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GOOD NEWS FROfl COHPANY I.Plenty of Good Rations, Good Healthand Good Nature-^Ali ConditionsImproved and the Boys in Blue, NoAll in FineLonger Blue, AreSpirits and Enjoying the Life inCamp.received the letter lastIUMay 30-* * * I ,night aud wa glad to know low nicely tilingswere going. Everything going on hue here. 1feel the best 1 ever dm m my ltie. The only drawhacK is that we haven't gut any money and don’t kuow wneu we will he paid. Some say everv three months and It so company i will have to steal a great deal more ihaii they do nowr. Our grub is somewhat oetter now. Work Is not very nard. Captain Is otlicer ot the day and i am on guard. Eight regiments left lorJacksonville yesieruay, hut we are liahie to behere two months and may he all summer. Mulberries are ripe aud pears are as large as a dove's egg, 1 am goiug to have a camera, oue of these little oues, and get some of the most interesting pictures you ever saw. I’ii get a littleone that 1 can carry easy aud 1 have plenty oltime to develop and it wilt he something lo do between drills. We corporals don’t have lo do auything at all but boss, so we are gettiug fat.1 am at my post at provlsiou headquarters. The day has been hot hut it is cool now, but I will have to he up every tour hours to post my rellel. The baud is playing over across the road in front of the colonel’s tent.This is a dream of a place and I feel as muchat home as a bug m a rug. Just like being in acity and out every night; but we nave to put out lights at 1* o’clock aud with the light we most always go to sleep. We are ou guard twenty-four hours now, and sleep rlgln here. 1 feel sorry for those lhat can’t see this scene as it looks tonight. To the trout ot me aud a little lower than 1 am are the tents of the 12th Minnesota aud 5th reuusylvama all in straight rows with the streets all lull ol hoys In blue talking aud giving each other a friendly slap or kick or dancing to the bauds ol music, while around the camp the tired looking sentry, with slow tread, is lookiug for something to see. The wagou-ers are leading their tat. lazy mules to water; and at tne lett are the stabies with a two-iuch rope for a manger, and the trees for a root. Io the right is a stretch ot umber that Is as cleanas ever you raked your yard; aud there is the old camp ground of ihe 1st lttluois which started to Jacksonville Wednesday. Every camp is just as clean as a broom can sweep it and youcau see a pin auy where it there were any ui heseeu. , •«_*».Sow Imagine the sun shining through thetrees aud setting it all oil in hoid rebel; tents of an alabaster whiteness aud the sentry ’s bayonets liashiug aud their buttons slilutug. Oh, but it is hue. I can’t half describe it; It is sim ply lnuneuse. 1 am as happy tonight as a lark and uou’t want anything better. You must think of me a great deal, for every ouce in a while I think 1 am hack home and set? everything as plain as it I was right there. Web, must closeand clean up. “Gooa-ulgfit.”Y’our boy in blue,Jerry Prescott.and how unsuccessful, against a foe of twicetheir number, I ihiuk what a contrast between the two Sundays. Kor u.»w 1 can hear the music of tne 1 -it Ohio as tbev are maktug sweet and peaceful m-lodies across this plain which 35 yeats ago was 1 he scene ot carnage, and blond and death. On this fatal ground over 12,000 boys in hiue fell, in the two days of the battle. Through woods from the field of “Bairds Mill” we come to ihe “Broeck” field aud still further west is the “Kelley” field where Gen. Edward A. King led. Further 011 Is•’Snodgrass Hill.” And here on the top ol thisbeautiful hill is w here the 2nd Mmn., made the most heroic stand that a regiment ever made against an enemy and won tor her gallant soldiers everlasting fame.The event Is commemorated by a noble monument—and It is a tribute to tie proud of. 1 know you would he glad to view this wonderful park, and more so, if you participated tu the battle that gave It lasting renown. We boys of company I are in fine spirits and are fast getting accustomed to camp life and I do know tills, that we are all getting enough tat—bacon, so what more could we expect. Many thanks to all the kind friends that have so generously contributed to 1 lie fund of $100 sent us. When we received it Monday evening 100 voices joined in ringing cheers aud praises for Albert lA*a.Clarence Lower.Pti raAh1,1.tJ-ykler-tnteP-tieheorsere-enagofare-ilyateeremdtheorspu-enttic,9.pu-Cbickamauga, June 4-* * * Y’ours ot late date received aud contents noted. 1 am very giad that the ladles of Albert Lea are Interested 111 our welfare aud are anxious to do something for the comfort ol the hoys. There are two things that we need: The first is mouey for with that we can buy just wuat we ueed; the second is coudeused aud palatable foods that will be relished aud retained by the stomach— when lhat organ absolutely refuses to countenance or retain tne army rations. The best hotel fare becomes tiresome alter awhile aud a boarder longs tor his mother’s cooking. Substitute lor that a diet consisting principally of tat salt pork, beaus, hard tack or baaing soda biscuit, which would prove dangerous missiles it used to throw at oue, aud you cau see the necessity 01 something to beuetic the appetite ot a youug fellow who not ouly wants something good lo eat, hut also to see his mother. The nest thing I have tasted yet was a cup of tea, alter I had a bilious attack which upset my stomach tor a day or ivvo.We received a box hum the Minnesota Red Cross society aud have all the clothiug we need; also the jelly, jam aud bandages we can use; but we can use an the coudeused milk, malted milk, Armour's extract of beef, canned soups, blackberry brandy that they cau send. They would have to buy them and pay the express and ireight ou them, aud as I first stated money isthe most desirable thing that can be sent. I nave received a letter and I send receipted bills for things I purchase with it to the donors. Iwould suggest tu order to avoid confusion andalso that everything be properly accounted for that anything designated lor the medical department he seut in my care. 1 will see that it is used judiciously.With my usual luck I am still hounded with work. ITad only been here forty-eight hours when I was ordered to help relit a hotel lor a geueral hospital, lu seveuty-two hours 1 had ueeu assigned as acting chief surgeon of the 3rd division company, four regiments aud ulue thousand meu. I am now eugaged in setting up my hospital which is arranged to care for ah the men 111 the lour regimeuts. It is located within 100 rods of the 12th regiment, so that 1 have beeu busy up till now'. I will begin to receive patients about next Tuesday. I shall have to live at the hospital.Capt. Euwards is well and happy just now as his wile arrived yesterday. The regiment is improving rapidly and is getting equipped with the Dest of them, for the forward moment of troops which I expect will next be farther south. We have a splendid chaplain— works like a uallor, always doing for the boys. He is Kev. E. C. Clemens of Minneapolis. The boys are not quite as polished as some of the city companies, hut they are a splendid lot of youug feiiows aud I pray that they may all live to get home; but some of them will necessarily be left behind. * * *T. C. Clark, Burg. 12th Mluu , V'ols.Interview with Lieut-. Day, sergeants Win. Joern. Harry Gillrup, liohert Grant aud private Cameron, Juse 14:We left camp Thomas Friday afternoon, June 10, via mule team short Hue to Lytle, a small station situated ou the limits of the park, andused as a depot of supplies for the army at Chlekamauga. It is a very busy piace, being the terminus of the stub road running out from Chattanoogo. We rau into Chattanooga about 4 o’clock, the track following the base of thefamous Mlsslou Ridge. We lay over there until1:30 Saturday morning, when we hoarded a Nashville, Chattanooga St. Louis train, aud were Anally ou our way home.Our route took us along tills line to Nashville, passing through a part of the country abounding in beautiful seeuery, especially of the Cum-berlauds. From Nashville we took the Louisville Nashville Hue to Evansville, the Evansville Terra Haute from Evansville to Terra Haute, and the Chicago . Eastern Illinois to Chicago; passing all the while through a country that was a feast to the eyes, alter the drought aud dust of Georgia, between Nashville aud Chattanooga lies the famous battlefield of Murfreesboro, or Stone Kiver, now noted as one of the great uatloual cemeteries, another betug the one located at Chlekamauga.While running along the hanks of the Wabashriver we obtained a glimpse of the site of oldFort Knox, ouce under the command of Gen, William Henry Harrison. ICgbt along there, too. Is the city of Vincennes, said to he the oldest town lu the early northwest.Arrived In Chicago Saturday uight at 8:30 after a very pleasaut trip and put up for the night at the Atlantic hotel, near the Rock Island depot.Our train was not due to leave until 3 o'clock Sunday afternoou, so the time Intervening w as pleasantly spent in wandering about tne city and ou the lake. All the city railways carry soldiers and sailors free to all poluts ou their Hues. This fact was not known to ail of our party until too late to take advantage of it, and much chagrin was expressed by those unlucky ones who remained at the hotel. We left Chicago via C . R. I. F. at 3:05 Sunday afternoon, running all night and arrtviug in Albert Lea at 4:25 Monday morning.Since our arrival many questions have been asked concerning Camp Thomas as to water, rations, weather, health, etc. For the benefit of interested parties we wish to say, that the 12th Minn is particularly fortunate in all respects. We have an abundant supply of water within a half mile of camp. From there It is easily carried Dy the hoys. The company teams bring water from the Blue spring, a greater distance but also a greater supply. While during the first ten days the rations were very poor, consisting of three changes, coffee, bacon and hardtack for breakfast, hardtack, bacon and coffee for dinner, and supper, bacon, hardtack and coffee, now fresh meat is served at least twice a week aud fresh bread every day, together with vegetates or rice and plenty of potatoes. Since the change lu rations the health of the regiment has been vastly Improved, there being but few cases confined to the hospital aud none of them of a serious nature. While the thermometer is high there the heat is not noticeably greater than that of the north. Most of the drilling is arranged so as to avoid the greatestheat ol the day. The boys are looking hardyaud brown, are feeling happy aud contented forthe most part, barring a desire to get at theSpaniards, and wished us to carry best w ishesto all the friends at home.We shall return to our regiment as soon as werecruit the 103 men In the four towus uecessaryto fill the companies of the first battalion, hut we may not find the regiment at Chlekamauga. Very likely It will be moved soon towards the coast where It seems probable it will form a part of the army that is to invade I’orto Rico. We prefer going there Instead ot to Cuba, and believe that when we get there no one will be disappointed or have cause to be ashamed of the record of the twelfth Minnesota.remain slt; Dr. Rolt;Mert Fvisit.Mr. amWatervilM orey visitors 3Mr. an short visSupt. 8 city vlsiW. D.Lea \isilVictor for a shlt;Mr, aihome fr«Miss Hvisit witJulius he goesMrs. (Mrs. EcMrs. 1 a visit vMiss I the gue:Miss , the gueArt Avisit wiE. E. bert LeMr. a visitingWill.was heiW. Ci at MintMrs.Ing trie Iowa.Miss J. Dwj vacatioMiss W tss F lege thW. 1 Miss F here o’Stabre pub Iness clt;M rs.Saturc visit aMis*march the hamer.Mr.Sunda federi way ttlon.Rev and J Thyk.sen, J Htghl the mChawives Lind stoppAlex*In ea lastorgatWitRtaClt;AQatLMilfrotMO!Democrats Are Patriotic.*squ(illJoeII.ordbatThe following resolutions were adopted unanimously and by a rising vote, concluding with three cheers for the soldier boys in blue, at the county convention of the party last week:themed;er s had ents;nts.heofhattheforJune 6-* * * We received a draft today from the citizens of Albert Lea, and you ought to have heard the hoys cheer. I suppose we will have something to eat now. There has been some Improvement lu the meals lately— they had to improve them as the boys were getting In such a shape that it was a case of giving us better rations or letting us starve. Harry Gillrup is raising side burns and I think with proper care they will he food for the wind in about twenty-five years. I think I will have to have my mustache shaved as it bothers me. The boys all enjoy hearing from home and I am usually the first one to look for a letter. Lyle had a letter from Fred Mallery yesterday. Will Ostrander and Burt House are uot feeling well today. I was sick yesterday but am affright now. The people here say the hottest season begins about the 15th; if it Is auy hotter than it Is now I don’t know what we will do. It was about 127 in the shade today.Robert Tweedy.1 by?eryLherrenit ofe orbeandateda it1 toruntheaout7 oftingableforthe3 one of»artyegis-law.Camp Thomas, June 8—To V. Gillrup.—Your letter enclosing draft lor §100.00 for company fund is at hand. I read it to the boys and it is needless to say it called forth hearty aud grateful cheers. The boys think Albert Lea Is all right and know they have a loyal citv behind them to see they are treated right. Mrs. Edwards has been here a week today aud although she has been 111 for a few days, she Is now allright and ready to enjoy herself. We did not have very elaborate quarters prepared for the ladles, hut It was the best we could get on short notice. We have now erected tents lu the yard of the house where tfiey are stopping. Each has a tent, a woven wire bed spring aud plenty of bedding, and they all enjoy it much better ttnn sleeping in the house. Tne ouly difficulty is with reference to the hill of fare. The people In the country hereabouts don’t know anything about cooking and in tact don’t have much to cook.Harry just returned from a trip down to see Mrs. E and brought me a note from her. She has been over to call at Col. Gordon’s. He has three daughters, a large plantation and a large house; plenty ot accommodations, lots of freshmilk, eggs, butter, etc.; just what a civilized person would want. It is the place where we tried to make arran'ements before but could not. Now they will accommodate us for §1.25 a day, and I am going to induce Mrs. E. to take the chance, as ihere will be many after It. The weather is gettiDg very warm, too In the shade Is cool down here; that was the temperature in the hospital yesterday. It is about 120 in the sun. and still we dou’t mind It much. I enclose herewith a picture of a group of officers taken a week ago last Sunday on Umbrella Rock, Lookout Mountain. Mrs. E. and I are going up next Suuday and will put in a day ot it and see all the sights. She says she never saw a mountain and is delighted with the idea of taking the trip.C. S. Edwards (Capt)The democratic party of Freeborn county In convention assembled congratulate ourselves ou the splendid record made by the party in the campalgu of 1896 and its w i9e, progressive and patriotic course since that In upholding constitutional principles and the rights of the people. Being couvinced that its success is essential to the maintenance ot just laws, to the enforcement of public and private rights, to progress and the eoual protection and liberty of all citizens, he i tResolved—That we endorse and reaffirm the national democratic platform of 1896, aud the principles of the party which have been so ably expounded by our surpassing chieftain, William J. Bryan.Resolved—That we urge the great Importance to the people of ousting from power the unscrupulous and reckless republican machine and Its corporation hacking that dominates this state, and to this end favor the nomination of John Lind for governor, aud Instruct our delegates accordingly.Resolved—That we favor a cooperation of our party with the populists, and free silver republicans aud like reform forces in the naming of a state ticket and in the adoption of a platform representing their principles, and in the contest this year to install honest government and the rale of the people in the state.Resolved—That the war this nation Is wagingagainst Spain is a war for humanity, for progress and civilization, and we pledge our support to the president and to cougress lu prosecuting It to a complete and honorable conclusion.Resolved—That It is the duty of all citizens to remember our brave soldiers in the field and to sustain them in the great sacrifice they are makiDg, and we pledge them our earnest sympathy in all their trials and our material support to the fullest extent tu their patriotic and noble crusade in the cause of their couutry.paipal100alslt;listpataisfroDanigelijwihe;SOImsth;LiiITthlt;witwChurchesaud Otlier Societies.P. Clausen has returned from the week’s annualat Green-Flt;sessionvilie, Mich., of theUnited Danish Lutheran church. He was elected one of the line national board of directors, liev. G. B. Christensen of Omaha, formerly of Albert Lea, being president. Kev. Nelson, pastor for Kiceland and London, was also in attendance. The body passed a resolution sending greeting to president McKinlev and expressing its sympathy with the United States in the war with Spain and asks divine blessing to give us a glorious victory.The W.C. T. U.presbyterian chapelat 3 o’clock. All attend.will meet at the Friday, June 17, ladies invited toThe county W. C. T. U. convention will be held at Glenville on June 22, 23 and 24. A number from Albert Lea3c3tCcwill attend.ed ait ofdgedegis-nthsandiateslocalmancameDtionrally11 nottorm-in tole tolitor-buttheyIt os every nappe*.Camp Thomas, June 10—G. W. Nash and Comrades of the G. A. R.—Never can we torget the afternoon that you grand old soldiers ot ’6l-’65 gave us boys ot company I the reception in the opera house at home aud the many good words ot advice glveu aud extended to us that were about to start out on another expedition of warfare and the sympathy felt for us that knew nothing of the hardship and privations that are experienced while wearing the blue and doing a soldier’s duty. I have thought of the short talk giveQ by comrade Nash that afternoon, and especially where he referred to the thought that in a few years the old guard of the G A. R. would all be called to their “last battle” there to await the bugle call from Him that all mustanswer to, and as to who will take our places and keep this grand army recruited, and at last, you said, your doubt aud prayers nave been answered, for you saw before you the new G. A. R lu the patriotic boys that go from their homes to defend “old glory.”Now, comrade Nash, I thought at the time what a noble tribute It was, for many of us have fathers still living that so bravely fought for their country’s flag. But since we have beeu here on this historical battlefield and I have visited many of the scenes of conflict and seen the hundreds of monuments that been erected on this hallowed ground have read the many tablets that tell of thedents during the days of Sept. 19, 20, 1863, andthat tell of the many tnousand of lives that were lost, I begin to realize the hardships that were experienced by you “hoys.” But no generation will produce aG. A R. equal to the old, for history will not furnish another war equal to that fought by our fathers. As I stood on the battlefield of Baird’s mill Sunday mornlug aud read the many Inscriptions that tell of the fearful onslaughts that were made here by you “boys,Sundav, June l(Jth, will be observed by the knights of Fythias lodge as Pythian Memorial Sunday. Thewill attend services at theJtwHKnightspresbyterian church in the morning.The new rector of Christ church has moved to the city with his family. Hereafter there will be two sermonsfollows: Matins andandeach Sunday assermon at 10:45 a. m., vespers sermon at 7:45 p. m. Sunday school at 12 noon. The seats in this church are all free and all are invited to attend the services, and will be made wel-iI%havehaveandinci-come.A Frances Willard memorial meeting under the auspices of the \Y. C. T. U. will be held in the methodistchurch Sunday, June 19 at 3:30 p. m.The object of this meeting is to raise funds for the clearing of the debt on the womans’ temple at Chicago; so as to hold it as a memorial to the women of America, to the crusade movement as well as to the grand woman who so lately laid down her arms in the tem-The temple, its his-perance cause tory, its object and the necessity for holding it, will be set forth in an inter-8Sesting manner, and we urge a good at-1 tendance. Com. of W. C. T. U.(
Newspaper Details
Freeborn County Standard
Albert Lea, Minnesota, US
Wed, Jun 15, 1898
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
WA, USA 11 Oct 2021
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