Milford chronicle., 1906-07-27
DELAWARE SOLDIERS
CAMP NEAR NEWARK.

wares citizen BOloAefs.AEs now SonniOh
tably quarted there and already the
tented city, which sprang up in day,
has settled itself down to its regular
routine. A heavy shower drenehed the
new camp early Saturday afternoon,
but the troopers were prepared for II
when it came. 1t was looked upon as
a fitting christening by all.
Occupying a slope surrounded by
denseIy wooded hills and fertile fields
Camp Lea is considered by all to be
one Of the best camp sites ever selected
for a Delaware national guard encamp'
nent. It is not only beautiful, but Is
nearly perfect from a sanitary view
point. From the cluster Of big tents al
general headquarters to the company
streets there is q gradual slope The
nsrade ground is broad and lew EN-
bracing about so acres. The grsss has
been lately cut and the weaving Of hum
dreds Of brown.covered legs against the
green background as the troops go
through the different evOlutions makes
a pleasing picture.
The first appearance Of the regiment
upon the parade ground was shortly
after / o'cIockSaturday afternoon when
they were drawn up in regimental front
IN welcome Governor Lea to csnp
The two battalions marched out ana
took up their positions with swing
and snap that resembled regulars more
than citizen soldiers. There was nothing
of the amateur about the performance.
Asa preparation for the Mount Gretna
trip and regular service, open order for
nation is the principal work done at
camp. In the mornings the men Will
he instructed in company and squad.
In the afternoon there are regimental
and battalion drills, marches ana
skirmishes. On at least one afternoon
a long "bike,' will be taken, but 1t Is
likely this will come late in the week
after the men have become better sea-
soned.
The idea that the annual encanP'
ment is merely q vacation is rapidly
being dispelled. The camp this year is
svnouomous with work. The men
know it and are prepared to carry 1t out.
Just as the camp was preparing for
dinner, "assembly" was sounded and
all the com panies, tired and hot though
they were, with the savOTy orders OF
dinner being served sssailing their
nostrils, put on tunics and "fell In" TO
welcome the Governor to camp. They
marched to the parade ground, where
thew formed in regimentsl front The
First Infantry Band had already taken
up position at the end of the parade
ground. Scarcely had the troops taken
their position before the Governor, ae-
companied by Adjutant- General l. r.
Wickersham, arrived, The Governor
was accompanied by Colonel Ewing
and Colonel Sparks, of his staff. The
carriages passed in review in front OF
the troops while the band played "Hsii
to the Chief" Wheeling, they retarn'
ed and made q short detour OF the
eamp. Returning to headquarters din
ner was served, aud at the same time
the line officers and men were partak-
ing of the meal they had been forced
to suddenly leave.
In Governor Lea tlse National Guard
has q staunch advocate. He realizes lts
necessity. He is extremely popular
with both officers aHd men, and his IN
speetions about the camp often result in
many improvements from practical
suggestion, occasionally limited at by
him. Governor Lea is the first execu'
tive Of Delaware who has made it 8
point to remain at camp during the en-
fire period Of the encsmpment.
Religious services aplenty in camp
Sunday. Immediately following guard
mount Chaplain MunsOn held regimen
tai service. They were brief, but a'
usual. impressive. The band played
familiar hymns and the regiment Joined
in singing. These services contain s
something possibly found in no othel
walk Of life. Five hundred men
bronzed and sturdy, bareheaded and a
attention, singing and otherwise join
ing in the services is a spectacle onc'
seen seldom forgotten.
Following this service mass was sai'
by Father OFT Of Newark.
Lieutenant. Colonel H. g. Cavanaugi
was detailed by the War Department
to attend the encsmpment.