The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-25

planned that he had just dreamed that
an exquisite dinner had been set before
him and that the rcgedut might have
waited until be mad enjoyed his repast.
This MORNING the atmosphere was very
pleasant, and when the Gulf Stream was
reached soon after 0 O'Clock the upper
deck was soon crowded with soldiers
who only went below at meal times
FIRE DRILL.
This afternoon the order was given for
a fire drill TO take place at 4 O'Clock.
At the given time the big steamers bell
sounded the fire alarm, and the bugle
corps furnished the chorus. The men at
once repaired 10 the deck by companies
in double rank. and took position behind
the boats while the crew brought out
the fire hose in double time General
Hasbrouck and Colonel Taylor. who has
recovered from his recent sickness, view
cd the manoeuvre from the bridge. and
after a short wait recall was sounded.
much TO the surprise Of the men. who
had expected that they would at least
be instructed in the manner OF lowering
boats.
THIRD DAY.
II had been generally expected that
the Chester would experience O severe
storm while passing down the coast OF
Florida. but everything went of quietly,
although the wind was q little higher
than usual Notwithstanding this. the
number OF sick people continued bat
their number was somewhat less than
the previous night. The one who suffered
the most was Corporal T.. ". Bowlcs
who had not only TO fight against the
effect Of the sea voyage. but had also
mental troubles, being befailen with
ravng for home, where he left sweet
heart anXiOusly awaiting his return.
Corporal r. W Hawkins who had built
himself a nest apart from the rest among
the boxes and other utensils of the
kitchen. was awakened from his s.umbcr
towards morning in a rather unpleasant
manner. when a coffee boiler containing
about three gallons Of cold coffee feu
upon him. drenchlng him TO the skin.
The coffee was Of course. spilled by the
accident. but no other harm was done
Private w. NJ. Leathley. Of Company
NJ. was also somewhat roughly handled
during the night. when hd fell out of
his hammock. lie first thought his nose
was broken. but when after giving Dis
proboscis q cold-water bath, he found out
that IL had not been seriously injured.
LOADED WITH SPANIABDS.
About 10 o'clock this morning a French
steamer hove I'm sight coming IN the
direction from Cuba. 1t appeared 10 re
loaded down with Spanish soldiers who
were homeward bound When both VS.
sells came in speaking distance, they sa-
iuted each other by hosting their ma
tional haes and the band of the Fourth
Regiment. that happened 90 be ON deck
played a piece In honor OF the French
man.
At o'clock this afternoon the Chester
was only f0rty-ave miles from Havana.
and with every subsequent quarter OF an
hour the interest Of those on board be-
came more intense. ana necks were soon
strained 10 SPY the pearl Of The Antilles.
II was shortly after o'clock this evening
when the transport with the Fourth Nir-
einia Regiment on board reached the
outer harbor. and anchors were soon
dropped for the night
Tomorrow morning pilot viii be
taken on board and The Chester viii be
taken 10 point off the Cuban coast
within about half n milo from tho site
OF the proposed camp Of the Viz
ginians and lighters viii then carry
The men and camp equippage 20 the
shore. which work viii probably take up
Two or three days. 10 is most likely
however. that by Christmas day the
Fourth Virginia Regiment viii be once
more established in camp.
c. w