The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-08-25
Special to The Tribune.

camp Anger, DuIln lFOTlnS, va, aug.
e4.-The boys are just recovering from
the effects of yesterdays marches and
review. In the morning company and
battalion drills were suspended in the
brigade so that all would have ample
opportunity not only to rest, but also
to look their best. Later on in the
day, the time for preparation was
postponed one hour on account of the
heat which became oppressive about
noon.
The men fell in promptly at half
past three o'clock, and at four the
three regiments were Fastening to-
ward the old camp grounds by way
of the Merrifeld road. The dust was
quite thick and the heat intense. The
men wore the blue uniform and blous-
es, which in no way tended to add to
their comfort. On arriving on the old
spot many expressions of familiar
acquaintance with it were heard The
boys We're glad to see the place which
is already, after a very short absence.
beginning to lose some Of it's more
familiar features. The large drill field,
which was as bare and as hard as
Jackawanna avenue, is beginning to
sprout blades of grass in abundance.
The company and headquarters
streets have undergone no changes and
are as asphaltic in appearance as
when the Thirteenth left for Dunn Lor-
ing. They look as if nothing would
ever again grow there, but the mellow
ing effects of time are beginning to tell
in every other respect, and it is very
doubtful whether, in a year from now,
any Of the boys could pick out their
company streets, or any other particu-
lar Gnnt much will tho fold ha
changed. Still, it will be ever impos-
sble for any member of the Second
Army corps, of this war, to look over
the ground, once known as Camp AL
ger without feeling the liveliest emo
tions, for that city of 900 human be-
ings has had it's lesson for each one
in particular.
The review was a very imposing
sight. The three regiments, known as
the Pennsylvania brigade, We're drawn
UP in line on the open drill field to the
rear of where the Thirteenth and
the Twelfth used to be encamped. Gen
eral Goblin and staff occupied a posi-
tion a little to the southeast of the
clump of cedar trees crowning the knoll
which rises in the centre Of the
ground, and short distance from the
very point from which the president
and cabinet reviewed the troops over
two months 40. There We're a number
of civilians present and also of SOL
diers and officers from the other regi-
ments, who came no doubt, to judge of
the merits of the famous Third bri-
gade. Colonel Hoffman, of the Eighth,
acted as brigadier general and this
gave the Thirteenth the honor of hold
ing the right of the line, Colonel Cour-
hpin ha bo
of the Thirteenth furnished the mu-
sic, and never did better than yester-
day as company after company passed
in perfect lines.
PASSING IN REVIEW.
At o'clock General Goblin, accompa-
MED by the regular army officers, who
are here, and by his staff, and followed
by the corps, division and brigade flags,
swept up and down the lines, examin-
ing and noting every detail as he
passed. This done he took his position
and the troops passed before him in
review. Perhaps no comment is neces-
sary further than the words of the
critical and capable officers of the reg
nlar army who were present, and all
of whom were unstinted in their praise
of the exact lines and the general SOL
dierly bearing of Pennsylvania vol
unteers. They spoke, in hattering
terms of what they had seen, and both
men and officers felt that they had
done well.
The Thirteenth, as usual, disting-
uished itself. Its lines We're all that
could be desired and generous applause
greeted the companies as they passed
along with full swinging steps.
The marches and the review were
accomplished without any serious re-
suits. Several of the men on arriving
on the grounds, and while yet overheat-
ed, drank too freely of the water and
collapsed, but were instantly picked up
and placed in the ambulances. They
were all right again by the time they
got back to camp.
AT no time, since the question of
mastering out several of the volunteer
regiments has been mooted, has specu-
lation reached such an acute, interest
ing stage as it has at present. This
has been simply precipitated by the
following telegraphic message received
last night by Major p. S. Strong.
"To the Commanding General United
States Forces, Dunn 10 lg, Va:
THE secretary of war directs that
out the provisions of the general or
der No. 124, covering the subject of
mastering out of volunteer forces, you
will detail for your command a chief
mastering officer and such number Of
assistants from the regular army Off
GERS present as may be necessary to
accomplish the work required to be
done in each organization prior to
Its departure for state rendezvous.
THE officers detailed should be re-
ported to the adjutant general of the
army with the statement of duty as
signed to each. Full use will be made
of regular officers and staffs, and line
orders will be mailed you today, ad-
vance publications of same having APP
peared in the public press, from which
1t is hoped that you will be able to
anticipate the receipt of formal orders.
The Importance of this work cannot be
too strongly impressed; none but com
petent, energetic officers should be de-
tailed, who, from the beginning of the
work, will keep proper records and
comply with the detailed requirements
of the above order. III. c. Corbin,
"Adiutant General"
1T CREATED COMMOTION.
To say that this order has created
both interesting speculation and COM
motion in camp is putting the matter
very lightly.
So much doubt and uncertainty
have surrounded these questions of
mastering the men out and what regi-