The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-13
AT CARLTOy'S GRAVE
GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF A RE
CENT BURIAL SERVICE
AT MANILA
DRUM MAJOR FOSTER WRITES
His Story of the Sergeant's Death
and Burial Contains Some Graph
&c Details of Which the Friends
of the Thirteenth Minnesota at
Home Have Not Yet Heen In
formed.


Home Have Not Yet Been In
formed.
Charles w. Foster, of the Ryan, yes
terday received an interesting letter
from his brother, Will Foster, drum
major of the Thirteenth regiment, Civ
ing an interesting description of the
military funeral of Sergeant MerWin
Carlton, who was accidentally shot
just before Christmas. The letter is
dated Christmas day:
A merry Christmas and a happy
New Year to father, mother, sisters
and brothers whose heart and mind are
with their soldier boys though far
away. Dear ones at home: Our boxes
arrived safely yesterday and were is
sued us last evening. And such sight
presents from home. How eagerly
tears running down our cheeks. When
1 came to The box of jelly, "A merry
Christmas from mother to her soldier
boy" was more than l could stand.
Big tears started down my cheeks, and
even as l write it is hard to keep-them
back. Now let me thank each and ev
cry one of you for remembering me so
we'll. Everything came very handy
and just What | wanted. The fruit
w
The money for our Christmas din
ners came in due time And talk about
a dinner! Well, l just send you a
menu and YOU can judge for yourself.
And think of old Niger Jim. He went
around town and collected a whole lot
of cigars and sent them to the COM
pany. About ESQ given him by bust
will be there When we come back. We
had pictures Of the company taken
just before eating, and. another while
we We're seated at the table.
Charley sent me package in Ser
Seant Cartons box, of E company,
st. Paul. It has not been delivered to
me yet, but I expect to get 1t any time.
to enjoy his presents.
He died over a week ago, and has
now signed his muster roll in the great
army above. His body lies under the
daisies in Pacco cemetery. Poor boy.
1t seemed as if he was doomed to die.
He was wounded on Aug 10, got we'll
and went back to duty for one week,
when he was taken with fever In fact,
he was sick all the way over. Recov-
cred from the fever, and was on duty
few days When he was accidentally
shot by one of the boys Of Company M.
on guard. He was foOling, with an un-
loaded revolver, as he supposed, and
shot him. He lived twenty -four hours
1t was my first experience at handling
the band at a military funeral. But I
received instruction and took them
through in good shape without hitch.
We marched up to the cemetery play
ing funeral march We ceased play
ing at the gate, and marched in and
took our place at one end of the grave.
AS they were lowering his body I play
ed Nearer. My God, to Thee" Then
the chaplain preached a sermon, and
such sermon it was. There was not
dry eye in the crowd. The firing
squad fired three volleys, and then the
bugler played his last taps" I never
heard anything so beautiful How he
held on to those long, high notes Co
to-sleep," with tears in his eyes, The
bugler took his place at the end of the
grave, facing the setting tropical sun,
and raised the bell Of his horn we'll up.
III the Eighth army corps. We then es-
corted - the company back, playing
quick, lively marches. 1 received
letter from Mrs. Blomer. in Sergeant
Harry HoWard's box. I will answer it.
and write her a letter she can read
to the corps and the Sons of Veterans
Of course We are very anxious to be
mustered out, but soldier never kicks.
You will notice that most of the dis
of men who have never experienced
any hardships or been under any kind
of discipline. You don't hear any COM
plants from the Sons of Veterans for
we know what our fathers have gone
through. OF course time drags here
doing garrison duty, now that the
fighting is over. No, father, I have
never regretted enlisting; I have not
had half the hardships I expected All
T &c, !,
friends. If our Heavenly Father will
only spare our lives a~short time longer
all will be well, and your boy will
come home with an army record that
you will all be proud of. If l had moth
ing to look forward to l believe would
go into some regular army band There
is something about soldering that I
like. I think I could work up. But I
want to get home and leave you never
more. have tried to be a good soldier
always ready and willing for duty. I
have never been under arrest and have
my first time to be called down by an
officer of any kind. On the day of. the
fight l was chosen by Sergeant Bur-
bingham to go with him to the front
After coming to the city I was picked
for orderly for Col. U. S. Jewett at the
Palace, having charge Of the room and
all prisoners going and coming from
trial and to the prison. I held that
place until little over month ago.
when I was made drum major Of the
band. Yesterday I was detailed as or
derby at headquarters of the Thirteenth
Minnesota by the regiment adjutant. I
put in my spare time when not on dutv
with the band. 1 never get nv meals
there. but sleep at the band quarters
with Company 1. But I am most proud
of being drum major of the great Thir-
teenth regiment band. and when you
see me lead them through the streets
Of st. Paul and Minneapolis you viii be
glad that your boy went to war.
Last evening the band was invited to
give concert at the Bil-o-bid prison
for the benefit of the prisoners. The
place was handsomely decorated. The
gave us lunch and soft drinks. We
left here at u o'clock, and at IL o'clock
at night 1 went to church to high mass.
They begin at midnight here and hold
church for twenty-four hours. and
every day until after New Year.
Yes, if 1 possibly can I will bring a
monkey home with me and all the little
things l can pick up. I am afraid to
get a monkey on board the ship, as I
don't think they will allow it.
There are great many American
women coming here, officers wives and
hospital nurses. I was talking with
Minnesota nurse today from Minneap-'
oils. She just arrived 1t seems good
to see an American face.
And now, thanking you once more
for the presents, I will close Nav our
Heavenly Father watch over each and
every one Of US. Give our regiment a
soon and safe return over the briny
deep Is the prayer Of your loving son
and brother, William Foster