The times., 1898-06-29
A TASTE OF SKIRMISHING
Some Fighting which Almost Ter
inmates i'm Actual Hostilities-Sec-
ond Brigade Certain TO Go 10 SAN
fInEo-The National Relief Assoc
ciation-The midway of the
Camp Is I'm Mourning.

Private Edward Dearth, Of Company
y, Sixth Illinois. was drowned while the
troops were bathing in the Potomac
Dearth was a good swimmer and his COM
rades had no thought OF danger until
he suddenly threw up his hands when in
the middle Of the river and called for
aid. Corporal Ebert SWAN out and
cauphr him. but while returning TO shore
the swift current separated the two and
Dearth sank like a stone. The body has
not yet been recovered, as the river is
very deep al this point
During the sham fight on the return trip
yesterday morning, the Eighth Ohio and
Sixth Massachusetts got into very close
quarters, and some member of the former
regiment discharged a rife in the face
of Private Reed, of Company B. Sixth
Massachusetts. one side of his face was
badly shattered and the sight Of one eye
was destroyed. The soldier was carried
in to the division hospital in an ambu-
lance.
A private in Company /, Sixth Massa-
chusetts, has his face badly cut by a
bayonet. and another member of that
regiment received a smack from saber,
which, although it did not draw blood.
bruised his back badly.
This sham battle was the nearest APP
proach TO real warfare yet experienced by
any of the troops The Sixth Massachu-
sets undertook 10 hold the camp against
the Eighth Ohio and Sixth Illinois.
The Massachusetts boys were driven
from their position after 4 long, hard
Tight bat only retreated TO the railroad
embankment, which they used as
breastwork and checked the advance.
The enemy was driven to a point where
their forces were divided. and after some
pretty maneuvers they managed to flank
the Massachusetts troops, who took ref
uge in a farmhouse, which they held for
an hour.
The fight was pretty one and nearly
resulted in earnest when the Sixth Massa-
chusetts reserve came to the aid OF their
comrades The Third Missouri was
thrown across the road and completely
blocked the passage OF any re-enforce-
ments. The Massachusetts boys fired seV-
eral voneys. and finally decided that as
they were already fighting the Ohio and
Illinois regiments, the Missouri troops
were rubbing it in, 50 they charged the
blockade with fixed bayonets and but for
the rapid retreat Of the Missouri boys
some one would have had taste of real
fighting.
Many prisoners were captured on both
sides and several Of these escaped, after
running the gantlet OF a whole picket
line.
A funny incident which occurred during
the fight Is told on the Eighth Ohio. After
driving the enemy from their position. a
black berry patch, the troops forgot ev-
erything else when they saw the berries
and commenced to pick and eat them, fir
ing d silot between each few mouthfuls.
ComT<Sy @, OF the Sixth Massa chu-
setts, got a touch Of real war during the
march, They were placed on picket duty
at the camp as soon as they arrived and
they had 10 remain on duty until camp
was broken. Many of them came pretty
near falling asleep while firing their ri
des during the fight, and they did not
wait for dinner when they arrived IN
camp.
Sunburnt backs and sore feet are the
order &c the day. but If the Second Brig
ade fights as well in Cuba as it did yes
terday il viii become famous.
One Of the outDosts heard strange
noises in the woods last night, and. think
ing IL must be the cavalry. gave the
alarm. Skirmishers at once proceeded TO
The spot from which the noise came and
found an old farmer washing his feet in
a tin pan beside a stream
Rain was the only thing of Importance
at camp yesterday. II not only came in
generous quantities, but it lasted until
the boys began 10 wonder If il ever would
stop. The company streets resembIed
small rivers, while the big parade grounds
gave the boys the blues" so dreary and
desoiate was everything.
Preparations are being made to receive
the three troops Of Pennsylvania cavalry
from Mount Gretna camp A site for
the camp has been cleared and the Third
Brigade will give the troopers a big ova-
tion when they arrive.
The Second Brigade Is making prepara
lions TO move as il is now certain that
they Will head for Santiago as soon as the
Yale and Harvard return TO Newport
Ne-s.
The National Relief Association has
nearly completed a building for its sup
plies. The place is close to First Division
headquarters and the association will at
tend 70 the wants of the soldiers Repre-
sentatives viii stay al the camp for this
purpose.
The big natatorium is now nearly COM
pleted and the boys viii soon be able to
enjoy a swim. The work on the place
was delayed owing to a rumor that the
camp was to be moved.
Private Garrett of Company L. Sixth
Illinois has been sent TO Fort Myer hos
pital suffering from acute mania
Private Blankster. Of Company c. Sixth
Illinois has been discharged owing 10
physical disability.
Gen. Goblin has completed his staff by
appointing the following:
Private Thomas. Company A. Thir-
teenth Pennsylvania, as brigade orderly,
Corporal J. Heeman and Privates ]. C.
Watson. c Leassurer and D. NJ Gilger.
of the Eighth Pennsylvania.
The paymasters Of the Second Army
Corps are 10 be supplied with automatic
cash registers. These are already in use
IN the regular army and will be supplied
wherever there are United States troops
Private Allison. Of Company l. Eighth
Pennsylvania, was examined by the ad-
Visory board OF the First Division hospi-
tai under instructions from Secretary AL
ger yesterday to sustain a complaint of
physical disability and youthfulness
made by the boys parents who wish to
obtain his discharge. He is only sixteen
years Of age and Will be sent home
Gen Nicholas Sim, formerly surgeon
general Of the Illinois State troops. but
now stationed at Tampa, visited the First
Division hospital yesterday. He also lee
tured before the corps of surgeon at the
Second Division hospital.
Camp Algers midway mourns The Sc
renity of its life has been rudely dis
turbeo and the balm Of security has been
NotA Aoih az AcetA- NO longer Will Its
touch of Midas respond without retalia-
ticn from the clay used for the gold
making, and there is wailing and gnash-
ing of feet along the banks of Camp
Alger's dusty Wabash.
The Remember the Maine" cigars lie
prostrated beside the Dewey" pop, while
the Manila" berries shed tears with the
Santiago" milkshake Even the power
ful Sampson" photos have been moved
TO emotion and the quarantined lemonade
and aGnlt.-lch In, h.oi,