The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-17
Fort Myer Cavalry
man Falls Into the
Potomac.
Heavy DOwnpOur Pre-
vents D. c. Soldiers
Drilling.

CAMP ORDWAY, Bolivar Heights,
July 17.-Gloom hung over the carp
of the Thirteenth Cavalry, L. s. A.,
today, because Of the tragic drown
ing Of Private Leslie R. Rood. Troop
G, in the Potomac river at an early
hour this morning.
While returning TO camp, shortly
after - o'clock last night, Rood
either leaped or fell from a bridge
spanning the river, and sank before
assistance could reach him. His hat
was found floating near the bridge
some time after the tragedy, but
the body was not recovered until
after daybreak.
Was Stationed at Fort Myer.
Rood was twenuy-three years old and
lived in PiJtsdeld, Mass IL was there
that he enlisted in the cavalry IN March.
1906 He was Immediately assigned %
the Thirteenth Cavalry stationed at
Fort Myer- A willing worker. pleasant
and agreeable al all times and known as
a good fellow Rood was one OF the
most popular men In Troop. p.--
His mess mates We're thunderstrucz
when told Of his sudden death in the
Potomac. Captain CorcOran. command
ing G Troop. expressed deep regret over
the loss OF "one OF my best men" I'M
mediately after being taken from the
water, the body was removed 20 Spen-
GERS pleasure resort. where Rood spent
the evening with a number Of District
miIitiamefI. An inquest viii probably
be held this afternoon.
No Definite Account.
The militiamen had been imbibing
throughout the evening. and no one OF
them could give clear account OF the
circumsts noes surrounding the death
OF the trooper one said Rood's hat
blew of his head. and when iJ fell into
the water he jumped in after IT, The
others say Rood found IL difficult 20
maintain his equilibrium while crossing
the high trestle. and finally plunged
down between two tes- into a watery
grave Rood father and mother. who
reside In Pittsfeld. were informed OF
the accident by Captain CorcCran-
The body viii probably be sent 70
the Bay State for lnterment- If this IS
not done me body will be buried in Ar
lingtOn- Members OF G Troop will send
a handsome floral design and the squad
ron as a whole may send another.
FOOtwork Daily Likely.
Half an hour was devoted 10 the man
ual of arms and footwork yesterday AZ
ternoon- Company commanders kept
their organizations in close fle through
out the drill time. The exercises were
watched closely by General Harries,
Major Brett. and the other instructors
The soldiers were not kept out long
enough 70 tire them, and judging from
the success Of this experiment the same
duty will most likely be performed every
afternoon
MAJ. A. II. Brooks. commanding the
First Separate Battalion. was highly
complimented on TIE appearance Of his
organization during the dress paraze
and review. His men are rated among
the best IN camp. Because Of then race
they have good sense Of rhythm. and
their precision in marching and hand
Ing guns is fine.
Sunrise and Sunset Gun.
Monday and Tuesday no sunrise or
sunset gun was fred. as has been Gus
tornary at all other enca-npments Of the
District militia. Two Hotchxiss guns
were placed in position near the main
flag stan and viii be used 70 open and
close the days work as soon as the
blank cartridges arrive
Goose Uu1LC4leS oLABlldLtN ASAC Ae-SN
night. The drum and hfe corps, com
nanded by Principal Musician Rabbit.
assembled in front OF headquarters
about 9 o'clock. and for fifteen minutes
played Scotch marches. quick sevens.'
and other lively airs. Tattoo was then
sounded. and half an hour later taps
followed.
The guardsnnen's faces come very
near matching their khaki slits now
T-aev have spent so much time out IN
the brOlIing sun that each and every one
Of them has a coat OF tan that would
cost many dollars II accumulated at
a seaside resort. Sunburnt arms are
giving the militiamen some pain. but
soothfr< lotions and salves have been
applied by the hospital stewards and
those soldiers who must drill with their
sleeves rolled up viii lose no time that
should be devoted 10 duty.
Passes CuItailed.
The number of passes granted each
night was more limited last night than
on the preceding evenings. This was
due to the fact that the mayor of BOli-
var voice a gentle complaint 70 General
Harries about the boisterous conduct
and inelegant language OF the soldiers
returning 10 camp late Tuesday night.
The Thirteenth Cavalry. although not
scheduled for drills each morning has