During the campaign the men were inflicted with all kinds of oratory. The number of speeches made would do credit to a political campaign, both as to quantity and quality. Colonel Sullivan started the flow of oratory at the armory with his dramatic and forcible “shoot to kill” speech. We had many speeches from him afterwards that ranged from the sublime to the pathetic. Who of us will ever forget the 4th of July, when we stood like Spartans under a blazing sun, listening to the oratory of Marshal Barry Baldwin and the strikers, who held forth from the top of an engine-cab. Major Burdick, many think, came next; but our boys say Captain Cook. We think they stand about even. Major Burdick’s speeches were longer; but, though Captain Cook spoke oftener (he gave us a rattle every morning before breakfast) and his speeches were just as long in point of time--he said less. A number expressed the opinion that these gentlemen were just practicing the art of spouting, to be in good condition to take an active part in the political campaign which would be inaugurated a few months later. [Illustration: CO. “B” STREET, CAPITOL GROUNDS, SACRAMENTO, CAL.] The regiment was then marched to the Capitol grounds, where tents were pitched on the nice, smooth, green lawn. It was afterwards rumored throughout the camp that this was done despite the objections of General Allen, who wanted the camp pitched on the plowed and broken ground just beyond the lawn. Our good General would not entertain the proposition; considering the comfort and welfare of his men of far more importance than the lawn. Hearing this rumor, the poet laureate of the company, after three days of close application, hard study, and great mental exertion produced the following poetic gem: Then up spoke General Allen; his voice was fierce and loud, “Your men must leave this grassy lawn, there is a field just plowed. It is more meet to send them there; why should the rank and file Have access around the Capitol, or its green lawns defile?” Thus spoke the doughty warrior from Missouri’s classic plains; But a peal of scornful laughter he got for all his pains. For General Dickinson uprose, and raised on high his hand, And said: “The gallant soldiers I am honored to command Shall fare as is befitting our boys so brave and true, Despite of martinets, whose forte is dress parade review.” We hailed our dashing General with a hearty three times three, And Allen of Pike county merged into obscurity.