Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-09
THE TRIP FROM PORT TAMPA.
Our Soldiers on the Transport Cele-
brated the Fourth of July.

From Staff Correspondent
On Board L. S. Transport Catania off
Key West, Fla, July 4.-After many de-
lays, the 1st District troops finally got
away frCm Port Tampa at 10 o'clock yes
terday Sunday morning. AT the same
time two other transports got away with
several batteries Of light artillery and an
other loaded with horses.
The District men made their usual record
for prompt movement in breaking camp
and also for fine and veteran-lke appear
ance they marched away from camp to
take train for Port Tampa. Indeed, the
District troops have become so accustomed
TO these deserved compliments that they
are taken now as matter of course
though it has in ncwise turned their heads
or developed that disease by no means I'M
common in the army and known as big
head"
The Catania is a big roomy old tramp
steamer, and, though she can only make
about half the speed of the Comanche, she
has much pleasanter accommodations for
the men. 1t was a novel experience for
many of the men, but they soon got set
tied aboard and went about their new
duties on board ship like veterans.
Sighting Other Ships.
The monotony was broken on several oc-
casions by the appearance of ships on the
horizon and chances of meetings with
Spanish nan-of-war would become the
topic of most eager conversation among the
men. These ships became more and more
frequent We came nearer Key West.
We expect to make Key West sometime
tonight where we hope to hear the news
of the fall of Santiago.
unit in
able weather for the trip. The gulf was
almost like a duck pond, though there was
just breeze enough to kick up a few white
caps while not enough to make any of the
boys seasick.
Sunday was celebrated by Chaplain Dud-
ley holding service on the big afterdeck, at
which 4 number of the men were present
and took an active interest, joining in the
singing with great zest. Indeed few chap
lains are able to command the respect and
at the same time the spirit of comradeship
which the men all seem to feel for Mr..
Dudley.
This being the anniversary Of the Dec
laration of Independence Col. Harries map
ped out very interesting program for the
occasion. He managed to get hold Of copy
of the Declaration in some way, which he
read with much impressiveness. The band
played national airs and In most instances
the men Joined in singing.
Shark fishing is also another favorite
amusement with the men, but as yet there
have been no catches of Importance.
In Heavy Marching Order.
The District troops go to the front in
heavy marching order. taking out with
ttem sixty days rations and fifteen days
travel rations. They only have eleven
horses aboard. these belonging to the Off
GERS. BY the way, it is curious fact that
while the men have been absolutely free
from seasickness, the horses show unmis-
taxable signs of nauseau from that cause.
On all hands hero in gulf ports are to be
seen evidences of the cordial relations
which have sprung UP here OF late between
EnglishInen and Americans. Around Port
Tampa 1 noticed no less than half g dozen
typical sea captains OF the Johnny Bull
nationality. They were al elusive in their
coIdiality toward Americans. Aboat ave