The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-01-04

AAho was IL uiy d II
was the spectacular side Of war. But
soon an Aid came dashing up to the
General, and we then understood the
columns to the left and in front were
the left and center of our army, which
had arrived at Fairfax ahead Of u.s. The
enemy had retreated. leaving every OBJ
stacle possible in our way, and many in
their haste had left behind clothing,
broken-down wagons, flour and a thou
sand and one things as evidence Of their
mad fight. To my mind this far ex-
ceeded the destruction Of property by
the retreat Of our own army a few days
later. We slowly moved on and finally
went into camp three miles from Gem
terville. I must here relate the most
ridiculous or funny experience Of my
soldier life.
First Foraxinx.
After going into camp and a little be-
fore shutdown, a Sergeant Of my COM
pany was ordered to take a detail of
men and go out and see If he could
not pick up some fresh meat, as our
wagon trains were not yet up. I very
much desired to go too. but was not
one of the detail, and the Captain re-
fused to let me go. Finally the detail
started, and I picked up my gun and
stole out of camp In an opposite direc-
ton. After travelling some time saw
barn In the distance, and made my
way toward it. Noticing a small pen
which contained a large fat hog, I first
thought Of killing the hog, but upon
thinking of how little of 1t could carry
to camp alone, I continued on to the
barnyard. / now heard voices and not
knowing whom 1t might be. stole eau
tiOusly along until j could get a view
of the takers, and there in the barn.
yard stood fine, gentle steer and at
his head were two boys in blue, one
holding him by the horns and gently
talking to him in a language could not
understand, but knew to be German
which told me those two men were
some Of our German-American soldiers
rubbing the steers throat with the sup
posed edge Of one of the sheath knives
Uncle Sam had furnished each soldier
for the purpose OF carving his meat, but
was hardly sufficient an instrument for
butchering and in that peculiar man.
ner. The steer seemed to really enjoy
the rubbing. for he stuck his nose out
and stretched his neck as IL to say, go
ahead, boys; this is nice" Well, the
boys went ahead until the old knife
began to wear its way through the thick
skin, when the steers tail and head
went up and he gave a tremendous
snort and below, and one soldier went
one way. the other another way, but
both rolling in the soft earth of the
barnyard, while the steer sailed over a
low bar and ran down the pasture bel
| lowing at every jump. / stood laughing
at this strange spectacle, until, hearing
| voices, / looked up and saw the Ser
geant and his detail still in search of
fresh meat. After expressing surprise
upon seeing me and laughing at the
recital of my story. / directed them to
the pen Of the fat hog, and we had
fresh pork for supper.
Our camp was situated In the mead
l OWS both sides nf
| ment on a little rise of ground where
we could overlook the whole camp
| awoke just before dawn on the
morning of the 18th. The horses and
mules stood like statues, all fast asleep;
| not soul of that vast camp was stir
ring. Long rows of men lay wrapped
in their blankets. and the long rows OF
stacked arms seemed to be keeping
| guard alone, for IL there was q Camp
I guard there was not one that I could
see. 1t Is not possible for pen to de-
scribe such an imposing scene, much
less the great Transformation about IL
follow.
/ BInckburn's Ford.
/ Away over on the other side of this
camp was another eminence still high.
er than ours Here was pitched tn,
Generals tents, and the only ones to be-
seen. Midway between and along either
side of the road the artillery and a com.
paHy VI cavalry were camped, While
farther to the rear and right were
camped the small wagon train we hat
with us, together with the ambulance
| saw q man step away from one of tn.
tents and walk out to the edge Of tn,
hill. then lift his bugle to his lips ant
! blow the reveille. The sound from hi
horn had not died away when bugl,
after bugle mingled their sounds witt
those of the cavalry and artillery ant
with whinnying horses and brayin,
mules. An army of men, like magic
seemed TO be arising from the ground
The camp was full of orderly life ant
animation: When the sun was tw,
hours high at the sound of the bugl.
this truly grand army seemed at one,
to be in motion, all taking their places
I'm line, banners flying. bugIes soundin,
, and arms flashing under the brigh
morning sunlight. 1t was a sight ono,
beheld could never be forgotten
Though l afterwards saw far create
numbers march in review, 1 never saw
such an imposing sight as beheld thi,
July morning. And this was the armed
ROB we have read SO much Of since thu
first battle OF Bull Run. We marched