Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 63, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 April 1899 — Another From The 161st. [ARTICLE]

Another From The 161st.

flow They Got Back From Cuba. Savannah, Georgia, April 3rd 1899. Editor Republican: When I last wrote you, we were in the Sunny Isle of Cuba but no 4 we are in the sunny south of our own fair country. It may not be as beautiful as the Queen of the Antilles but it is good enough for us. Our trip across the water from Havana to Savannah was made in the phenominel short time of thirtynine honrs. Remember we came in an army transport. Wednesday, March 29th, at 6 A. M. we broke camp and marched to Havannah, The weather was extremely hot and the roads dusty but everyone marched along in a happy, romping manner some whistling aud some singing “A Hot Time in the Old Town.” ag. The 2nd Illinois regiment had been bragging how they would leave before we did but it all ended in bragging for they were still there. Col. Durbin led us past just in front of Col. Moulten’s tent and I guess he riiust have thought the Philipinos were coming for he came to the door of his tent in his night robe. I think he muttered “moocha molla”! (very bad.)

We reached the wharf about 10 a. m. where onr transport had tied up about the same time. We were informed that unless we reached Savannah before mid-night March 31st we would be turned away or quarantined. The loading was pushed rapidly forward and at 5 p. m, we steamed out of the harbor amid the screeohof whistles. As we passed the Cruiser. Resolute bar band played that soul stiring piece “Home Sweet Home.’’ The voyage was uneventful except that almost everyone became seasick and on the morning of the 31st there was a fog which caused the sailors some trouble in locating the mouth of the Savannfih River. Before proceeding far up the river our boat was tied up to a dock, by the health officers. Six companies, ours among the number, had their baggage fumigated that day and were taken on lighters to the city. Nothing but the stuff we carried was fumigated at that time. Our boxes and trunks are still there.

The steam process was used and much of the clothing was ruined. The clothes we wore were not molested. Some took advantage of this and wore all they could. The whole business is denounced by Surgeons, Officers and men alike as a great big fake and a money making scheme. The men connected with the station were denounced by the 4th Virginia and 2ad Louisiana men and Officers as a set of robbers and a careless lot,* They lost so much property that they talked of having a Court of Inquiry look into the matter. Their kick no doubt will be a benefit to us. When our companies were taken from the lighters they were loaded into Army wagons and taken to our new camp. While the men were leaving the lighter a civilian who came up the river with us, lost his footing and fell into the water. He undoubtedly would have drowned if it had not been for the aid of Lieut. Anheir. It was a difficult task but our brave Lieutenant finally hauled him out. We have our camp in very good shape now and are trying to patiently wait for the last muster day to be nt. We are still in fear of being taken to Indianapolis to be mustered out. Those people and the Governor seem to be determined to have us.

shame and an outrage. They volunteered their services and now they surely ought to have the privilege of being mustered out here. The officers are very much oppooed to being taken home. We had dress parade yesterday and will have now every day at 5 p. ru, . > We will drill an hour and a half each day also. Guard lines are open and we go and come at will just so we answer roll calls, drill and parade. We have no guard house yet and when a man gets drunk and unruly he is tied hand and foot in his own tent. It has been raining all morning. April here seems to be like April iu Indiana. It no doubt will be about May Ist when our regiment is mustered out. Time drags slowly and from now until we are permitted to partake of the fatted calf will seem an age.

WILBUR THARP.

Co. “I” 161 Ind,