The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-19
Monument Constructed by Lieut.. Col.
V. Nj. BacIus and Capt. G. w. West,
of the 1G1st Regiment.
COL. GUNDER'S MEN PLEASED
EXPECT TO BE ON THE WAY HOME
BEFORE MANY DAYS.
Notes from the 16Oth Indiana at Ma
tanzas-A Wonderful Cave-The Men
Collecting Many Souvenirs.


Correspondence of the Journal
CAMP COLUMBIA. near Havana, Feb.
II, with the Observation-Disclosures y-first In
diana.-Lieut. Col. V. NJ. Backus has built
a monument of large dimensions, that the
Indiana boys may not be forgotten after
they have left the island for their homes.
The base of this monument is twenty feet
square, of solid stone, and four feet thick.
On top of this IS another base twelve feet
square, also solid, and three feet high. On
top Of the upper base is a shaft fourteen
feet high, with a fve-foot base and three
foot top, which ornaments this unique mon
ument of the occupation Of Cuba by the
United States army in general and the In
diana regiment in particular. This monu-
n ent, which is within the lines Of the Indi-
ana camp. Is the first one to be erected by
our soldiers on a foreign shore, and Colonel
Backus deserves much credit for this sub
stantial piece of masonry. On the four
sides of the upper base are carved the
words, Observation-Disclosures Indi-
ana Volunteer Infantry" and on the lower
base appear the names of "Col. v M.
Backus and Capt. G.. w. West" as build
ers.
Hon. I. P. Mitchell, deputy controller Of
the United States treasury, who has been
visiting friends in this regiment has re-
turned to his home in Washington.
Lieutenant Colonel Backus will leave for
Texas tomorrow, on important business.
Captain Smith, of Company f, who has
been sick in the Second Division hospital
since Jan. g. is improving slowly.
Captain Quinn, OF Company H, who has
been confined in division hospital since Dec.
TO- will return to his command tomorrow.
Lieutenant Johnson, of Company A, who
was left in the Third Division hospital, at
Jacksonville, Fla at the time this regiment
eft there for Savannah, Ga, returned to
his company Wednesday in the best Of
health
The regiment is erecting an imposing band
stand the rustic order, and it will be
covered with thatch by the natives.
Sergeant Garter, of Company d, whose
home is in Seymour, is quite Ill in Second
Division hospital
Sergeant Weissgarber, of Company +, has
been given a favor discharge, and left for
his home in New Castle last Saturday. He
could find on this island.
Corporal Louis Boeglin and Private Ru-
GOlph Lostetter, of Company D. have been
given honorable discharges and sent home,
olI account OF physical disability.
Corporal William Ferris, who has been IN
Josiah Simpson Hospital, at Fortress Mon
roe. Va, has been discharged.
Privates Stewart, Alley and Bays, of
Company B, have been appointed corporals.
Charles r. Cox is sick in Second Division
hospital. Six out of the nine left in Third
Division hospital, at Jacksonville by this
company, nave Deen dlScnarS6u. Corporal
Hovey has been appointed sergeant.
Private Andrew Gould, of Company NJ, is
in the pesthouse with a bad case of small
pox. George Laird and Calvin Suit are in
Second Division hospital.
Private McGinnis and Musician Gordon,
of Company L, are very i'll in Second Di-
vision hospital.
Corporal Thomas Keifer, of Company E,
is enjoying excellent health since he re-
turned from a four months sick furlough.
Private Dorsey has been given an honor
able discharge. He left his company at
Jacksonville, Fla, on the 9th of last Oc-
tober, on a sick furlough, which has been
extended from time to time until Feb. /, and
when he applied at the government depot in
Jacksonville for transportation to Cuba,
he was given a discharge instead.
Private Theodore Pierson left Wednesday
on a thirty-day furlough to visit the bed
side of his sick grandmother, in Jefferson
vile.
Archie Perry left his company on the 18th
of last September on sick Through, and
has been absent ever since. He is now at
home in Austin, waiting orders.
Company e is building an elegant bath
house out of stone.
Ten per cent. of the boys are permitted to
visit Havana every Saturday and Sunday,
in company with an officer.
Burt Fox and George Holder. of Company
H have been honorably discharged.
Joseph Phillips is at his home in Rush
vile, waiting orders.
Alonzo N. Graham, of Company ID, who
was sent to the Second Division hospital on
the 10th of January, died on the Ath, and
was buried in the corps cemetery. His re-
mains will be sent home later.
L. r. WHITsETT.