The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-07-13

der TOOK up the line OF mdfcn
Heavy roads are bad enough for
pedestrians, but they are real bar
lage still in sight the column came
up with the advanced guard, wait
ing beside the way-the auto was
compelled to turn homewards but not
the Scouts. Very quickly had the
individual belongings been transferred
to the shoulders of those who would
see Augusta In drizzle of rain the
lines moved forward and with rest
now and then put ten miles between
camping place and home. One cheer
ing incident by the way was halt at
a farm house where milk and dough-
nuts were passed in plenty.
At North Waldoboro permission
was obtained TO camp in cooper
shop. Here an open fire was made
and the wei boots and clothing were
warmed and dried The wooden side
of an excelsior mattress is none too
soft; yet the night WAS spent on the
soft side spread of them. Although
night watches were maintained, sleep
was not abundant and early breakfast
was wrenched from tin cans and the
march resumed about six "a m. AS
there was a clearing off shower in
the night, the roads were not i'm
proved over the condition of the night
before. In spite of all hindrances the
boys moved up into the hill country
of jefferson and drank in the beauty
of field and lake. AT East Jefferson
mail was sent home as at North
Waldoboro.
Having beautiful Damariseotta lake
on the lett hand, the march was re-
sumed past a century old church on
the right The way led toward Coop
er's Mills. Here word was received
that the Governor of the State would
meet this detachment of the B. S. \.
on Thursday afternoon. Plans and
courses were shaped accordingly. AT
ter little rest the patrols went on
toward South Windsor, crossing the
Wiscasset and Pennington railroad
and the Sheepscot river. Permission
to rest in a barn-loft was obtained al
South Windsor and the good lady of
the house brewed also most excellent
coffee to the great delight of the
weary travellers.
The next stage was expected TO end
at the National Soldiers Home, few
miles out of Augusta and connected
with the Capitol city by trolley Hard
walking Was encountered but the
lines marched onto the grounds
through the South Gates between four
and five Tuesday afternoon, &Nlng
covered about twenty mics Tor the
day The boys were warmly greeted
by the veterans who met them along
the way. Marching in good order,
the column went directly TO head
quarters where a halt was made
Col John r Richards, Governor
of the National Soldiers Home. gave
hearty welcome and assigned sleep
ing quarters and made other pHoSi-
sions for the night. Sightseeing and
visiting with the Boys of '6l' made
the evening pass very quickly. Wire
springs were very agreeable substi
tutes for fir slaves. After good
rest the boys awakened to find that
it was not raining.
The trolley was made use of to en-
ter the Capitol. The G. A. r. and
allied orders were we'll represented
It the annual encampment. Some
familiar faces were found, The
Cuckoos found that Scout Master Kill |
born had come by train and had been |
offered quarters for all the Scouts. |
Owing to the wet condition of the |
grounds, ii was decided to use the
church vestry which had been tender
ed instead of camping near the State
House. Through the Kindness of Adj
Gen. z. c. Dill, Scout Master Webb
was able to provide cots, mattresses,
and pillows for all
Another addition to the company
was Albert Whittemore who came
/ from Warren by train to tramp back
and take pictures. He obtained
number of very good views. Visiting
public buildings, hunting up acquain-
tances, meeting other Scouts, made
the time pass all too soon. Thursday
afternoon found all assembled at the
Capitol. Some points of interest were
viewed and the legislative halls were
entered. We wonder il the lad who
took a seat in the House will be
elected later.
At two o'clock the company pre-
scented itself at the Executive Cham
bers. Private Secretary Murphy es
corted all into the council chamber,
there to await the Governors arrival.
Each one was most graciously receiy-
ed by the affable governor of our
commonwealth, after which His EX-
cellency made a strong. impressive
speech, commencing the movement
and encouraging those present to go
on to fulfill its promise.
A climb to the dome OF the Capitol
gave a fine view of the country round
about and made our "farthest point
from home" Governor Richards
having kindly offered to shelter the
party, the journey homeward was be-
gun by taking a car for the National
! Soldiers Home. Here hearty re-
ception awaited those who had been
there two nights previously. Two
Scouts with Scout Master kilborn re-
turned 10 Warren by train. The
twelve who remained with the eXpedi-
ton were permitted to take part in
the salute to the flag which was low
cred at p. m. The boys were drawn
| up in a good line and gave the Scout
salute to the flag.
A ball game followed but we are
not counting upon that for glory. A
good rest prepared all for the march
] % III NhifaAald