Around the world with Uncle Sam; or, Six years in the United States Army

Front matter

^10$ ANGELA

BRARY<9/-

THE LIBRARY

CHAPTER XII. Army Happenings 205

ILLUSTRATIONS.

The Author During His Service in the Army.

A Squad of Soldiers with Dog Tents and Camp Equipment.

Army Bicycle Riders with Field Equipment.

A Champion Army Bicyclist.

Elephant Rock.

A Group of Army Buglers.

Natural Gateway to the Garden of the Gods.

Army Sibley Tents.

Palmer Lake, Colorado.

Camp at Broadmoor During Department Competition.

Capt. Chas. A. Worden Looking from a Deserted House.

Battalion Retreat in a Field Camp.

Soldiers Taking Refreshments at a Mountain Inn.

Funeral Scene, Native Band, Naice, Cavite Province.

A Group of Soldiers off Duty in an Army Tent.

Water Buffalos and Native.

A Group of Army Corporals.

Unloading Hemp for Manila, Naice, Cavite Province, P. I.

A Group of Soldiers with an Army Mule.

Soldiers in Full Dress Uniform.

Target Practice on an Army Range.

A Group of Army Sergeants.

Scene in Army Sleeping Room.

An Army Camp Kitchen.

The Author as He Appears at the Present Time.

Preface

N writing of the Army or Army maneuvers, and especially in campaigning, battles or engagements, one is apt ofttimes, to exaggerate or picture these too highly. In modern warfare, bayonet charges, sabre encounters and hand to hand fighting does not often occur except in cases of ambushes or where the foes meet unexpectedly. It is peculiar how many writers picture large bodies of soldiers walking boldly into battle, officers far in the lead of their troops, swinging their swords, rushing into the enemy attacking them with pistol and sword. One who has seen much of hard campaigning and field service, very seldom sees pictures of these descriptions. With modern rules and machine guns of various constructions, this would be impossible as men would be shot to pieces before going in the open 10 or 20 paces. Soldiers are trained to take advantage of every bit of cover and keep from view as much as possible in times of battle, as with smokeless powder there is no smoke to hide one another from view, like in former days. One can notice men, how serious they look when the sound of bullets and shells begin to whistle through the air. Some of them show fear while others are apparently unconcerned as they move forward. But most soldiers acknowledge there are hidden fears which do not appear on the surface. There are many cases recorded of daring deeds in modern warfare as in former days but these do not appear to be as numerous. Perhaps the mode and greater velocity of bullets have some effect on daring ; as a volley from a small squad of men at eight hundred or one thousand yards distant would prove disastrous. One oftentimes hears men talking after they have been in encounters telling of great daring deeds which they have accomplished, but others who have been with them walk away and smile, although two men who have gone through battles side by side oftentimes differ greatly in their account of the same ; one being more excited than the other. We have often laughed, as soldiers, on reading newspaper accounts of battles and could hardly recognize the graphic descriptions of which we had just been through.

Many accounts are taken from sham battles or mock wars and written on as in real battles. This perhaps is one reason why these accounts receive such high polish and have so much dash about them. There appears to be something fascinating about soldiers and war. What great excitement and interest when your country is about to go into war with another! The soldier himself becomes very much interested and appears like a different man, but after he reaches the front and passes through a battle or so, his valor cools and this life does not appear so fascinating as before.

In writing of army experiences one is often misunderstood as it is somewhat difficult to explain the movements and life of soldiers as there are many details which one cannot always explain properly. In order to make facts plain one should try and give as true an account as possible. In this I shall endeavor to begin with my life as a recruit and go through my experience of six years as nearly as possible as it occurred.

A SQUAD OF SOLDIERS WITH LOG TENTS AND CAMP EQUIPMENT.

Chapter I

MY FIRST GREAT PARADE, OR THE CAUSE OP MY ENLIST- MENT IN THE ARMY.

E were standing on one of the principal streets in the most beautiful city that I have ever been in. The veterans of the Civil War were holding their State G. A. R. Encampment.

This day they were having their military parade, which thousands of people had turned out to witness. We had been waiting quite awhile and were growing restless, when we heard the cheers farther down the street. We felt certain that the parade had started. Every one became eager, and pressed forward blockading the street; and as the parade approached we were pressed back by a platoon of civil police. This was the greatest parade I had ever witnessed. I was very much disappointed as I beheld this mounted squad of big fat fellows, clearing the street. My first thoughts were if these are soldiers, I certainly never want to be classed as such. They were all mounted upon small animals, in fact very small. Some of the men looked larger than the animals. They seemed very much out of place with their large stomachs extending forward nearly to the horses' ears. They looked as if they would be more at home riding up the street in wheelbarrows. Perhaps they would have caused less comment in traveling this way. But my disappointment was soon to disappear, for directly behind them followed a man mounted on a fine steed. The atmosphere seemed to clear and grow brighter as he approached, for this proved to be the commanding officer of the Seventh U. S. Infantry, which nearly all, or I supposed at least all, had turned out to witness, as it was advertised he would lead the parade on this great day. What a difference in men ! This man sat erect on his steed. The animal appeared to be electrified.

The man seemed perfectly at ease. He was the leader of this regiment which the U. S. government had seen fit to place in that position. At the right and left were his aids similarly mounted. They seemed to understand every action or move, that this man made. Directly behind them came the military band. The drum major, its leader, with his baton which he hurled through the air directing the movements as he moved forward in quick time. Behind them came the companies in platoon front, filling the streets from one side to the other. What a wonderful contrast to our platoon of police. These men were arranged in height from right to left. They looked like genuine athletes, broad shouldered, heads erect, moving straight forward and looking neither to right nor left. As they began to pass, the crowd appeared electrified; they began to cheer and howl like mad; they would cry, "here are the boys from Fort Logan!" This regimental organization consisted of eight companies. When split in platoons making a grand display of 16 platoon fronts.

They were arrayed in full dress; blue uniform, spiked helmets with brass trimmings, white Berlin gloves, ammunition belts and rifles on right shoulders. They moved like one man. This was my first impression of the U. S. soldier. As they moved by, directly behind them came two troops of the Second U. S. Cavalry. These were mounted. They had fine uniforms, fine mounts all arrayed in line, but they would not impress you like the infantry, stepping off together like one man.

Behind these came the Civil War veterans, old men who were good soldiers in their young days:

THE CAUSE OF ENLISTMENT. 11

but they certainly did not make the appearance that the trained men did who were leading them on this parade. They reminded one of childhood days when you soldier with broom-stick and charge on fence posts as imaginary foes.

As these veterans passed by in sets of fours, they received their share of applause ; for were not these the heroes of former days, when the flag which headed this procession was in deadly peril! Could we not well afford to cheer the men who fought to uphold our nation and make us a highly respected power in the world? And little did any one think at this time that in a short period, we would be called to defend it against the world power. These veterans were followed by the state organization of militia. They were led by their commander. These were young men gathered from over the state. They were not trained or drilled but were men of every day occupation. Of course these men were not expected to make the fine appearance of selected men, who were hired for military purposes, and whose entire time was devoted to drill in military discipline. But this fact was overlooked by the populace which had gathered here this day to witness a grand parade. As they passed by in platoon front the people would hoot and shout, ' ' Tin Soldier ! " ' ' Soldier, will you work and step ? ' '

Were not these remarks ill-placed? As these young men were working and trying to fill a military position at the same time, therefore they should have received as great applause as any. But people who are out for a holiday and are excited appear to forget these facts.

Of course these men may have put on airs and tried to make themselves look great, but when called upon later, they were ready to serve their country.

This parade, or the part which I witnessed, was the real cause of my presence on board a train a few weeks later bound for Fort Logan. Here I arrived some time in the forenoon, at a little station of the Kio Grande E. E. I felt very tired and backward as I stepped on the platform ; and looking across to my left toward the barracks, I saw boys in blue drilling. At first I felt afraid to approach the reservation and walking in the opposite direction for a short distance, I came to a small cigar store. I ventured inside and as the day was warm, I called for a drink of soda. I noticed this man who waited upon me had that erect posture, and thought that perhaps he had been in the military service. I began to make inquiry and found that I was correct in my surmise. So I questioned him in regard to the proper way to approach as an applicant for service. He gave me the desired information and directed me to the headquarters building, from which we were only a short distance. I approached this building along a double street, with a walk in the center up a gradual slope, with great timidity. As I neared the headquarters my heart jumped and thumped, and I suppose as I placed my foot on the first step, if some one should have shouted I would have run, but this did not happen. And as I walked up the steps, and made my wishes known, I was shown into the office of the Eegimental Sergeant Major, where he inquired as to my business tnere, and I informed him that I wished to enlist in the regular army. He made out my application blanks and sent me to the quarters of Company E, where I was to remain on probation for a few days, until I decided fully that I was in earnest about my intentions. This gave me an opportunity to observe and study the ways and life of enlisted men, before I actually became a soldier. Fort Logan is situated in one of the finest locations for a barracks that it has ever been my good fortune to behold. The fort is located about twelve miles southwest of Denver — the altitude being about eight thou-

ARMY BICYCLE RIDERS WITH FIELD EQUIPMENT.

THE CAUSE OF ENLISTMENT. 13

sand feet above sea level. Off to the west lie the Eocky Mountains — a long range extending north and south. To the northwest lies Gray's Peak, with the point extending far above the principal range. Farther to the north is Long's Peak, which rises yet higher than the former. These two points can be observed during any season of the year, appearing in the distance like two venerable white capped dames. Twelve miles westward lie the low foot hills, covered by a growth of pines, cedars, and sage, so called because these must be crossed before the main range can be reached.

At this altitude the atmosphere is so pure and clear, that travelers from the east will look across to the foot hills and remark that they will take a walk over to observe them, and return before breakfast; which causes the resident to quietly smile and say nothing. For when you consider the distance of twelve miles there and return, a good day's journey on foot, one suddenly feels that some other form of exercise will suffice for the morning. The clear pure air has only magnified the objects around, causing them to appear very near. Pike 's Peak may be observed from Denver at a distance of 75 miles. East of Fort Logan and down a gradual slope flows the Platte River. Following this river southward toward its source for some distance will bring you to the Platte Canon, which is south of Fort Logan. Northward flows Bear Creek, which empties into the Platte northeast of the barracks, or towards Denver. The beds of these streams are almost dry in the summer season, on account of irrigation they afford to the surrounding region. Following Bear Creek westward toward its source for twelve or fifteen miles will bring one to Bear Creek Canon. At the entrance to this canon is situated the village of Morrison. To the north of Morrison is the Hog Back, a small rocky hill which derives its name from its shape — which is that of a hog's back. South of the village and across the canon is the entrance to the Garden of the Angels. This garden or park is filled with rocks which resemble monuments.

On some of these can be traced characters that resemble men, birds and animals. Here, those who love nature spend hours, tracing these lines — nature's gifts — intended for the admiration of all; but are only seen and appreciated by those who love nature and to whom her secrets have been revealed. As you advance westward through Bear Creek Canon admiration increases at the beautiful and perfect walls of the canon. To the right of the canon a roadway has been constructed over which one may travel westward across the main range into the heart of the Rockies. Then as you look northward from Fort Logan you observe Loretta's Heights from which can be seen Loretta's Sisters' Convent, which is slightly above Fort Logan in elevation. This is an immense building where girls are trained for service as Sisters and Nuns. This is a peaceful but solitary spot for this institution. An attempt to elope with one of the inmates would invariably prove disastrous, for from this point one has a view of the surrounding country for miles in every direction, making escape difficult if so desired by its inmates. Farther east and across the Platte as far as eye can see, stretch miles of prairie. A part of this section is irrigated and farming is carried on in these places. Southeast and beyond the Platte is the village of Littleton which is situated on the Denver and Kio Grande railway. This is three and one-half miles from the Fort. Fort Logan is situated on a high knoll which slopes gradually downward to the north, east and south. To the westward are the foot hills which give rise to gentle descent of the ground until these are reached. This position gives almost perfect sanitary conditions.

THE CAUSE OF ENLISTMENT. 15

The officers' quarters are built in the shape of a horse shoe. The commanding officers' quarters are situated in the bend of the shoe, from which place every point of the reservation can be observed. The southern point of the shoe extends farther east, and on this line are built the infantry barracks. The cavalry barracks are built in the bend alongside the officers ' quarters. In line with northern point of shoe, and extending east are guard house and headquarters building, which figure in equal proportions. Just north of the fort in the Bear Creek valley and just outside the reservation, lies the little village of Logantown, between a branch of the Rio Grande, and a branch of the Denver, Leadville & Ghinnison railways. The former terminating at Fort Logan, the latter at Morrison. About one mile east on the Eio Grande is situated Military Park. On the Gunnison line, Sheridan Park, where the residents of Denver hold their picnics and summer amusements of all descriptions. These parks are not very satisfactory places of amusement on account of beer gardens, and dance halls, which often cause rough fights between soldiers and civilians ; but it seems that almost all military posts have such places near them. Here in this place of which I have given you rather a tedious description, I was destined to become an American soldier. For after due consideration, during my five days probation, and a thorough examination by the medical department to ascertain my condition physically, my proportions were given as six feet and one-half inch in height, weight one hundred and sixty-nine pounds, void of all clothing, dark hair and dark complexion. Therefore on the fifth of May, 1896, 1 was sworn into the service of the U. S. Army for the period of three years.

A CHAMPION ARMY BICYCLIST.

Chapter II. A Recruit At Fort Logan Ob Two Years ' Service In

COLORADO.

"WAS now just a newly enlisted soldier for a term of three years. I began to pay attention and observe the manner of those around me, — later my comrades. I seemed like a child looking up to these men who stepped with quick, active and agile movements; but I, myself was a big awkward and overgrown youth. I was tall and stooped; I imagined my feet and my hands were too large. I noticed that the men held aloof. They were not at all sociable, and regarded me as any other "rukie" who must undergo all the tortures of learning discipline and drill.

As my first day wore on I became nervous and felt like a fish out of water. It seemed to me at this time that it would be impossible to learn the drill and develop physically so I could ever look or act in any way like these men. I was soon dubbed Shorty. Some of the men had read Si Klegg and Shorty and of course as I was a tall man like this character I received the same name. My sleeping apparatus was issued to me ; it consisted of one iron bunk, a set of springs, a mattress, mattress cover, and pillow slips.

As I could not draw clothing just at this time a comrade loaned to me a few blankets under which to sleep until the requisitions were made out and sent into the clothing department, for regular issue. My sleeping quarters were in the south squad room. This was to be occupied by myself in company with thirty other men, until further instructions were received. These quarters were built of brick, and were very neat and comfortable. The rooms extended north and south, with a line of bunks on each side; the heads against wall, and foot of bunks toward center. I was placed in center of row. On one side my bunk-mate or "bunkie" as they were called — was a tall young Irishman. On the other side a much smaller man who was an American; I soon became acquainted with these two. In a day or two another man enlisted and of course the new 1 1 Rukie ' ' and I became friends at once. A few days later the captain of our company, a very kind hearted and fatherly old gentleman, called us into the orderly room, which was in the front end of the barracks and gave us a long talk on the situation we now had to confront. He explained to us his position as captain, of his two subordinates — first and second lieutenants, that these men who were graduates of the military academy, had received their commissions from the president, and that they must be obeyed. And that all men with commissions from the president, in every branch of service, must be saluted when recognized by the mark or bars placed on each shoulder; that when in a building or under roof, we must remove the hat in their presence, stand erect, and allow them to pass. This was a novel exercise to us at first, and the captain ordered us to remove hats and stand erect in his presence. Then he praised our efforts and furthermore instructed us concerning our relations with the men. If they tormented, or teased us or tried to get us into trouble we were told to report to him, and never think of walking off or deserting, as that would be a blot on our character the remainder of our days, and we would thereby lose the right of citizenship. This was indeed good advice, and later I was thankful for the valuable information the captain gave us. In our company the first sergeant held first place in the company after commissioned officers. Next were four duty sergeants, then four corporals, who ranked next to the duty sergeants. The companies were organized in battalions, consisting of four companies each; three battalions to each regiment. At that time each regiment lacked one battalion. Therefore each regiment had but eight companies. Cavalry regiments were complete; each one consisted of twelve troops. Our commanding officer, the Colonel, had command of all troops stationed in this garrison.

Next in regular order came the lieutenant colonel, majors, captains and lieutenants. Non-commissioned officers were sergeant majors, both regimental and battalion; then first sergeant, duty sergeants and corporals. These non-commissioned officers received warrants' issued by the commanding officer on recommendation of company commanders; it was their duty to see that all orders received from company commanders through first sergeant were obeyed. Just at this point it is well to consider the arrangement of the different branches of the U. S. Army. First in rank is the corps of engineers. Officers graduating at the head of their class are assigned for duty in this branch of the service. At that time this branch of the service consisted of one battalion only, being formed in companies, the same as infantry. It is their duty to build field fortifications, intrenchments, bridges, pontoon bridges, river ferries, and roads to transport supplies to the front in case of war.

This branch is considered superior to any other in the army. Next the Ordnance Department, which guards arsenals and has charge of all heavy ordnance of ammunition. Next in line, the artillery, both heavy and light. At the time of my service they were divided into coast batteries which handled heavy pieces, and the light, which handled field pieces drawn by horses. Next came the cavalry which was then ten regiments strong; and numbers nine and ten were colored. Last the infantry which consisted of twenty-five regiments,— numbers twenty-four and five were colored. The regiments are made up of company organizations, twelve companies to each regiment. Companies are given names of letters of the alphabet, beginning with A, ending with M, excluding the letter J. Each company consists of one hundred men. In time of peace four companies are blank and each regiment contains but eight companies. In time of war the infantry is considered the backbone of the army. These men are armed and equipped with rifles, bayonets and ammunition belts. The cavalry are armed with carbines which are carried in a leather pocket attached to the saddle, ammunition belts, pistols which are buckled to the right side, and long sabres, which are buckled at the left side. This branch of the service is considered especially hard, as these men have saddles, lariats and horses to care for. Men in all branches of the service are equipped with haversacks, canteens, knife, fork, spoon and mess kit; the last consists of a double pan, whose handle crosses over the top and hooks top and bottom part together. When taken apart one pan may be used to fry articles of food, the other as a receptacle for articles of food. Each man also receives a shelter half or half tent, one end of which has a flap and button, so that two men placing halves together can form a tent. These are called "dog tents" or "pup" tents by the soldiers, on account of being so small. Each man also carries a tent pole which consists of two sections so when placed together in center with a tin rim they- form a pole about four feet long. This is fastened in center with guy lines, and each of the four corners of tent are fastened with iron pins. The flaps on one end are then buttoned together which forms back of tent. These are used in time of war when men must carry their rations, sleeping apartments and cooking outfits. Each one is held responsible for these articles, and if lost through neglect or carelessness, a certain amount is deducted from the pay which is thirteen dollars per month, except in case of re-enlistment, when the pay is increased for the purpose of retaining experienced men.

Non-commissioned officers also receive extra pay for filling positions they hold. Clothing which is always of first-class material, consists of blouse, trousers, underwear, shirts, blankets, socks, rubber ponchos, shoes and leggings, overcoats, fur caps, gauntlets (for cold climates), full dress coat and helmet for parade, campaign hats and white gloves for garrison, fatigue clothes, overalls and blouses for working purposes. These articles are issued to the men as needed. The government makes a clothing allowance for each man at a certain rate per annum, at cost price for clothing. When a man overdraws this allowance, the amount overdrawn is deducted from his pay. What he saves on this allowance he receives at the expiration of his term of service. It is to one's interest then, to be careful with his clothing. The quartermaster department has charge of these articles, also of the fuel, picks, shovels and mules and wagons, for transportation. Each regiment has a quartermaster department which draws from the general quartermaster department. The commissary department supplies rations, of which each man receives his allotment. This consists of flour or bread, potatoes, fresh meat, salt pork, beans, onions, fish or salmon, dried fruits, such as prunes and apples, tomatoes, coffee, sugar, vinegar, and "hardtack" or crackers. Field rations are not issued in as large a quantity as garrison. The field rations consist of hardtack, canned

22 AJBOUND THE WORLD WITH UNCLE SAM.

tomatoes, corned beef or bacon, beans, coffee, sugar, salmon and dried fruits. There is also an emergency ration for field service — meat and vegetables in one compound, which are placed in packages.

In each garrison is found a post hospital. This has splendid buildings well regulated and in charge of the medical department of the army. In field service they are known as field hospitals ; the nurses are enlisted men. The officers rank as colonel doctors, major doctors and captain doctors ; the chief of the department is a general. The non-commissioned staff rank as first steward, second steward and assistant steward. The nurses or enlisted men receive five dollars more per month than the men of the line.

Then there is the Signal Department; the men of this part of the service are enlisted telegraphers. They have charge of balloons and have codes of signal, such as heliograph, flags, and different colored lights for night signaling. They also have charge of telegraph and telephone lines, as used by the army. They, also, are organized in companies, their method of procedure being the same as that of other branches of the service. The army as a whole or as a military body, has a commanding general or chief of staff. His assistants are major and brigadier generals, who rank as commanders of departments, divisions and brigades. Everything is done systematically and according to rank, from commanding general down to the private in the rear rank. It is necessary for red tape in every department, for no good results would be reached if all did not work as one.

We had been to the canteen or post exchange and purchased towels, soap and other toilet articles ; for these do not come under the government issue, as such articles as these together with tobacco, and cigars are considered as luxuries, and the government supplies only articles of necessity. I also pur-

A EECRUIT AT FORT LOGAN. 23

chased a wash basin, but this article proved to be a poor investment. I took my purchases to the quarters and placed the basin under the head of my bunk, the springs of which fastened with a sort of hook, for convenience, in case one wishes to remove them. I then left the quarters for a few minutes and on my return, decided to spread my blankets out and rest a while, as it was in the evening. Some one had carefully slipped the front end of the springs away from the head of the bunk, and of course when I threw myself on the bed I went on down to the floor, turning mattress and springs over on top of me. My basin was under front end of the bunk and was caught by the springs, doubling its sides together. Of course all began to shout and lanigh and I found that the best thing for me to do was to laugh too. So I straightened things out and lay down. This joke I found later on was practiced upon every "Rukie" who came to the company. It never hurt any one and yet caused quite a lot of amusement. I was never caught in that way again, for I was always careful thereafter to examine my bunk before lying down. Several more recruits were soon added to the list, and clothing, rifles and full equipments were soon issued.