A large number of 1884-model Springfield rifles arrived at this time and our regiment was supplied. Their newest feature was a ramrod bayonet, the dangerous end being cast like a bit. By giving a twist to the rifle after entering a body it would tear the flesh horribly. In other respects it was the same rifle used in the National Guard for years.
Thursday, July 14th, a telegram was received by Adjutant Hilton announcing the fall of Santiago. The news was genuine this time, and the occasion prompted an outburst of enthusiasm. Later on the good feeling was increased by the welcome command of "Fall in for your pay."
The coloring and shapes which the clouds assumed in the early evening were quite remarkable. One evening in particular, at about 6.30, a scarlet and white streak stretched across the heavens from north to south, and about five minutes afterwards a line of blue, which was as straight as if cut out with a knife, came across the north end, running east and west. The combination made a very striking similitude to an American flag.
At the waterworks in Jacksonville there was a pond in which lived an alligator of variously estimated lengths and age. One day while I was idly watching the game fish which also inhabited the pool, the keeper brought the saurian's noonday lunch in the shape of a live chicken. Coaxing the ugly reptile to come nearer the wire fence proved unavailing, so the chicken was thrown about one foot from his snout. Like a flash the great mouth opened, there was a splash, a few feathers, a couple of gulps, and the huge head was resting just the same as before, never moving an eye. The slang expression of "you can't lose me when grub is around" seemed to fit his case exactly.
A company fund was now established for the purpose of securing a greater variety of food, building a mess-house, and to pay the cook a few more dollars than the government provided. The assessment was 50 cents per month for each member. Arrangement was also made with a colored woman to do the clothes washing of the company, which also necessitated a payment of 50 cents a month per man. This was so cheap that very few could not afford it, and the wash was quite large each week. The intention of the company fund was to discourage the purchase of pies, cakes, ice cream, etc., all too frequently indulged in. Some of the "credits" obtained at these stores amounted to $3.00 or more, which the soldier was supposed to liquidate on pay-day.
Now that the signs pointed to an early termination of the war, the prospect of getting to Cuba grew less and less, and the boys commenced to turn their thoughts on pleasure. A large number of cameras made their appearance, and trips were taken for the purpose of getting views of Florida life. These pictures were developed in Jacksonville and usually sent home. Some excellent ones were obtained. Trips were made to Pablo Beach, a bathing resort on the coast to the east, St. Augustine, and up the St. Johns river, all of which were at reduced rates.
To the above list of diversions must be added a wedding. The ceremony took place in the Y.M.C.A. tent, and was between a member of the Second Illinois Regiment and his sweetheart from Chicago. The bride was fair, wore a white dress, with bouquets of orange blossoms at her belt and in her hair. The groom wore, in addition to his uniform, a high white collar that was the envy of all the boys and white kid gloves, which must have been excruciating. They received a great ovation upon leaving. Other marriages took place, some of which we did not hear of until reaching home. Some of our boys were regular attendants at church and sang in the choirs, being heartily welcomed by the good people of Jacksonville.
COLOR GUARD, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.