All through Georgia were large numbers of hogs, "razor backs," the boys called them, probably of the same variety as Sherman's "bummers" had such fun over. They were very lean, had long legs and long snout, with a decidedly "bad" eye. At one of the stops for water a family was spied peacefully rooting among the pines, but the furious charge made upon them by the fun-loving boys soon scattered all but the sow; she defied them, and they let her alone, but the little fellows could run like rabbits. Three or four of our boys would corner a little black porker and suddenly drop on him, but somehow he was never under the pile when it landed. One, however, was caught and brought squealing into the cars, but was afterward dropped some distance farther on.
We now sped due south, reaching Waycross late in the afternoon. Beyond its being a railroad center it was uninteresting. The forests now presented a truly tropical appearance with festoons of moss hanging from the branches of the palmettos; with ferns here and there. Against the dense green of the leaves stood in lovely contrast perfect showers of beautiful pink blossoms which covered large trees. We were now nearing Florida, the land of flowers, luscious fruit, ancient buildings and brilliant fountains of perpetual youth, but now the mecca of thousands of Uncle Sam's soldiers. It was growing dark as we crossed the line into the most southern State. We arrived at Jacksonville station about 10 o'clock. Taps were sounded, lights put out and we slept soundly.
PART THIRD
CAMP CUBA LIBRE
The next morning we were caught napping sure enough—for during the night the train had taken us out to the camp—bugles were calling to each other, seemingly right under our "bed-room" windows, and away off in the distance, the echoes were replying "Can't get 'em up; can't get 'em up." Then our own buglers had their say, flinging back the imputation that we were the only ones not up. Then the regimental band took up the strain. It was a beautiful morning. The sun was just rising and throwing slanting rays into the trees. All around us were the tents of soldiers. Sentries with ominous looking cartridges in their belts were wearily pacing their beats, but ever alert to the slightest move, for we were now comparatively near to the seat of war. The band ceased and sharp commands followed. In an incredibly short space of time the companies nearest us were formed, every coat buttoned, every legging laced, and the sergeant rapidly calling the roll. We had confidently believed that we could give points in military efficiency to any regiment we might come in contact with, but we inwardly confessed right there and then that this regiment on our left could give us points on getting out for roll call, and not during all our stay in the army did we ever succeed in getting anywhere near the example set for us that morning.