The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-30
27TH INDIANA BATTERY.
Two Men who Did Some Rough Rid.
ing to Get Out of Line of Fire.

Two Men who Did Some Rough Rid
ing to Get Out of Line of Fire.
Correspondence of the Journal.
CHICKAMAUGA PARK, Ca, Camp of
the Twenty-seventh Indiana Battery. June
2S.-The target practice for the regiments
which have been ordered to prepare for
moving to the front, is taking place just
west of the artillery brigade quarters, and
as a whole regiment is supposed to be prac-
ticing at one time it sounds as though a
sham battle was in progress Yesterday
when the firing was commenced 1t was re-
ported that Grigsby's Rough Riders were
having a mimic battle, and as Grigsbys
men have the reputation throughout the en-
tire camp of being ideal rough riders, Lieu
tenant Gallon and Sergeant "Swede'' Heis-
kill took their horses and went over to see
the fight. thinking they were using blank
cartridges. They rode over the hill expect
ing to see the Rough Riders in line of bat
tie. but found they were directly in line of
fire from a whole regiment Of infantry at
rifle practice, and their retreat from the vi
entity was eual to any rough riding that has
ever been witnessed in Camp Thomas. This
target practice is to acquaint the men thor
cughly with the regulation firing and sight
ing drills with ball cartridges Every COM
pany of the regiment engaged in practice
Is divided into squads and shoot under the
direct supervision of an expert marksman.
A general order was issued last night by
General Willeston that no battery drill
should take place without the captain in
command, and each officer and noncommis-
stoned officer in their respective positions.
This order however does not affect the
Twenty-seventh Battery, as their drills
have always been in charge of Captain Cur
tbs and the other battery officers. but is
directed towards those officers of other bat
teries who apparently thought they were or
dered here TO spend their summer vacation
and allow their subordinate officers to do
the work instead of being sent to prepare
themselves and men for active warfare.
Roy Clark, the champion wrestler of the
artillery brigade, has quite class of the
men of the Twenty-seventh Indiana teach
ing them the intricacies of wrestling. The
battery is quite fortunate in having Clark
with them. as each member of the battery,
according to artillery tactics, is required to
be able to wrestle, not only on the mat, but
on horseback. AS the Indianapolis Light
Artillery always had its share of good aCh-
letes the battery boys are sure to excel in
wrestling as well as in other sports.
The First Kentucky Regiment of Infantry,
although having been in camp but few
days, received orders to get thoroughly
euipped and be prepared to move inside of
a week to Porto Rico. The fact that so
many of the infantry regiments are receiv
ing orders to move makes II seem quite
sent to the front, and the men are all anX-
iously awaiting that order.
The twenty-five United States paymasterS
arrived in Camp Thomas this morning and
hare preparing TO pay off the $1,000 men en-
camped here. 1t is estimated that 1t will
take $2.25O,0oO to pay all officers and men in
Camp Thomas and ii will be at least three
weeks before all can be paid. Lieutenant
Garrard assisted by Privates Gates and
Thomas, are busily engaged this morning in
making out the battery pay roll.
The drill to-day consisted of the old men
with the horses in road drill, under COM
mand of Lieutenant Johnson, and the can
noneers under Captain Curtis in foot move
ments. The recruits had their first drill
around the pieces under Lieutenant Gallon.
AS soon as the new men become more eff
cent in the different drills. they can be as
signed to the sections. after which ell drills
viii be in section, platoon or battery forma-
ton
Among the hospital stewards that were
sent from Fort Sheridan to Chickamauga
lis. The men of Battery A were all we'll
pleased to see their old Camp Mount COM
rade. DR. Woodburn is looking well and
hearty. and although he is kept very busy
he always has a moment to spare to talk
with the boys of the battery. Both of the
doctors are located at the general hospital
OF the First Division.
The quartet of the Indianapolis Light Ar
tillery has acquired such reputation that
even the captain Of the st. Louis Battery
took the boys with him in a forage wagon
last night over to the Second Missouri In
were handsomely entertained and returned
with glowing accounts of the hospitality
shown them by the Missourians.
Driver Griffith is slightly indisposed by
having 81 bruised arm, received by one or
his horses pushing him against a tree