New-York tribune., 1899-06-21
WORK AT THE STATE CAMP.
FIRST BATTALION OF THE SEVENTH ON a
PRACTICE MARCH-DRILLS WE'LL
PERFORMED.


PERFORMED.
peeksku State Camp June 20 (SpecaD.-The
1st Battalion Of the 7th Regiment in command OF
Nator Abrams is encamped tonight at Lake
Oscawana on a beautiful little knoll that runs with
n gradual slope from the clear blue waters ot 'ne
lake and rolls quietly back into lever stretch
that rests like step at the base OF large III.
that rises over toward the west Great. wide
snreeding chestnut trees shade the knoll. but they
are not too near to let the sunshine fall here ana
tbere between their foliage. and rocks OF the "h 3
gray. and lichen covered, strew the ground 100
thickly to please the peg drivers. aithoueh ,neS
add greatly to the picturesqueness OF the niue
grove To the east the lake stretches away lo'
an eighth of a mile, and to the north ana south
three miles In the direction. one mile IN inc
other Beyond the eastern shore the hills rise
again hundreds OF feet and to the northeast OF the
camp across the lake Tinker Hill stands far ABOVE
them all part OF this hill, toward the SOUTH
is under cultivation, but 10 the north II Is thch'y
wooded and from the timber line at lts rohng SUM
NIT Il is said one almost see New YORK ABOUT
the lake are few scattered cottages OF summer
residents and back from II any number OF board-
,ne houses for Lake Oscawana IS famous among
those who have made its acquaintance as derght-
flIl summer resort Just opposite 10 the camp on
the eastern shore Is one OF the several "she5angs
that are located here and there along the lake
where boats let. and bait ana tackle soft urlhhS
and sandwiches are sold.
II was 7l5 when the battalion left Camp WIN
throp on the Croft farm, this morning. Ihey had
had good nights rest in spite OF the change from
cots TO the hard ground. and they reached Lake
Oscawana at 9:S5 o'clock. On the march the az
vance guard. Company T. met with slight check
having been suddenly attacked by the Pococus
Indians near Adamss Corner. but they drove the
Indians off before the main body got up. although
It came on the run Beyond the Corners there was
no incident but the dust and this was not as bao as
II might have been. the men clearing the grouhu
we'll as they marched. and not scuffng the dust
I'D in the air The column kept well closed IN
toward the centre which also reduced the dust
cloud some besides aiding I'm making the march
more rapid As they marched Into camp at Osca-
wana the battalian was as fresh as though coming
off parade but they were just as glad TO see the
lake for It meant a swim and general cleaning up
and cooking of. AS camp was established
! the battalion went in almost in body. and
glorious bath every IN II had. The rest or the
day was spent in sleeping. up 20 o'clock. "heh
/ the whole five companies were ordered out for
| battle movement through the wooded mis- ana
valleys 1t was all done carefully and under In
/ structions OF officers. and much good was accom-
pIsbed by H. This evening between and .
o'clock the section OF the band which accom-
panies the battalion is to give n concert. ana taps
will be sounded at 1890. a haf-hour earlier than
they are I'm the Peekskill camp. that the men may
have A chance TO get up thoroughly rested for to-
| morrow's march back to Peekskll. The battalion ex-
poets to leave Oscawara at $50 o'clock, and 1t VIII
reach camp some time before noon. AT O'Clock
| the "a Battalion under Major Conover, VIII s'dr'
out for the sort OF field pracuse. -, ~,
| At the Peekskill camp the I'd Battalion had only
! the ordinary routine to perform, but the morIis
battalion drill was pretty one ana t eNceeaing2 anS
rear guard, with three of the companies acting as
the main body precisely they VIII do upon their
| march Tomorrow and marching down past the
Of 6e sa8e aed e 10 IL the M Battery
under Captain Louis Wendell was giving spirited
drill OF It's But the swapping OF the gunlocks
| ion was finally compelled TO retire This 1t did In
good shape, and marching back toward tn the . old Ole
eral Roe who was sitting on his horse near the
edge OF the bluff, and returned TO quarters.
All day a delightful breeze has made both camps
most comfortable but od-tmers at Peeksk felt
where 1t was and It broke out about 5I5 The
sky grew black and threatening behind Mantou
Mountain, and things began 10 look dubious for
tents whose occupants had left them rolled up on
all sides. Those who had their weather eye out
hastened at once to get things in shape, but the
storm came before everything prepared for It,
The wind roared through the trees along the buff
and great clouds Of dust. thick that they could
while papers ot all sorts and descriptions new like
frightened birds before the hurricane Then the
accompanied by the thunder and lightning that are
characteristic OF ell the Highland storms and a
good wholesome dcwnnour sufficient to lay the dust
for tomorrow stopped. During the gale an aver
age OF about one tent to a street was blown down
but they were not damaged. and few moments
labor straiFhtened them Out again The, storm did
not interrupt the evening parade and Captain Louis
Wendell again gave. beautiful exhibition batter,
drill before adrnring 7h men, who cheercd him and
The Officer Of the day to-day was Captain J. w
McDougalL The officers Of the guard First Lieu
II. Brainsrd AT the Oscawana Camp Aeutena n
Mazet officer q the guard