The Forrest City times., 1899-03-03
The Second Arkansas Mustered Out,

The Second Arkansas regiment. Il.
.. V. to fight the Spanish merjcan
war to finish, is no more. The indi-
viduals composing it have scattered to
the four winds. Officers, so recently
high IN authority. have come to the
level of private citizenship, and must
walk upon a level with the private SOL
der. Most of the boys have returned
10 thelr homes, where they have been
warmly welcomed by relatives and
friends. They were in the service lust
niue months to a day, having beer mus
tered in May 25, 1898. and mustered
out February %, 1899. There were SIS
men aud forty six commissioned off.
Gers mustered out Of the service, aud
While all were glad to don once more
the garb of private citizens, few regret
their military experience.
Sunday mornings train brought
large contingent of Company II. 1.-THE
Taylor Rifles and the night train a
still larger number. Some have not yet
returned, and few, perhaps, may
never get back
Col. V. \. Cook, speaking to an Ar
kansas Democrat reporter. said
The parting at Annistou SATURDAY
was the most solemn ever witnessed,
and 1t was enough to move a wooden
man to see those strong young men,
who had so long been companions in
arms, bidding each other good bye. l
stood at the depot for two hours shak-
ing hands with them. The best of
feeling prevailed, and 50 far as I am
aware there is no officer or man who
had aught against another. | have
nothing but praise for all my men and
officers. When the Kentucky regiment
was mustered out. they went wild and
committed all sorts of lawless deeds.
but my boys, when appealed to their
manhood, showed the stuff that makes
good soldiers by acting like the gentle
men they are. There was no friction
whatever. but brotherly love and good
behavior characterized all. No regi-
ment ever had more efficient Officers
than the Second Arkansas: not sim
gle one failed to do his whole duty
Every one of the soldiers have no
doubt been benefited by their expe-
rience. Their health has improved
they have broader idea, of the world
and they know what discipline is. and
have profitted by it. Those who would
succeed in life will now enter into the
vacations, professions, ETC., for which
they have inclination and by sobrie-
ty, industry and integrity reach tie
higher rungs upon the ladder which is
crowded at the bottom but sparsely set
tied at the top. Many will be given the
same positions which they had prior to
enlistment. Others will find new
avenues for a livelihood.
Most of them have served the gov
eminent faithfully and we'll They
have won every fight in which they
have engaged. And are entitled to as
much credit as those who were sent to
to the front. 1t was not their fault
that they did not go.
In returning home we can but ex-
press the wish that they may resolve to
become the best of citizens and make
success of life The experience they
have acquired will stand them we'll in
hand IN any calling. There is but one
course open TO them. and that is to re-
sumo the cares of private life with
such determination that no failure can
result. There is work and room for all
who have the will
TIC TIMES welcomes the boys home
1t has been weekly visitor to the camp
of Company H during their enlistment.
We have sent them, with our compli-
ments and good wishes, bundle of
copies each week. We are glad to know
that the paper was a welcome visitor
and that its coming was eagerly await
ed. We are proud of Company ii and
of its record. and we wish. them abund-
ant success in all laudable undertak.
ings in their private capacities.