The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-06-25

The Messengers Raleigh correspon-
dent writes under late of yesterday
that the report of the board Of officers,
Colonies T. H. Balm, Francis A. Ma
con and P. NJ. Pearsall, on the encamp-
ment. is OF interest to Wilmington peo-
pie. 1t says:
THE STATE GROUNDS.
We find that the grounds are admir-
ably suited in some respects. They are
sufficiently large to admit of all regi-
mental maneuvers and are convenient
ly located. There is a growth of pines,
ranging from 2 to Is feet in height. A
fairly good growth Of grass covers the
entire grounds. By cleaning away the
pines we would have a splendid drill
ground. The shade is not sufficient.
The water supply could only be had
from pumps, none of which are provid-
ed. The Target range can be put in
perfect condition at small cost. It is
in the camp grounds. These round
are state property and were prepared
for the purpose Of encampments and at
little expense could be made one of the
best camping sites on the coast. They
GILMAN OS ~ LII Pei USE.
THE HAMMOCKS.
The Hammocks offer great advantages
for the pleasure and convenience of the
troops. The little island has sufficient
and splendid shade. has a grassy sod
and is convenient to both sound and
surf, is supplied with artesian water,
has excellent sink locations, is but five
minutes walk from the ocean and good
fishing can be had all about the place.
These grounds are not, however, Sufh-
GENTLY large for other than company
and battalion drills and guard noun
The Seacoast railway company, how
ever. agrees to move the troops, when
desired, to any Of the several drill
grounds On that road, free of charge.
A target .ange could easily be located
here.
SEASIDE PARK Oh LATIMER
GROVE
At the time of our visit the committee
from Wilmington was not in a position
to offer US the use of this place, but
upon the hope that it might econ
available We included it in u inspec-
ton. We found it to be in excellent
condition. This place having contrib
uted so largely to the success of the
most pleasant and useful encampments
ever held in the state it was very easy
for US to see wherein it possessed de-
cided advantages over other places in
Spected. which advantages are so well
known to the guard that it is not deem
ed necessary to give a detailed de-
scription of the place. We found the
shade as delightful as ever. not far
from perfect, the lawn beautifully kept,
with ideal grounds. Water can be had
by putting down a few pumps. There
are at our disposal several houses, OF
great value.
This place offers every possible ad-
vantage and is beyond the shadow of a
doubt the most suitable place for the
encampment. and it having been offer
ed us we unhesitatingly and unani-
mously recommend it as the place for
the encampment.
RAILWAY RATES.
Colonel George l. Morton. vice presi-
dent of the Wilmington Seacoast rail-
road agrees to make a rate Of % cents
from the camp to Wilmington and re-
turn. and he also makes the rate of
fare from the camp to the beach 5
cents. At former encampments the
rates were so and Is cents respectively.
CAMP EQUIPAGE.
The Wilmington committee agreed to
furnish the following: Three battalion
mess halls, n general headquarters
mess hall, one regimental headquarters
mess hall, IL kitchens, fuel, bath
houses, garbage carts and tent floors;
also to prepare the drill grounds and
target range: these things to be done in
accordance with directions from the
ouartermaster's department
SOUTHPORT.
Though not authorized to do so in
special order Nc. 3, we accepted an In
vitation from the town OF Southport to
examine sites it had to offer for the
encampment and accordingly we &C
companied the committee on a trip to
their lovely town. We found that 1t
could offer US an ideal camp site. In
fact the best adapted place imaginable