The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-08-05
FROM OUR SOLDIER BOYS.
What They Have Been Doing Since
Leaving Sumter.
Camp Symth,
Isle of Palms, Charleston, S. c.,
40 1ono

Isle OF Palms, Charleston, S. c.,
July %, 1903.
Special correspondence of the Item.
We left Sumter at 1870 in charge of
Engineer Divine and Conductor Lu-
cius. The run to Lanes was made in
fast time. There we were hooked on
to the regular passenger from Florence,
and our train rolled into the "Citv by
the Sea- containing the Camden,
Sumter, Timmonsville and Darlington
companies. The trip on train was
without incident. No ice water on
train.
We arrived in the city at 1.30 p. NJ,
and was transferred to street cars for
the wharf. Enroute to wharf the girls
gave US the welcome wave and sweet
smile. This was appreciated. We
boarded the "Com. Perry'' and
crossed over, where We again took cars
for the Isle of Palms. We arrived here
about p. m. After while we were
served with one sandwich and coffee,
and such a thin sandwich! Then we
strolled on the beach and around the
pavilion until our tents and baggage
could come, which was about $50.
The twelve companies are all lined up
facing the ocean north of the pavilion,
and our company is tenth down the
line, and I know it is a mile walk.
To this place We bad to lug our bag
gage, blankets, tents, etc. Then we
had to erect our tents. This was
hard job in stiff sea breeze, and the
pegs won't stay in this sand. After we
had them mp and our baggage all in,
everything stripped and bolted for the
old ocean. And just want to tell the
dear ones at home we certainly
"churned' that salt water until about
/ a. m. Oh! such fun! Last night
we had no roll calls, guard duty or
anything else to do. We had a high
old time. This morning few
men were detailed from each COM
pany to go on guard duty. We
have done nothing today.
We are living easy" Even as I
write now the sea breeze won't let my
paper lie still. This afternoon we will
have battalion drill from 4.30 to 5. 40
O'Clock. From 6 p. N. to Ills p. m.
we have leave to go anywhere it suits
our pleasure, and from a. m. to 4 o.
M.
One thing we have to kick about, is
the scarcity of drinking water, and
when We get any it is hot and tastes
like an over-ripe egg has exploded in
it.
Another thing, the sand, sand, sand
The finest, dirtest dirt that ever stuck
to fellow. It's a good thing there is
plenty of water right in front of us.
There are many pretty girls down
here, but they are badly sunburned.
Sergt. Pat. Gallagher is our quarter
master, and there is not better one
in the whole regiment. He sees that
the elmer man. keeps full.
Private Mckinney, otherwise known
as "Czolcosgi, - is one among the most
faithful priyates.
Private jamie Garrett is splendid
soldier. He is faithful and willing.
Ollie Yates is not having any epic
nic.''
Julian Wilder was teasing the boys
all night last night. He is lively as
ever.
Maj. Lee, Capt. Yeadon, and Lieuts,
Hutchinson, and Doar are fully enjoy
ing themselves, and act like old regu-
lars.
am pleased to state that the boys
in our company are behaving like gen.
tlemen. OF course, there are some TAX
ing on beverages, but it cannot be de-
tected.
In conclusion, wish to say that all
of US are having glorious time, and
we are so happy that We are Ameri
cans and nephews of Uncle Sam.
All are gald that they came, and
am so sorry for those who could not
get off to come.
am going to write again.
NJ N