The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-07-13
Members of Company De- scribe Sensations Left in Wake of Terrific Flash BALL OF FIRE WAS
 FOOT IN DIAMETER Second Alabama Left Maneuver Camp Last Night, But Will Resume
 Maneuvers With the Others
 This Morning

That all of the 1S men who were reported seriously injured as a re- suit of the stroke of lightning which, at Camp Pettus, near Anniston, killed Privates Rape and Kirby Thursday aft ernoon, would recover, was the glad some tldings brought home by Lieuten- ant Evans.
 Field Jefferson, J. P. Robinson, Carl Jackson. NJ. P. Sullivan-among those who were thought to be permanently inJured--are all improved to such an extent that it Is not considered prob able that any of them will be much longer in the hospital.
 Sergt Hayne Moore whose eye, it was first reported, was lost, returned home yesterday. He states that through his right eye he can see nothing save a lighted lamp at night, but he be- lieves the power of the member will be recovered. F. T. Downey, another who was fearfully shocked. having been driven by the force of the bolt 28 feet from the mess hall of Com pany B into a tent of the Eufaula com pany, has also returned home. He Is all right save for blistered leg.
 The funeral escort was composed of Lieutenants Evans and Wingo Ser geant Fossett Sergeant Michael, Cor poral Allen. Bugler Carrigan and Pri- yates Young. Body, Barcliff, Crosby Williams, Mayo. Holcombe. Jameson, Antonne and Taylor. They will re- turn to Anniston this afternoon.
 Evans Gives Vivid Description
 Lieutenant Evans gave q vivid de- scription of the flash of lightning which killed the two local boys and stunned 13 others.
 T was standing In my tent" stated Wingo. I was looking into the mess tent where a number of privates were gathered around two soldiers, who were boxing. It was raining I noted the approach of a cloud so dark and threat ening that I. under an impulse, spoke warning to Wingo. And just at that instant the flash came.
 "I saw the passage of a ball of fire, apparently a foot in diameter l was almost blinded. The thunder was so terrific that the earth seemed to shake. saw the great light illuminate for moment the mess tent. It was all over in a trice A deep silence fol- lowed.
 "Wingo, who had been standing near me, was felled. I did not feel the shock. although it is probable that l would have but for the fact that l was standing on a rubber poncho. Wingo was soon able to get to his feet. Capt. Carl Seals, who was shaw ing when the lightning came, was knocked down, but not injured.
 Rain Falling in Torrents
 q rushed to the tent in which the soldiers had been gathered. At that moment the rain was falling in tor rents As soon as a light was made saw with horror a dozen men or more lying as if dead. No one was mangle led-but each was cold and stiff. The limbs of several were in most pe- culiar positions-iust as if they had been paralyzed and held in the angles in which they were when the shock came
 "In an instant the camp was alive to the horrible catastrophe. Ambulances and surgeons came from everywhere. The injured were hastily carried to the hospital and practically everyone save the dead, were revived in a couple of hours.
 Before the night was over some were entirely recovered. J. P. Robin son was wild in delirium and it was necessary, in order that he might not do himself injury, that he be restrained by force. On account of the fact that two were dead, the grief would not urally have been intense even had 1t been known in advance that dozen others would not die. As it was, how ever. the entire camp of 5000 soldiers passed a night without closing an eye"
 Wingo Describes Sensation
 Lieutenant Wingo. who was knocked down but not rendered unconscious, made the following statement: Tt is difficult to describe the sensation of the shock. However, when l recall the Incident it seems that I must in some fashion, have touched live wire. I was lifted from my feet and thrown against the floor"
 F. T. Downey, who escaped with bruised and blistered leg. despite the fact that he was tossed 28 feet bears on his right leg the impression of his hand. He was seated at the time of the shock and his hand was reposing on his leg. His hand was not burned at all, and his trousers were not even scorched But his leg was blistered and it still retains the impression of the hand.
 q can't tell how it happened" stated V. noise of the thunder was ringing in my ears and the flash of the lightning had almost blinded me. l did not feel myself flying through space. but I soon found myself on the ground. I was not unconscious. for l asked Captain Mckenzie of Eufaula, into whose tent had been cast. to help me get up. soon recovered"
 Company Leaves Camp for Night
 As a compliment to the company and a mark of respect to the deceased, the entire Second Alabama left the camp and last night tented without This regiment will resume the maneu- vcrs this morning.
 The regiment followed the funeral procession to the train with banners furled and drum beat hushed
 The funeral service was conducted in an undertaking establishment by Rev. J. H. Black lock, rector of St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal church.
 The people of Anniston sent many and beautiful floral designs. The city was shocked with horror as a result of the catastrophe, and as the process sion marched through the streets church bells tolled.
 
 OBTAINS DAMAGES