The evening times., 1899-06-08
THE DISTRICT GUARD
MOVES ON LBESBURG
An Early Morning Expedition
Into Virginia.
First Brigade Takes Possession of
Its Summer Camp.
Successful Military Maneuvres Made
Without a Casualty-Battalfon
to ScOur the Country.

Early this morning the First Brigade
d. c. n. G., under the command of General
| Harries, began it's march on &
point two miles east Of Leesburg, Va. The
movement was commenced quietly, and the
| natives OF the country on which the cp-
erations were directed were for the most
part unaware of the presence OF the troops
| until tents had been pitched and the region
completely subjugated to military au-
thority. The residents Of the country
seemed to take matters philosophically
| and SO far have been very kindly in iheiI
demonstrations toward the soldiers. Gen.
| eral Harries does not expect to experience
much difficulty in carrying out his idea OF
military discipline, and II is thought that
tie amicable relations between the SOL
diers and the residents of the captured
country will continue to exist throughout
the period of occupation.
The move was one OF the most success
full military maneUvres ever made by the
command, and every detail of the arrange
ments for going into camp, which had
been perfected for some time, was carried
| out to the letter. The advance guard OF
iEe DTlSaCe H4Cftu quietly iIOiu It's uudE
tiers at the Centre Market Armory short
ly after reveille this morning, and took
possession of two long trains at the Penn
sylvania freight yards. corner of Ninth and
Maryland Avenue southwest. without the
loss of a single man. guard was es-
tablished around the property thus 'aken,
and in short time the reserve and rear
guard came up The railroad officials did
not make any hostile demonstration.
General Harries had personal command
of all the preliminary operations and after
taking possession Of the trains he con-
ferred with the members of his staff as
10 the best manner in which TO accom-
pIish the desired results. In this confer
ence the general received a verbal report
from the members of a recoDnoitring par
ty which had been sent cut some days ago
TO make all the preparations for the move
ment and take observations of the coun-
try. The nature of the country about the
yards made il difficult for the teamsters to
bring the wagon train up on time and
some little delay in the departure of the
command was caused By waiting for the
supply wagons.
The men were fully equipped for the
field and had their tents strapped around
their shoulders, but the general prudently
declined to move until the supplies should
arrive II was not expected that the coun-
try will be very productive at this time
of the year.
The first section of the train bearing the
troops left at S:j3 o'clock and the second
followed in few moments. When the
trains arrived at a point near Leesburg.
an advance guard was thrown out and
every precaution taken. The country is
comparatively level, however. and the
march 10 the place where the headquarters
of the brigade is to be was made without
much difficulty. The advance guard ar
rived on the ground shortly before II
O'Clock and took immediate possession. A
few boys were seen running in a southerly
direction and scouting party was imms
diately sent in pursuit in order that the
woods and fields might be entirely cleared
of the enemys sharpshooters and pie vend-
ers. The officer in command Of the party
soon came back and reported that no hos
tile demonstration had been made. He al
so reported the finding of a clear spring
of cool water. General Harries ordere
the officer to take immediate possession of
it and the order was executed with prompt
ness. As soon as il became evident that
the enemy had fled at the approach of the
troops the work of raising the tents was
commenced. In short time the bare field
was dotted with pure white canvas and
the men were busying themselves prepar-
ing for their MONDAY repast.
II is not expected that operations will
be commenced today. but tomorrow
thorough search of the surrounding coun-
try will be made. Orders were issued 10
the Fifth. Sixth, and First Separate Bat
talions 10 move at > O'Clock tomorrow
morning. They will scour the country in
the vicinity of the camp and bring in any
loiteTer who may not be able to give a
good account of himself. II is expected
that 4 great deal of information will be
gained in this manner that will be of use
in future operations. This party is ex-
pected TO return 10 camp early Saturday
morning. and the commanding officer will
report TO General Harries as soon as pos
sihle after his arrival. Three battalions
will be sent out each morning.
General Harries' command numbers
about 500 men. while the enemys strength
is not known, but it is some-here in the
neighborhood of 100000 This large force
is poorly armed however. and is distrih,
uted over 2,000 square miles of territory.
Thus far the troops have been highly
successful in their operations and no cas-
ualties are reported The brigade is pre-
pared for every emergency. however and
the Hospital Corps was established early
on the campground. The camp is very
advantageously located. The artillery has
been placed in commanding positions.
the camp. and the guard details have been
carefully arranged. 1t is expected that the
Guard Will be about ten days in camp. and
will then return to its headquarters IN this
city.