Compiled
by: Alan Anderson
Organized
The
key role of the National Guard in protecting Americans in
The following, gentle reader, is a
compilation of a series of newspaper accounts of the A.L.I.'s
exploits over four decades. They give the discerning reader a taste of the
flavor of life in that era. Much, much more of this material is available on
our website, www.sumtercountyhistory.com. Just click on the Military link for
the Americus Light Infantry.
"New Military Company. Some of the young men of the city, organized a Military
Company on Thursday afternoon, to be known as the "Americus Light
Infantry," and elected the following gentlemen as officers: Geo. S. Watts - Captain. Owen D. Burnette - First Lieutenant. Jas. A. Davenport - Second
Lieutenant. Joe P. Davenport - Second Lieutenant, jr.
W.W. Hooks - First Sergeant. Gus Hawkins - Second Sergeant. D.F. Davenport -
Third Sergeant. J.L. Hyatt - Fourth Sergeant. W.A. Hawkins - First Corporal.
Joe Reischman - Second Corporal. Barney Haynes -
Third Corporal. Arthur Bivins - Fourth Corporal. Tom
Stallings - Sergeant at Arms. Jno. Wheatley - Ensign. Dr. J.A. Fort - Surgeon." Weekly
"Election. At the election for officers of the
Americus Light Infantry, Mr. O.D. Burnette was
elected First Lieutenant, J.P. Davenport, Second, and Augustus L. Hawkins,
Junior Second."
Weekly
"Off for the Springs. On last Monday afternoon, the
Americus Light Infantry, under command of Captain O.D. Burnette,
took the train for Indian Springs, where they will remain until next Friday.
Below we give a list of the names of those who went: Capt. O.D. Burnette,
Lieut. Frank Jossey, Lieut. A.L. Hawkins, Sergt. J.W.
Wheatley, Jr., Sergt. J.L. Hyatt, Sergt. W.M. Jones, Sergt. H.C.
Bagley, Corporal S.B. Stanfield, Quartermaster R.S. Head, Webster Bagley,
Willis A. Hawkins, Jr., Hugh Brown, W.B. Brown, H.J. Guerry,
J.T. Munford, W.E. Perkins, Merrick Ford, S.B. Hawkins, Jr., J.W. Furlow, J.W. Brady. Along with this company went Mr. and
Mrs. C.C. Clay, Mrs. John W. Wheatley, Jr., and Mrs. D.W. Bagley, Messrs.
Willie Hawkes and P.H. Williams. The Telegraph
and Messenger of Tuesday notes the arrival of the party in
"The Military Meeting. On Friday night last the young men who are interested in organizing
a military company, met at the council chamber. There was a large attendance
and a very interesting meeting. Following are the non-commissioned officers
elected: 1st Sergeant W.L. Mardre. 2d Sergeant M.S. Harper. 3d Sergeant S.B. Stanfield. 4th Sergeant
H.C. Davis. 5th Sergeant J.T. Stallings. 1st Corporal J.E. Clarke. 2d Corporal
W.H.C. Dudley, Jr. 3d Corporal T.R. Slappey. 4th Corporal E.A. Hawkins, Jr. 5th Corporal W.C. Carter. Quartermaster J.W. Shiver. Ensign J.M. Jackson. Surgeon Dr.
A.B. Hinkle. Secretary J.E. Clarke. Treasurer C.W. Littlejohn.
An election for the commissioned officers will be held as
soon as ordered by Governor Gordon. We understand that they have been selected
already.
We are glad that the young men are thoroughly aroused to
the importance of a first-class company, and all that is now needed is the
cooperation of the business men. They can materially assist in bringing this
company up to a standard second to none, and that in a
simple way - by allowing the employees to attend the meetings and drills. In a
measure it remains with them whether we will have a company or not. Which shall
it be?" Daily
"The
"THE STATE ENCAMPMENT. The Gallant Light Infantry to Leave Tomorrow. Those Who Will Go. The
Americus Light Infantry, about forty strong, leave on a special military train
at
The boys are enthusiastic over the proposed trip, and
every night for a week or more the tramp, tramp, tramp of splendidly uniformed
soldiers has awakened the quiet stillness of the night, as the company drilled
in preparation for the trip.
The jaunty fatigue uniforms for the company were received
yesterday, and the boys appeared in these for the first time at the drill last
night. It is the regulation army uniform and is both pretty and durable. These
will be worn on the trip tomorrow while the beautiful new company uniform will
be taken along for full dress occasions.
The special train bearing the military from Middle and
The boys will remain in camp a week, during which time
they will learn a great deal about the life and duties of soldiers. Tents have
been provided by the state authorities for the visiting troops, and each
individual member is allowed sixty cents a day for board.
Corporal J.E. Mathis, of the Light Infantry, left this
morning for
The following is a list of the officers and men who will
go. This list was complete up to midnight, though others of the company may
decide today to go along: Captain H.C.
Bagley, First Lieutenant C.C. Clay, Second Lieutenant W.M. Jones, Third
Lieutenant M.S. Harper, Orderly Sergeant W.L. Mardre,
Second Sergeant J.T. Stallings, Third Sergeant H.C. Davis, Fourth Sergeant C.W.
Lamar, First Corporal J.E. Mathis, Second Corporal W.C. Carter, Third Corporal
Tim Allen, Fourth Corporal E.P. Harris, Ensign J.W. Walters, Quartermaster J.W.
Shiver, Surgeon Dr. A.B. Hinkle, Privates J.A. Hixon,
T.F. Gatewood, J.E. Clark, W.H.C. Dudley, Jr., G.M.
Dudley, Geo. A. Davis, O.L. Dixon, B.O. Fussell, Lynn
Fort, Thos. Guice, R.A. Hogue, B.H. Jossey, W.J. Joiner, O.W. Lewis, R.L. McLeod, Crawford
Maxwell, E.C. Parker, H.G. Stanfield, Chas. E. Van Riper, G.J. Winkler, E.H. Cutts, Welborn Clark, Hood Hitt." Daily
"Election of Officers. The members of the Americus Light Infantry met in their
armory last night to elect officers for the following year. The following was
the result: Captain, H.C. Bagley; First
Lieutenant M.S. Harper; Second Lieutenant, C.C. Clay; Junior Second Lieutenant,
W. Little Madre; First Sergeant, J.E. Mathis; Second Sergeant, J.T. Stallings;
Third Sergeant, H.C. Davis; Fourth Sergeant, Frank A. Hooper; Fifth Sergeant,
W.F. Clarke; First Corporal, Tim Allen; Second Corporal, W.C. Carter; Third
Corporal, W.T. Lane; Fourth Corporal, Lynn Fort; Quartermaster, John W. Shiver;
Color Bearer, H.G. Stanfield; Treasurer, Chas. W. Van Riper; Attorney, J.A. Hixon; Surgeon, Dr. A.B. Hinkle; Chaplain, Rev. A.B.
Campbell.
The company seems to have taken a new lease on life. The
boys are enthusiastic, and great things are expected in the future." Daily
"THE SOLDIER BOYS.
A SPECIAL SERMON TO BE PREACHED THEM TONIGHT. Tomorrow they Leave
for
The boys are highly elated over the week of soldier's
life that they are to spend among the mountains of north
With almost its full strength the company will go to
Chickamauga and when the boys appear on the field in their neat regulation
fatigue uniforms they will present a striking appearance, but clad in their
natty dress uniforms of blue and gold, and showy white helmets, they will
captivate the ladies who chance to be inside the lines of Camp Chickamauga.
The following is the roster of the company. Most of those
named will be in ranks at the encampment.
Capt. H.C. Bagley, First Lieut. M.S. Harper, Second
Lieut. W.F. Clarke, Second Junior Lieut. J.E. Mathis, First Sergeant Lynn Fort,
Second Sergeant J.T. Stallings, Third Sergeant H.C. Davis, Fourth Sergeant F.A.
Hooper, Fifth Sergeant E.P. Harris, Ensign H.G. Stanfield, Quartermaster J.W.
Shiver, First Corporal W.T. Allen, Second Corporal W.C. Carter, Third Corporal
R.L. Maynard, Fourth Corporal Chas. Graham, Secretary C.O. Niles, Treasurer
C.E. Van Riper, Surgeon A.B. Hinkle, Chaplain A.B. Campbell, Attorney J.A. Hixon.
Privates A.B. Battle, Jno. P.
Butts, Walter Crisp, T.W. Callaway, C.K. Chapman, W.H.C. Dudley, Jr., J.W. Furlow, J.B. Fitzgerald, B.O. Fussell,
Tom Guice, J.W. Hightower, H. Ed Haynes, Terry
Hinkle, W.J. Joiner, O.W. Lewis, W.T. Lane, Horace Lanier, Will Morgan, J.L. Mardre, E.C. Parker, O.P. Reviere,
E.C. Speer, S.B. Stanfield, Howell Simmons, A.S. Thompson and Jas. Taylor.
Dr. A.B. Campbell is the chaplain of the company, and he
will accompany the boys to the encampment, where he will spend most of the week
with them.
Before leaving he will give them some good advice and to
that end he will preach them a special sermon at the Baptist tabernacle
tonight. This sermon will also be of interest to those who are not members of
the company, and all who feel so inclined are invited to be present. The
services will commence at
Dr. Campbell is well known as a preacher and that his
sermon will be a pointed and highly interesting one goes without saying. One of
the special features of the sermon will be the choir's work. Mr. C.D. McCardel, of
The Americus Light Infantry will attend the service in
full uniform, and the members will occupy seats specially reserved for them.
The time selected for this sermon is quite appropriate and the boys will no
doubt think of it often while they are on
Tomorrow morning those of the company's members who are
going to the encampment will be up with the sun, polishing their guns and
bayonets, dusting and packing away their dress uniforms, making ready their
grips and doing the thousand and one things that must be done before they leave
for Chickamauga. At
They will have a lay over of several hours in
Col. C.M. Wiley of the Second regiment with his staff,
Lieutenant Colonel E.D. Huguenin, Major R.N. Holtzclaw and Adjutant John F. Ross, will be in charge of
the camp during this week. Just now The Times-Recorder will command
awhile: Attention, Americus Light
Infantry! Left face! In behalf of the
LINKS to
photographs of the Americus Light Infantry, Company "I", 2nd
Infantry, GA MILITIA, encamped at Camp Chickamauga GA June 1891 : Americus Light Infantry Co
"I" 2nd Infantry GA Militia, Non-Commissioned
Officers, 2nd Lieut James Mathis
'The A.L.I. Election. Last evening the Americus Light Infantry had their annual
election of officers. All the commissioned officers were re-elected. Following
is the complete list of officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, as they
will stand when President Harrison calls for volunteers: Captain H.C. Bagley, First Lieutenant M.S.
Harper, Second Lieutenant W.F. Clarke, Junior Second Lieutenant J.E. Mathis,
Orderly Sergeant J.T. Stallings, Second Sergeant F.A. Hooper, Third Sergeant
H.C. Davis, Fourth Sergeant C.E. Van Riper, Fifth Sergeant Tim Allen, First
Corporal C.J. Graham, Second Corporal T.W. Callaway, Third Corporal C.K.
Chapman, Fourth Corporal J.B. Fitzgerald, Quartermaster Sergeant J.W. Shiver,
Ensign Will Glover, Chaplain Dr. A.B. Campbell, Surgeon Dr. J.H. Benyon, Treasurer A.S. Thompson, Secretary C.O. Niles.
In view of the early coming of Lieut. Satterlee
to inspect this troop, a great deal of interest was manifested by the members,
and when the inspector arrives, as he will do shortly , he will find the A.L.I.
in as good trim as any command in Georgia." Daily Times-Recorder
"CAPTAIN HARPER.
That's the Way It Reads Now-A-Days. The
There was a full attendance and the election passed off
quietly. The utmost harmony prevailed and no friction was apparent at any time.
Lieutenant M.S. Harper was nominated for the captaincy and elected without
opposition.
The other officers elected were: W.F. Clarke, 1st Lieutenant; J.E. Mathis, 2nd
Lieutenant; H.C. Davis, 3rd Lieutenant; J.T. Stallings, 1st Sergeant; F.A.
Hooper, 2nd Sergeant; C.E. Van Riper, 3rd Sergeant; Tim Allen, 4th Sergeant; C.J.
Graham, 5th Sergeant; T.W. Callaway, 1st Corporal; A.B. Battle, 2nd Corporal;
C.K. Chapman, 3rd Corporal; J.R.L. Smith, 4th Corporal.
Mr. M.S. Harper who is now the commanding officer of the
company, is a very popular young man, and is well qualified in every respect,
to discharge efficiently and satisfactorily the duties of the important office
to which he has been elected. There is no doubt but that under his command, the
A.L.I. will retain their present high rank among the militia of
The company at present is in a remarkably healthy
condition, and its ranks are being augmented every week by the enlistment of
new members.
The drill team are getting in
fine shape, and will make an admirable showing when they give their public
exhibition.
If nothing happens, and it isn't probable that anything
will, the
"LIEUT. W.F. CLARKE. Nominated
as Captain Harper's Successor. Mr. H.C. Davis Will Become First
Lieutenant. Some of the Other Newly Elected Officers of the
Last night the company was called upon for the second
time within two weeks to elect a captain. About three weeks ago Capt. H.C.
Bagley resigned. Lieutenant Harper was elected to succeed him. A few weeks ago (sic)
the latter tendered his resignation, and another general election was
in order.
The meeting last night was for the purpose of nominating
the commissioned and electing the non-commissioned officers. A nomination is,
of course, however, equivalent to an election.
Judge W.F. Clarke and Prof. J.E. Mathis were both nominated
for the position of commanding officer, as they were both nominated for the
first lieutenancy last week. Judge Clarke was again the successful contestant.
There is no doubt but that Judge Clarke will accept the
honor which the members of the company have expressed a desire to confer upon
him. Nor is there doubt as to his discharging his duties as captain with credit
alike to himself and the A.L.I.
The other officers nominated and elected were: 1st Lieutenant H.C. Davis; Senior 2nd
Lieutenant J.E. Mathis; Junior 2nd Lieutenant F.A. Hooper; Orderly Sergeant
J.T. Stallings; 2nd Sergeant C.E. Van Riper; 3rd Sergeant C.J. Graham; 4th
Sergeant Tim Allen; 5th Sergeant T.W. Callaway; 1st Corporal A.B. Battle; 2nd
Corporal C.K. Chapman; 3rd Corporal J.R.L. Smith; 4th Corporal Will Dudley,
Jr." Daily Times-Recorder
"OFF TO THE WAR. The A.L.I. Boys Leave Monday
Night. They Will Have a Special Sleeper and Baggage Car. A
List of Those Who Are Going. And of the Companies Who Camp With
Them. Tomorrow night the
Americus Light Infantry leave for
The officers of the company have been hard at work
getting everything in shape, and now almost everything is in readiness for the
departure.
Tomorrow night at
Military rule will reign then, and the boys will be under
guard. Before
Here is a roster of those who are going: W.F. Clarke, captain; H.C. Davis, first
lieutenant; F.A. Hooper, second lieutenant; J.R.L. Smith, second lieutenant;
C.E. Van Riper, first sergeant; C.J. Graham, second sergeant; A.B. Battle,
fifth sergeant; C.K. Chapman, first corporal; H.G. Stanfield, second corporal;
W.H.C. Dudley, Jr., third corporal; J.P. Butts, fourth corporal; John W.
Shiver, quartermaster; J.H. Beynon, surgeon.
Privates, J.A. Hixon, A.S. Thompson, W.K. Wheatley,
W.I. Harrold, L.B. Smith, H.E. Haynes, J.B. Fitzgerald,
W.T. Lane, Jesse Pope, W.G. Turpin, Guerry Adderton, Robert Hogue, O.W. Lewis, Will Morgan, R.H. Saville, Henry Johnson, Zach Childers, Hugh Bond, DeVerger (sic) (Charles H. Debarger ?),
J.L. Carmar,
J.E. Chapman, Tom Guice, Granberry
Parker, Joel Hightower.
The company is in the second regiment under Col. C.M.
Wiley and is part of the third battalion.
Here is the way they go into camp next week: 1st Battalion - Major J.N. Holtzclaw, commanding. Company E, Putnam Rifles; Company H,
"Election of New Officers. Pursuant to an order from Col. C.M.
Wiley, colonel commanding the Fourth Georgia Regiment of Volunteers, an
election was held at the armory of the Americus Light Infantry last night for the
purpose of filling vacancies caused by the resignation of Capt. W.F. Clarke and
Second Lieutenant J.R.L. Smith.
The election was presided over by Judge W.B.F. Oliver,
J.P., and was held in strict conformity to the law governing such elections.
The balloting began at
Both are very popular among members of their company, and
will fill with great credit the positions to which they have been elected. They
will go to
"Return the Uniforms. Those members of
the Americus Light Infantry who did not re-enlist, and who have uniforms
belonging to the company, are requested to send them to the armory without
delay in order that new members may have them. Much trouble will be saved the
officers if this request is complied with." Daily Times-Recorder
"OFF TO THE SEASHORE. The Americus Light Infantry left last
night for
"THE MARCH ON
For weeks past the Light Infantry has been drilling hard
for the encampment, and the soldier boys feel confident that few of the younger
companies there will excel them in the tactics. The military spirit has a
strong hold upon them, and every member feels an individual pride in the
success of his company.
The Light Infantry will "sleep on their arms"
tonight, and tomorrow morning will leave for the front.
Capt. Van Riper has ordered the men to appear at the
armory tonight at
Dr. A.B. Campbell, chaplain of the company and a
Confederate veteran, will go with the boys to
Following is the rank and file of the company as it will
enter the encampment: Capt. C.E. Van
Riper, First Lieut. H.C. Davis, Second Lieut. F.A. Hooper, J.S. Britton, J.T.
Killen, F. Harrold, L.S. Williams, J.G. Faulk, Emmett
Pope, Lynn Burt, John Butts, Lee Hansford, W.E. Clark, E.V. Haynes, Geo.
Turpin, Walton Callaway, Will Lanier, Ed and Will Morgan, Murray Johnson, W. Hawins, Frank Burke, J.M. Cawood,
Harry Dunn, C. Dodson, Carr Glover, John E. Chapman." Daily Times-Recorder
"INTEREST AROUSED. The Meeting of
the A.L.I. Last Night Largely Attended.
A
rousing meeting of the Americus Light Infantry was held last night. Much
enthusiasm was displayed, and this gallant company will soon be the peer of any
in the state's service.
Mayor Hixon, recently elected
an honorary member, made a ringing speech in advocacy of the maintenance of the
company on a solid basis.
Several new enlistments were made, among others Messrs.
J.B. Hoyle, John Hamil, W.P. Callaway, T.W. Callaway,
L.L. Daugherty, O.M. Physioc, J.C. Roney, Jr., Lynn Burt, Fred Crisp, E.C.
Allen.
"RAISED FROM THE
RANKS. Deserved Promotion Among Members of the Light
Infantry. Recently a
number of appointments of non-commissioned officers of the Americus Light
Infantry have been made by Col. C.M. Wiley, commanding the Second Regiment, to
which this company is attached. The following appointments were made upon
recommendation of Captain C.E. Van Riper:
2nd Sergeant A.B. Battle; 3rd Sgt T.W. Callaway; 4th Sgt Ed Sheffield;
5th Sgt J.R. Hamil; 2nd Corporal H.G. Stanfield; 3rd
Corporal W.W. Smith; 4th Corporal John Sheffield. First Sergeant Britton and
First Corporal Williams have held their respective offices for several
years." Daily Times-Recorder
"MERRY AT CAMP NORTHEN. The Soldier Boys
Greatly Enjoy Their Stay. And Sandwich the Work With Lots of Fun. The Light
Infantry Gets Its Share of Honors. Some of the Duties of
The Americus Light Infantry captured all the honors at
guard mount yesterday; Sergeant Battle was sergeant of the guard, while Private
Furlow was made orderly to Col. Wiley over
thirty-five competitors. Our entries for guard duty today is: Sergeant J.R. Battle, Corporal Whit Smith;
Privates G.B. Turpin, J.W. Furlow, Sam Warlick, W.P. Callaway, J.L. Wooten, H. Dodson, Henry
Johnson, Lee Hansford, Make Dudley, Ed Gyles, H.W.
Pittman.
Police; Corporal H.G. Stanfield, chief.
Privates J. Johnson, J.M. Wimbish, C. Dodson, Howell
Simmons, Emory Allen were detailed to hospital corps.
It would have made one's heart swell with pride this
morning to see the detail of the Americus Light Infantry at guard mount. Every
man was perfect. The boys were marched out by Sergeant Britton, and Jack is
beyond doubt one of the best orderlies in camp.
Sergeant-Major Haynes acquitted himself very creditably
at battalion drill and guard mount this morning.
Too much cannot be said in praise of our efficient
quartermaster, J.W. Shiver. He is "the finest" when it comes to
getting something to eat, while Howell Simmons is an artist with a rake and
pitchfork loading trash in a wheelbarrow.
There is no sickness in camps at all this year, and the
boys are enjoying themselves to the fullest extent. We would be glad to welcome
any of our friends from home who may come to see us. Invite them to come up
Sunday morning." Daily
Times-Recorder
"CAPTAIN DAVIS IN
Captain W.C. Davis, of the Perry Rifles, arrived
yesterday, and during the afternoon was in conference with officers selected to
go with the First regiment of state troops. Nearly all of his company, the Perry Rifles, have volunteered, and he wanted a
number from the Americus Light Infantry, to take the place of those who could
not now enlist.
The Light Infantry will not go as a company, though a
number of the men are anxious to enlist. To this end a meeting was held last
night.
Upon the first call for volunteers, to serve under the
present regimental officers in
The commissary officers are being called to
"HELD ELECTION FOR CAPTAIN.
Light Infantry Opens Poll at Armory Last Night.
The Americus Light Infantry held an election last night for
captain to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Captain Charles E. Van
Riper some time since. The balloting was quite spirited, resulting in the
election of Lieut. S.E. Warlick to the vacancy, while
Sergt. Childers was elected to fill the place of Lieut.
Warlick. Lieut. Britton declined to allow his name to
go before the meeting as a candidate for the captaincy." Daily Times-Recorder
"TROOPS GO THIS AFTERNOON. LIGHT INFANTRY WILL
INVADE
An enthusiastic meeting was held at the armory last
night, and after the usual drill and exercises the men spent an hour or two
discussing the trip and completing all details. Uniforms, guns and equipment
had to be looked after, but everything is now in readiness for the march upon
the capital city. The trip will be a great one and the A.L.I. will acquit
itself most creditably.
The soldier boys go by the Georgia & Alabama Railway
at
Following are the names of those going to Atlanta with
the company: Lieutenant J.R. Britton,
commanding officer; First Sergeant, G.L. Williams; Sergeants, E.L. Guerry and E.A. Shipley; Corporals, David Speer, J.C.
Speer, W.O. Shipley; Privates, O.M. Hansford, H.H. Robinson, J.R. Statham, S.T.
Carter, Willis Rutland, C.D. Mayo, Joe Howard, W.W. Marsh, Charles A. Smith,
Roy L. McKenzie, H.B. Mashburn, T.H. McLendon, J.K. McLendon, James A.
Riviere, Vernon Shipley, W.M. Hamilton, Dixon Speer,
J.B. Pilsbury, Robert E. McElroy, L.M. Snider, A.C.
Cheek, C.G. Brown, W.J. Lawton, R.E. Parker, O.H. Roebuck, Emory Mathis, J.W.
Skelton, D.K. Brinson, W.H. Burkhalter, C.L. Cobb,
T.F. Callaway." Daily
Times-Recorder
"COMPANY IN SPLENDID SHAPE.
All Vacancies Filled and Many New Enlistments.
With the election of Captain Welborn
F. Clarke and Second Lieutenant Z.S. Childers, and the appointment yesterday of
C.P. Davis as battalion sergeant major of the Second Georgia Regiment, the
Americus Light Infantry is in excellent spirits indeed. This latter appointment
was made yesterday and a letter of notification sent Lieut. J.R. Britton, now
commanding the company. As stated in the Times-Recorder quite recently, Captain
Clarke will not
receive his commission for several weeks yet as he must first stand a rigid
examination. This, however, he will do easily, as he has previously held this
position in the company, resigning some several years ago. Both Captain Clarke
and Second Lieutenant Childers received the unanimous vote cast in the recent
election." Daily
Times-Recorder
"OFFICERS ARE AGAIN ELECTED. Light Infantry
Choose Field and Line Last Night. The
election held last night at the armory of the Americus Light Infantry for field
and line officers aroused considerable interest among the soldier boys with the
result that there was a good attendance and large vote polled. Of course
Captain W.F. Clarke and Lieut. J.R. Britton received the solid vote of the
company, while Sergeant G.L. Williams was elected Second Lieutenant, an honor
very worthily bestowed, he also receiving a unanimous vote. For field officers
the votes of the officers of the Americus Light Infantry were given Colonel
William E. Wooten, of Albany; Lieut. Colonel Thomas N. Hopkins, of Thomasville.
Majors: Fred W. Clarke, Dawson; Thaddeus
J. Morris,
"WERE SELECTED AS OFFICERS.
Light Infantry Names Sergeants and Corporals.
The following named members of the Light Infantry have been made
non-commissioned officers of the company:
First Sergeant, E.L. Guerry. Sergeants: J.J. Hogue, W.J. Lawton, H.T. Coleman, W.O.
Shipley. Quartermaster Sergeant, David Speer. Corporals: J. Emory Mathis, James A. Riviere,
R.E. Parker, W.W. Brunner,
"WILL ELECT A FULL LIST OF
OFFICERS. Light Infantry To Have
a Meeting Monday Night. Company Will Elect Captain. First and
Second Lieutenant. Lieut. G.L. Williams is Slated
For Place Made Vacant By Death Lamented Captain Clarke. Under an order from Adjutant General
Robertson, the Americus Light Infantry will hold an election on Monday night
next for the purpose of filling the vacancy created recently by the death of
the company's beloved commander, the lamented Captain W.F. Clarke. And as this
will create another vacancy, by promotion, two other officers will be elected
as well.
Lieutenant G.L. Williams will succeed to the position of
Captain; Lieut. Allen Fort, Jr. will be elected First Lieutenant and J.J. Hogue
Second Lieutenant of the company.
Several days ago the Light Infantrymen held a
"primary election" as it were, when the above mentioned members were
chosen for the several vacancies. All have been members of the A.L.I. for
years, and as line officers will do all in their power to promote its
interests. Several minor vacancies in the list will be filled at a later date.
Than the Light Infantry, no command of the Fourth
Regiment is in finer condition. It has full ranks, and under the command of the
late Captain Clarke, one of the best and most popular of officers, it easily
ranked with the very best in the service of the state.
Lieut. Williams, who will succeed to that position, is a
capable officer and will keep the company up to its present high
standard." Daily
Times-Recorder
"OFFICERS OF LIGHT INFANTRY.
Duly Elected at The Meeting Held Last Night. It is now Captain G.L. Williams and
Lieutenants Fort and Hogue, of the Americus Light Infantry. Such was the action
of the company at last night's meeting, when the nominees of the recent
"military primary" were duly elected by ballot and are now ready to
receive their commissions. All of them have been members of the Light Infantry
for a number of years and in future, as in the past, will work to maintain the
company's high standing of general excellence. Nearly every member of the
company was present last night and a full vote was polled." Daily Times-Recorder
"RIFLE RANGE IS NEAR READY. Light Infantry
Will Soon Be at the Targets. The
new rifle range of the Americus Light Infantry is fast nearing completion and
will be one of the finest "official" target ranges in the South. It
is located in Leeton, a mile from the city, and will
be perfect in all appointments. The range is 600 yards long, seventy feet in
width, and has a battery 32 feet long by 20 feet high. Beneath it is the pit
for target managers, and is of ample dimensions. The battery will support two
large revolving targets. The Light Infantry is justly proud of its splendid
range and expects to have several companies of state troops to shoot here next
summer." Daily Times-Recorder
"THE BOYS OFF TO CAMP.
The
The company will
be between thirty and forty strong, and have been drilling and otherwise
perfecting themselves for camp duty for a month. They are one of the best
companies in the 4th regiment and when they return they will bring fresh
laurels entwined with the others previously won, the whole making a record of
which any company may well be proud.
We commend them and the drum corps to the
We publish the roster of the company and drum corps as
they left for
"LIGHT INFANTRY TO
The Light Infantrymen are drilling daily in the tactics
required.
There will be a composite company made up of seventeen
men each from the
The privates from the Light Infantry going are as
follows: R.R. Bryan, D.S. Bagley, Taylor
Fort, E.D. Gatewood, W.W. Hooks, Frank Lester, G.W. Markett, A.W. Marshall, B.A. Richards, H.G. Stanfield, F.R.
Stanley, T.C. Tillman. Musician,
Henry Witt.
The grand maneuvers take place September 5th to 10th, and
will be witnessed by thousands of spectators, including military attaches from
several European countries.
When the maneuvers are in full blast it is estimated that
25,000 men will be engaged. Of this number 5,000 will be regular soldiers and
the remainder state troops. Three great camps will be established.
On September 11, which will probably be the gala day of
the maneuvers, there will be a parade and review of the entire force by
President Roosevelt and General Corbin.
Then there will be sham battles every day between state
troops, or state troops and regulars, upon some portion of the great
quadrangle, which stretches its length and breadth over 100 miles of territory.
All told, the government has $1,000,000 ready to spend
upon the maneuvers, if such a sum is needed." Daily Times-Recorder
"BOYS IN BLUE WILL TAKE IN THE FAIR. Light
Infantry Will Parade With Teddy. Company is Going to
Thirty-five of the Americus Light Infantry, under command
of Captain Allen Fort, will thus form a part of the honorary escort made up of
the
The
The following rank and file will make the trip
tonight: Captain Allen Fort, Jr.,
commanding, 1st Lieut. Walter C. Page, 2nd Lieut.
James A. Fort. 1st Sergeant, J.E.B. McLendon;
Quartermaster Sergeant, H.G. Stanfield; Sergeants, V.H. Persons, R.R. Bryan,
T.C. Tillman, G.E. Brooks. Corporals, Fort, and Castleberry.
Privates, Bagley, Bryant, Byrd, Easterlin, Gwynes, Harden, Horne, Hanner,
Hudson, Hawkins, Johnson, Lee, McAfee, Purvis, Purvis, Pickens, Pittman, Rylander, Schwabe, Snipes,
Salter, Speight, Taylor, Tullis." Daily Times-Recorder
"GALLANT COMMAND OF OLD
But the faith of
The only danger lies in its lack of numerical strength,
and Captain C.E. Van Riper hopes to remedy this deficiency in due time.
Under the present military regulations the minimum
company strength must be forty men. Unfortunately, and for reasons previously
set forth, among which is the indisposition of employers to allow their
employees to enlist in the service, the Light Infantry strength is reduced to
thirty-two men.
Under the law, there must be eight more enlistments prior
to the inspection three weeks hence.
Unless these recruits can be secured the gallant old company, which for
a quarter century has been the strong right arm of
Captain Van Riper, Lieutenants Fort and McLendon, as well as the men behind the guns, are working
with a will to the end of preventing this public calamity, as such it would
prove. They are endeavoring to enlist new men and otherwise bring the company
up to the required standard.
On scores of occasions and in time of peril the Light
Infantry has stood gallantly in the breach and prevented possible conflict with
armed mobs. It has saved men from the hangman's noose in illegal executions,
and has prevented riot and bloodshed upon many occasions.
Can
Many of the men in the rank and file of the company have
thus given it their time and labor for years, and are still willing to make
personal sacrifice in order to maintain their company prestige. But they need
assistance; the moral support of the community as well as additional physical
strength.
A brief review of the company history at this time would
not prove uninteresting.
The Americus Light Infantry had its nucleus in the old
Sumter Light Guards, which served gallantly through the Civil War and, at
various times afterwards, was reorganized.
After a checkered career the present command was organized
in February 1890, with Capt. H.C. Bagley commanding. The roster at that time,
rank and file, included forty-six men.
The Americus Light Infantry has been in continuous
service since that date - seventeen years under command, alternately, of Captains
H.C. Bagley, W.F. Clarke, C.E. Van Riper, G.L. Williams and W.C. Page.
Recently, Captain Van Riper has again assumed command.
This position he resigned in 1898 to serve through the
Spanish-American war as Captain of Company H, Third Georgia, under Colonels
Candler and Berner.
At the close of hostilities Capt. Van Riper went to
He is a thorough military man, both tactician and
disciplinarian, and possesses the love and entire confidence of his men.
The company's roster at present is as follows: C.E. Van Riper, Capt., J.A. Fort, 1st Lieut.,
J.E.B. McLendon, 2nd Lieut., D.K. Brinson, 1st Sergt. F.R. Stanley, 2nd Sergt. J.I. Hudson, Corporal, R.H. Bryant, G.E. Tillman,
Ross Pittman, Asa Pittman, J.A. Fort, E.K. Horne,
M.A. Dunn, J.R. Massey, P.H. Summerford, A.W. McAfee,
T.C. Tillman, C.B. Burke, J.C. Speer, B.H. Wagnon,
E.R. Hawkes, G.L. Doster,
P.H. Lee, Taylor Fort, H.G. Tarver, E. Nahoun, J. Nahoun, E.J. Schroeder, W.F. Oliver, J.C. Bass, J.W.
Copeland.
There is every reason why citizens of
Duty and patriotism demand it; the safety and peace of
the community demand it. What will the people of
"MARCH OF INFANTRY LEAVING
FOR CAMPS. Americus Company Will Leave Tonight for
The company, under command of Captain Chas. E. Van Riper,
will leave at
Following are the names of the Light Infantrymen
going: Capt. Van Riper, Lieut. J.A.
Fort, Second Lieut. J.E.B. McLendon, First Sergeant
M.A. Dunn, Quartermaster Sergt.
H.G. Stanfield. Sergt. Gray Tillman, Sergt. J.I.
Hudson, Corporals A.W. McAfee, Asa Pittman, E.J.
Schroeder, Ross Pittman, Artificer A.M. Purvis, Buglers C.A. Smith and H.C.
Witte. Privates J. McNeal, Holly, Guerry, Boyd, Veates, T. McNeal, Turpin, Edge, Hawkes,
Poe, Jeter, Burke, Dupree, Slappey.
The Americus Company will be joined here tonight by the
Albany Guards, and at
The encampment this year is at a season when a stay upon
the island will be enjoyable rather than a hardship, as was the case last year.
The company will meet at
"WELCOME IS GIVEN THE FRIENDS OF OLD GUARD.
Light Infantry Has Completed 27th Year. The
anniversary celebration of the Light Infantry last evening proved one of the
most enjoyable occasions of the season here, and not in all
of the twenty-seven years career of the gallant old company has it
scored such a social victory. It was a triumph of which the soldier boys are
justly proud.
Assembled at the armory, were hundreds of friends of the
Light Infantry who enjoyed the feast of oratory, the flow of music, and the
delicious refreshments served.
The drill hall presented a striking appearance in its
floral decorations, while the National Colors added beauty thereto. Palms and
ferns gave a pretty effect to the hall, while festoons of bright greens adorned
the walls.
The failure of Col. John C. Coart
to appear was a disappointment to the many guests. He was detained at home by
the illness of his wife.
Hon .W.T Lane presided as master of ceremonies and
introduced Captain John A. Cobb who in a brief but telling address commended
the services of the company in the past and strongly advocated its maintenance.
Miss Winnie Belle Jossey
rendered a very beautiful solo, after which Col. E.A. Nisbet,
"the young man eloquent," entertained the assemblage in characteristic
manner. Mingled with flights of finished oratory were words of wisdom and
timely advice to the end of giving the company a helping hand at all times.
Especially did he decry the spirit of some employers who refused to permit
employees to join the company. The old guard stood for
the common weal, he said, and every citizen should feel interested therein.
The orchestra of six pieces rendered several selections
after which the company, under command of Lieutenant J.E.B. McLendon,
gave an exhibition drill. This was highly creditable, and after a half hour's
hard work only two men stood in the ranks. These were Sergt.
Ross Pittman and Private Taylor, the latter losing out on a "catch"
number only.
Sergt. Stanfield, the "old sergeant," called the role
of the company of fifteen years ago, almost amid pathetic silence. Of the
fifty-two names called only three responded.
Delicious refreshments were served when the interesting
program had been concluded." Daily
Times-Recorder
"TRAMP
OF INFANTRY IS HEARD ON THE MARCH.
The soldier boys were in fine spirits as their train
pulled out last night, anticipating a pleasant stay on the seashore this week.
Accompanying the
Following is a roster of the
The soldier boys will reach the island at
"INFANTRY TO MARCH IN FORCE
ON
The
The
Following are the names of the officers and men
attending: Captain J.E.B. McLendon, First Lieut. Murray A. Dunn, Sergeants E.J.
Schroeder, R. Pittman, C.E. Guerry, J.W. Holley, J.C.
Bass and C.P. Davis. Corporals L.V. Veates,
B.C. Hogue, J.L. Jeter, M.A. Croxton and R.L. Rigsby. Privates P.L. Alford, J.M. Baggett, W.J.
Brooks, D.R. Bostick, E.F. Brown, C.B. Berck, Jno. B. Bryant, C.E. Cook,
Jno. H. Chappell, E.L. Croxton,
F.H. Chester, W.D. Carroll, W.E. Cheek, W.W. Daniel, C.C. Jones, J.J. Hall,
J.S. Hawkins, E.H. Miller, A.E. Myers, H.M. McAfee, M.P. Jones, S.A. Luke, J.O. Parker, A.M. Perdue, F.W. Perkins, J.D.
Edmondson, P.A. Gregory, W.G. Gilbert, W.E. Grady, T.J. Glawson,
C.C. Herring, Jno. I.
The Light Infantry will leave
"Henry Stanfield, A Former Sergeant of A.L.I.
Tells Traditions Of The Company." The
traditions of every country and every cause are valuable to the people, and no
less so are the memories of the old guards of the Americus Light Infantry in
view of the active service which the company is now seeing.
The following address was delivered by Henry Stanfield,
of
Mr. Toast Master, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen: History at its best is nothing but a true
relation of facts. I hope you will bear with me tonight in relating the history
of an Infant that was born in 1881 in the old building, now occupied by J.W.
Harris as a hardware store.
This Infant has grown to lusty manhood, and is now 31
years old. At the time this infant was born, gray uniforms, with numerous brass
buttons, feather plumes and gold lace were used. Every man paid for his own
uniform, the state of
I can remember when the Americus Light Infantry was
called on to quell riots in our streets. The negroes
in those days were very obstreperous and it was not unusual for the mayor of
our town to call on this valiant company to protect the helpless and preserve
the peace of our town.
The first captain for this company, at the time it was
organized,
At one time in the early years of this company they
attended Mardi Gras, in
The first encampment that this company had was a private
one at
In front of the old Barlow Block in 1882, this beautiful
silk flag was given to Captain Joseph Shaffer by Miss Floyd Hollis, the mother
of our own Allen Fort.
The company lived and prospered for about 7 years, and
for lack of attendance died a natural death.
Discipline in those days was a thing unknown. One man was
as good as another whether he be officer, or whether he be
private.
At the time of the inauguration of Gov. Atkinson, in
The first state encampment was held at
About 1889, after the death of the original A.L.I., 150
citizens of
At that time the membership initiation fee was $25,000 (sic),
which had to be paid the minute he became a member. Our Captain was
Henry Clay Bagley, Cliff Clay, Marion Harper and W.M. Jones, Lieutenants. Such
men as Judge Hixon, Bob Maynard, Frank Hooper and Welborn Clarke, were among the membership. The membership
of the company for 30 years numbers about 1,000 men.
The next year after the
In 1898, when the tocsin (of) war was sounded and our
country's flag was in danger, the A.L.I. was among the first to volunteer for
service in the field. The number of men with their officers on the first call
was 81. Out of this number not a single man refused to step to the front.
However, the state of
Discipline in this company has been of the best, and it
has been recognized as one of the best organizations of its kind in the state
of
In closing, I cannot say too much in praise of the
present body of officers and men. They both deserve great praise and credit for
devoting so much time to keeping this organization in the splendid shape it is
in today." Daily
Times-Recorder
"OFFICERS TAKE CHARGE OF COMPANY. Occasion of
Installation Is Interesting. Captain Charles P. Davis,
Lieutenants Fort and Hogue the Commissioned Officers. Happy Event Marked
the Made Monday Evening.
Captain Charles P. Davis, now
commanding Company L, the Americus Light Infantry, with Lieutenant Jamie Fort
and Second Lieut. B.C. Hogue. Such is the new line of commissioned
officers of this gallant band which for more than a quarter century has been
the mailed arm of
Captain Davis, as stated in the Times-Recorder yesterday
morning, assumed command of the Light Infantry Monday night, succeeding
retiring Captain Joseph Brown McLendon.
This "assumption of the sword" was witnessed by
a large assemblage of invited friends of the company and was quite felicitous
throughout.
Prior thereto the company went into an election to fill
the two lieutenant vacancies and the solid vote was cast for the two thus
honored, Lieutenants Fort and Hogue, who gracefully accepted the honors
bestowed though unsought by themselves.
Lieutenants Fort and Hogue.
Both officers have had years of experience with the Light Infantry, Lieut. Fort
having resigned that position two years ago to take up the practice of law. His
return to the place of first lieutenant is most gratifying, as is the election
of Second Lieutenant Hogue as well. Both are thoroughly capable officers and
will ever guard the every interest of the company.
Following the election, the company was officially
inspected by Major H. Mozler, of
Oyster Feast is Spread. To
the martial strains of the cadets band of the
The festivities were punctuated with interesting
addresses, highly laudatory of the Light Infantry, were made by Captain John A.
Cobb, Major Mozler, retiring Captain McLendon, Lieutenants Fort and Hogue, and
others." Daily Times-Recorder
"
The Americus Light Infantry, the Columbus Guards, (two
companies), the Albany Guards and the Clarke Rifles from
There is little work to be done, aside from the daily
drills and guard mount, and a royal time will be had.
The Americus Company carried by far the largest number of
men to the state camp and is, in this respect as in others, the banner command
of the Second Battalion. Captain Davis' fifty-one men in khaki are as
follows: Captain Charles P. Davis,
Lieutenant James Fort, Second Lieut. W.D. Payne, Quartermaster Sergeant Guerry, Sergeants Jeter, Veates, Croxton, Bass. Corporals
Myers, Daniel, Rigsby,
Second Battalion Band:
Witt, Rainey, Williams, Fussell, Harris, Bazemore, Kiker,
"CAPTAIN FORT IS SOON TO GET COMMISSION. Is Popular With Members of Company. Having successfully passed the
required examination for promotion from a lieutenancy to that of captain,
Lieut. James A. Fort will, in a day or two, receive his commission from Gov.
Brown as commanding officer of the Americus Light Infantry, to which he was
recently elected by the company.
Captain Fort has really been in command of the Light
Infantry for the past month, succeeding thereto upon the resignation of Captain
C.P. Davis, who is now upon the state's list of retired officers, upon
two-third's pay.
Captain Fort is both efficient as an officer and popular
with his men, and will do excellent work in behalf of the Light
Infantry." Daily
Times-Recorder
"SOLDIER BOYS PREPARED FOR INAUGURATION. WILL LEAVE NEXT SATURDAY. On Trip to
The
"RIFLE RANGE TO SOON BE
READY NEAR CITY. Modern Equipment is Being Used on the
Range Here, Which Will Be Used By Local Military Company. The modern five hundred yard target
range of the Americus Light Infantry, upon which construction work has been
pushed recently, will be completed today and next week the company members will
go there for rifle practice, preparatory to the contest which will be engaged
in at the annual encampment on St. Simon's
The Light Infantry range lies immediately next the
property of the Country club, and with the changes now
being wrought there it will be one of the best in the state, military men say.
The grounds are being well drained and otherwise improved. The target lines are
set at 200, 300 and 500 yards, and with the installation of a field telephone
at each point the men behind the guns can be quickly informed as to the result
of the shooting. The telephone system will be installed next week before the
regular contest begins. Two or three days will be spent on the firing line. The
Light Infantry used this range last summer, and some excellent results were
reported.
Captain James Fort, of the Light Infantry, has been
ordered to report for duty as inspecting officer on the Holton range at
The Light Infantry members anticipate with great interest
the annual encampment of the Second regiment at St. Simon's next month. The
local company will attend, as usual, with about forty men under command of
Captain Fort and Lieutenants McLendon and Hogue. The
soldier boys enjoyed the trip there two years ago. Last year, it will be
remembered, the Second Regiment went to the encampment at
"LIGHT INFANTRY NOW READY FOR THE ENCAMPMENT.
ENTIRE COMPANY WILL GO. To Enjoy Outing On St. Simons. The Americus Light Infantry, Company
I, Second Georgia regiment, has perfected all arrangements for the trip this
week to St. Simon's
In point of numbers the Light Infantry will be one of the
largest commands at the state encampment, as fifty-five men is an unusually
large number, and reflects the solid status of Company I. Captain James Fort,
with Lieutenants J.E.B. McLendon and B.C. Hogue, will
be in command. The
The following named officers and privates will enjoy the
ten days' outing at St. Simon's: James
A. Fort, captain; J.E.B. McLendon, first lieutenant;
B.C. Hogue, second lieutenant. C.E. Guerry, first
sergeant; J.C. Bass, E.L. Croxton, W.W. Daniel,
sergeant; J.C. Pouncey, quartermaster sergeant. Q.W. Graddy, C.C. Jones, C.C. Veates,
corporal. Campbell McDonald and Wilder Smith, musicians.
J.E. Chapman, company clerk. James Alderman, E.D. Beggs,
C.B. Burke, W.H. Chappell, A.T. Cheek, T.T. Cheek, W.E. Cheek, R.B. Cheek, B.C.
Cordell, W.C. Cordell, W.G. Crapps, O.R. Daniel,
J.B.G. Darcey, M.A. Dunn, J.T. Feagin,
E.O. Glawson, A.T. Green, J.H. Gwynes,
B.L. Harris, B.E. Harrison, G.B. Hays, E.L. Hollis, C.A. Johnson, H.T. Johnson,
W.J. Lane, J.H. Marshall, R.L. McLeod, U.K. McTyier,
L.G. McElhenney, Harold Price, C.N. Petty, T.A.B.
Skinner, Millard Shy, F.E. Smith, H.G. Tarver, B.A. Turpin, L.H. Van Landingham, L.V. Veates, H.A.
Williams, L.M. Williams, J.E. Worthington.
While in camp the Light Infantry will be very glad to
entertain as their guests at dinner any
"LIGHT INFANTRY IS MARCHING ON THIS MORNING TO
ENCAMPMENT. The
No other state encampment has been anticipated with
keener interest by the
Here is the roster of the A.L.I. going last night to
The Second regiment, to which the Light Infantry is
connected, will be joined at camp by the other two infantry regiments of the
state and the unassigned battalion under the command of Major Hunter, giving
Because of the trouble in
"
The sole purpose of rifle training for the soldier is to
make him a good shot under war conditions. The soldier should be so trained at
known distances in the various kinds of fire employed in actual service as to
bring his skill as a rifleman up to the capabilities of his weapon.
In known distance firing the qualification course is
divided into instruction practice and record practice. Before a man is eligible
to fire the record practice he must have made at least 60 percent of a possible
score at 200 yards, rapid and slow fire, at 300 yards rapid and slow fire and
at 500 yards slow fire. After having completed the instruction practice the man
is advanced to record practice, and is graded according to his ability to shoot
accurately.
To qualify as marksman a man must make at least 160 out
of a possible 250; as sharpshooter he must make at least 190 out of a possible
250; as an expert rifleman he must make at least 210 out of a possible 250.
Fifty shots are fired in the record practice at 200 yards, slow fire; at 300
yards, rapid and slow fire; at 500 yards, slow fire and at 600 yards slow fire.
The following insignia will be issued riflemen: To
marksmen, a marksman's pin, bronze; to sharpshooters, a sharpshooter's badge, bronze; to expert (riflemen a) rifleman's badge, bronze.
The following men have qualified as marksmen or
better: Expert Riflemen. W.G. Crapps 229, Q.M. Sergt. E.T.
Murray 228, Sergt. E.L. Croxton
224, J.C. Bass 214, W.A. Brown 214, Dave Lane 214, Capt. Fort 212, First Sergt. C.E. Guerry 212, B.H.
Hawkins 212, Sergt. C.C. Veates
210, Sergt. R.L. McLeod, Jr. 210. Sharpshooters.
Lieut. McLendon 208, James Alderman 207, T.W. Stewart
201, R.L. Edwards 201, Russell Boone 200, W.C. Sullivan, Jr. 198; H.L.
Chapman 196, Corporal C.C. Jones 195,
L.L. Hart 195, H.K. McMath 195, Frank Mayo 193,
Corporal J.H. Gwynes 192, W.T. Tinsley 192, W.A.
Green 191. Marksmen. Sergt. M.A. Dunn 187, P.L.
Alford 185, M.E. Shy 185, C.W. Yeomans 181, D.S. Mayo
181, J.C. Pouncey 177, Corporal A.B. Turpin 176, W.A.
Hart 170, G.B. Hays 168, T.A. Terry 168, Lieut. Hogue 167, B.H. Clark 165,
Russell Speer 164, F.C. Hudson 162, Corporal W.H. Chappell 161. First Class Men. Hines Hammond 171 (sic),
R.B. Cheek 157, H.S. Kelly 150. Second Class Men.
H.T. Smith 133, Unqualified men 11.
During the past month the Light Infantry has been given
very careful and effective training by Sergt.
"SOLDIER BOYS GO ON ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP. A.L.I.
WILL SPEND WEEK AT RIFLE RANGE ENJOYING
The encampment is not the result of any order to be on
the lookout for any advancing enemy, but the determination of the locals to
have their annual outing despite the fact that (the) state will not hold (its)
annual encampment.
Everything is ready for the boys to leave the city Monday
morning. Captain Fort has everything arranged and the fifty men that will go to
the camp are expecting a good time. Quartermaster Sergeant Murray has been busy
all the week purchasing supplies and the boys have visions of feasts galore.
The members of the A.L.I. will take this opportunity to
practice up on their target shooting. Uncle Sam has loaned them a
The rifle range owned by the A.L.I. is a regulation range
and was constructed by Uncle Sam at a cost of $1,800. The boys are justly proud
of their range and the efficiency of the company with the rifle attests the
popularity of target practice.
While the boys expect to put the week in working hard,
drilling and at target practice, still there will be plenty of time for social
stunts that will be arranged later. All work and no play makes
a dull soldier boy, and the A.L.I. is planning to pull several entertainments for their fair
sponsors.
The roster of the A.L.I. includes the following men: Capt. J.A. Fort. 1st Lieut.
J.E.B. McLendon. 2nd Lieut.
B.C. Hogue. 1st Sergeant C.E. Guerry,
Quartermaster Sergeant E.T. Murray, Sergeants E.L. Croxton,
M.A. Dunn, C.C. Veates, R.L. McLeod, Jr.
Corporals: J.C. Bass, W.H. Chappell,
J.C. Pouncey, B.H. Hawkins, C.C. Jones, James
Alderman. Musicians, H.C. Smith, H.B. Clark.
Privates: W.A. Hart, T.W. Stewart, L.H.
Chapman, L.L. Hart, H.S. Kelley, R.L. Edwards, W.C. Sullivan, Jr., H.K. McMath, J.L. Murphy, T.J. Glawson,
W.A. Brown, Russell Speer, H.D. Schneider, Russell Boone, C.H. Johnson, L.T.
Tinsley, F. Mayo, D.S. Mayo, C.W. Yeomans, J.H.
Hammond, W.A. Green, T.A. Terry, M.C. Wheatley, G.B. Hays, F.C. Hudson, C.J.
Carlton, M.M. Howell, J.M. Lee, L.H. Brooks, A.C. Holley, J.S. Courtney, F.H.
Speer, J.P. Gartner, Roach Brooks, K.M. McDonald, A.B. Turpin, P.L. Alford,
S.E. Rouse, G.W. Brinkley, C.G. Chapman, E.G. Durham, T.T. Cheek, W.G. Crapps, J.G. Osborne, D.W. Parker, E.D. Beggs,
R.B. Cheek, L.W. Weeks." (also McKinistry photograph of A.L.I. on steps of Carnegie
Library) Daily Times-Recorder
"ORDERS TO A.L.I. TO RECRUIT
FOR FULL STRENGTH. Captain
James A. Fort, commanding officer of the Americus Light Infantry, is said to
have received orders from the war department to recruit his company to full
peace strength, which is 65 men, exclusive of the three commissioned officers.
In obedience to this order a recruiting station was
opened Tuesday morning on
Significance is attached to the order from the federal
officials which it is believed means full preparation
for any eventuality, as far as the national guards are concerned. The idea of
sending the national guards to the Mexican border for patrol duty was discussed
at a cabinet meeting several days ago. This would allow the regular army to
proceed into
The enlisted men of the A.L.I. are not joyfully and
gleefully hoping for field service, but without exception every man expressed
his full promise to serve anywhere under the orders of the officials. The
company will be brought to full peace strength with the idea in view of
furnishing the federal government with a company fully prepared for any
service.
The officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned, of
the
"ROLL OF
"Lieut. B.C. Hogue in Charge
Of Recruiting For A.L.I. At The Armory For
This Company. Second
Lieut. B.C. Hogue, of the A.L.I., Co. I, 2nd Infantry, National Guard of
Georgia, is in charge of recruiting at
Captain Fort issued the following statement this morning
concerning recruiting, which is interesting to the entire public: "MEN WANTED - For Foreign Service. The
following instructions govern recruiting:
"Applications must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years, of good
character and temperate habits, able bodied, free from disease and must be able
to speak, read and write the English language.
"Original enlistment will be confined to persons who
are citizens of the
"Married men will be enlisted only upon the approval
of the regimental commander, or other proper commanding officer.
"Applicants will be required to satisfy the
recruiting officer regarding age and character, and should be prepared to
furnish the necessary evidence.
"For infantry, the height must be not less than 5
feet 4 inches, and weight must not be more than 190 pounds.
"The minimum weight of all arms of the service is
125 pounds, subject to variations, but in no case will the applicant whose
weight falls below 120 pounds be accepted, without special authority from the
adjutant general of the army.
"Rates of pay are as follows, in Continental United
States. For foreign service an additional 20% is
paid: First Sergeant, per month $45.00
Sergeants, per month $30.00 Corporals, per month $21.00 Cooks, per month $15.00
Artificer, per month $15.00 Musician, per month $15.00 Wagoner, per month
$21.00 Privates, per month $15.00
"The men are supplied with uniforms and all other
necessary clothing and are well fed. When all of this is considered, the scale
of pay amounts to much more than at first seems.
"At present the enlistment in the National Guard is
for two years; later the enlistment will be six years, three with the colors
and three in the reserve.
"Men living at places where there are no national guard companies, and wishing to enlist may
communicate with the undersigned by telephone, wire or letter, or report in
person.
"The recruiting officer is on duty at the armory on
"Applicants for enlistment in this company will be
considered in turn.
"
"JAMES A. FORT, Captain Co. I, 2nd
Inf., National Guard of Georgia (
"
Thousands of people gathered on the streets of the city
of
Their showing was excellent; their spirits were high;
their bearing was manly - and above all their loved ones watched their regular
step with the deepest feeling of the high devotion and esteem in which they are
held.
Early Saturday morning brought the A.L.I. to the minimum
peace strength, and they received orders from Captain Fort to prepare for
moving. The special details out of the city on recruiting duty were ordered to
the armory by first train and in some instances in automobiles. At
Their Pictures Taken.
The A.L.I. gathered in front of the Carnegie Library where Photographer
McKinistry made a picture of the company. Every man
was in line from the newest private to the ranking man in service.
Commander H.T. Davenport, of the Camp Sumter United
Confederate Veterans of the Georgia Division, spoke a few feeling and eloquent
words. He told the patriots of Company I, that man's first duty was to his God,
and next to his country and his flag. Then, said Commander Daveport,
"comes your duty to your families, relatives and loved ones." General
Davenport admonished them and assured the members of the high esteem in which
they were held by their fellow citizens. He told them that their country had
called, and the next call would bring scores of their brother and friends to
join them in the ranks.
Company
The boys of the A.L.I. were proud that the people
awakened to the perilous duties which they were assuming. They went because
their country called, and though some may never return, they go with the
eagerness that every hero cherishes when he is "under fire."
Stores Closed for Troops. With few
exceptions the stores of
Lieutenant Hogue is Here. Lieut.
B.C. Hogue, of the A.L.I., remains in the city to recruit the company up to the
full strength which is 142 members. He will join his company in
The parting wish of Captain Fort was "Don't keep us
waiting long!" And what man or woman is there who will?
A recruit of Company I said, "Fill up the ranks with
us and let's show what
Lieut. Hogue will be on duty until Monday here, and it is
possible that he will then be ordered to join his company.
Will You Come? The last day of the stay of the company in
the city brought expressions which had not been heard during the past week.
People came to view the seriousness with which the duties of the soldiers are
charged.
Every young man in
Will you come?"
Daily Times-Recorder
"Those Who Have Gone.
The members of the company who
left for
"
Americus turned out en masse to give Company I a rousing
sendoff and the stirring scenes enacted at the railway station aroused more
enthusiasm for things military than has been witnessed in this city for many a
long year. While pathetic partings and tearful goodbyes caused many a
heartache, the boys in khaki departed amid an outburst of cheering which gave
each member of the company at least a faint idea of the warm interest felt for
him by the citizens of this community.
Two special coaches were used to transport the
organization, while the company equipment and baggage was carried in a car
furnished for that purpose. Practically all the company property was taken
along to
The Atlantic Ice and Coal Corporation donated a quantity
of ice to lend greater comfort to the guardsmen on their trip to camp.
Practically every business establishment in the city closed its doors when
Company I marched to the depot, and the crowd remained
at the station from about
It was stated yesterday by the officers of the company
that the Second Regiment will in all probability be stationed at the
mobilization camp until each company has been recruited to its full strength of
142 men. This means that several days will elapse before any movement toward
the Mexican border is made, although the need for additional troops may force
an earlier entrainment for the Southwest.
The orders to move Company I to the
Photographer McKinstry then
made a picture of the full company grouped on the library steps and the boys
marched away to the depot.
They carried no company flag because the regulations
prohibit the use of such individual insignia, although the ladies'
organizations of the city were anxious to provide a beautiful company banner.
Notwithstanding the fact that Company I has gone on to the mobilization camp at
Young unmarried men throughout this section are urged to
enlist in Company I, and the enlistment office at the armory will remain open
daily.
It is understood that many prospective recruits in this
city have been deterred from enlisting in Company I by the report circulated
within the past few days that a volunteer company was to be organized in
The men composing the Americus Light Infantry and
entraining yesterday for the camp at Macon were: Capt. James A. Fort, First Lieutenant J.E.B. McLendon, Second Lieutenant B.C. Hogue, First Sergeant C.E. Guerry,
Quartermaster Sergeant H.C. Thames, Sergeant E.L. Croxton,
Sergeant R.L. McLeod, Corporal W.H. Chappell, L.H. Brooks, Musician W.B. Smith,
G.B. Hayes, M.C. Wheatley, A.C. Holly, J.S. Courtney, Jas. P. Gartner, W.G. Crapps, A.B. Turpin, D.E. Rouse, C.G. Chapman, J.E.
Stevens, I.G. Hallman, R.S. Ratley, W.C. Tidd, J.D. Bridges, T.G. Howington,
David C. Hall, Jesse J. Hallman, W.B. Bankhead, B.H.
Hawkins, H.S. Kelly, H.H. Smith, H.D. Schneider, Leonard Tinsley, Frank Mayo,
D.S. Mayo, H.K. McMath, W.H. Bush, W.A. Greene, W.C.
Mize, C.D. Calloway, A.D. Bolton, DeEsterville
Hendricks, D.W. Wheeler, S.L. Deadman, Jas. R. Bramlett, L.R. Bramlett, S.E.
Gordon, W.C. Sullivan, R.D. Brannen, C.M. Parks,
Roach Brooks, J.P. Castleberry, H.I. Butt, Bill Warthen,
John B. Fox, Stephen Pace, B.I. Bostwick, G.L. Toole,
F.T. Suber, S.B. Dean, J.T. Peters, W.H. Stewart,
F.W. Shepard, S.E. Skinner, G.C. Harris, John G. Holst,
M.E. Shy, G.W. Bailey, J.R. Underwood, Jim Nance." South Georgia Progress
LINKS to
photographs of the Americus Light Infantry, Company "I", GA MILITIA,
Carnegie Library June 24, 1916:
Warm Up Photo
,
Formal Photo
"MORE RECRUITS ARE NEEDED FOR A.L.I. AT
The next minute may bring an order for the Second
regiment, National Guards of Georgia, to move towards the border - and that is
the regiment where
A number of
Lieut. B.C. Hogue is in
The last request of Captain James A. Fort was: "Don't keep us waiting long." He
requests all patriotic
The office hours for recruiting of Lieut. Hogue at the
armory are:
The Americus Light Infantry is a part of
May Be Mass Meeting. Prominent patriotic
The full details of the meeting will be announced in
Tuesday afternoon Times-Recorder. Do your part for the A.L.I." Daily Times-Recorder
"THE HOME GUARD TO BE FORMED
This announcement is in line with the likely organization
of the Home Guard under a state law and arrangement which has been secured by
Crawford Wheatley, one of
In informing the editor of the Times-Recorder of his
discoveries, Mr. Wheatley said, "Just before my departure for Atlanta
there was an effort made upon the part of Captain Williams to organize the
'Home Guard' to serve as a protection to our home folks during the absence of
the A.L.I. from Americus. This effort, I understand, failed because of the
information received from the Adjutant-General that it would be impossible to
organize a military company for this purpose. However, after a conference with
the Governor, together with the Adjutant-General, I find that the organization
of a company for this purpose is entirely within the law, provided the same is
not recognized by the Military department, but simply licensed by the Governor
to serve in connection with the sheriff of the county.
"I am therefore enclosing a petition to the
Governor, which you may place in the hands of Captain Williams signed by a
reasonable number of white male citizens twenty-one or over and filed with the
Governor will be followed by a license from him authorizing the organization of
a Home Guard.
"As there are already sufficient number of rifles in
the hands of the Americus High School, and also at the Agricultural school,
which could be used for drilling purposes I see no reason why such a Guard
should not be organized at once, provided of course that the people at home
desire the services of the same."
A petition has been drawn up by Mr. Wheatley addressed to
Governor Harris, praying the granting of a license for the organization of the
Home Guard "within the meaning of Section 1447 of the Penal Code of
Georgia of 1910."
People interested in the movement have been requested to
meet at the armory of the A.L.I. at
"
The anticipated pay day will come soon, but
"soon" has lost its charm now and the boys are resigned to their
fate, realizing that their beloved Uncle Sam is like most all other dear
relatives - rather disappointing in financial assistance. Maybe pay day will
come soon, maybe not - maybe our congressmen and senators were thinking of the
boys back home and maybe not - but somehow the boys will think how in olden
times "the laborer was worthy of his hire." How pig-headed to think their
names were in the pork barrel.
Promotion in A.L.I. Among the
promotions of interest to
"MEMBERS OF A.L.I. GLAD TO
GET BACK. First
Sergeant C.E. (Munch) Guerry, with Privates Merrill
Wheatley and Harry Schneider came down this morning from
Other members of Company I are expected to arrive tonight
and tomorrow, leave of absence being allowed the boys as fast as conditions at
Camp Harris will warrant. Since the Georgia troops arrived in Macon on Tuesday,
the men have been busy getting their camp in shape, and while all the Company I
boys are anxious to get back home for a day or two at least, it is impossible
for many of them to leave just at present.
Private Schneider has been incapacitated for several
months by rheumatism and was sent to the military hospital at
Corporal J.G. Holst, of the
Americus Light Infantry, is seriously ill at the military hospital at
The
"COMPANY I MEMBERS
HOME FOR SHORT VISIT. Several
members of the Americus Light Infantry came down yesterday from
Capt. James A. Fort, Lt. B.C. Hogue and Privates W.T. Crapps, James Gartner, Ira G. Hallman and David Hall made
up the party coming home to spend Sunday. They will return tonight or tomorrow
morning, having only been granted a short leave of absence.
Lt. Edwin Murray, formerly quartermaster sergeant of
Company I but now of the Supply Company of the Second Georgia, will arrive
Wednesday to spend a few days. He is suffering from a slight attack of tonsillitis
and will undergo an operation for the removal of his tonsils before coming
home." Daily Times-Recorder
"A.L.I. RECRUITING PROCEEDS STEADILY. Although there has been no rush of
applicants for enlistment in the Americus Light Infantry, the recruiting for
the company that represents this city and
The men who have thus far been received
into the company as recruits are of the best type; men who make first class
soldiers.
The policy of picking only the best men from the
applicants for enlistment has resulted in the securing of a fine contingent of
recruits and when they are sent back to join their company after having
received training at the camp in Macon, the Americus Light Infantry will,
according to the officers, be one of the finest organizations in the state.
Thus far 15 recruits have been received into Company I,
and it is expected that within a few weeks all these men will be sent back from
the training camp.
The recruits for the A.L.I. are as follows: Barnum Cobb, Barnum Webb, Richland; C.T.
Pinkston, Parrott; Fred Edwards, Green's Mill; Davis C. Sheppard, Zera A. Littlejohn, Americus; P.A. Smith, S.M. Barabee, A.R. Abell, Brooklyn;
Phillip M. Jennings, Plains; John F. Monahan, Jack C. McArthur, Americus;
Richard H. Folmar, Daisy; P.R. Forest,
Americus." Daily
Times-Recorder
"19 RECRUITS NOW IN TRAINING
FOR A.L.I. There
are now 19 recruits for the Americus Light Infantry in training at the
receiving camp in Macon, four more men having been forwarded yesterday, three
from Montezuma, and one from this city.
The recruiting for Company I, which is recognized as one
of the most efficient organizations in the
The four new recruits are James H. Baggett,
"CHANGES ANNOUNCED A.L.I.
"NON-COMS." Capt.
James A. Fort, commanding Company I, better known as the Americus Light
Infantry, announces the following changes in the non-commissioned officers of
that organization: 1st Sgt. Charles E. Guerry and Mess Sgt. Leon Brooks ordered from
"A.L.I. LEFT TODAY FOR
Seventy-eight men were taken from this city and 25 more
will join the command in
There was little ceremony attached to the departure of
the boys this morning, the camp equipment being placed on the cars some time
before the arrival of the special train from
Two additional passenger coaches were added at
The train arrived somewhat sooner than was expected and
many residents of this city who had planned to see the boys off, did not arrive
at the Central of Georgia depot in time to witness their departure.
It is expected that the
Many
"SECOND MILITARY ORGANIZATION IS FORMED IN
CITY. The "Sumter Light
Guards," a name famous in the military history of
The officers of the new company are as follows: Captain, E.A. Nisbet;
First Lieutenant, Walter Rylander; Second Lieutenant,
R.H. Horton. The non-commissioned officers will be appointed by Capt. Nisbet on Thursday night, when the first regular drill will
be held.
Drills are to be held on Monday and Thursday nights and
every effort is to be made to bring the company up to a high standard of
efficiency, so that there will be no difficulty in obtaining official
recognition from both the state and federal governments.
Requisition is to be made without delay to the war
department for the necessary arms and other equipment and a committee composed
of the commissioned officers was named to take this matter up with Congressman
Charles R. Crisp.
Sixty-eight men attended the meeting last night, almost
half of whom have had military experience. With this substantial nucleus and
the general personnel of the company of an exceptionally high mental standard,
it is hoped to rapidly whip the organization into satisfactory shape.
C.J. Clark, Walter Rylander,
S.R. Heys, and L.M. Hansford were named as a
committee to draft by-laws for the new company.
Monthly dues of 50 cents per member were decided upon to
provide the necessary funds for incidental expenses, such as armory rent, etc.
It is proposed to maintain both an active and an honorary membership.
The roster of the company is as follows: G.L. Williams, H.S. Council, E.F. Wilder,
T.O. Marshall, R.H. Horton, J.C. Bass, A.B. Salter, J.H. Marshall, H.B. Graddy, J.W. Westbrook, John Sheffield, Watts Markett, F.L. Allison, W.H.C. Dudley, G.M. Bragg, C.H. Yearwood, L.D. Stapleton, Dan Chappell, W.T. Kenmore, G.C.
Johnson, J.W. Holley, M.H. Wheeler, Otis M. Physioc, Cloyd Buchanan, Samuel A. Perry, R.G. Christian, R.T.
Hawkins, Wilbur H. Smith, E.L. Carswell, H.T. Ansley, R. McNeill, E.J. Witt, Lee M. Hansford, T.C.
Tillman, C.J. Clark, A.J. Hamil, Jr., W.H. Sims, Talmadge Crabb, W.H. Brown, G.T.
Adams, John W. Shiver, Wible Marshall, J.E. Mathis,
R.L. Edwards, T.M. Merritt, Jr., Harry Hawkins, S.R. Heys,
Geo. N. Adams, T.C. Poole, C.C. Herring, C.M. Bradley, J.D. Hooks, W.T.
Maynard, Sam McDaniel, E.J. Eldridge, J. Emory Rylander,
F.F. Fort, E.M. Prather, Gordon Howell, Russell Speer, Jesse Westbrook, J.F. Finch,
D.D. Van Riper, J.W. Buchanan, Thad R. Reese, Will Horne, J.L. Jeter,
Huntington Chappell, Egbert Clark, R.D. Cameron,
Chas. Crew, W.C. M oody,
Robt. Lee McMath, H.B. Mashburn, E.A. Nisbet, E.H.
Bradley, Law Rees, F.M. Flournoy, A.R. Royal, H.D.
Hansford, C.A. Ames, C.S. Ranew, Walter Rylander, J.W. Harris, Jr., W.W. Tucker, E.L. Croxton, E.H. Miller, S. Williamson, J.A. Pinkston, Jr.,
L.L. McCleskey, W.W. Page, B.B. Kent, G.J. Adkins,
H.G. Stanfield, W.E. Taylor, T.J. Bolton, Julius Shy, H.B. Shipp, W.R.
Lipscomb, J.E. Griffin, F.J. Payne, Jas. Ross, Stephen Pace, Asa Pittman, J.W. Lott, D.K. Brinson, W.D. Finch, J.R. Crabb, P.D. Cherry, C.B. Stever,
J.M. Johnson, S.M. Culpepper, J.R. Bramlett, J.W. Renfroe, W.E. Parker, B.J. Harrison, C.L. Bostwick, Jas. A. Johnson, H.M. Faust, W.B. McCorkle, J.W.
Waller, E. Leroy Murray, Olin A. Williams, G.E. Tillman, D.V. Bowles, E.H.
Brown." Daily Times-Recorder
"COMPANY I MEN GOING
TO
The machine gun battalion includes in its personnel not
only the original three
When the news was received at
The men who have been transferred from Company I to the
Macon Battalion, and who will leave tomorrow for Mineola,
are: A.W. Barbaree,
J.D. Bridges, N.B. Butt, C.D. Calloway, James P. Castleberry, William G. Crapps, Fred Edwards, Luke A. Forrest, Otis E. Garrett,
William A. Green, Ira G. Hallman, James H. Hammond, George B. Hays, Thomas B. Howington, William J. Lane, Howell K. McMath,
Roy S. Ratley, Clement B. Reeves, Beaufort B. Sawyer,
James E. Stevens, Ralph E. Stone, James V. Stewart, Barnum Webb, Durward W. Wheeler, James H. Baggett.” Daily Times-Recorder
“A.L.I. OFFICER.
Lieut. B.C. Hogue, who left
“ROY RATLEY FIRST A.L.I. MAN TO BE KILLED FIGHTING
AT THE FRONT. LETTER FROM JAMES V. STEWART FIRST NEWS OF
INCIDENT. BODY TORN INTO BITS WHEN STRUCK BY HUN
SHELL. RATLEY SERVED AT MEXICAN BORDER AND WAS POPULAR SOLDIER. Roy S. Ratley,
of Cobb community,
James V. Stewart, a member of the same command, who wrote
home the first news of the death of Ratley, was
himself wounded by the same shell that killed the
Ratley left
“28 APPLY FOR ENLISTMENT IN NEW A.L.I. The reorganization of the Americus
Light Infantry was well on its way today. After several weeks of various kinds
of publicity – personal, correspondence and newspaper, without obtaining any
encouraging response to the proposal for the reorganization of the national
guard company here, the need of which has been generally understood, Major
James A. Fort, commander of the old company, spent an hour yesterday afternoon
calling on the young men of the city to learn whether they were willing to
support the movement to the extent of enlisting. He obtained the signatures of
28 men in that hour, forming the nucleus of the new Americus Light Infantry.
Following are the men who signed applications for
enlistment in the company: Leon Brooks, Durward W. Wheeler, L.B. Bramlet,
James Pinkston, Jr., John G. Holst, E.R. Todd, Edward
M. Prather, James B. Pickard, Edwin T. Murray, Lawson Stapleton, R.L. McLeod,
James A. Fort, John W. Westbrook, Harry Hawkins, Dan Chappell, E.J. Schroeder, Asa Pittman, R.D. Cameron, H.C. Rigsby,
M.E. Shy, Henry D. Stevens, R.T. Crabb, Walter Rylander, W.W. Tucker, S.A. Perry, J.W. Lott, W.B. Finch,
Earl E. Rainey.
Cards Sent Out. Today Major Fort called
upon a number of the leading citizens of the community to assist in obtaining
the required number of men for the military company, mailing out to them
application cards accompanied by the following letters: “You are interested in the safety of your
family and property and therefore I take it that you are interested in anything
that tends to preserve law and order.
“The presence in
“For these reasons, and for many others as well known to
you as to me, I take the liberty of sending you a few cards and ask that you
endeavor to have them signed by suitable persons, not necessarily ex-soldiers.
“The pomp and circumstances of the service will not
induce men at this time to enlist, but if the appeal is based upon the duty
they owe to themselves and their fellow citizens, I have no doubt they will
very readily do what is expected of them.
An Objection Without Merit. “Objection
that they will be subject to call from the Federal Government is without merit.
If necessity arises the government will require the services of its citizens,
and the fact that a man is already in the National Guard will be in his favor.
In the meantime he is using his experience and influence on the side of law and
order.
“The Americus Light Infantry has been maintained for more
than sixty years and it should be re-organized now. Will you give the matter a
few minutes of your time, have the cards filled out and return them to me?”
One hundred men is the minimum number which will be
accepted as a company of National Guard, and when this number of enlistments or
applications is obtained an officer will be sent for to muster the organization
into service.
On another page of today’s edition will be found the form
of application for membership in the A.L.I. If you haven’t a card, and wish to
join yourself or can obtain the application of some young man, have this blank
filled out and mail it to Mr. Fort.” Daily
Times-Recorder
“22 MORE JOIN NEW A.L.I., NOW HALF STRENGTH. The Americus Light Infantry,
re-organization of which is being undertaken here has been recruited to half
the minimum strength, it was announced today by Major
James A. Fort, who is actively behind the movement. Twenty-two additional names
of young men who have signed application cards for membership were announced,
bringing the total up to 50. Those previously applying for membership were announced
recently. The following are the newest recruits: Frank D. Stapleton, Charles B. Griner, C.H. Carswell, R.E.
Allison, Jr., J.C. Pouncey, John Monahan, Jr., Nathan
Murray, W.C. Sullivan, Jr., Ben C. Hogue, W.E. Cheek, W.B. Smith, Dewey E.
Rouse, James V. Stewart, E.J. Eldridge, Eustice Ansley, John H. Marshall, Hill S. Kelly, A.S. Tillman, S.L.
McDaniel, J.E. Sherlock, Gordon Howell, Robert C. Lane.” Daily Times-Recorder
“
The American Legion, realizing that Americus would be at
a disadvantage in quelling a disturbance or riot or assisting in time of
storms, fires or other disasters and disorders decided at its meeting Tuesday
night to map out a reorganization plan of the old A.L.I., which if adopted at
the next meeting will assure the city protection.
Mr. McLendon, speaking to the
largest meeting of the American Legion in several years on the reorganization
of the old military company, declared that there are a number of former members
of the A.L.I. who would take an active part in the reorganization of the
company.
“Aside from this,” said Mr. McLendon,
“there are in
“Not only would the company be beneficial in ths effect but it would be an efficient supplement to the
arm of the constituted authorities in the enforcement of law, and its members
would be of great service to the community in times of rioting, disastrous
fires and other calamities which would tend to throw the people into a panic,”
said Mr. McLendon.”
“Times-Recorder
“A.L. DISCUSSES MILITARY UNIT. Legionnaires Make
Plans to Re-Organize Old
In discussing the reorganization of the famous old
company Major Fort said: “The
re-organization of the Americus Light Infantry will depend on two things;
first, whether or not there is a vacancy in the state of Georgia for another
military unit and second, whether the young men of Americus will give the
company their support. I do not have any doubt, if the equipment is issued by
the government, that the young men will gladly welcome the opportunity of enlisting
and working for the re-organization of the company. As there is considerable
sentiment attached to the organization I am of the opinion that a number of its
old members will re-enlist.”
A committee composed of Adjutant Lee Ray, Major Fort and
Capt. McLendon was appointed to take up the matter of
obtaining equipment and aid from the government.” Times-Recorder
**********