Evening star., 1961-10-15
AN HOUR AT THE ARMY SIGNAL CAMP
OF INSTRUCTION.

lew OdyS ago, we VlSlteu the SlBnAA camp Oh IN
structiOn located in the vicinity Of Georgetown
Heights, and witnessed series Of experiments made
by direction Of Maj Meyer, the signal officer Of the
army, who commands the new corps attached to the
Army Of the Potomac.
The experiments were made between two ele.
waited points, about 10 miles apart and satisfactorily
demonstrated the simplicity and utility Of this branch
OF the service to an army in the field. COmmunica
iOn Of all kinds military and local in Significance,
were made with ease and rapidity. The apparatus
used weighs but a few pounds, and is therefore
well adapted to army moving on the field For day
service. il consists Of light pole staff about IS
feet in length and white black flag feet square
For night service, torch or other suitable light is
used.
The movements of the flag by day, and the light
by night, indicate the signal to be communicated
The system was designed few years ago by Maj
Meyer, Of the army, and its simplicity recommended
it to the favorable consideration Of the War Depart
ment and to Congress.
But as these signals visual in their character
and only available during certain conditions Of at
moSphere, when the flag or light can be seen,
it seems to be requisite that the electric telegraph
should also be pressed in the field for the purpose of
transmitting important orders and information dur
ing active operations.
For example: at the battle Of Bull Run il would
have rendered the most efficient service conveying
orders to bring forward the during the panic
necessary, OF uhTeCIlnS tne movements Oh army
against certain points the right left center
Of the enemy.
Maj. Meyer we hear, is well skilled in the science
and operation Of the electric telegraph. and fully
competent to place it in the field part Of his signal
apparatus: therefore. Gen. Mcclellan has already
attached to his staff officer of the regular service
able to perform that duty.
In regard to the apparatus, light carriages or
reels readily be made to carry and lay the field
telegraph which consists of q light insulated wire
and necessary instruments to operate the same The
signals to be used can be indicated by sound, mode
which is open to the public and similar in char
acter to the alarm telegraph used in principal
cities The carriages reels also be made to reel
up the telegraph wire from the ground and relay at
other places when the army moves With a simple
portable apparatus Of this kind in the hands Of Maj
Meyer and his signal corps commanding General,
in the camp field will be able to hold direct and
instantaneous communication with all divisions Of
his army.
In conclusion must not omit calling the atten-
On Of the proper authorities to the necessity Of
Viding troops with suitable night signal to
render impossible q repetition of the sad mistakes
troops have heretofore made. by firing at each
other while a night march,
Whether on not The Stars civilian advice to
the military had anything to do Nth it, use ofths
electric telegraph in field campaigns Oery soon
came into its Moi MyeT iD0WId seTUe
signal officer for the Army Of the Potomac tsOo
major campaigns. But he spOuld ultimately fall
out uUith the Lincoln Administration the
function Of the Signal Corps in relation to that
Of the sOGT,spGaOned Military Telegraph System,
eiuiIi0n-cOntToIIed operation headed By Anson
StG0eT, pre-sO0T superintendent Of Western Union.
FOTt MyeT nezt to Arlington. later sp0s named for
the chief signal officer in beGtsd recognition Of
his achievements