The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-07-30
Siege of Fort Evans Task to
Be Performed by the
Valiant District Soldiers,
Who Will Tent on Field
Tonight.
Fighting Will Last Two
Days, and Umpires Viii
Be in the Fort to Decide
Success or Failure of
ManeuVerS.

Major Neumeyer issued two days ra-
tiOns to each of the company COM
manders this morning, and the latter in
turn issued the eatables TO their men
and had the boys in trim for the march
to the battle grounds promptly at 9
o'clock At that hour the colonies of
the regiments received orders to take
the men out and lay seige TO Fort Evans
on hill not far distant from camp, and
where a battle occurred during the civil
war.
Col. NJ. Emmett Uren commanded the
Second Regiment, and Lieut.. Col Burton
r Ross was in command OF the First.
The men were well loaded down with
their full canteens and haversacks con-
tanning subsistence for forty-eight
hours. They also took their dog tents,
ponchos, and blankets with them, be-
cause they will be compelled to camp
out all night The battery of Field Ar
tillery was commanded by Captain Mar
ron and Lieutenant Marshall, while
Captains Wade and Trout commanded
the two troops of the Second Cavalry.
Lieutenant VIII Niemeye- had charge
OF the Signal Corps. and Lieutenant
Fales headed the Ambulance Corps.
Plan of the Battle.
Fort Evans is a comparatively short
distance from Camp Ordway, but because
OF the circuitous route taken by the
colonies commanding the regiments the
march was made about two or three
times as long, in order to give the men
a little practice and exercise them be-
fore the battle was on. The entire bat
tie is based wholly upon the assumption
that Fort Evans is occupied by forces
and the men under General Harrtes
command are enGeavoring 10 capture
the stronghold. There will be no one
inside the fort save the umpires. These
will remain in such a position as u
judge when each command places it
self in a jeopardizing position, and a
soon as this is done the umpires will
order the command out of the fight for
exposing itself TO the fire OF the sup
posed occupants of the fort. The men
are supposed to be as cautious and palms.
taking as if there really were hostile
forces inside the fort. and are therefore
expected to act accordingly.
Must Prevent Reinforcement.
The occupants of the stronghold are
supposed to have endorsements on the
opposite banks of the Potomac and it
is their object to procure assistance
and prevent the fort from falling into
the hands Of the enemy. The agrees
sors will see that no endorsements.
supposed or otherwise, reach the fort.
The attackers will also endeavor TO
starve the occupants into surrender, be-
cause IL is known that they have but two
days rations, and if they can be coopod
up until the expiration of that time and
do not receive any more rations a eur
render viii be inevitable. The water
supply is also light. and the attackers
are to keep the occupants from get
ting any water.
The method Of carrying out these
feints viii be something on this order:
General Harries. in charge Of the at
tacking forces, has his headquarters
Just on from the fort. He has scouts
out, and they report on the conditions
surrounding the garrison. The general
has telegraphic and telephone com
munication with both of his regiments
thanks to Lieutenant Niemeyer and his
men, and viii instruct the commanders
when TO expect dash for a supply of
rations or water and also warn them
when he has heard that re-enforce-
ments have been asked for
In the Midst Of the Fray.
When he sends out his orders the
commanders Of the battalions-for the
fighting viii be done in that formation
will dash down to a point where the
relief Will be compelled 10 pass. and an
engagement or quick surrender will fol-
low. When the scouts report that the
occupants are going after water or sup
plies. the guard set to prevent any such
thing will be warned and prepared 70
attack
The infantry VIII not be permitted to
fire their rifles when they get within 100
yards of the fort. The artillery will not
be permitted to use its pieces within 900
yards OF the fort.
According TO General Harries' plans
operations were scheduled to begin at
noon today and last until tonight
Operations will be suspended from
O'Clock this evening until o'clock to-
morrow morning when fighting will
again be resumed and continued until
o'clock in the afternoon. The empires
will then decide whether all Of the at
lacking forces we're thrown out for lay
ing themselves open to the fire of the
occupants Of the fort and lost the day
thereby, or kept secreted and poured
sufficient lead into the fort to win the
day. After the decision is announced the
men will march back 70 camp. General
Harries hopes 10 have them back ON
Georges Farm by o'clock In time for a
good substantial meal as reward for
their services.
Contrary TO the custom, the army will