The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-10-04
THE LIFE OF
THE SOLDIER
Recollectlo1ls Of Confederate
Camps and Battleflelds.
GREAT ANXIETY TO ENLIST
This Followed by Cooler Judgment
Incidents Of Real Experience
How the Army Was Fed
Anecdotes &c.
"Reminiscences of Soldier Life py heoei'
Written for The Times Dispatcn.)

"Reminiscences of Soldier Life by Rebel.
Written for The Times Dlspatch.)
PART l.
In the Western city where resided at
the time the first rumors Of war created
no little excitement, but Jew persons
really thought war was so near at mana.
When, however, the first gun was urea
every man flew to arms-thnt is, large
number did, but there were others VINO
aaid they were gong TO fly as soon as
their business matters could be arranged
Quite a number of these were never
able TO fix up their affairs satlstac-
torily. ana cons equently they renamed
at home during the entire four years.
They were so busy that, when calIed
on by the government peremptorily, they
were compelled to employ substitutes.
This was often expensive. but 1t was
impossible for them to go. with their
business in such an unsettled condiuoh.
Those who did go We're brimful OF
patriotism. We were only afraid the war
would all be over before We could take
4 hand.
The company in which enlisted ten
dered their services and were soon on
their way TO Virginia. After lively
"trip We arrived without incident worthy
az note and then commenced the drilling
and camp duties, which, being novel,
were not as yet disagreeaoie. "hen
the rations issued were not exactly to
our fancy we would send to town for
something more appetizins. paying for
the same out of our private purses. we
had a little cash on hand, and we dlo
not save it for the hard times we knew
not of. We had jolly company, and
time did not hang heavy on our hands.
GOING TO BATTLE.
Thus matters stood for month or
more when we were ordered to the front.
A few days later saw US starting on
what proved to be long forced march.
All were in high spirits. for 1t had been
WHISPERED that fight was brewing, and
that was Just what we were "spiling
for Night came on after We had been
on the roaest half ,ghe day. and found
us somewhat faded and footsore. but as
nothing was said about going into camp,
we trudged along without WORD. we
have since learned that soldiers on q
forced march are not inclined to talk
much Some time after dark we foroed
the Shenandoah River, which did mucf
10 wake lis UP and revive our spirits
for they were beginning to droop Some
stripped entirely, placing their clothing
IN a bundle on the end of their guns fol-
protection from water and for convenience
in carrying; others took off only their
shoes or boots; while few waded "
without even taking cousin Sally Dill
lards" precaution. a very few tht
writer among the number) succeeded II
obtaining small boat, and went oVe
dry-shod. That was my first streak o
good luck.
ABOUT TO BEGIN.
Two DAYS more found us approaching
the famous battlefield of First Manassas
THE first sound that greeted our ears tina
memorable morning was the cannon
boom, and as we drew nearer and neare
we began to think that there was TO b.
one more fight anyhow, and that littl
earlier than we had really expected. o
perhaps desired. In short while we wer
ordered to halt and load our guns, Tina
looked like business. A rest OF Il fey
moments was here allowed us, durini
which time there was not the usual con
versation carried on, nearly every on
seeming to be busy with his own thoughts
Several of the men attempted to crac
foxes. but a CHASTITY smile was abou
all that could be raised. a little Will
longer and we were in sight and reac
of the enemy's batteries, and they wer
very prompt In presenting their comp
ments in the Hhape of shot and shell
Forward we went hardly realizing III
errand we We're on. That was our In
tiation, 1t seems almost like drea,
now
THE SOLDIER RATED.
In the excitement of a great battle
would seem that any one disposed
shrk or skulk could do so without d
covery, but there never was a great,
mistake. Around the camp fires, "aft'
the battle" the conduct of every man
discussed, and a verdict rendered that
rarely unjust. There is no put or
among soldiers-more especially In Il
rank and file mans true charact
and disposition are soon known to all h
comrades, and thereby he is rated, no ma
ter what he appeared to be al HON
Those who had been considered the mo
courageous often proved arrant cowar
when under the pressure of battle, viii
the meek, modest, unassumng man b
came a hero grand when put 10 the les
In the early days OF our soldier Ii
strict camp discipline was obseryed--r,
cali three times a day, the last al
NJ, and taps at 10 o'clock, when eve
light was expected 10 be extineulshc
But orders were not always obeyed "a
the officer or sergeant on duty would {
caslonally surprise q very Qulet game