Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1898-06-02
A Letter From Camp Mckinley.
Mo- 1

Company X. Bird Regiment, Camp Mckinley.
Des MoineS, Iowa, May "a, 1898.
The 3rd Regiment is located in horse barns
just south of the amphitheater on the state fair
grounds. Company X. was barracked in the
east side of barn No. 1. The writer and four
others were bunked in stall No. 4. Our bunk
had straw in it about ten inches deep. On this
we spread one blanket at night then lay down,
covered with other blankets and coats when
necessary. During the day between drills we
rested here. During my first week here the
weather was awfully cold on us and damp. 1t
was hard on the boys. We had no fire. At last
we were obliged to make fire i'm the trench in
the barn. The fire warmed the barn some. It
warmed us on one side and the smoke smoked
us all round well enough to keep. 1t caused red
eyes and made our clothes smell like smoke
On last Sunday our company was moved into
the south wing of the exposition building up on
the hill into elegant quarters. Our rooms are
papered and floored. Some of us now have bed
springs to sleep on. Our mess tent, where we
eat is on the outside and just east of the en-
trance of the exposition building. At first we
had no tables and sat down on the grass to eat
We now have temporary tables and benches to
sit on.
~
cup and knife and fork Our cook is negro
and he does his work we'll. On last Friday for
breakfast we ate hash. bread and molasscs and
drank coffee. For dinner we had potatoes
broth, ham, onions, bread and coffee; and for
supper we had potatoes, ham, gravey, onions,
bread and coffee. On Saturday our breakfast
was composed of beef, potatoes, onions, bread
and coffee. Dinner pork beans, bread and
xIA,, fD.. L.. 20
bread, onions and coffee. Beans and fat pork
at ether times has been the most frequent
dishes. We have no butter or ncknacks except
when some friends bring them. We eat our
meals heartily and relish the food. We eat now
what we could not eat before coming here. Here
is the place to get an appetite.
The boys are jolly; many of them box and
most of them swear like troopers. l never be-
fore heard so much swearing. Most Of them
play cards and few get drunk If the chance
presents itself. They play jokes on each other
and enjoy them even If they are severe. At
times they kangaroo each other One kangaroo
court was held. Woe to the one who is tried.
1t is a strange sight to see crowd around a
lamp singing religious songs and having prayers
while others only a few feet away are playing
cards, while still others are swearing. Each
move on regardless of the others. 1t Is comical
to lie awake at night and hear the boys talk out
loud in their sleep. They are great dreamers.
heard one say squad, squad, another, 'They
can't get me, I'll let them know it right away"
They dream of home, of friends, of going to
Cuba and the PHILIPPINE islands.
At 5:45 a. m. the bugle sounds for us to get
up, 90 o'clock 1t sounds again and tile cannon
is fired. We now hear the call Company X
fall in for roll CALL" II any are late in falling
in line, the last three stand a good chance Of
helping the cook get the meals for that day and
do other duties. At $50 we hear Fall In for
breakfast" At 800 o'clock is guard mount
This is a most beautiful ceremony. The 3rd
Regiment band 1.-THE only one in the camp, for
the others disbanded,l discourses music most
beautifully while the officers "Inspect arms"
The band then parades after which the guards
pass In review. After this comes the contest
for orderly which Is most exciting for the sold
iers. Dress parade Is at 6:15 p. m. Atop. m,
we must be in our quarters and at 10 o'clock
the lights go out. There is regiment or brigade
drill at 2:30 p IN.
The fact that the writer enlisted as private
and did not ask for any Office has won for him
the esteem and confidence Of all the soldiers.
My field OF labor is the largest l have ever
entered. Parents have said to me, ~ have
son In Company X and want you to look after
him." Young christian men have told me, at
is great temptation to live christian life
here, 1 am so glad you are here to help me-"
All the boys are my friends. God bless them
and save them before they fall. Sincerely,
Tuesday morning, May 81, 1898.
DEAR EDITOR:
On yesterday at Has, on Memorial Day,