Arriving back in camp, the Colonel was called out and in a neat speech he complimented the men on their orderly behavior, wished us to have all the fun we could get, but warned us to keep within the bounds of military discipline. The efforts we had put forth to make ourselves ridiculous had covered us with perspiration and a thick layer of dust clung to everything that was exposed, so that we were a sight to make the iron faced gods laugh. The bathhouses were soon crowded, and far into the night shirtless human spectres were flitting through the streets.
We had a turn at drill the next morning and it was particularly severe. Hot! My, in the morning it seemed to blister, and we were soaked with perspiration, for we had regimental battle exercises; but as soon as we returned we stripped, got a bath and felt better. I remember distinctly that morning after the bath of sitting down in only my trousers and socks and writing a long letter to the folks at home.
In our night patrols of the city we came across some very nice people who took pains to get our names, and would ask for us if we did not appear on guard the next night. Upon their invitation I visited a family by the name of Rich, and while there two other of our boys came along, whereupon the table was spread and we had a nice afternoon lunch. Next day they sent us a big chocolate layer cake.
The champion watermelon eater of the company was universally conceded to be Private Isaac Wilson, and a meal seldom passed but Ike was seen up to his ears in melon. This fruit cost from 20 cents to nothing, according to the distance from camp. One depot commissary guard of eight men had six melons to eat. Ike was there and they disappeared very quickly. Every time the reliefs awoke during the night watermelon stared them in the face.
As we were upon the eve of very serious operations in Cuba, the authorities deemed it expedient to have the Articles of War read to the soldiers. There are 127, and we received them upon the installment plan at roll call in the morning and evening. Lieutenant Brunner read these so well that it was rumored he intended to lecture after the war was over on what not to do in war times.
A number of excellent entertainments were given in the Y.M.C.A. tent. The Second Illinois band gave a concert one evening, and on another occasion Sergeant Gift and Private Gillen sang solos, while Private F.M. Stevens played enjoyable selections upon the piano; at the close of which a premature announcement by the chaplain of the fall of Santiago was made, and an enthusiastic scene took place, while the cheering was taken up all over camp. The boys had been following events closely and all were eager for action. We felt keenly the hardships our comrades were enduring and wished to share them. We were at this time, perhaps, in better condition for an active campaign than at any time of our stay in the south, being fully equipped, in excellent spirits and good health.
PART FOURTH