Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-16
RICHMOND BIDS FAREWELL
TO TWO FIGHTING UNITS
Artillery Headquarters and Supply
Company, Battery r, and Signal
Corps Off for Camp.
FRIENDS THRoNG ARsfoRIEs
Chilling Rain Fails to Dampen En-
thusfasm Of Those Gathered to Bid
Adieu to Artillery and Signal Men
on Way to Anniston.

With red fire and cheers, two moro
contingents of Virginia's sons were
hidden Godspeed last night aad early
this morning as they started on the
first stage of their journey to France.
The chill wind and the gusts of rain
mist that blew internationally kept
down the crowds that gathered at the
armories, along the streets and at the
Byrd Street Station to catch last
glimpse of brothers. sons. sweethearts
and husbands. but even this combina-
tioT OF tho elements could not dampen
the enthusiasm.
The units to entrain for Camp Nc
Clellan. at Admission, were the signal
corps and the headquarters and supply
companies, and Battery +, Rockbridge
Artillery. OF the First Virginia ReEi-
ment. Field Artillery.
Throughout the evening. the Grays'
Armory. at Seventh and Marshall
Streets. and the Howitzers' Armory,
on Eighth Street. rang with the chat
ter and laughter of friends and rela>
tives. who were spending the last mo-
ments for months to come with those
near and dear to them. But the
laughter was a bit strained. and the
attempts at light-heartedncss at times
allied when a realization OF the true
meaning OF the departure came to both
~" troops and their families.
FEW TEARS ARE SHED
WHEN PARTING TIME COMES
But despite the solemnity of the oc-
casion, there were few tears shed. for
1t has ever been woman's part to give
the men who will fight not only
for their country, but for the liberty
Of the world.
The men of the signal corps were
the first to move
Sharp at 1925 n bugle sounded the
preparatory call to the men In the
Grays' armory. There followed hur-
ried Eood-bys, hasty hugs and kisses.
and then the civilians were sent from
the corridor. Quickly some of them
lined up along the sidewalks outside,
while others hurried away to be on
hand Al the entraining point, Virginia
Avenue.
Again sounded the bugle. Two pla-
toons of civilians. with red fire, formed
at the head of the signal men. Came
the command. Forward, march," and
with Captain Edwin p. Conquest at
their, head, the men. wearing their rub
Der coats. tramped from the armory.
SIGNAL CORPS CHEI;RED
AS 1T MARCHES TO TRAIN
AS they passed up Seventh Street the
crowds cheered and the cheering grew
In volume as they swung into Broad
street, turned east, marched to Ninth,
thence down the hill to Main Street,
and thence to Virginia Avenue.
Arrived there. nc time was lost in
entraining. Eight cars composed tho
train that VIII carry them to Admission.
Two tourist coaches two stock cars
for the corps has thirty-two horses
two freight cars, one flat car and one
baggage car.
The signal corps has two officers be-
sides Captain Conquest, First Lieutcn-
ants Deans Haw and Calvin Ervay.
This morning, at Danyille, where
they are due to arrive at $3.50 o'clock.
they will be Joined by Battery L, First
Virginia Regiment. Field Artillery.
Rations for seven days were in the
equipment OF tho men. although they
are scheduled to arrive at Admission on
Monday about o'clock in the morn
ing. But the boys will not bo COM
PEELED to subsist on the army rations:
that is, If the train is reasonably on
time. for their friends AMI we'll
wishers loaded them down with good
les. and fruit OF all descriptions.
There were more farewclls ut the
train. But these were interrupted by
shrill toots from tho engine, and
promptly at 1880 tho men of the first
signal corps to be furnished by Rich
mond steamed out Of tho Southerns
yards
ROCKBRrDGE ARTILLERY
OFF FOR SERVICE
In the meantime, the men of Bat
terry +. Rockbridge Artillery. were
awaiting orders at tho Howitzers' Ar