Before we could realize it Thanksgiving came and went, Christmas and the boxes of sweetmeats arrived, and as no Christmas leaves were granted this year we took a greater interest than usual in an entertainment that came off in the Mess Hall on New Year’s Eve.
The January examinations came again, and as is always the case there were many failures, among them being my tall young friend from Tennessee. After changing our hours of recitation the steady grind went on as usual.
About 1 o’clock in the morning of the 5th of February “long roll” sounded, and, of course, this meant for everybody to turn out promptly. In a few minutes after the call sounded the cadet companies formed in the area, and in a few minutes more those in the fire department had our little hand engine out and at work, for the cadet barracks were on fire. Tony R⸺r held the nozzle and directed the stream on the roof of the “Fourth Division,” where the flames were the thickest. The bucket brigade was also soon at work. Some of the plebes in the cock-loft of the Fourth Division did not awake until after their rooms were filled with smoke, and when roll was called they were discovered absent, and formed lines taking hold of hands and went into their rooms that were filled with smoke and brought them out. We worked until after daylight the next morning. Engineer and cavalry soldiers soon arrived to help us, but much damage was done before the fire was put out. Most of the roof was destroyed and great damage done to the “Dialectic Society Room” over the Sally Port and to the cock-loft rooms of the Fourth Division. No one was injured, but some of the cadets lost everything except their nightclothes, which they had escaped in. The unfortunate ones found accommodations by doubling-up with their classmates. Recitations begun at 8 a. m. that day as though nothing had happened, and in a few weeks the damage to the building was repaired, and a little later Congress, which was then in session, made good all losses.
Entertainment Given by the U. S. Corps of Cadets,
Peasants, Strangers, Citizens, Etc., by the Company.
Macbeth—Ye vengeful slayer of his King; who is knawed by grim remorse.
Macduff—Ye valiant general; ye loyal nobleman.