The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1898-07-08
Letter From the Fifth Mississippi v.
s. Volunteers.

The folio wing interesting letter was
received by Mrs. II. W. Converse, OF
Moss Point, from her soldier boy, Mr..
Henry Converse, now in camp al Col
uWbus:
CAMP wALrHAL. I
Columbus. Miss, June q, 1898, )
My Dear Mother After a most
tiresome and very dusty ride we ar
rived in camp late Friday evening,
and were assigned To quarters. This
is IL very beautiful place, and the camp
ground Is esl ecially adapted for the
purpose which it serves. 1t Is situat-
ed GU the north side Ut a bend, which
gives US a fine view OF the river in
both directions. The bathing privi-
leges are unlimited, and from the
shouts Of laughter and splashing OF
water the boys are showing their APP
probation by taking every advantage
of said privilege on every occasion.
The water at night Is made very
beautiful by the phosphoresent lights
from the immense numbers of mullet
gambOling and %springing from the
water.
A general good feeling prevails here
throughout the camp. Col. Sargent Is
a thorough gentleman and a soldier
clear through. lie has already won
us heart aud body to u man. The
camp is a perfect city OF white tents,
so arranged that we have wide avenues
and cross streets, like a beautifully
laid out suburban town. We are pro-
tected from the sun by the generous
branches Of the numberless large oaks
which are grand in form and symmetry.
So far. two companies have been
mustered in aud they are already
equipped. The equipment CONSISTS Of
one uniform OF very light flannel well
made, n pair Of nice light well made
calf shoes, two suits OF tine Balbrigan
underwear, two pairs OF socks, one
rubber blanket, n wool blanket, one
brown canvass hat and leggins to
match.
Five men are assigned to one tent
which Is supplied with enough nice,
sweet hay to make very comfortable
beds. We fare very well, indeed, con-
trary to the stories afOat in your
neighborhOOd. Breakfast-One pint
of coffee, bread, meat and potatoes.
Dinner-SOup, meat, potatoes, bread,
corn bread, and supper is about the
same as breakfast.
The regiment il filling up fast, and
we all expect to be filled soon now. |
will give you the days programme to
which we are all subjected in the shape
of regulations.
First Call Reveille, a. IN.
Reveille, 6:l0 a. III.
Assembly, 6:l5 IA. m.
Mess Call %(breakfast) $40 a, IN.
Sick Call, I u. IN.
Drill, 1850.
Assembly, s a. nj.
Recall from Drill. Ga m.
First Scrgeant's Call, 1870.
Mess (dinncr) II N.
Drill, 500 p. M.
Assembly, $3.50 p. m.
Recall from Drill, $50 p. m.
First call for retreat ten minutes
before sunset.
Retreat, sunset.
Mess (supper) Immediately.
Call to Quarters, 9:45 p. M.
Taps, lights out and to bed, 10 p. M.
Now, If there is a possible chance to
object to any Of our camp regulations,
| would like to find it. A mar who
could object had better remain at
home. l consider two hours drill a
day very light work. There is no
sickness in camp at present. We are
all well and happy and very impatient
to be sent tn the FRONT At ONCE.
! am very well and will tell you
more OF camp life next time. l had
the honor OF being appointed sergeant
Of Company a, this morning. AS il
is your birthday we will remember it
with double pleasure this time.
Your loving son,
HENRY CONVERSE.