Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1898-07-27
CHARLESTON. 5. G July 70. lsgs

CHARLESTON. :. G July 10. 1s9s.
EDITOR CENSOR: | thought %. rbans
yon would like to hear from us again,
and to ascertain our prospects for get
ting to tie front They are very good
now, ss on July 4th a rush order"
came to Camp Thomas the Sixteenth
Pennsy lvania, Fifth Illinois and Third
Wisconsin regiments TO strike camp and
move to Ringold, a distance of twely-
miles, and there to board the train and
proceed TO Char'esttn But when the
men were sll lined up preparatory to
moving, call to tie colonel came. on
double quick time, and as every one
supposed it to be orders to move at once
it seemed to strike every man with won.
der and amazem-nt when it vas learned
the orders were to unpack, unload aud
set mp tents again. The next morning
the Fifth Illinois and Third Wisconsin
regiments We're marched to the range
and some very good scores we're made.
On arriving back to quarters at about
half past IL, and when dinner was
almost served, orders came to again
pack up and be ready to move quickly.
In less than an hour wagons were loaded
and the Third Wisconsin marched to
kir gold, where the supplies were loaded,
and we were then in the first section to
leave. / happened to be in charge of
the supplies, and We were hauled along
past Atlanta directly ty Stony noun
tain, which was partly inelosed in q
mist, but before we left it OUT of sight
we could clearly see the whole noun
tain top. 1t is massive rock, entirely
free from vegetation, and is indeed
wonder OF nature. After leaving the
mountain and passing down hills and
romantic valleys that presented 10 the
eye pleasing landscape, we were hauled
up at what is called one of the best
harbors along the Atlantic coast Here
we found quaint old town, with mar
row streets llr ed with ancient buildings
of stone or brick, and appearing dingy
and old fashioned to the observer. OF
course there are no modern structures
here, and the streets are poorly kept
With population of $4,000, anu one
half or three, quar-. ers negroes, you can
imagine what sort of place it really is
They are entirely outward with. their
immortality, and not leaving out the
Spaniards that are also here, you can
see a variety of dirty faces everywhere
Soon after our arrival we Witnessed q
Spanish boat "a prize schooner, called
the Rita, and captured by SIMPSONS
heet), embark witt two battalions of
the Sixth Illinois, for Santiago. She
was also loaded with other suppliessand
is now on her way back. The City of
Paris, Grand Duchesse and the Mobile
are here in the docks, and all loaded
with hay, oats ard army supplies; road
making machines and other articles.
too numerous 10 mention, are also stored
in the holds of these boats; they are
large transports, and will carry from
1000 to 5000 troops.
Orr men, under the command of Gen
eral Earnst, we're given severe march
on Saturday, and the result was that
mpay fell with sunstroke and some are
ye-y bad yet. The officers thought it
very absurd thing to take the men
out in no necessary task like that; but
when we were ordered, yesterday, to
make ano'he march, wonder and aston
ishment was depicted upon their coun-
tenances. Every man prepared to go,
however, who was able; but with the
loads on their backs and the suns hot
rays upon their heads they we're soon
pretty well used up, and many fell
down as soon as quarters were reached.
On asking General Ernst in regard to
such move, he replied that, although
he may not be able to go to the front
with his command, he would take them
home soldiers and not babies" SO moth
ing more was said.
Well, we may move tomorrow, and it
is almost certain we will go 70 Porto
Rico direct, stopping at Santiago with
supplies. I may be able to write you
from Porto Rico; will try, at least. 1
might give you further details of the
camp, if I had time, but must close at
once. BERT SMITH,
Company a." Third Wis, Vols.