Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 August 1898 — From the 161st Regiment. [ARTICLE]

From the 161st Regiment.

Sergeant Tharp Describes the Situation at Fernandina. Camp Cuba Libre, Aug. 21, ’9B. We are not settled yet in our new home, but soon will be. We will have a nice camp that is as nice as can be had here. Everything is white sand here. This part of Fla. is just like the land north of Rensselaer except tjiere are pine trees here instead of jack oak. Our water is pure but very warm, each day we get an allowance of ice but not enough to last all dayWe came here with ten days rations but we have the privilege of exchanging hard tack for bread and" pork for beef. Our bakery willfcoon be established and then we can get bread. We buy from other regiments now. ’ When we came one could buy almost anything you wanted at the stands but now they have been forbidden to sell a great many articles. We get enough to live on I guess. I think we will be home before long because if it is left to the men or even to the company officers, we will be mustered out sure. Petitions are being circulated now in camp and in one Co. 96 men signed it. We have at least 90 that are desirous of being mustered out. The boys came to fight and not to do garrison duty. For my part I rather like the idea of going to Cuba for a year at least but I would like better care than the men get here. We have many more privileges here than at Camp Mount and will get more the longer we are here. We have floors for every tent made from new lumber and nearly ©very one is K supplied with ticks or mattresses. The general health is good. At first the men worked too bard for being in a new climate. It is very hot today but it will be cooler before night because in the P. M. it clouds over and a good breeze comes up. I am going to St. Augustine tomorrow. I have heard that some reflections have been cast upon Mr. Smock because he came home from Camp Mount without enlisting. I will say for him that he tried as hard as any of us to get in but was under age and could not get the necessary certificate from his guardian. We had a fine trip from Indianapolis here,* having sleepers to ride on. On the way down private Sorrel had his pocket picked. We, suspicioned the negro porter but could do nothing. There we are getting a nice shower and the air is much cooler. • W. Tharp, , Camp Cuba Libre Jacksonville Fla., Co. “I” 161 Reg- Ind. Vol