Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-08-01
National Guard Of the State Of Maine.
Headquarters, Second Infantry.
Zapata, Texas,

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Zapata, Texas,
July "a. 1916.
By 3.15 Tuesday morning July II,
every man Of the 3rd battalion was
busy putting the finishing touches to
his preparation for the hike to Zapata.
It was nearly pitch dark and there was
considerable confusion In collecting the
small odds and ends of baggage and
equipment. Each man had his blanket
roll, haversack, gun, canteen full OF
water and 100 rounds Of ammunition.
This complete equipment made a
mighty heavy and clumsy load: The
morning advanced into perfect weather
though hot. Left about o'clock and
hiked three miles before making the
first stop. The column Of men and
baggage made quite an impressive
sight. Even at this short distance
many men were showing signs of
weakening. l purchased a bottle OF
soda and before / could get it all down
He said the stuff was contaminated
with disentary and, Of course. had to
leave the rest though my thirst was
acute. That meant one more precious
nickle gone to the dogs. Started ahead
after a ten minutes rest. The march
ing regulations were As minutes hike,
10 minutes rest. It was not long before
the men began to kick about the load
and heat. l don't know why it is but
that load was getting heavier every
minute and by the time we made our
70 vii Ia
It seemed that the sun would dry out
every ounce Of moisture in the body.
News Of Troubles.
We passed a squad Of cavalry on
their way to Laredo and they told US
about all kinds Of terrible things we
would have to put up with before we
we're done. OF course, we felt that
they were kidding us along and only
laughed at them. But we were soon
to realize the full extent Of those state
ments. Water was beginning to get
low and what was left was almost
boiling and poor stuff to drink. 1t was
harsh punishment to drink water sew
eral hours old and hot. This was our
first real hike and it took hold Of every
man.
At La Goona.
When we sighted a big water tank
which marked our destination, La
Goona, every man in the outfit heaved
a real sigh Of relief. 1t was a tired,
thirsty bunch that wandered into the
enclosure where we were to make our
camp. AS soon as they could shake
their luggage they beat it for that
water faucet but the Major soon put a
guard over it and made every man
wait till water could be boiled. Some
Of US happened to locate milk at the
farm house and believe me, 1t sure did
hit the right spot even though it was
hot. In a half hour the place looked
like a real camp, with pup tents in reg
ular lines and field kitchens going full
blast. After dinner a big majority of
the men took the opportunity to snatch
little sleep.
Mexican Musical.
In the evening the fellows got few
Of the Mexican ranch hands together
and they gave US quite a recital Of
Mexican songs. While l can't say
am fond of the Mexican muse it served
as a bit Of diversion to the men and
helped to pass away an nour or so
before bed time. 1t would do you good
to see the children at play. They play
the same games as the northern boys
and girls. They romp and race ard
shout. I saw them two-stepping around
like old timers and the larger children
were teaching the little tots. The chill
dren all along have been mighty in
teresting but the grown ups present no
pleasing traits to me.
Rain Welcome.
When we awoke next morning we
were presented with a nice brisk rain
Everybody got soaked but the air
was cool and fresh. just the sort
Of day to do good marching.
The men were relieved Of their
blanket rolls which made marching a
great deal easier and in spite OF the
weather everybody was happy. we
soon passed Santa Rosa ranch where
A party Of 14th cavalry are stationed.
The roads soon became very slippery
and walking was quito difficult. AS the
fellows said you took one step ahead
and slipped back two It was not long
before we had to haul one CT our trucks
out Of a mud holA At short stop for
rest two Of our men dug out a pair OF
Dig grey rats, tied ropes to their hind
lexs and amused themselves for some
little time. In tho hole occupied by the
rats they uncovered the rattles Of a
rattle snake It must have been an old
fellow as tho piece found had seven
rattles and showed signs Of quite few
missing.
Reptiles Scarce.
We have heard so much about the
terrible creatures inhabiting these sec.
lions but have only seen one snake
and q few tarantulas since we came
down here. The lizards and horned
toads are harmless and there does not
seem to be any other kinds Of harmful
creatures about. One truck got stuck
so deep that We had to unload part Of
saggage and leave 1t under guard along