The San Francisco call., 1898-06-30
REDDING'S FAREWELL
 TO HER SOLDIER BOYS
Three Days of Merry Making Before the Sad Hour of Their
 Departure

REDDlNG, June 29.-COmpany H or the Second Regiment of United States Volunteers left here for Oakland in two special cars attached to the overland train, which pulled out at o'clock this evening amid the firing of guns and cheering of one of the largest crowds ever gathered in Bedding.
 For three days prior to their depart ure the soldier boys had been enjoying a continual holiday. A production of a naval drama, entitled "The Maine" was given at the armory on Monday and Tuesday evenings in their honor, and the festivities concluded with a military hop free to all. To-day the business houses of the city closed and the day was given over to exercises in honor of the volunteers. A large crowd assembled at the armory. Prominent speakers talked on appropriate sub jects, music and singing were indulged in and good-bys were said. It was a day that will long be remembered by the departing soldiers, as well as by their friends and relatives left behind. The town was decorated with flags and bunting.
 Company H left with its full quota of one hundred and six men and ten sub- stitutes. The commissioned officers are: Captain, William E. Smith; first lieutenant, James G. Estep, and second lieutenant, E. s. Reynolds. The boys are in need of some additional equip ments, but are well supplied with the comforts of life, the work of the local Soldiers Aid Society. They are anx- ious to be off for the Philippines and will give a good account of themselves.
 VISALIA, June 29.-This city has sent another lot of young men to San Francisco as recruits for the army. Lieutenant Frank W. Mixter of Com pany E, First Battalion California Volunteers, with several assistants, has been here several days mastering in recruits, and has been very success full. Forty-three applicants were ex amined yesterday, and all but eight passed. Thirty-one of these went to San Francisco last night, and seven more will go tonight. Some of them vii enter the Merced company, as not enough recruits could be found there to fill that company. The war spirit is still strong in this vicinity.
 PETALUMA, June 29.-The City Trustees to-day voted Company c, Eighth California Volunteers, $250 for necessary equipments. The company, 106 strong, will leave for Camp Bar rett tomorrow. The city Is profusely decorated. Business will be suspended and the boys will be given grand ovation. There will be a parade to the depot and the volunteers will be laden with flowers. The Red Cross Society is busily engaged in putting up hun dreds of lunches for the company, and the armory presents busy scene to- night.
 The boys are delighted with the se lection of District Attorney Barnes to be their captain. There are fifty-eight men in the company who are over feet Il inches tall Captain Macky will take the company down, assisted by Lieu tenants Cassidy and Emerson.
 GRASS VALLEY, June 25-The most memorable event in the history of Ne yada County was the departure of Company I tonight to join the Eighth Regiment at Oakland The city was maginficently decorated and never be- fore was so much enthusiasm mani fested. Between six and seven thou sand people assembled to give the boys a send-off. Two bands volunteered their services and the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, Native Sons and other organizations were in a parade which formed at the Columbus school house and proceeded to the Holbrooke Hotel. on Main stret. There the com pany was presented with handsome silk flag. The presentation was made by w. A. Sleep, Captain F. T. Riley re- ceiving the colors with a brief speech. The soldiers then marched to the depot and at 11:30 started for Oakland. Con- pany I includes some of the best young men in this city, and has repre- sentatives from Truckee, Auburn and other neighboring towns.