The National tribune., 1898-09-29

drawn. The rain had continued almost
all the time we were encamped at Hamp-
ton. "saturating the clayey soil, which
soon became vast bed oil mortar unocr
the artillery trains.
The distance from Hampton to YORK
town is about % miles, and 1t required all
the determination and energy OF veterans
TO march half that distance in day.
With two days rationS IN their baVeT-
sacks, the men marched until they ar
rived in front of Yorktown, where they
bivouacked on the ground, over which the
water was running like a food
We remained three days In that condi-
ton and il was tho first time ] ever saw
anything like scarcity of food in the army.
1t was scarce indeed for we were only
supplied with two days Tations on start
ing from Hampton. The fifth day had ar
rived, but no provisions had yet appeared,
and it seemed morally Impossible TO eet il
supply train over the road
Mile after mile of corduroy bridge had to
be made before team dare venture to
approach Our horses. too, were as badly
off for forage as the men were tor provisions.
On the fifth day, with several others. re-
cei.ed permission TO 60 out ana BUY what
VIC could at the houses anywhere within
three miles OF our encampment.
After procuring quantity OF biscuit.
pies. and corn bread, We returned to
camp, and were quite surprised to find
ing fresh steak. We thought, of course,
oar provisions had arrived. but found
that it was only little dash they had
Just made upon the 'chlvalry s. cattle,
appropriating them TO their own use with
sort Of earnestneSS which seemed TO
say, firmly believe IN the old proverb,
Aide tot. ct lie ciel 'aidera.
CAMP CHARACTERS.
Oh. what a place the army is for the
St1 of l looked
around upon that mass OF busy men ]
thought ] could discover almost every
trait in the human character depicted
upon their countenanccs. There was the
selfish man, only intent upon serving
himself, and fearing there would not
enough come TO his share TO satisfy his
wants
There was old churlish Nabai away by
himself building fire for his own especial
benefit and which no man dare ap-
proach unto, no not within baking, broil-
ing, or roasting distance. not even to get
coal TO kindle one for himself. But
that class. thank heaven, was I; very
small minority.
There, too, was the cheerful happy
man. who had been several hours en-
gaGed in cutting up and serving out To
others, and had no lot or part in the
broiled steaks which were smoking
around him; yet he looked as good natured
as IL he had dined on roast beef and
"
acter-one who always made il the first
duty, under all circumstances. TO look
after those who were not able TO look after
themselves.
While the little trials of camp life have
q tendency to harden and sour the dispo-
sitions Of some, they seem TO bring TO
light and develop the cheerful. happy.
unselfish spirit Of others.
The dependency Of the few was soon
removed and the patience and cheerful
ness OF the many rewarded by the arrival
OF the provision and baggage trains. We
exchanged our camp for one in a more
pleasant locality, where there was more
wood and not quito SO much water, which
added much 10 the comfort of the troops.
MISERABLE ARTILLERY PRACTICE
The enemy soon found out our position
and did not fail TO inform us Of the fact by
frequently saluting US with an immense
shell, which would burst over our heads or
fall within few rods-oiten within few
feet-of our tents.
We remained in that camp lust one
month, and Notwithstanding the enemy
shelled us night and day | never saw q
man or beast injured by shot or shell in
camp while we remained there.
i presume many of my readers will re-
member seeing or heasing of the old saw
mill which stood near a peach orchard.
and which the soldiers persisted in run
ning 10 the great annoyance of the rebels
iuat Sio saw-mill deserves to be immor-
t-ilzed In song as well as in history. and
II 1t stood in any other than a Christian
land ii would undoubtedly become an
object OF idolatTy.
There it stood, in perfect range of the
enemy's batteries, a target at which they
never seemed tired of firing, while our
brave soldiers risked their lives in saving
lumber for the purpose of laying board
floors in the hospital tents to secure some
degree OF comfort for their poor sick com
rades.
Time after time the mill was set on fire
by the explosion OF shells as they passed
through it, but up would 60 some brave
young hero and stand in the very laws O.
death while his companions would hanc
him bucket after bucket of water {,
quench the flames.
AS soon as the fire was extinguished tho
men resumed their labor. and the old mil
steamed away with all its might as i