Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1898-07-14
LETTER FROM CAMP CUBA LIBRE.

Some Interesting Details of Soldier Lif
with the Augusta County Boys, etc.
The following interesting private lette
descriptive of camp life at Jacksonville, i
from Mr.. l. e. Morton, volunteer in Go
K (West Augusta Guard) and a son of Capt
T. q. Morton of this city.
In CAMP AT JACKSONVILLE, FLA,
July Sth, 1898.
do not feel very much like writing O
doing anything but sleeping as 1 have jus
come in off of "a hours guard duty, which
consists of two hours on and four off. Blu
as you all seem hungry for camp news
will have to try and write now, as Satur
day with soldier boys is very much lik,
Monday with housekeepers. We are bus'
all day getting things clean and in shap'
for the following week.
Last night was the first time in my lif,
that have ever slept on the ground ani
with blanket around me to keep me dry
from the dew. When the the corporal Of
the guard aroused me at little before mid
night to go back on my post, was surpris
ed to lind how wet my blanket was. Al
first thought we had had hard rain while
l was asleep. But it was only a heavy
dew, and l do not feel any the worse fol
having slept in it.
Sergeant JOS M. Lushbaugh, who was
granted furlough to go home and get
married, and Corporal Hugh SprOuI, who
was detailed to recruit the company. re-
turned to camp yesterday and were heartily
welcomed by the boys. Both of them are
very popular in the company.
Charlie Cooke, son of Mr.. g. l.. Cooke of
Staunton, has just arrived from Richmond,
and will become member Of Co. K.
Our company once more has its quota of
men, the result of Corporal Sprouts work
during his absence from camp.
Our camp is located just outside the city
limits. The street car line running right
through the centre Of it, making it very
convenient for the soldiers, as we'll as the
citizens who care to visit the camp. fhe
grounds which were covered with pine
shrnbbery have been cleared, making a
good camp as we'll as parade ground. The
water supply is good, having dozens of
hydrants all over the grounds. Each COM
pany has its own private bath rooms for its
officers and men. This in itself is a great
luxury. A bath is very enjoyable just after
coming in from drill. Each room is pro-
Vlded with shower, and the water is 60
warm that it never makes one cold no mat.
ter how long he stays under it. 1t is differ
ent from all other water l ever cav in this
respect, you can let it run on you for hours
at time, and never SILVER once. 1t is arte-
sian and sulphur, consequently it never
gets cold.
The kind people of Stsunton have no idea
what great comfort and luxury they have
given the boys by increasing our ice fund
don't believe we could do without it at
all. The water is so warm without ice 1t
is unfit to drink. The city people do not
think of using it otherwise.
Our company is probably the best cared
for in the regiment. We certainly have
very popular, kind and considerate officers.
Our new lieutenant, Carter Braxton, has
become very popular with the men. You,
as we'll as good many other citizens of
otaunton, will remember that some weeks
ago the report gained circulation that Capt.
Ker was very unkind and inconsiderate of
his men, that he was overbearing. l did
not believe the report when l heard it. Now
that have had a chance to observe for N.Y.
self, most emphgtically deny such report.
There is no truth in whatever. From nv
own observation and what the boys have
told me am compelled to say it is just the
opposite. He shows the boys every consid-
grafton in his power.
must not forget our faithful Quarter
master, Dennis Brown. The other bows
nave not forgotten him either. He looks
after us we'll, and always gives US good
fare. Sometimes his meals are extra good.
1t is said of us that we are the best fed COM
pany in the regiment, and believe it too.
We certainly get our meals more promptly.
Gen. Lee intended celebrating the 4th of
July here by having grand parade of all
his forces, but it rained throughout the
morning and up to within an hour of the
time OF the formation of the procession, so
he gave orders for its postponement until
the evening OF the 9TH. just after the pro-
cession formed the rain commenced to pour
down in torrents. A tremendous thunder
storm had come up, but it was too late to
back out then. SO Gen Lee at the head of
his column, accompanied by his staff.
marched through the beautifully decorated
streets of Jacksonville, the crowds of ladies
and gentlemen cheering as they passed.
The procession was hour passing given
point, consisting of 10000 troops. Our Vir-
ginia boys made good showing, if some of
them did have to walk in water up to their
ankles.
Our boys were very enthusiastic on the
4th over the victory OF Shafter and Samp-
son. We are getting uneasy now for fear
we will not have chance to get to Cuba.
We have no idea when we will be called on
to face the Spaniards, and may stay here
all summer.
Sergeant Gilmer Weston was taken to the
hospital yesterday with mild case of
we think and hope he will soon be
out again.
There are two large Y. NJ. G. A. tents in
the camp, and the boys seem to thoroughly
appreciate them too. They are crowded all
day long. Some are busy writing letters
and some playing games. think 1 can
safely say that from 1900 to 14OO letters are
written daily in these tents. The secreta.
ries are always on hand, to accommodate
the boys, and let them have books to take
to their tents if they wish. For these privi-
leges we pay nothing. Nightly meetings
are also held.
People who do not live in Florida and
have never been here, are under the i'm
preston that this is an unbearable climate
in summer. But such is not the case. 1t is
more pleasant here now than it is in Staun-
ton. The sun is very hot. but the strong
breezes destroys its effect, and strange as il
may seem these breezes never carry hot
suffocating air with them, like they do up
in our part of the country on hot summer
day. was on guard mount yesterday from
u to 2 o'clock, and the perspiration did not
break on my brow. So 1 would suggest to
II.