Description:

Essays on "A Day in Camp" and "Force"

This unusual pair of undated manuscripts may have been for class assignments or written for publication. The first essay describes "A Day in Camp" and revolves around the life of soldiers assembled in a brigade for drills in marching. Described as "boys in blue" with white gloves and rifles with bayonets, it may date from the late-nineteenth century and describe either a militia encampment or a military school encampment.

The second, entitled "Force," describes a variety of motions, from the motion of planets to the motion of the human body.

[ARMY LIFE.] William A. Adams, Autograph Manuscript Signed, "A Day in Camp." 8 pp., 8" x 12.5". Second page has a six-inch cut, not affecting legibility.
With: William A. Adams, Autograph Manuscript Signed, "Force." 9 pp., 8" x 12.5". Some discoloration on edges of first page; very good.

Excerpts
["A Day in Camp":]
"The city of tents looked beautiful. The white canvas dotting the green sward o'er shadowed here and there by massive oaks reminded old soldiers of stirring and trying days. Within camp everything was calm, and stillness reigned supreme. No motion even could be observed in the whole camp except a glimpse now and then of a sentry wearily pacing his beat." (p1)

"Soon a bugle sounded from the headquarters of the Brigade. A cannon fired and reveille began to beat. Now the cloak of peace and rest was thrown off quickly. All was awakened all was life." (p1)

"After breakfasting the companies repaired to the parade ground for company drill. This lasted one hour and was used to instruct the company in that in which it was deficient." (p3)

"The boys in blue erect and brave. Their shining guns and glistening bayonets together with white gloves and cleanly clothes made a fine appearance. The uniformed band with a magnificently attired drum major furnish most excellent music during the occasion." (p3)

"Battalion drill lasted 1½ hours when they were recalled and dinner announced. A meal to a soldier is a treat and he would eat four a day if it was so ordered and prepared. Thousands of citizens from far and near came to see the encampment and they witnessed the soldiers eating with greater avidity than they would a den of wild beasts. It seemed a very rare treat to them." (p4)

"Dress parade is one of the fiercest drills executed by the soldiers during an encampment. And thousands of people witnessed each one of these when the sun's rays fell less hot on the green earth. Tonight the sun was receding in a beautiful hazy red and making one believe all days would be sunny and all life cloudless. Moved by these thoughts as the band struck up a lively air no wonder one was filled with such patriotic zeal that he felt he could give his last drop of blood for his country." (p6)

["Force":]
"But whether all force comes from the sun and whether it is the real cause or the effect of some unknown cause are questions left for science yet to unfold." (p4)

William A. Adams (1859-1939) was born in Knox County, in central Ohio. He married Jennie R. Tress (1861-1939) in 1888, and they had at least three children. As a young man, he was a teacher, and he later worked as a railway mail clerk and served as superintendent of schools in Gambier, Ohio, the home of Kenyon College.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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