The National tribune., 1901-07-18
pared by a good cook employed by the

pared by good cook employed by the
company.
Home-sickness finds no lodging here In
reply to a question a comrade exclaimed,
want to go home? No, indeed. You
could not drive me away at the point of
a bayonet."
Sept. IL, 1S61-When our company
was notified this morning to get ready for
inspection by Regular mastering officer,
preparatory to muster into the United
States military service, we began to feel
nervous over the possibility of being re.
jected, and thereby losing the good things
in store for Uncle Sans volunteers. Our
hearts were still humping violently when
later, We stood in line, facing the mus
tering officer, who, in the full uniform OF
the Regular service, impressed US with
his military bearing, SO difficult for US to
initiate. When we saw his eye glancing
slowly down our line, the tall man on the
right impaired slight tremor TO the COM
rade at his left, and thence with increas-
ing intensity to the tail end of the COM
pany, where the youngest aud shortest,
like myself, trembied with violent agita-
ton.
Beginning at the right, each man was
then successfully required to step 10
PAGES to the front, turn to the left and
pass to the other end of the line, taking
position there, after which we were sub
jected to an individual inspection, and our
description recorded as to age, hight, color
OF eyes, hair and complexion, and occu-
patton when enlisted. The oath of ale
glance was administered and we were dis
missed to our quarters as volunteer sol
diers.
We trust that the enemy will not scare
us as did this officer.
Sept. 13, 1S61-The entire camp was
ordered out to receive distinguished Wis
ltors. When our preparations were com.
pleted and we stood in two ranks, swell
ing with martial pride and trying to look
as much like soldiers as was possible for
men and boys without guns, and fresh
from the farm, store or shop, we heard
the trampling OF hoofs, and presently our
eyes were dazzled by a party of horse
men, who came riding along our front
with uncovered heads.
The party consisted of Gov Yates, ex,
Governor Wood, Gen. Hunter, our COM
mander, and Owen Lovejoy, a prominent
politician. This being the first assembly
of all the troops in this camp, we were
very much impressed with the length of
our line, and hope that our visitors were
equally impressed with the fact that we
would look formidable If we only had had
the murderous weapons of war in our
hands.
SUNDAY IN CAMP.
Sept. Is, 1s61-Our first Sunday in
camp reminds us that we owe one day
TO Him who has proclaimed Peace and
good will TO men," after spending six in
! the service of war.
All business was suspended, except one
! hour of drill in the morning. At 1C
O'Clock we collected under the trees to
hear sermon by the same Methodist min.
lister whose eloquence proved SO effective
on that day at the picnic, when many OF
| us first signed our names on the drum.
head.
We were wonderfully toned down, after
week Of uproar and hilarity, and OBJ
served the day in creditsble manner By
| singing hymns, or in quiet conversation
| Other regiments in camp, we were sorry
to note, were not so orderly.
May God grant that the religious inlu
ence of our homes will always attend ui
as it has this day.
| Sept. 16, 1S61-One Of the great events
of young soldiers first experience is the
hour when he is invested with gun and
| bayonet, and the countersign is whispered
| IN his ear, with solemn instructions tC
pace forward and backward between two
given points, guarding with sleepless vigi
| lance against the approach of a stealthy
foe, or even friend who cannot pronounce
! the mysterious word that alone NAV prove
his pacific intentions.
1t was my duty to walk well-beater
path from midnight until sunrise this
morning, weighted with q sense of respon
sibility that kept my eyes wide open and
ears alert for hostile signs or sounds. Nc
Southern spy should cross my beat unob
served, TO count the sleeping warriors un
der my charge, IN order to report the Sc
crets of our camp TO the enemy.
When the Officer of the Guard direct
ed me to hand my gun and responsibilities
over to the sentry appointed to relieve me
feeling possessed my mind that 3