While in confinement Casey wrote a song commemorating the firing of the gun in the area, and the song was very popular in my day. The following is my version of it: WHO FIRED THAT GUN IN THE AREA? In eighteen hundred and ⸺ ⸺ ⸺ Some plebes went out on the plain so free, Played the mischief generally, And fired the gun in the area. They locked them up in the old guard-house, And bade them be as still as a mouse; They whooped and yelled and kicked about, And fired the gun in the area. They made them at the attention stand, With rifles held all tight in the hand, But no one “peached” on any man Who fired the gun in the area. Then Gussie M. said: “Oh, don’t you see There’s no use of your fooling with me? I’ll make you stand till ‘Reveille’ For firing gun in the area. “And if you rascals don’t all be still, Of punishment you shall have your fill— I’ll take you on the plain to drill For firing gun in the area.” He marched them round at the double time— Egad! that drill it was very fine; From everything they took the shine, And fired the gun in the area. This man he got into such a state That ev’ry plebe he wanted to ate, And said they were insubord’nate, And fired the gun in the area. Then Harry B. just raves and hollers, “Leave them alone, the bad young bothers; Confine them till further orders, For firing gun in the area.” Yearlings the plebes all became that day, And paid the price for being so gay After midnight the last of May, For firing gun in the area. NOTE 1. Now only those cadets are examined whose average marks fall below a certain figure, which may be different for different subjects. For changes and improvements see Chapter IX, the articles by Colonels Tillman and Larned. NOTE 2. A change has been made since the text was written so that the white collar is not buttoned to the shirt, but is fastened to the inside of the collar of the coat by means of three metal clasps. NOTE 3. Such a thing as stealing is rare among the cadets. NOTE 4. Sentinels are now posted from shortly after the return of the battalion from supper until 9:30 p. m. only. NOTE 5. The Dutch woman left the post in 1875, and the confectionery or store is now in a brick building about 200 yards north of the brick cottage she occupied. [Illustration] [Illustration: CAMP GEO. H. THOMAS. The Pleasure of your company is requested at the hops to be given by the Corps of Cadets every Monday Wednesday and Friday evening during the encampment. _Managers._