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| 234 "(f.) In schools of theoretical instruction of both officers and noncommissioned officers, if it be found impracticable to obtain the necessary drill and text-book, the instruction should be conducted orally. "(g.) The practical instructions prescribed for the afternoons daily (Sunday excepted) will be divided by regimental commanders, so as to permit, from 3.30 to 4.30, battalion drills in close and extended order. The conduct of these drills will be left to the discretion of battalion commanders, but will be invariably supervised by 1he commander of the regiments. The last half hour of the daily drill period will be devoted to regimental formation in close or extended order, or both, as time may permit. In the extended order special attention will be given to formation for attack and defense. "(h.) In vie\v of these requirements, brigade commanders are authorized to arrange such terms for regimental parades as will, until further orders, require regiments to parade not more than once a week. "(i.) Hereafter, when the drills and exercises shall have resulted in a sufficient degree of proficiency, orders will be issued for brigade manoeuvres, offensive and defensive. "(j.) Brigade commanders are requested to confer with each other after reconnoitering the open country adjacent to their camps, with a view to selecting suitable grounds for drill purposes. "(k.) When troops are required to be marched any distance—these drills—they will be directed to carry canteens filled with water." The soldiers of the regiment established what they were pleased to call a widow's fund, in each company. A collection was designated, and the money was used to buy food to supplement the regular rations. The cooking rapidly improved by practice, and soon the food served became entirely satisfactory as a general rule, although at times there was much complaint. The regular rations were supplemented by marketing brought to the camp by the farmers and truckers of the neighborhood. The camp of the Fifth became the favorite market of these dealers, as they declared the Marylanders bought more freely and were willing to pay more liberal prices than the troops from other States. The monotony of camp-life was relieved to some extent by various pleasantries, including baseball, a cakewalk, and such like entertainments, and three privates of Company A went so far as to give a pink tea to members of the company. The Fifth, during their stay at Camp Thomas, became favorites with the people of Chattanooga, many of whom visited them from time to time. Among these visitors was the mayor of the town, Mr. Watkins, who was generous with his praise. A warm friendship was formed between the regiment and General Fred. D. Grant, the brigadier-commander. General Grant fixed his headquarters within the lines of the Fifth's camp, and he was |