Campaign of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry Part 2

The discussions of the men regarding the general campaign were interesting, as the war fever was then at its height. Four days before the Atlantic Squadron, under Sampson and Schley, had destroyed the fleet of Admiral Cervera during its attempt to escape from the harbor of Santiago. General Shafter's men were then pressing upon Santiago, and its surrender was hourly expected. Then it was believed that the word would come "On to Havana," and many of the Troopers believed that their command would surely have a part in this movement.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HAVING FUN WITH "HAZEL."]

So far the war had been one of surprises, scarcely an engagement having taken place at a point where a few months before the military leaders would have deemed it possible to expect one. Spain's navy had proven no match for that of the United States, but her little army about Santiago had made a good showing, and hard fights seemed probable before the main army would be driven from Cuba.

The train first came to a stop in Harrisburg, in the midst of a ma.s.s of enthusiastic men and women, a.s.sembled to greet the members of the Governor's troop and Sheridan troop. The crowd rushed pell-mell through the cars containing the troopers of the other organizations, knocking down carbines and sabers, and upsetting things generally. But sentries had thoughtfully been placed by Lieutenant Browning at the doors of the City Troop cars, and this company's share in the demonstration was conducted through the windows. "Hazel," the goat presented to the Troop during its service at the time of the Hazelton riots, gravely surveyed the scene from her outlook, and came in for a lion's share of attention.

Just as the train started an enthusiastic young woman, who had been fighting her way toward the train, thrust a white kitten into the hands of Corporal Wister, with instructions to be good to it. In all it was a pleasant break in the monotony of a long ride.

By midnight the State line was pa.s.sed, and at Baltimore the first section of the train was overtaken. The Troopers, with the exception of the officers, were in day coaches, and made a picturesque sight, asleep in all conceivable att.i.tudes. Enough were awake, however, to chat for a time with the members of the horse detail. By half-past four the men aroused, and thirty minutes later reached the station at Dunn Loring, Va. A breakfast of milk and sandwiches was eaten on the train, and then the unloading began. This work was speedily accomplished without a hitch or accident, and by nine o'clock the canvas of the three troops began to go up on the site of the camp formerly occupied by the Eighth Ohio Infantry, commonly known as "The President's Own."

All day long the cavalrymen worked upon the sun-baked slope, and by nightfall the grounds were in splendid order. In one regard the Troopers were fortunate, an artesian well being within fifty feet of their camp.

This, however, supplied the wants of the men only, the horses, at first, having to be led more than a mile for water. Shade was abundant near the camp, the horses being better off in that respect than at Camp Hastings.

After a good night's sleep the men were called upon for disagreeable duty, which was at once cheerfully taken up. The "doughboys" who had occupied the grounds previously had left the woods in the rear in such a condition as to menace the health of the camp, and twenty men from each troop were detailed by Captain Groome to police the woods, and at the end of the second day the grounds were comparatively clean, and the men were then called upon for their first drill at Camp Alger. There was a great crowd around the parade grounds when the Troopers made their first appearance, and the repeated cheers and applause of the spectators came as an unexpected and pleasing surprise.

Upon return to camp Private J. Edward Farnum was notified of his appointment, by the President, as an a.s.sistant commissary, with the rank of captain. The new government carbines, saddles and spurs were also received and distributed, but by some mistake no saddle blankets were sent, so the Troopers continued to use their regular blankets.

Sunday the Khaiki uniforms arrived, and were at once donned by all the men. The universal verdict seemed to be that the new uniforms were not particularly adapted for cavalry service, and were as ugly as they well could be.

Right from the moment of their appearance at Camp Alger the City Troopers were in demand by the headquarters officers. Large details were required each day for orderlies at Camp, Division and Brigade headquarters, and for mounted patrol duty.

On July 10th quite an addition was made to the camp of the City Troop.

Eight government mules, with all the largeness of ears, friskiness of feet and sweetness of voice, possessed by their race, were a.s.signed to Captain Groome's command. The men gathered about the new comers in an admiring group, wondered how fast they could trot, what would happen if a Trooper twisted one of their tails, and just what they were good for anyway. Before the campaign was over mules had ceased to arouse any admiration whatever, but the Troopers at Camp Alger could not see into the future, with its endless mule train and trials, so they made the most of their new possessions for the time being.

Besides the mules, two wagons and two teamsters were a.s.signed to the Troop, and these aids were greatly appreciated, as up to this time there had been a constant struggle to find conveyances for troop supplies and baggage between different points of the camps.

Although the mules were in a thriving condition, the Troopers had troubles of their own with their greys. A majority of the horses had contracted shipping colds, and incessant doctoring was the order of the day and night.

All of the animals came through all right, however, with the exception of the horse ridden by Sergeant Hart, which died the fifth day after the Troop's arrival at the new camp.

The first detachment of mules was soon followed by another, until a full score had been sent to the Troop. Other commands throughout the camp had also received supplies of mules, and the animals showed a great fondness for communicating with one another in the early morning. Far away on one side of the camp a mule would raise his silvery voice to heaven; somewhere from the headquarter's mules would come an answering bray, and in a moment the chorus would resound throughout the camping grounds. At first the novelty of these sounds appealed to the Troopers' sense of humor, but the best jokes grow wearisome by repet.i.tion, and it was not long before the men were mentally offering all sorts of rewards for the man who could devise a plan to silence the long-eared singers.

On the morning of July 14th, Corporal Hecksher and Troopers Coulston, Wheeler and Mills were sent by the Provost Marshal to escort back from Washington fifteen foot soldiers who had overstayed their leave of absence. The derelicts were turned over to the tender mercies of the headquarters guard, to be dealt with as military regulations direct. A private of a western regiment, who had evidently been in Washington, returned to camp about eleven o'clock this night. After some parley with the Troop's sentinel, then on guard on the main road back of Captain Groome's headquarters, he proceeded to mix things up with the sentry, and was promptly marched to the guard house, where he spent a repentant night.

Since the arrival of the squadron at Camp Alger Captain Groome, who was in command, had posted orders for Squadron Guard Mount every morning, and for Troop Drill and Squadron Parade every evening. The number of spectators upon these occasions kept increasing daily, and the reputation for excellence in drill on the part of the squadron spread rapidly. The officers of all the commands in the camp were attracted by these reports, and the evolutions of the cavalrymen were frequently watched with a critical eye by many of the best known officers of the army. Though they came as critics they remained to praise, and many admitted that they gained a vast amount of useful knowledge by an inspection of the camp of the squadron.

The paymaster put in an appearance July 15th. The Troop lined up and received their portions of hard-earned government money, and then promptly turned the cash over to the Quartermaster. In the afternoon General Butler honored the Troopers by riding out especially to watch their drill, and he warmly commended Captain Groome for the fine showing of the cavalry.

CHAPTER V.

CAMP ALGER AND NEWPORT NEWS.

At retreat roll call, on the evening of July 15th, an example was given of the affectionate regard the rest of the Pennsylvania Militia feel and show toward the Philadelphia hors.e.m.e.n. The battalion of State Fencibles, which formed a portion of the Sixth Regiment, marching in fours, came tramping into the Troop's street. Once there they halted and gave repeated cheers for the cavalrymen. Then away they trudged, after being a.s.sured that their compliment was appreciated by the Troopers. Two members of the City Troop served on the Provost Guard the night of the 16th, and great was their amazement, when, amid the drunks and disorderly prisoners turned over to their charge, they found a chaplain.

He was escorted to the guard house by a very disgusted squad.

That same night, Private Robert Fell returned to camp, after two weeks confinement at his home with a kicked knee. His place on sick report was taken by Private Rowland, who had been slightly ill for several days, although he kept that information to himself until scarcely able to stand upon his feet.

Inspection of arms and equipments of the Troopers came on Sat.u.r.day, and, as the arms just issued were uniformly dirty, a large number of the men put in an hour or two of hard cleaning and polishing. In the evening a dozen of the City Troopers attended the Camp Alger Theatre, the tent for which had been pitched right at the foot of the company's street. The price at that popular resort was twenty-five cents for all seats, and the audience generally contained two rows of Troopers, who joined heartily with the vaudeville performers in singing the choruses and making things lively. Every feature was first-cla.s.s in all respects, and good temper always prevailed on and off the stage.

An incident occurred at the Theatre that night, which served to show the frame of mind of the American volunteers. A portion of the performance consisted of an exhibition of moving pictures. Finally a large flag was thrown on the sheet, and the man in charge said:

"There's the flag you are fighting for, boys!"

Instantly a dry western voice called out from the audience: "I wish to G.o.d we could get the chance!" and the immediate and tremendous cheer which followed, showed how heartily his wish was echoed by all present.

On Monday and Tuesday several details were sent out to do some work upon a site for a new camp nearer the station. Time began to hang heavy on all hands, and a strong rumor that the Troop was soon to go to Puerto Rico, failed to excite the interest that it would have a month before.

Not that the men were less anxious to get to the front, but simply that they hated to let their hopes rise for fear of another disappointment.

On Tuesday night, while watching Corporal Chew throw his horse, in order to put a bridle on the unruly animal, Private Wetherill received both heels of the beast on his left thigh, the horse having succeeded for a moment in getting away from the big corporal. The injuries were not of a serious nature, however, and the bruised trooper refused to put in a plea of sickness.

It was expected by the men that the camps would be shifted on the 20th, and the failure to do so was regarded as lending color to the Puerto Rico rumors. On this morning the Troop dismounted and drilled finely.

Their excellent work culminated when Lieutenant Browning rallied the men. Standing in close order, they fired three volleys that produced long cheering from the crowd. About two minutes later an orderly rode over from General Graham and reported to Lieutenant Browning that the commanding officer wished to know what company had fired those volleys.

The General expressed himself as delighted to hear that it was a troop of cavalry dismounted.

Nearly every horse in camp at this time had distemper, and at night it was decided to give each of the invalids a pretty stiff drink, consisting of a pint of whiskey and sixty grains of quinine. The dose was shot down the animals throats from a great syringe, and the stable guard was advised to be on the lookout for any unusual hilarity; but no behavior out of the ordinary was noticed.

J. L. Wetherill was granted sick leave on the 21st. He had been ill for several days, and it was thought best for him to return home. Shortly after he had done so his sickness took a serious turn, and he was unable to rejoin the Troop until its return from Puerto Rico.

Squadron guard mount, drills and evening parade continued throughout the Troop's stay, under orders of Acting Major Groome. The day before the cavalry troops left Camp Alger, however, Captain Jones, of the Sheridan Troop, was commissioned major. Captain Jones held the longest record of any officer in the Pennsylvania State troops, and had served as a captain in the Civil War. As his commission did not arrive until after the squadron had left Camp Alger, his appointment made no difference in the camp routine, and as the Sheridan and Governor's troops were left behind at Newport News, the City Troopers were not affected in the least by the change in the officer commanding the squadron.

The night of the 21st one more of the greys died, but the rest of the animals were in splendid condition, and the men felt that they could make a good showing, so far as their mounts were concerned, in the foreign service soon to come.

There were many occurrences to make Friday, July 22d, an eventful day.

In the morning one hundred Krag-Jorgensen carbines arrived for the City Troopers; there was an unusually interesting skirmish drill in the afternoon, and late in the evening came the eagerly awaited orders for the Troop to proceed forthwith to Newport News to take transports for Puerto Rico. Needless to say the camp was at once thrown into a thoroughly happy mood, and dozens of telegrams were sent notifying Philadelphia friends of the good luck of the Troop in securing active service, when fully 7,000 regular cavalrymen were fretting in camps of mobilization. Post Quartermaster Hugh Craig, Jr., arrived the next day, and announced his intention of staying with the Troop until it left for the front. The men could not help feeling better when they saw his jolly face in the camp.

Tents were struck at five o'clock Sunday morning, and an hour later the squadron boarded a special train waiting to carry it to Newport News.

The journey occupied the entire day, it being nearly nine o'clock when the cars reached their destination. Instead of trying to find a camping ground that night, the men curled up in the cars and slept as best they could. In a pleasant spot on the coast, about two miles outside the city, the Troopers went into camp the next day. Even before the tents went up there were several visitors from Philadelphia who had hurried down to bid the Troopers "G.o.d-speed" upon their departure for the seat of war.

An unexpected guest was Charles Wheeler, an old member of the organization, but off the active list for years. He had just returned from a trip through j.a.pan. He was anxious to rejoin his old comrades, and as there was one vacancy in the Troop it was promptly filled.

Tuesday morning Captain Groome received orders to have his men ready to embark at four o'clock. Tents were struck at noon, the operation being watched by scores of friends who had reached the camp by that time.

Promptly at the hour mentioned in the order the Captain marched his men down to the wharf, where they found no transport awaiting them. Hour after hour pa.s.sed, and still no sign of a vessel. Night found the Troopers still lounging about the dock.

During this long wait a full score of prominent Philadelphia ladies, who had come down to say a last good-by to their relatives and friends in the Troop, had an opportunity to show the traditional spirit of American women. The ladies had stood around the camp all morning, had followed the Troop into the city and to the wharf, where they had shared all the discomforts of the situation. It began to rain, but they only laughed and refused to seek shelter. Not a mouthful had they eaten since breakfast, but tired, wet and hungry as they were, they smiled bravely to keep up the spirits of the men; all unconsciously they afforded fine ill.u.s.trations of what the mothers, wives and sisters of American soldiers have been in all hours of need.

When six o'clock came, and it was evident that the Troopers were in for a tough time of it, the ladies went in a body to the nearest restaurant and secured some sandwiches and coffee. Walking fearlessly through the crowd upon the dock, dodging under horses' heads and around mule packs, they brought the food to the cavalrymen, and even waited upon them. In the language of one trooper whose young bride was among the number of ladies upon the wharf, "there was only one regret at going to the front, and that was the leaving behind of girls like those."

Until seven o'clock the City Troopers were kept upon the wharf. At that hour Captain Groome was informed that no transport could then be secured, and that he should return with the Troop to Newport News and report to General Fred. Grant. Captain Groome ordered the Troop to _bivouac_ in the gra.s.s in front of the hotel for the night. There was a general rush for shelter. The ladies sought their rooms in the hotel, from the windows of which they could see the cavalrymen lying in the gra.s.s of a field opposite, rolled up in their blankets.

Captain Groome did not retire however. He returned to the wharf and spent several hours arguing with various captains, in order to find a speedy way in which to embark the Troop. It was not easy work to make headway against the seemingly endless array of objections and red tape, but perseverance won out, and the Captain was at last informed, that if he would have his men on hand at four o'clock they would be taken aboard.

This last _bivouac_ upon American soil was exceedingly picturesque to the spectator, but hard upon the men. Every Trooper had been thoroughly soaked by the rain while standing upon the wharf. In their wet clothes they had been obliged to wrap their blankets about them and lay down to slumber in the midst of a damp gra.s.s plot under a cloudy sky, which threatened another downpour at any moment. With the exception of some pretty tough sandwiches the men had been without food since morning, and the easy way in which they accepted the situation spoke volumes for the value of the training in camp life received at Mt. Gretna and Camp Alger.

The Troop at this time consisted of three officers, one contract surgeon, ninety-nine men, one hundred and four horses and twenty mules.

The Sheridan and Governor's Troop had not received orders to sail, and the members of these commands were extremely disappointed. They remained at Newport News under the command of Major Jones.