The San Francisco call., 1898-05-08

bands.
 There was not such a large crowd as nad been expected would be present, but this was because the public did not know the regiment would march so early. It had been published that it would leave tne .armory at noon, but Colonel Smith, realizing the immense amount of work to be done in getting his camp up thought it best to get to the Presidio as soon as possible.
 Surgeon Major Mccarthy was at the armory at an early hour to examine the last or the late men to. get in. He de- tailed Captain Rethers as the surgeon of completed the work of examining all the men of the different commands that are to be mustered into the Government serv-
 The line of march of the regiment was up Van Ness avenue to Lombard street, and thence to the Presidio. Colonel Smith, his staff and the men who are to light for Uncle Sam received an ovation all along the route, and especially cheered Captain Filmer, and to whom belongs the honor of carrying the regimental colors. At McAllister street the four companies, c, F, G and K, from the Ellis street ar battalion and brought up the rear. The first battalion headed the regiment and' the second was in the middle. -
 It was exactly twenty minutes to 12 o'clock when Company M passed through the Lomb bard-street entrance of the Pre- sidio and stepped upon the Government reservation as the sworn and trusted soldiers of Uncle Sam The companies filed to the right as they entered and marched down toward the bay, prepara- tory to being assigned to their camp. Lieutenant J. M. Neall, T.. s. A., received Colonel Smith and gave orders as to where he was to make his camp. He was also of great assistance to the officers of the regiment in getting their companies properly assigned.
 designated, which is just to the left of the Lombard-street entrance. the work men were as busy as bees getting their new home together and things in shape. The company streets run north and south with the tents facing to the east, so as to avoid the wind from the bay. Colonel Smiths headquarters were established just across the road from the regiment Presidio on the cars. The Hospital Corps also established it's camp on the same side or the road as that of the colonel. composed of Companies M, A, E and I In the center is the Second Battalion eSmPosed %5fIe 6o6 of tGo Companies par H. and l. talton, composed of Companies K, c, F. and G. Beyond the First Regiment is enic5Iamped the Seventh, and to their left will be the troops from Oregon and Washington.
 It was shortly after l o'clock when the Seventh came marching into the Presidio with the blare of trumpets and the rattle of drums. Just before Colonel Berry's command arrived upon the grounds. 1OlOueI SIll1In OrQeTed the assembly to be sounded and the men ceased work and formed by companies without arms as their comrades passed in review. The companies uncovered as the colors of the Seventh went by, and when the last con- pany of the Seventh was upon the grounds the First gave them three cheers and tiger as a soldiers welcome.
 Captain Darlington yesterday gave out the following letter for publication:
 Vancouver Barracks, Wash, May f. 1898. n Captain F. de L. Darlington, San Francisco, he p71f -rnan and ment of the California volunteers Is completed if more than California's quota desire service for enlistment in that regiment upon it's ar rival in San Francisco. should any vacancies
 H. c. MERRIAM. Brigadier- General.
 The work of pitching the tents occu- pied some time, and this with the general formation of the camp consumed the best part Of the afternoon and evening. Colonel smith was everywhere, giving his person. al attention to the many matters that called for 1t, and his ability as an officer Of organization was never better illus trated than it was yesterday. The cap- tatns of the different companies were busy looking after the comfort of their tions and blankets from the quartermas- ter. The officers of the PreSidio called 1 upon Colonel Smith at different times during the daT and extended to him and | his command many courtesies.
 It will be at least a day before every thing is running in perfect working order. 1 Lieutenant AlcGuTren or Company D was | the officer of the guard yesterday. The detail consisted of thirty-two men, four and a sergeant. Colonel Smith | issued an order dividing the beats of the i into twelve posts. After the | officers mess at supper all of the officers | were summoned to headquarters, where | Colonel smith held a conference with | them relative to the routine matters of | the camp and it's military conduct.
 At Il o'clock taps were blown, and save | for the sentinel's challenge of the hour as NITni 1G 1icr1Nf air, nothing disturbed the silence that | rested like a calm of peace over the l sleeping soldiers who were doing their first duty for their Government.
 Captain-Surgeon Rethers and his able | corps had several slight wounds to dress | Private Hopkins, Company F, | pany G. received cut upon the jaw; | Private Harrison, Company 1, had his | right thumb cut, and Corporal Trasch- ner Company E, had an epileptic fit and stretcher. He shortly recovered. He will be honorably discharged from
 Colonel smiths first mail in camp brought him the following two communi- tions:
 Colonel James F. Smith, First Infantry Cali ornia Volunteers, San Francisco-My Dear 1oloneI I congratulate you and your com ce on this Coast and. while I am sorry to ee you go out of the National Guard, still l m glad that you go out uDdeT Sucn ClrCufIl- tances, and have the fullest confidence and aith in your future
 I hope to be able to go with you into active ervice but whether I shall not, the old First Regiment and its officers I shall always watch with the keenest interest and unwaver- ng faith in their performance Of duty.
 If you have opportunity I shall be pleased o have you call at headquarters, and l shall ope to visit you, unoffcially. soon in your amp.
 Aeconpanying this is a communicating from 'olonel Macdonald which speaks for Itself, and which, have doubt, will be highly appre- lated. Yours very truly,
 JOHN H DICKINSON
 Major General, N. c. c.
 SAN FRANCISCO. May T. 1898. Colonel James F. Smith, Commanding First