Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1902-10-30
CAMP HINTZ,
4 REC. Go. A, N. G. P.
Nanticoke, Luzerne Co., Pa.

To the Editor Of THE CATocTIN CLARIoN
Thurmont, Md.-Dear Sir: As this may in
terest some Of the CLARION readers, you may
publish the same if you so desire.
At midnight on the Goth of September
Cos. A. and I of the Fourth Regiment were
suddenly called to the coal regions The
hustling time of getting things in movable
condition, took no long time, considering the
difficulty IN getting the scattered men TO-
gether. Our ranks were we'll filled, with
the exception of few who were too sleepy
to 60 when we left, and of course had to
come In the following train.
The scenery of the mining regions IS quite
picturesque and much enjoyed by a person
not seeing the like before.
We pitched camp at Mt. Carmel. reaching
the place by dinner time. A large crowd Of
people stood looking and wondering what
had taken place. Greatly to my surprise,
we saw large girls, as we'll as married women
borefooted, and child on woman's arm
was no uncommon thing.
Unfortunately we had a stony camping
ground, but by strong force of soldiers. we
were soon enabled to make it look like a
new mown lawn. Although this was moi
the only misfortune with which We had to
encounter. Our tents did not arrive the
first day, nor did any food, consequently we
all slept in the mess tent, while the water
froE the fast falling rain flowed close by our
side. With 1t all, sleep was not numbered, as
all were tired, sleepy and hungry. But after
getting established In camp, we found the
people very hospitable, camp life very de-
sirable and duty not at all burdensome. The
guard line consisted of twenty posts, thereby
making each sentinel's beat very short.
Every day company was sent to guard
Reiders colliery; owing to slight. disturb
ance there on the previous Sunday evening
To hear little boys from the age of five and
upward saying to the soldiers, Buddy give
me chew" somewhat astonished me, but
ere long, found this TO be a common term.
There are a large number of COWS and
goats pasturlng on the mountain commons.
After being at Mt. Carmel about long
enough to get our camp in good condition,
we were suddenly ordered to break camp,
and as about twenty seyen of our company
were at Shomokin on special duty, and nine
of US were on guard, there remained only a
few to pack the knapsacks, roll the blankets,
and drop tents, but by hard, faithful work
we at length were ready to leave the much
liked place. We were on the cars from 7 p.
M. Oct. 9th until p. m. Oct. 9th. 1t was a
difficult thing to prepare meals on the train,
therefore We ate with relish dried bread and
bareback. Before reaching camp. we were
served with small bean sandwich and cot.
fee. We were at first ordered to Wilkes
barre, but owing to a change of orders before
leaving the train we came on to NanticOke.
We are stationed at the Auchinclose mine,
which is 100 feet deep, the deepest mine in
Pennsylvania. A company was sent every
day, until today, to the Susquehanna colliery
about four miles from Nanticoke. The march
over a steep mountain pass to get there, was
Que not 10 he often desired, as the lodges Of
rock 60 straight and the path was a steep
incline. Tho scenery from the top was mag.
nifcent. The hard part Of it was the de.
scending to get our meals A company Is
also sent on provost guard in town every
night.
The town is built on hills and in hollows.
1t contains few brick or stone buildings, q
large number of churches but equally as
many saloons.
We have guard mount every morning at
8 O'Clock. which, think is the most inter-
esting feature in camp. OF late we haye
drill twice day and dress parade every
evening, Last evening we marched several
miles for exercise. So far everything hes
been moving picely.
Ofcourse, the meal time Is feature in
camp moi TO be forgotten. You should see
us marching single file to meals. We have
mess pan, cup, knife, fork and spoon. The
rafting of the same just before meal time
does not present very harmonious sound.
We have potatoes fried, boiled and baked;
tomato sauce and tomatoes sliced; fish fried
and fish cakes; rice soup and rice cooked;
beans baked and bean soup; beef fried,
cooked and roasted; frankforte; saurkraut,
potpie, prunes, vegetable soup, bread and
coffee Butter and preserves are luxuries
and seldom seen.
A few days ago we had issued us blanket
and pair of new shoes which made many
feel glad. We have board floors in our tents;
a gum blanket, two wooden blankets and q
heavy oyercoat to keep Us warm. But still,
the soft side of board on which we lie is
not quite so comfortable as our spring beds
at home.
An exceedingly large crowd witnessed the
dress parade last Sunday evening, though
Sunday is kept in other respects. Owing to
march that our company was ordered to
take, we ate supper earlier than usual A
great number crowded around US while eat
ing, and by the time the meal was finished,
it was almost digested, as there was not a
little laughter by the onlookers.
Our ranks at this writing are not near fill.
ed. Some are sick, few are not in the
State, and several are home on expiration Of
enlistment.
Now as the strike is about over, the song,
Home, Sweet Home" is sung in camp at
night. 1t is pleasing to the ear to hear the
many voices in clear song echoing though
the stiffness of the night
We have two Italians in the guard house
who wanted to try their new revolvers by
shooting into camp, BY remaining in cap.