The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 1905-1908, 1907-08-22
CAMP FIRES NO
LONGER CLEAN
OF THE MISSISSIPPI
NATIONAL GUARD HAVE
DEPARTED, AND CAMP
IL NOW DESERTED.
The Encampment Was a Great Sue
cess, and its Close Brought Re-
gret to Both the Soldiers
and Citizens OF City.

the past the soldiers having broke
camp Thursday and having returned
to their homes in various sections or
the State Thursday afternoon The
work of packing began on Thursday
morning, and the soldiers commenced
to leave the camp early i'm the after
noon The first companies to leave
the camp were those from various
towns and cities i'm the western seer
ton. These commands left on spe-
cial train over the Southern Railway
at an early hour Thursday afternoon
and were quickly followed by the Tel
naming companies. the evening sum
having set on a camp ground which
was practically deserted.
The encampment was one of the
most delightful in the history of the
Mississippi National Guard. and its
closing days were fraught with NUM-
erous pleasures for both officers and
men. ON Wednesday the members
of the National Guard entertained the
Confederate veterans OF Lowndes
county at a delightful barbecue. and
many of the old heroes of the civil
war were present to enjoy the hos-
pitality of the military men OF
younger generation The idea OF en-
tertaining the veterans at a barbecue
was conceived by Col Jno. H. Mayo
and it was a source OF universal re-
gret that the accident which befci
him during the early part of the enc
campment prevented him from being
present The barbecue was served
at Gen. KeesIer's headquarters. and
the elaborate menu was enjoyed by
a body of men representing the acme
OF Southern chivalrv and patriotism.
Col. w. Calvin Wells omeiated a-
toastmastef, and The first speaker in-
troduced was Gen Stephen ID Lee.
the distinguished commander-iu-chiet
OF the United Confederate Veterans.
Gen Lee delivered an address preg-
nant with patriotism and aboundiue
in praise for the prowess and bravery
OF the citizen soidiery of Mississippi
The next speaker was Rev. wv. q
Boiling, d. D.. chaplain general OF
the Mississippi National Guard Dr
Boiling is at all times an iuterestiu=
speaker. and the stirring war scenes
which the faces Of the gallant vet-
Grams brought to mind caused words
Of burning eloquence 20 flow from hs
lips, his speech having been received
with enthusiastic applause Col. W.
NJ. Hammer, assistant paymaster on
Gen. Keesler's staff, spoke ON behalf
of Gen. Keesler and the distinguish
ed body OF soldiers which he t1f"~
mands, and delivered a neat little
speech in which he told the veterans
in what great esteem they are held
by his comrades and what q pleasure
it was to have the OLD warriors as
their guests. Short addresses were
also delivered by Gen g. r. Sykes
and Hon. J. T. Harrison, and the oc-
casion was a great success, having
been greatly enjoyed by both the Ma
tional Guardsmen and their distin-
guished guests.
The Columbus Rihemen also enter
tanned at a barbecue on Wednesday.
A large number of guests were pres
ent and the occasion was a most de
lightful one. The Ridemen had their
quarters attraetively fitted up and
maintained an elegant cuisine and
entertained lavishly during the en-
campment. Their quarters formed
a popular rendezvous for visitors. and
their friends We're accorded "a cordial
welcome at all times.
On Wednesday evening the ladies
of the different city churches gave
an entertainment in honor OF the Div
ision Y. NJ. c. A The entertainment
took place at the pavilion near divis-
ion headquarters, and a splendid pro-
gram was rendered. Besides tnstru-
mental selections by the regimentaf
band, there We're vocal numbers by
Miss Ida Lee Bealle, Miss Mary Lou
Peyton. Miss Madden OF St. Louis.
and the Natchez Male Quartette AIRS.
Battle K. sessums acted as accom-
PIANIST. Rev. B. r. Lewis. chaplain
Of the Third Infantry. ohlciated as
master OF ceremonies, having been
assisted by Mr.. c. II. Noorman and
Mr.. Hunser, OF the r. N. c. A.