Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 98, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 August 1904 — From the Tented Fields. [ARTICLE]

From the Tented Fields.

3rd I. N. Gr., July 28. 1904. Ft. Harrison wears an intensely military aspect this morning. Apparently the camp has been in existence for weeks. The camp routine has begun and the men have settled down to a diet of drills, range firing, guard duty and base ball. The new Colonel of the 3rd is a very pleasant aud business-like officer and is becoming very popular with the entire regiment. The changes which caused so much newspaper comment a few weeks ago were doubtless for the best interests of the Military service. Co. “M” has been kept busy since its arrival in camp, digging sinks and beautifying its quarters. There are a few kickers who are not highly pleased with the mess. Jay Zimmerman said that the ice cream last night was too coarse, and the pate-de-foi-gras was a little old, but otherwise he felt satisfied with the grub; especially the swine bosom and hard-tack. Jack Leahy, the veteran of much service, considers every meal a banquet, compared with his army experience. Hospital Steward Fendig ran into a snap this morning which will hold him for awhile. He is invoicing the entire hospital outfit. The opportunities for procuring intoxicating liquors are decidedly nil, nothing of the kind can be found within several miles Qf the fort. There are three good, bands in Camp which can be easily heard over the entire grounds thus furnishing a continuous concert, Just at present the ceremony of guardmount is taking place and all the bands are playing at the same time. From the hill upon which the 3rd*iß camped the entire brigade can be seen. A cool breeze blows continually bringing up from the river bottom an odor of wintergreen and pennyroyal. All things considered we think we have an ideal camping ground,