvised skiff and managed TO
rescue from drowning some of the members
of his company who could not swim, Quar-
termaster buel King. on Company l., IASo-
nier was flooded out of his quarters. Every
article of his clothing was wet. His tent was
situated on a very low spot.
While the storm was raging Chief Mu-
stefan Oscar We're. of South Bend and MI
sicians Bill" StraGley, OF Fort Wayne;
Jimmie Palmateer of South Bend: Norman
Nisely. OF plymouth; Thomas George or
Rensselaer, gave concert in fronk or the
band headquarters, playing Down on the
Banks of the Wabash; sailing over the
open BAY. Down IN Dixie, Niger New
Die" etc. After the storm dance was
given in the company streets. The boys pa
raded around in all kinds of abbreviated
attire. During the rain they also took show
er baths. Private Ed Longned, First Lieut..
John b. Former and Hospital Steward =.
G.. Shell, of Fort Wayne. gave a dance that
probably eXceled some OF the worlds fair
midway performers. Lieutenant Former ac-
cidently stepped on the head of Lieut.. b. ID.
Glazebrooks alligator during the show.
which caused him to jump about five feet
high thinking the alligator had him by the
toes
An interesting scene was taking place at
the depot during the rain. A number of COM
panies of light artillery were loading about
thirty field pieces on flat cars prepare tory
TO emharkation on the transports. The men
worked during the severest part of the
storm, placing the heavy pieces. weighing
about $500 pounds, on the cars They paid
no attention 10 the rain and proceeded with
their arduous task as though the sun was