Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-10-16

which fast grew into shape; the Sihley
stoves were set up with their long tunnels
projecting through the top of each tent;
details were sent after wood; straw mat
tresses were hastily toted over from the
big supply barn where they had been
stored; cots were set up; rifles were
stacked: all equipment was placed in neat
piles where the owners could locate il
instantly. and everyone was busy from
the time of arrival until dark; but the
way in which they went at the work OF
organizing the camp emphasized the fact
that the Texas experience has made men
and soldiers of all the boys who went
there.
The Mascots
Every company had its own mascots.
One of the boys proudly stated: We've
got a dog from every state we passed
through" apd it certainly did look that
way, dogs of every degree of breed nd
appearance being represented in the COL
lection DR.. Knowlton Of the Hospital
Corps brought with him pretty little
spotted fawn, which has been christened
"Zapata,' and was stepping very daintily
about with a white sweater to protect 1t
from the wintry winds that swept the
field. Major Mayo had a tame coyote for
his souvenir. Another officer brought
back a wildcat that he had purchased
from a Mexican. One company had a
pair of tiny Mexican goats. There are
five of the far-famed Border Canaries, "
little, long-eared burros about the size of
a good sized jackrabbit, which came from
Ysibeno, Texas. Co. E also had a coyote.
but being of an uncertain disposition
someone welted him over the head with
an axe for favors received and he is no
more, although they still have his skin.
The most curious assortment of pets was
an old lady rattlesnake with a family of
&c young ones This was in Co. I, but 1t
is not known what became of them. Then
there are geese, parrots. parrakeets, horn
ed toads, cats, insects of all sorts, and it
is reported that one of the boys had a
ella monster, although this could not be
confirmed as the part of the baggage in
which this animal was kept had not vet
arrived.
Young Mexican
Co A bought with them a tanned
young ester Of about II years, his name
is Augustus Williams and he is report
ed to be from Dolores. Texas. A private
volunteered the information that the
boys father was one of CarranZa'S pay
masters and that he had been shot.
Gus" as he is called is a great fav-
orite with the men He is dressed in
a regular army uniform and packs a
gun" an efficient looking Colts auto
ties around with the grown-ups.
Liked Maine Boys
Just before the I'd Maine was sent
home the townsfolk of Laredo got up
a paper in which they petitioned army
headquarters to allow the Maine boys to
remain in their city. as they felt that
none of the troops had used them as
we'll. All bills had been promptly paid,
courtesy had been shown all civiliart
and they hated to see the boys start
for home.
Just before supper a bunch Of mail
arrived for the boys, and a scramble
for letters ensued. the boys from other
parts of Maine eagerly looking over
the patches of mail for word from
home, those who got letters ducking off
to their tents to sean the precious con-
tents, while the few who had none stood
Looking on with envious eyes. At $50
officers call WAS sounded and Col. Hume
addressed the group of men who direct
the affairs of the regiment. He an
EoUnced that one officer from each
company would be given leave to visit
friends in town that evening. to return
before reveille the next day, and that
after the work of mastering the men
out started, no private soldiers were
to be allowed to leave the camp. He
also stated that the work of mastering