THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

September 16, 1898

 

FOURTH OFF FOR ANNISTON

 

            The Fourth Wisconsin Regiment of which Waupaca has more or less interest, there being some twenty or more of “our boys” in Co. I, left Camp Douglas Wednesday noon, part of them going via Milwaukee where the companies from the Cream City said goodbye to friends; the balance going via Elroy and Madison to Chicago.  Both divisions will meet in Chicago and then proceed to Anniston, Ala., where they will go into camp until called for duty in Cuba or elsewhere.  It is reported the boys accepted the order to go South gracefully as becomes good soldiers and cheered when they got ready to go.  There is no disobedience in the American soldier and we hope the boys will avoid the fevers which have prevailed to persistently in most of the southern camps.  Alabama is said to be healthy and as fall weather is approaching and the Fourth boys are well and robust, we believe they will get along all right, with but little sickness, even when moved to Cuba.  Of their departure the Milwaukee Evening News says in its issue Wednesday:

            Today the Fourth regiment starts on its long journey South, a journey which may not end until Cuba is reached.  While the men of this regiment preferred to return to private life now that the war is practically over, yet when the orders came for them to break camp and proceed South, like true soldiers they gracefully accepted the situation.

            The Fourth leaves home with no inspiration of martial glory to be earned on the field of battle.  They are not buoyed up with thoughts of engaging their country’s enemies and proving their valor at the cannon’s mouth. They go to serve their country as soldiers, not on the battlefield, but to uphold its authority.  Though glory may not be theirs as won by the heroes of Santiago, yet the honor is none the less.  They are doing their duty and when a soldier does as called upon he has done all that he can can.