The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-10-31
TROOP A MEMBERS
AT LEON SPRINGS
Make Fine Appearance on Long
Hike From Camp Wilson.

LEON SPRINGS. Tex, Oct. 26 Thy
maiD.-Members of Troop A, First Sep
arate Cavalry, District militia, got their
first taste of bivouacking in the field
after arriving here, and all of them seem
to enjoy hugely the experience
The horseback ride from Camp Will
son to the fife range here was the
longest journey the troopers have made
since they enlisted. All of them stood
the march WELL and finished the long
ride in good condition and in high
spirits. The road was dry and level,
the sceneIy picturesque and the horses
used by the troopers were just fractions
enough to keep the boys busy and pre-
vent them from being bored or tired
. out by the march.
Neutrality-suspicious. would have been
proud of the troop as 1t left Camp VIII
son, and set out on the long hike. The
outfit was fully equipped. and looked
ready to take the field for action. The
troopers carried their tents. blanket
rolls, rubber coats, mess kits, tin cups,
saddle bags. and rope halters on their
saddles. while beside the stirrups hung
their rifles and sabers.
Wore Heavy Sweaters.
All of them wore heavy olive drap
sweaters, while from their shoulders
were strapped their cartridge belts, and
at their right hips were tied their big
holsters containing pistols. Each MEM
Der of the troop was equipped like a
regular cavalryman, and the appearance
At of real fighters awaiting the word
which would send them into battle.
Fortunately for the troopers they
cleaned out their canteen OF its supply
other edibles just before they started.
otherwise they would have gone hungry
a long time.
Owing to the fact that a number OF
unbroken mules had to be hitchcd to
the two escort wagons which accom-
panied the troop, and that several troop
ers' horses refused to be loaded with
the various trappings which go to make
the cavalryman's kit complete, the Or
ganization did not get started as early
as Captain Washburn had planned. and
he decided to save time by not stopping
en- route for dinner. Few Of the sol
diers got hungry, however. because OF
the nick-knacks they had eaten before
the troop got under way.
Some Left in Camp.
Capt. Herbert J. Bryson, medical Of.
ncer assigned to the troop; Sergeant
Beebout. Private Sauter. Private John
son. and Private Christy were left al
Camp Wilson to guard the troops quar-
tiers and property. All OF them wer'
disappointed over not being allowed Il
accompany their fellow-soldiers to the
range.
The departing troopers presented ar
interesting appearance as they lef
camp in columns of twos, with tn,
escort wagons in charge of Mack An
derson and 81 Allen following at tn,
end of the line. The wagons wer,
loaded with four days rations for thu
men, and hay. grain, and other forag'
for the animals.
The cook tent and stove were brough
along, and II was not many minute
after the troopers arrived here tina
Anderson and Allen had smoke curlinl
from 1t and several articles OF food II
preparation for the men.
Meanwhile the troopers unsaddle'
their animals, tied them on the pickle
line, and then pitched their little shelte
tents. Two troopers were assigned t
each tent. All of them slept on tn
ground, wrapped in their blankets.
Captain Wasbburn announced the da
after the troopers reached the rang
that they would have no pistol practic
this trip, but would devote their tim
to drilling. making short hikes, an
watching the soldiers here shoot,
Tho troopers have done considerabl
exploring around Leon Springs an
captured a great variety of reptiles an
bugs. They, are trying to learn hoy
Leon Springs got Its name, for the
have been unable to find any springs
Their water supply is furnished b
artesian wells. and Is piped direct
the kitchen. where II Is drawn froI
h'@h "~""S"ro hvdrants.