Evening journal., 1904-09-09
TIRED TROOPERS FROM
DUSTY MANASSAS FIELD
WILL RETURN MONDAY
CONTINUED from First Page)

Col. Theodore Townsend Major Simon
2. Doherty and Daniel Ross, of Delaware,
are IN camp. Col. Townsend and Major
Doherty visited the men in the bivouac
camp last night
Soldiers Have Rest.
Vancouver Camp. No. .. Thoroughfare.
Va, Sept. 7.-Weary and footsore from
their thirty-six hours constant lighting
and marching by both day and night, but
making good appearance by their steady
swing, the Delaware battalion reached
camp this afternoon about clock.
AT no time In the history of the Ma
tional Guard Of the United States have
they been put through the hardshlps ex-
perienced by the troops during the past
two nights and days. The men after leav-
ing camp made march Of about seven
miles to their position on the firing line,
which they reached at day-break on Tues
day. The rations issued to each man were
eaten for breakfast and throughout the
day they had nothing more. Last night
the wagon train came up with the sol
diers. who were bivouacing for six hours
and coffee and short rations were served.
During THE day the coffee or water
whichever the men had carried in their
canteens was exhausted. There was nc
available place to repientish them and
much suffering was the result.
Water Scarce.
The country hereabouts is destitute oi
springs or available places TO get water
1t is sparsely populated, there being moi
more than one house 10 every three squar,
miles. 1t is rolling and thicSly covered
with woods and rocks. This all goes tc
make up an ideal spot from a miitar,
standpont but is replete with hardship
for the marching troops.
Camp Abandoned.
The bivouac camp near Picketrs roa,
was abandoned shortly after midnight las
night and the troops started for their po
sition near the Antioc pike. six miles dis
tant, which point they reached abou
dawn, after fatlguing march oyer road
covered almost shPe deep in dust, powd
cred by the thousands Of troops that ha
passed over it. They were in rear of tn
Eighth Infantry and the march was "a
erratic one on account Of the horrible con
jition of the roads ana the darkness. A
one time the men would be given doubl
quick for several hundred yards so as no
to lose sight of the rear end Of the Eight
and become lost.
Danger of Getting Lost.
It was necessary in the darkness to keel
within five yards Of a man to see him an,
through the dense underbrush "a chail
was made by the men putting their hand
on the belts of the men in front Of them
After the double quick the regiment q
/ front would often reach a bad spot Il
1 the read which had to be passed in fiji
and the line would be held up. Then tn
4 fine yellow dust would almost suae tn
persDiring troopers. Two streams wer
forded last night. After they were passe
the squelching of the water in thel
shoes could be heard for a long time, bu
the feet Of the men finally became dry b
the pace atw hich they were marching
Did Not Get Breakfast.
Without any breakfast after marchin
the larger part Of the night the DelawaI
troops were thrown out as skrmishei
and occupied field between two bitches
Long before they arrived at their pos
ton the fire of the enemy could be di,
tinc.ly heard on the left flank and in n
rear Several times the battalion wa
moved about several miles to take U
positions. All this work was done Jlllinl
ly by the wornout men without a mui
mur, although it is a new experience
all Of them.
Making Good Showing.
Thus far Delaware has no reason 10
ashamed Of the battalion that is reprl
senting it here. Next to the regulars it
looked upon as being the best body hei
and for that reason is being given mol
work than the others. 1t has marche
every inch as far as the regulars, bein
with the Eighth Infantry constantly.
When the grimy troops reached can
this afternoon the hydrants and shove
baths We're beseiged and after that n
[ mess tents. II. Il. Jacobs.