Jamestown weekly alert. [volume] (Jamestown, Stutsman County, D.T. [N.D.]) 1882-1925, 1908-09-03
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North Dakota Militia Return
Their Trip to WASH
ingt0n.

All the militia companies who left
over the Northern Pacific for Wash.
ington returned Monday evening ty
special train which reached here at
$3.50 p. m. The Vallev City Co., Bat
terry A.and the-.state band OF Lisbon,
continued on their trip by regular
trains from this point. They broke
camp at American Lake Friday night
one day earlier than anticipated on
account of a drizzling rain that set
in and prevented further field drill.
The boys returned tired from the
long ride but we'll pleased with the
treatment they received, and de-
lighted with the trip, which was new
to most of them. The scenery along
the line was interesting and the
cities of Spokane, Tacoma and Seat
tie were all visited as well as the
Bremerton navy yards, where the
Connecticut was seen in dry dock.
Many of the men took a side trip to
Vancouver and Victoria, B. G.
!: About 1850 militia were in camp
and about 10000 guards and regulars
in all. The boys speak in the high
est terms of Major Purdon, COM
manding the brigade and who was
with them on both trips.
Major Purdon said there was moth
ing to complain Of the department of
the men. All the boys were on their
good behavior in camp and the camp
itself was model of cleanliness and
order. The regulars gave the militia
companies many compliments for the
military knowledge and aptitude in
receiving instruction and executing
drill work. The North Dakota regi-
ment was declared to be the most
proficient body of guards in the
camp, and the major stated that Co.
H had the cleanest streets Of any
company in camp.
The. trip has taken nearly three
weeks and the men were two weeks
in camp. On the return trip the
companies were given respite from
the long ride. on the train by being
drilled at Spokane, Helena, Living
ston, Dickinson and Bismarck where
stops we're made long enough for the
purpose.
The work of drilling and maneu-
vers was kept up in camp with mill
tary regularity each day,and Monday
the 24th the boys were marched from
camp in the afternoon and when
about five miles out pitched tents for
the night. Early the next morning
the regiment was set in motion and
it was found that the big sham bat
tie, which had been anticipated for
some time, was on. There was plen-
ty of ammunition used and the fight
was declared a draw. There were
two armies Engaged in this battle,
designated as the "blues'' and the
"browns''. Co. H was one Of the re-
serve companies but was engaged in
the battle all the time. The amuni-
tion was carefully inspected and each
cartridge contained paper bullet,
which became harmless at the dis
tance of ten feet. One Of the sights
of the battle was the mule battery,
the various parts OF the battery such
as wheels, cannon, ammunition, etc.,
being carried on the backs of mules.
The routine OF drill began early in
the morning and was usually kept up
for two or three hours. Mess at
twelve, and more drilling in the af-
ternoon. Camp life was generally
pleasant and the weather fine except
at the very last. The boys feel the
benefit Of the outdoor life and exer-
else, and their food was good and
plenty Of it, They are glad they had
the chance to take the trip. An Off
Ger of the regular army was detailed
to remain with Co. H for instruction
and to render other assistance at all
times, which was greatly appreciated
by the boys.
A number of civilians were visit
ors at the camp. among them Mrs.
NJ. D. Williams and daughter Of
Jamestown. Rev. Anderson, who was
making trip to that state and had
been there about three weeks, was a
frequent visitor at the camp and re-
turned home with the boys. Sunday
he preached short sermon on the
train.
In the competition for the band
prizes the committee would not al
low the North Dakota regimental
band to compete, the band being con-
sidered superior to any OF the others
entering for the $1,000 prizes offered.
During the camp Mr.: Stevens. for
merly with Wells and Dickey Co.,
now of Tacoma, invited friends to
dinner, and O.C. Christopherson also
had Messrs Reed and Muntz as guests