Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-08-19
.B|NKS TELLS Of
BRIGADE HIKE
CORPORAL IN co. G WRITES OF
HAPPENINGS AMONG LOCAL
GUARDsMEN IN CAMP.


Daily happenings of the Ottumwans
and other guardsmen in camp at
Brownsville Texas, are contained IN
letter received by a member of The
Courier's staff today from Corporal
Philip Binks Of Company G, now in
camp at Victoria Heights, Brownsville,
on the Mexican border. The letter
follows
Brownsville, Tex, Aug. 10, 1916.
Dear Friends:
Will tell you of the recent happen
ings in camp with the Third Iowa in.
fantry at Victoria Heights.
The first long hike for the Alloys
was on Friday morning. The Iowa
brigade of three regiments left Vic
toria Heights at o'clock in the morn
ing on ten mile hike. The boys Of
Company G returned from the hike In
good condition. The 5000 Iowa boys
seemed to stand the drills and hikes
very good 1t took two hours and
thirty minutes to make the trip.
The Third infantry band gave a
very pleasing concert at FIT. Brown
Friday evening. The soldiers and
citizens at Brownsville who were pres
ent at the concert spoke very highly
Of the Iowa band.
We are a proud company OF boys
today. Yesterday afternoon we were
busy laying new wood floors In our
tents. This will make it a much bet
ter and healthier camp. Our new cots
are expected to arrive soon which will
also make camp more pleasant.
Private Herbert Gilger displayed the
new underwear issued by the govern
ment last night He paraded the
streets at a late hour and appeared to
be very proud of his new outfit.
The boys have made number of
pretty cactus beds near their homes"
They have nearly every variety Of the
cactus plants which add to the appear.
ance of the company street.
Private Knodel, former sailor but
now on the Company G roll book,
found one shoe full Of ants and the
other full of water when he was about
to dress for reveille this morning. He
says he will get that fellow sure.
Private Finarty was busy washing
his clothes Saturday. He Is thinking
of starting a laundry when he gets
back. In fact, I think all of us boys
would make good.
Tom spillman of Ottumwa, who has
been visiting the cavalry at Donna.
Texas, was a welcome visitor in camp
last night. He spoke highly Of our
camp and the Iowa cavalry boys. After
spending the day IN Brownsville he
left for his home in Ottumwa
Sergeant Tollifson receives a postal
card and letter every day from the
same city. We're for him.
The Oskaloosa baseball team defeat
ed the Ottumwa boys in fast game
by the score Of to 8. The game was
tied in the fifth inning but the Oskies
scored on the Ottumwa guardsmen in
the next, and winning the game, which
was called in the seventh inning.
Sergeant Major Slaughter is receiv.
ing instructions with the Thirty-stxth
infantry, which is In camp near
Brownsville.
Lieutenant Nelson has returned to
the Third Iowa camp after two weeks
instruction at FIT. Brown.
Supply Sergeant Miller is busy is
suing the new uniforms to the boys.
Before long the boys will, have
plenty of clothes and can make good
appearance at inspection. One COM
plete uniform will be used for inspec-
ton and parade only.
Privates Frost and Byrne are at
tending the Spanish school. A num-
Der of boys are going to attend the
next school, which Is held in Browns
Vile and is free to soldiers.
Company G mounted guard for the
second time since our arrival at
Brownsville. Capt. Schamp, officer OF
the day; Lieutenant Younkin, officer
of the guard, and Sergeant Johnston,
sergeant of the guard.
The boys made a good showing on
guard mount. which is one Of the most
Important Of military tactics. Each
relief is in charge of corporal who
posts his relief which is on duty for
two hours and then off four hours.
The guard Is relieved every two hours,
two reliefs being held ready in the
guard house at all times.
Must return to my duties. Will try
and Keep you posted on the happen.