Fort Missoula Notes
U. S. A.
The audience that attended the concert given on last Friday evening was quite a large and apreciative one. The program began with the grand Coronation march from the opera "The Prophet" by Meyerbeer, then came the overture Stradella by Flotow, this was followed by the waltz Espanada by Waldteufel. Kentucky Gallopade by Rosenfeld, was the next number. Then followed the Serenata by Moszkowski, which was well received by the audience. A selection from the popular opera "The Red Hussar'' was the next feature of the evening's entertainment. The evening's concert closed wth the first production of the "Song of the Twenty-fifth" the regimental song which was sung by the audience. As usually all national songs are accompanied by the full brass band. The words had been somewhat changed, making them easy to remember and bubbling over with patriotism. If the regiment were to march into England singing the song they would knock out all the courage the enemy ever had.
On last Friday evening Lieutenant Devol gave an enjoyable card party at his quarters to his many friends.
While some insignificant newspaper reporter in Washington has been sending broadcast false reports concerning the colored regiments, it is with pleasure that we quote some of the pleasant things said of us by people among whom we have been for the past fifteen years or more. Though the reporter of the Helena Daily Herald, in whose columns the articles appeared, got a little mixed and confused about ranks, etc. Nevertheless we appreciate what was said and accept it in the spirit in which it is given.
"There are in attendance upon the United States court several colored men whose appearance is made all the more striking from the fact that they wear the blue coats and brass buttons that betoken Uncle Sam's 'swoddie,' as the more vulgar choose to call soldiers. These colored blue coats are here as witnesses in the Draper case having been comrades of the accused in a cavalry troop years ago. They are fine specimens of manhood and fully demonstrate the fact that negroes make the best soldiers for the United States Army. Instead of getting on a most decided spree as soon as they arrive in town as most white soldiers would have done, they have all conducted themselves in a proper manner and no complaint has been heard regarding them. The men in town are from two different posts, Forts Custer and Missoula. From the former are Corporal Beckett and Privates Wilson, Barnes, McCormick, Saddles and McHarris, while from Fort Missoula are Privates Fassett an Jones. The former in the last mentioned was in the same cavalry troop years ago with Draper, the accused. It may be of some interest to Helena people to know that the two posts in the state wherein are stationed colored troops, viz.: Custer and Missoula are quite important. The first mentioned is situated down near the Crow reservation, about nine miles from the agency. Within its martial walls there are now stationed four troops of cavalry, viz.: Troops G., B., K. ans E. of the Tenth cavalry, all colored.
In addition to these are two companies, D. and A., of infantry, also colored. The total force, officers and men will foot up to 371. The officer in command is the gallant Colonel David Perry, whose deeds of valor are legion.
At Fort Missoula there are four companies, B, F, G and H. These with a regimental band of 25 pieces make up about 300 men. Colonel Burt is the commanding officer at the post which is situated in the beautiful little valley a short distance from Missoula. Under Colonel Burt are Major McKibbens, Captains Wilson, Andrews and Loughborough and Lieutenants Devol, Shattuck, Edwards, Ahren, McCorckle, Moss, Lyons, Creeden, Kennison and Pardee, the latter being the adjutant of the regiment. Then there is Post Surgeon Crosby, one of the best and most accomplished physicians in the west.
One of the features of Fort Missoula is the regimental band. This organization is one of the best in the United States, with the exception of the leader, every man being a negro and as this is but another name for melody, the result is that the Twenty-fifth Infantry band is one of the best in the service. The leader is Professor Safranck, a Bohemian of great renown and the principal musician is Sergeant Norton a colored man.
These troops have been at Fort Missoula since 1888, a change of residence is expected ere long and the troops now in the city do not know whether they will go to Fort Harrison or to Fort Thomas, Michigan. Wherever these jolly but gallant colored boys go they may be sure that they will be universally liked. Their reputation has been made as faithful, obedient soldiers which to be sure is more than can be said of a great many caucasian organizations."
Private Jones and Fassett, who have been in Helena attending the Draper murder trial as witnesses are expected here today.
Dr. James M. Kennedy, assistant surgeon, who is on leave has been ordered here as assistant to Dr. Crosby and will report at this post for duty about February 1st. Dr. Kennedy has been stationed at Camp Merritt, Mont., and his rank is that of first lieutenant.