. On wheels and how I came there; . whom the G. A. R. Post ofSpringfield, 111., is named, was our surgeon, and J. Rutledge, one of the pioneer ministers of theIllinois Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, waschaplain of our regiment at that time. Our regiment belonged to the Second Brigade,Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, whichwas commanded by the highly esteemed Major-Gen-eral James H. McPherson. On the afternoon of this first day, after reaching ourregiment, we recruits drew our much-coveted Enfieldrifles and accouterments, and we were at once put athard drilling under a co
. On wheels and how I came there; . whom the G. A. R. Post ofSpringfield, 111., is named, was our surgeon, and J. Rutledge, one of the pioneer ministers of theIllinois Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, waschaplain of our regiment at that time. Our regiment belonged to the Second Brigade,Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, whichwas commanded by the highly esteemed Major-Gen-eral James H. McPherson. On the afternoon of this first day, after reaching ourregiment, we recruits drew our much-coveted Enfieldrifles and accouterments, and we were at once put athard drilling under a competent drillmaster. CorporalJohn Platner, a medium-sized, swarthy-complexioned,heavy-muscled young man, with the agility of a , when touched off with a spark of im-patient, nervous energy occasioned by some recruitsawkward motions, this officer would call the squadsattention, and while we stood at parade rest wouldtreat us to an exhibition of Hardees Tactics with hisscrupulously clean and highly polished rifle, which. Armed and a War-tinic Phototirapli CAMP LIFE. 55 for skillful maneuvering was simply astonishing ; andat sncli times his rapid movements were performedwith the admirable precision of machinery. During these diills we also had some target prac-tice, so that we miglit become familiar with our guns,and we soon learned how even a good-looking armyrifle could kick. At this time our ammunition wasbuck and ball—a round ounce ball in a paper cartridgewith three large buckshot secured to it. This madea heavy charge, and, if one did not hug his gun tightlyto his shoulder when firing, the piece was liable toalmost knock him down. Having to bite oflP the endof these tough paper cartridges before loading fullydemonstrated to us the wisdom of the old examiningsurgeons rigid refusal to accept any recruit who wasminus a good set of incisors. Our life in this delightful camp with its com-fortable quarters, however, was soon to be brought toa close,
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