The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-07-02
INSPECTOR MAKES
 REPORT ON CAMP Major GunnelIs Found Matters
 in Excellent Shape SOLDIERS ARE PRAISED Took Occasion to Compliment Col. w. H. Mckleroy and Officers on Exist
 ing Conditions-Discipine
 Especially Good.
SOLDIERS ARE PRAISED

1 The report of Major H. C. Gunnells inspector on the staff of Gen. Louis V Clark, on the camp of the Third regi ment, A. N. G.. at Anniston last month was received yesterday. In general il shows an excellent condition in the reg iment and that the discipline in camE was exceptionally good. The report ir I full is as follows:
 i Headquarters First Brigade, A. N G., 1 Office of Inspector, Montgomery, June 29, 1905 l Gen. Louis V. Clark, Commanding First Brigade, A. N. G., Birmingham, Ala. "Sir-In accordance with your orders, l have the honor to submit my report of the inspection of the Third Regiment, infantry, A. N. G., Colonel McKleroy, commanding, in practice camp at Annis- ton on June 20, 1905
 Location of Camp.
 'The site selected for the camp was in a beautifully wooded grove about one mile northwest of .he business portion of Anniston, and was well suited for the purpose. The ground was rolling and, under ordinary circumstances, was easily drained Especial provision had been made looking to the comfort of the men and the proper sanitation of the camp. The drill and parade ground was in easy access to the camp and was sufficiently large for the ordinary battalion and reg mental maneuvers.
 Discipline Was Good.
 'It is not easy to form a correct judg- ment as to the discipline of a camp in a few hours, but l beg to report that my observation and information gathered by inquiries from citizens of Anniston go to show that the discipline of the camp and the behavior of the men while out of camp was exceptionally good. l did not hear of single serious breach of mlli- tary discipline. The men seemed deter mined to get whatever possible good could be obtained out of the practice and were intensely loyal to commanding ot- ficers.
 Equipment Is Bad.
 ''The equipment of the regiment is any thing but satisfactory. Few, if any, of the companies in the regiment have com plete equipment. Some of them have not q sufficient number of uniforms of one kind to supply the men of the company. As a result, men were seen on drill and on parade in the same company wearing different kinds of uniforms.
 '.This was noticeable particularly in one company on the streets of Anniston du1ing the march to the unveiling of the John Pelham monument. 1he commanding or ficer of this company wore dress uni- form and his lieutenants wore the khaNi uniform. Some of the men in the com- pany wore the blue uniform with the blouse, some the khaki with the blouse and some wore khaki or blue trousers without the blouse. Some of the men wore campaign hats, others the regula- tion caps This lack of equipment was noticeable in almost every company In the regiment.
 Tn an extenuation or rather an eX- planation of this condition of affairs, 1t should be stated that for some reason the Third regiment has not been recently supplied with full equipment, as have the ether regiments of the state. A close in- spection of the tents and company streets showed that as a rule, the camp was In a good condition. The quarters of some of the companies were exceedingly well kept and every convenience and comfort for the men seemed provided for
 'I desire to call attention to the fact that in a number of the companies the men in true soldier fashion, slept on the ground using only a small amount of straw and blankets. In some of the companies carelessness was displayed in the care of equipment. Tent pins were found lying loose around the tents, and in many cases canteens were without stop pers.
 .As a rule, however. I beg to report that the company quarters were in ex- cellent condition.
 Had Company Mess.
 'The colonel commanding. adopted the plan of a company mess A certain amount was allowed TOT the subsistence of each man ger day and each morn ing when the first sergeants report were filed, a check was issued to the com panies for the number of men shown to be in camp. Company officers were allowed to purchase subsistence subject to the general inspection of the regl- mental commissary. I was informed that this plan worked very satisfactorily. Ev- cry company had supplied itself with necessary cooking utensils, and at the end of each company street was located the company's Kitchen. AS a rule, these kitchen were kept clean.
 'I desire to call especial attention to the satisfactory condition of the quarters of Company K, Company D, and Com pany I, and aleo to the splendid appear ance and military bearing of Company I and Company A during the regimental review and parade.
 Tribute to McKIeroy.
 'I feel that In making this report I should neglect a duty did l not bear testimony to the splendid work which has been done by Colonel McKelroy and his officers in the short time In which Le has been in command of the regi- ment. Good feeling is everywhere in the regiment. and I am inclined to believe that when properly equipped, the Third regiment will he ready and willing at any time in the service of the state, and will reflect credit upon the officers in command. Respectfully submitted,
 ''H. C. GUNNELS,
 Major and Inspector.
 oTirst Brigade Staff. A. N C."