Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1898 — Another From Camp Mount. [ARTICLE]

Another From Camp Mount.

Camp Mount, May 2, 1898. To The Republican: To go into detail of our life in camp would cover more paper than I have got in store and I will furnish you with but a small account of what we have here. When we arrived at camp last Thursday' we were taken to the mustering officer and took our oath to serve the state, then were given uniforms and assigned to tents. For several days we have been out of drill on account of lack of guns to supply the camp But now we are having it as hard as anybody. Our food has been good but very little of it. But according to regulations that is all we are allowed which is mostly hard tack, coffee, beans, potatoes, bacon and sometimes steak. Our “grub” is served on a board table at six, twelve and six and there is usually a rush for the table and sometimes a fight. Saturday our company won honors by being the only company in the Ist Reg. who volunteered to a man for the U. S. A. and was appointed flag company of the regiment. Col. Pennington of our Regiment had his leg broken Saturday back of his tent. His horse fell with him. Well it is time for drill and I must close. Hoping the home people are drilling all right I remain Yours Truly, E. M. Middleton. Co. I,lst Reg. * * * Tuesday, May 4, 1898. Many people in camp are reporting to sick call on account of colds and in some cases injuries. One man in 4th Reg. had a sword run through liis right leg yesterday on Dress Parade. He went home this morning. One of Co. C. Ist Reg. fell in a faint on Battalion drill this morning. Col. Pennington leg broken and a Major of 2nd Reg. thrown from his horse. Food is scarce again since Sunday when Greencastle people gave us a good feed for once. But we can’t complain. Company L and A of Vinpennes were presented with bibles this morning by the citizens and A Company with a silk flag. Physical examination begins tomorrow for the U. S. A. and we may get a forlough of three days about Sunday to bid home folks goodbye before going south. Great excitement has prevailed in camp over the naval battle of Sunday and also of movements in Sampson’s fleet at Havana and many guesses are being made as to what it means. Last night one of Co.. M’s men shot at Co. I’s man and is now under arrest and will go to prison. Co. I’s men were blowing out their lights and raising other noises.

E. M. MIDDLETON.