The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1903-08-06
The Encampment.

Last week, beginning July 9th, the
Guards saw the fruition of their fondest
dreams in the first annual encampment
of the second regiment at Chaleston's 8
popular resort, the Isle of Palms.
Leaving here Monday, the 9th, at $40
we arrived in Charleston at about eleven
thirty and were transferred Immediately
to the wharf where We boarded the COM
modious excursion boat, the Commodore
Perry" and after short, pleasant sail
landed at Sulliyan's Island. From thence
we were transferred by trolly to the Isle
of Palms and given about an hour to re-
fresh and wait for the trolly freight to
bring in the tents, stoves, blankets, mess
kits and other necessary camp equip
ment which arrived about 4.30 and were
Immediately unloaded and taken charge
of by the several companies.
Before sundown, thanks to the hard
work of the men, the formerly bare
beach began to present very lively and
picturesque appearance. The long rows
of khaki dwellings stretching away down
the beach for about two miles and stand
ing out against back ground OF palm
trees, the snow capped waves coming
rolling and dancing in from the deep blue
sea, men in khaki trousers and blue shirts
hurrying to and fro along the beach as
the golden sun was sinking in the West
ern horizon, made picture that will be
hard to forget.
The first meal was eaten about 730 p.
m. and consisted of ham sandwiches and
coffee. By $50 the men were assigned to
Quarters and given general leave until
1880. Many taking advantage of the
opportunity, took dip in the surf. All
retired early the first night and were
awakened at $50 the next morning by the
silyery toned bugles proclaiming the first
call for reyeille, and ten minutes later
reYeille was sounded After roll call
short rest then drill call and as
sembly for company drill, which lasted
for an hour As soon as they were dis
missed mess call was sounded for break
fast, then next in order was battalion
drill for an hour, then general leave until
4.30 p. m when the bugles again sounded
the boys to battalion drill for another
hour. After this came the crowning
feature of the day, dress parade, which
was witnessed by thousands OF spectators.
The parade was led by the Columbia
drum and bugle corps, and the way the
companies conducted themselves in this
their first test called forth unstinted
praise from the spectators and army OFF,
GERS.
The Bamberg Guards, company G, was
the color company and received cheer
after cheer each day as they passed in re-
view for their perfect alignment.
The program was repeated each sue
ceeding day, the men showing more and
more improvement each time.
The ball Friday night attracted, to-
gether with the dress parade and review
BY the governor, the largest crowd that
has ever visited the Isle of Palms.
Sunday morning the Rev. E. N. Light
foot, chaplain of the regiment, preached
a fine sermon from the text: II have
played the fool and erred exceedingly"
Mrs. W. G. Smith acted as pianist, and was
assisted by volunteer choir from the
different companies, which rendered
many familiar airs.
Sunday afternoon at $50 o'clock the
first band, artillery corps, arrived and
gave a concert until 7.30. They then led
the troops in their last dress parade.
Dress parade over mess came next,
then orders were received to strike camp
and in another hour the old company
street presented very deserted appear
ance, for everything was packed ready for
moving, and the company being formed
marched down to the pavilion where We
were dismissed and waited for the 10.45
D. m. car to take sds back to Charleston
where we passed the balance of the night
in sweet repose at thearmory OF the Ger
man Fusiliers.
Awakening at 500 a. m. Monday we
were hurriedly marched to the depot and
started on our homeward journey, with
many pleasant memories stored away In
the recess of our hearts.