Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-03-05
WEARY MARCH.
OUR SOLDIER BOYS IN CUBA TRAMP
ALONG DISTANCE.
THEY WALKED EIGHTY NILES.
IL Was n Dreamy Journey, But lot
without some Amusing. Incidents
Cordially Received Everywhere
Pretty Girls Greet Them.


CAMP COLUMBIA, HABANA, CUBA,
February 2L-(Special.)-The two brigades
OF the Seventh Army Corps. who nave
been on trial marches into the interior,
returned to-day about 1 T.. NJ. The Sc
cond Brigade OF the Second Division was
away exactly seven days and five hours,
and marched during the whole time
eighty miles. The men were on the road
only five days. marching six hours each
day, so that the eighty miles were made
in thirty hours. We passed through ten
towns. ranging in population from 5000
10 10000 each, besides a number Of small
er towns.
We remained in camp at San Antonio
de los Banos from Tuesday afternoon
until Sunday morning. The different bat
talions Of all three regiments explored
the surrounding county to Guira de Mo-
lena. Alqulzar, and La salud.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.
On Thursday evening the citizens Of
San Antonio made an enthusiastic lemon
stration in nonor of the visiting military,
marching in a grand torch-light process
sion, while a reception and bali were ten
dered General Hasbrouck and the other
officers. A gOodly number Of the chival-
rous Virginians tripped the light fantas-
tic with the many charming bellies Of this
gay town. The torch-light differed from
those in which we have INDUCED in the
States in that the Cuban girls, as well
as the men. fell into line, and the cou-
pies who were to take part in the dane
ing marched through the leading streets
Of the town, led by one Of the regimental
bands. to the theatre, where the recep-
ton was held.
Saturday afternoon at 3 O'Clock the
whole brigade gave a review in honor Of
the Alcalde of the town and Colonel Vi
vance. chief Of stan OF the Cuban army.
Colonel G.. w. Taylor commanded the
brigade. and General Hasbrouck and staff
accompanied the reviewing party. Be-
sides the Alcalde and Colonel Vivanco,
there were a number Of the city officials
I'm the party. As they galloped along the
line Of the regiments. heralded by the
clash of the bands. the little Cubans pre-
scented a unique appearance on their
small ponies, especially when compared
to the more heavily-mounted American
] officers. The review was quite a success,
I anu WAS NtIY HllLl fiJONE1 ~ AAAk R"tA
Antonio de los Banosians, as It Is not
an everyday occurrence for them to see
an American brigade IN the interior OF
Cuba
THOSE FROLICSOME BOYS.
On Saturday night, as usual before
breaking camp, the boys made q big
demonstration. Every one Of the little
tents on the ground was Illuminated
with candles. and the camp in this array
as viewed from the surrounding hilltops,
was beautiful. indeed. IT reminded the
pilgrims very much of a huge laWn-party,
but there was a noticeable lack or ice
cream.
A bugle and tin-pan battalion was or
ganized. and with Major Private) DAVIS
OF Company II, in command, marchec
around TO the various headquarters. regi'
Dental and brigade. s%erenading and call
ing for speeches. The cheers which greet
cd Colonel Taylor in a short speech as
ne told the boys that tomorrow he was
going to take them back home, changed
TO long-drawn signs when he added meal
Habana."
on Sunday morning at 8 o'clock tent
were struck and the pedestrians again
hit the pike" striking such a hvel,
gait that every muscle was brought int
play, and all the rheumatic pains acquire
from six nights use Of Cuban soil a 81
substitute for downy beds were soon Tor
gotten in the haste 10 get back TO IN
cots in Camp Columbia, which were eve
in remembrance.
VERY PLEASANT FOR THEM.
We passed through Rincon and san
tiago de las Vegas. a city Of about loo
inhabitants. and at 2 p. NJ. reached GAIA
bazaar. on the Almendares river, Wnere "
pitched camp for the night. At all q
these places we were met with great Ell
thusiasm, the Cubans waving flags an
shouting many "viVas," while the prett
senoritas received the Virginians wit
such approval that quite a number c
them signifed their intention OF securin
flrloughs and visiting one of these place
where they have spotted some fair julie
This morning, after resuming the marcl
the towns Of Ceryantes, Rancho
Rovero. Arroyo Polo, Jesus del Monte
and Cerro were successfully passe
through. The roads throughout the whol
trial march, with the exception OF aoou
fifteen miles in the vicinity or san Ante
Mo del los Banos. were In the very be'
Of order, being well graded ana pedue
with limestone.
Inst before reaching Jesus del Mont
the Second Brigade of the First Dlyisiol
who had been down 70 Guines, passe
IN Sront of us on the way TO their camp
Along shout attested the self-satistactio
Of the men Of our brigade over the fa'
that h reached the finish at the san
time while they were handicapped /
Leaving q day later than the llllnolsaf
and south Carolinlans. The distance CO..
cred by both brigades was about the sam
MONEY FOR THEIR PATRIOTISM.
ON the way from Habana TO CAM v
passed a great NAM Cuban troops eoI
TO receive final settlement Tor maxi,
"Cuba Libre." after which, IL is 10
hoped. they will turn their carbines al
machetes into p~lowshares. .
As the wayworn travellers came IN
camp. weary, foOt-sore. and dust-coVere
they were reviewed by General Lee al
part of his staff. Every face was so We
bearded as a result OF the lack OF u
luxury of a razor that those IeLt Dcnii
had TO look long before they could feco
nize former companions.
Notwithstanding the length OF ume
tho road and the necessary hardship
The men appeared in excellent conditi'
and in good health and spirits. All
those who had become so tagged out
the road that they could foot II no turtle
nad heen sent back TO the camp by "a
and are now recuperating.
No sooner had all become snugly lods
meath the shelter or the large no
nital tents. han the rain, Will
seemed to have been providentially ne
hack during nearly the whole OF o
tourney. began TO pour down In torrent
The weather had been remarkably pie
SAINT.
EXTRACT FROM \ DIARY.
The following is an extract from I
diary Of one OF the pedestrians who n
evidently been on journeys some"h