Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1902-11-06
MILITARY LIFE.
Graphic Description Of EVOIutiOns at
PIattsburg, New York, Barracks.

Having promised that in the future
! would give you and your readers a
few more doings OF military life pro-
vided did not become too lazy, l will
now, as the Quak9rs say, move when
the Spirit does" and describe our five
day practice march through northern
New York.
With everything in readiness for a
campaign, we assembled las the boys
call it) in heavy marching order on the
morning Of Wednesday, Oct Is, and was
soon wheeled into Battalion front and
marched out of our lovely garrison to
endure the hardships of what is known
as the field.
AS we passed the post guard, they
were formed and paid us the usual com
pliment-that Of presenting arms to all
armed parties, the marching column
returning the same by coming to port
arms while marching by.
When outside OF the garrison in open
country an advance guard as we'll as
rear guard was formed placing the bat
talon in the formation as though they
were on the lookout for attacking par
ties AS such the march was continued
until miles we're covered. We march
ed 80 minutes and rested ten of each
hour. We then went into camp for the
remainder of the day and night. After
camp being made we we're given a sump.
tious dinner, even if we did have to eat
it under difficulties | will give you
the bill of fare for the first three meals:
Dinner; fried beefsteak, English peas,
cheese, butter, bread and coffee: sup
per; boiled ham, mashed potatoes,
cheese, butter, jam, bread and coffee:
breakfast; ham and eggs, fried potatoes,
and onions, bread and coffee.
After dinner no one was allowed to
leave the camp without permission.
Ye writer and three others got leave
to visit the village of Cadeville, three
miles away, We were gone all the af-
ternoon missing retreat call. On our
return we reported to our commander
and all was we'll. At the approach of
night a chain guard was placed around
the camp and no one was allowed to pass
out after 90 p. m. and all coming in
were to be placed under arrest but hap
PLY no one was caught. At 5 a. IN. all
we're up and after a glorious breakfast
was served all was packed waiting for
the bugle note, the signal to break
camp. 1t came at 6.45 and at 7.15 all
wagons were packed and we were on the
move once more, How apples did suffer
this day and cider as we'll.
At noon we camped in a small town
called Saranac until the following day.
Our dinner was about the same as the
first day followed by a supper of roast
duck aud many other things l need not
mention. After supper all was arrang-
ed as before.
Having in the afternoon received an
/
the boys could be seen handling toilet
articles, some holding mirror while
others added the fancy touch to stray
curl. We, being in field Dress did not
| look as neat and trim as If we had just
| left the barrSck but all enjoyed the
novelty just the same.
With the early morning call we found
Jack Frost and his companion, Frozen
Earth, eager to greet us, A steaming
breakfast was soon served and each one
stood waiting for the bugler to sound
the call to the tents,
At : a. IN. we started on our third
days march. Our march bad been in a
westerly direction; this morning we
started in a southernly direction cross
ing what are called mountains in this
country "a part of the Adirondacks. }
On reaching the summit we obtained a
fine birds eye view Of what is known as
Pesalee Valley with its autumn foliage
glistening in the morning sun. Con-
tinuing our march we found ourselves
in the village Of Peasleeville and at
1915 comfortably camped for the re-
matnder of the day. Our cooks were
soon hustling around for chickens so as
to give us a chicken supper and what
we did for that supper was plenty la'
the boys say when things arc served tC
their tastes.)
The following morning we were agAir
greeted with frost and frozen earth
Our start was soon made with my com
pany at the head. After about an hour!
marching the battalion was halted anC
we we're sent out as the advance.
corporal and two privates I'VE write
one Of them) formed the first advance
followed by Sergeant and six men III
ty yards in our rear Next came tht
lst Sergeant and twelve as the advance
and then came the remainder OF th
company commanded by the captain a
the support, followed by the main body
: The first part Of the advance had Ol
ders to ascertain the way to Peru, marc
upon the town, halt without the limit