The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-08-01


boyish pranks outside distinguished its
advent finds me tonight in far different
circumstances.
Before me is a bright log fire, at my
side 10 comrades, around us heavy
forest, over us the clear blue vault of
heaven, and within reach II loaded
muskets with bayonets fixed. We are n
picket guard and this is our post, two
miles from camp. Our duty is to give
the alarm in case the enemy should APP
proach. A volley from our muSketS would
be the signal for our comrades in camp
to seize their arms and prepare for battle.
Our entire regiment is distributed in SINH
lar squads, extending over a circuit of six
miles. Two hours out of six we take our
turn in occupying an advanced position
distant from our rendezvous. 10 prevent the
enemy stealing upon US, guided by the
light of our fire.
Thus we passed the night, sleeping
comfortably on the ground, when off duty
four hours out Of six, rolled up in blanket
and Overcoat with feet stretched to the
fire. Visions of roast pork cheered our
Dreams suggested by an occasional grunt
in the distance; but the realization eluded
us until daybreak, when it seemed within
our very grasp, for our sentry out in front
called loudly TO our Lieutenant for per-
mission to shoot a hog that was stealing
dangerously close to his post, and he
feared it would bite him. up boys" said
the Lieutenant: 'bayonet the cornfed in
truder, but don't shoot" We Of the re-
serve rallied at once to the relief of our
outpost and tried to surround the visitor.
but with a snort of derision it dashed into
the bushes and was seen no more.
Nov. /, 1SG1-We were relieved from
picket duty at IL a. H., by another regi-
nd 20
in time to escape n cold rain which would
have spoiled all the romance of our day
on picket.
Measles have broken out in camp, and
all who have not enjoyed this luxury in
their youth are liable to have it now. Some
cases in our regiment are considered dam
gerOus. and we hear of several deaths in
other portions of camp. We all hope that
if death is to be our portion in the service
it may not come in the shape of measles.
1t is plain that many of us will lay down
our lives in this war. but not all in the
shock of battle, for disease will claim its
victims as well, and while the one may
sweep our ranks with the fury of a holo-
caust. the other will perform its mission
silently and constantly, but no less
surely.
Nov. 6, 1S6l.-Picket duty again called
the regiment to the front. and the camp
was never so well guarded. Others as
signed to this duty have been careless,
the men, instead of. walking their beats or
standing watchful at their posts, have
been allowed TO make fOrages into the
country outside our lines to steal chickens
or anything else good to eat. But our
Colonel determined that we should per-
form picket duty according to Army Re
guIations." which he considered the Book
of Last Resort" Last night he gave the
Adjutant instructions TO Pickets," cover
ing four pages of cap paper, requiring a
copy to be placed in the hands Of each one
OF the 30 commissioned officers of the
regiment. To accomplish this task the
Adjutant, his clerk, and myself had to
write copies until after midnight.
Last week my squad was stationed in
the woods, where our efforts were directed
to prevent any native hogs from passing
our lines without the countersign; but this
morning we had TO deal with different
class Of visitors, as we were placed near
the railroad depot to guard the main en-
trance to camp.
The road was thronged with officers
and soldiers passing in and out on various
duties, but none were allowed to pass
without a written permit signed by
General. 4 number tried to pass on lower
grades of authority as heretofore, but we
turned them back to grumble about new
regulations. Our nrSt distinguished VlSi-
tor was n heavy set, red faced officer
wearing the uniform of a Major General
which entitled him to pass, with n mem
her of his staff, without challenge. He
scarcely deigned to notice MS; he was
Regular, and we were only Volunteers
He was Gen. McCOok. the commander
of our division. Next, Il fine-iookng. port
ly rider approached our post quietly and
alone. wearing a blue blouse only dis
tinguished from a private by being plated
instead ef plain. AS he wore no insignia
Of rank. we halted him and demanded his
pass. Il am Gen. Rousseau" he said
and we recognized the gallant Ken
tuckian, who was so prompt to lead his
volunteers to the front without waiting to
see whether he would be supported by the
Northern States. We permitted him to
pass without further parley, then CON
tinued our work of demanding and in
speeding passes from all. Presently an
other officer of high rank rode up. his uni
form denoting Brigadier-General. We
recognized in the tall. straight figure, dark
complexion, black. piercing eyes and jet
black whiskers our brigade commander,
Gen. johnson.
We presented arms as he passed, which