The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1918-08-07
OLDEST REGIMENT
in AMERICA
Arrives at Camp Fremont,
U. S. A. Brilliant Record
of Regiment Formed 142
Years Ago.

/
Camp Fremont July s.-Mercury
Herald Bureau, Santa Cruz Ave-
The Second Infantry, Colonel Viii
liam c. Bennett commanding, said to
be the Oldest regiment of regulars in
the United States army, arrived here
yesterday and went into camp in the
southwest corner OF the reservation,
being quartered significantly enough,
on the grounds formerly occupied by
the Second Field Artillery.
The organization came direct from
Honolulu, where it has been stationed
since 1908, pausing just long enough
at the port of Decentralization to en-
train for this camp. 1t is probable
that it comes to form the nucleus of
new division, though nothing def
mite could be learned on this score.
All day today men were establish
ing themselves in their quarters and
getting acquainted with their new
S surroundings. Officers and men are
an excellent type of the American
fighting man. They have had their
share of intensive training in Hawaii
which has brought them up to the
standard of physical fitness and mill
tary perfection. Besides this every
branch of athletic sport has formed
their chief entertainment during their
periods of relaxation to such an ex-
tent that they come prepared with
baseball, soccer, handball and track
and field teams willing and ready to
meet any regiment in camp in COM
petition. Boxing also has been in
teresting pastime with them and they
boast two champions OF more than
ordinary distinction.
Participated in Ninety Battles
The Second Infantry has been or
gained 142 years, or since 1916. 1t
was formed in Virginia and at one
time was composed of men entirely
from that state. 1t has a brilliant
fighting record possibly excelling
that OF any similar organization in
America. Ninety battles, engage
ments andskirmishes are recorded to
its credit, dating from the time of St.
Clair's defeat at Maumee Fords. Ohio
November 4, 1884, to the last encoun-
ter with Philippine insurgents at San
Narcisco, P. l., February 10, 1902.
1t has fought in every Indian war
since the first date mentioned and
gave a splendid account OF itself dur
ing the Mexican war, being present
at the battles of Vera Cruz, Cerro
Gordo, Mexico City and at the storm
ing of the castle of Chapultepec.
Every important engagement of the
Civil War found the regiment in the
thick of it and, after doing duty dur
ing the Indian engagements on Ida
no and Oregon reservations from
1879 to 1890 distinguished itself in the
Spanish-American war, participating
in the battles of San Juan Hill and
Santiago, Cuba. Two years later It
was ordered to the Philippines, where
it took part in &c battles in two years.
Another interesting fact is that the
well-known song, annie Laurie" has
been the regimental marching song
of the organization for more than a
hundred years.
Plantation Owners are Officers.
The regiment has been stationed at
Fort Shafter, Honolulu. since 1908,
Among its officers are a number
prominent in the plantation life of of
the Hawaiian islands, among them
First Lieutenants A. c. Belts. II. p.
O'Sullivan and E. S. Cushingham, the
latter having been secretary to For
mer Territorial Governor Pinkham.
Every company has a baseball team
and every player is above average in
proficiency, it is said. The regimen
tai team made a reputation for itself
in Honolulu in defeating all oppon-
ents with ease. In the way of boxing
the regiment points with pride to
Bugler Hollion, G company, and pri-
waite Denote, NJ. company, both light
weights. Denote is said to be the
present champion lightweight of the
Hawaiian islands.
During the forenoon Major Sam
uel |. Johnson, adjutant of the 18th
infantry brigade visited the regiment.
having personal acquaintance with
the majority of its officers, many of
whom attended the same officers
training camp with him in Honolulu
last fall at the time he relinquished
the high post of brigadier general
of the Hawaiian national guard and
became a private to train for active
service at the trout