Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-01-17
Columbus, Ga. January Is.

tOlunDuS, ia, january 10.
To the Editor of he Register.
The First West Virginia volunteer
regiment will soon be a thing of the
past. Since the order TO muster out
the regiment came down, the work Of
filling it has been rapidly pushed. 1t
will probably take at least ten days
ITO complete the task. The men have
most all been examined, and the clerks
are hard at work figuring up the finals
which each man is entitled to. Each
man will get one days pay and n
days ration money, together with
transportation money, which is four
cents a mile for every twenty miles he
travels, by the nearest possible route
to the place of enlistment. 1t is esti-
mated that the enlisted men will re-
ceive about one hundred dollars each.
While most of them are overjoyed at
the expectation of going home, quite a
number have already applied to be
transferred to other regiments. About
fifteen men from Company Nj are
anxious to remain in the service.
There is a "bloodthirsty" element in
our regiment, and some still think
they will yet have al opportunity TO
slaughter somebody. Any "old thing
will do.
1t is a we'll known fact that this reg
iment is one of the best drilled and
disciplined organizations in the United
States army. 1t has been made so by
the efficiency of its commanding Off
Ger, Colonel B. D. Spilman, and when
he is mustered out the government
will lose one of its best officers. He is
admired by every officer and soldier
in the brigade. The regiment now has
its full complement of officers, forty
seven in all. Within the last week
four enlisted men have received COM
missions. some through merit and
others through the Governor. Among
those who got a commission was First
Sergeant w. n. Linch, better known
as Battle AK of company H. His
promotion was a deserving one, as he
has been a recognized leader in our
State militia for the past twenty years.
Lieut.. Linch is assigned to company B.
After parade on Tuesday evening,
Robert c. Yobo, first sergeant of COM
pany NJ, was presented with a beauti-
full gold watch by his company as a
token of their high appreciation CT him.
Artifcer VIII Wade, in a few well
chosen words, presented the gift, and
MIR. Yoho neatly responded and thank
ed the boys for their kindness,
Edward F. Savage. of company NJ, is
on detached service at Gen. Wilson's
headquarters in Cuba, and will be dis
charged as soon as the regiment is
mustered out.
Before going home some Of the boys
will take excursions TO various points
in the South.
1t is reported that the prisoners con-
fined in the guard house on minor
charges and who have not been tried,
Will be discharged with their respective
companies.
The health of this brigade, since
they have been encamped here, has
been excellent, as there has been but
one death, and that was from disease
contracted elsewhere.
Every soldier will regret leaving the
people of Columbus. as they have
treated the boys with great kindness.
Some have decided to locate here.
1t will be a great pity to break up
our foot ball team, as they are UNI
equaled by any similar military or
g%anizatiOn. They have never been de-
reated and have only been scored
against twice. They made monkeys
of the Third Kentucky team the other
day.
The long hours Of the evening are
spent by the boys in writing and sing
ing Were Going Home
Will, IT. CRAWFORD.