Rog. Randolph, private, Troop C, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 158 pounds; when trial ended, 160 pounds; gain, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. The first two meals I didn't like it as well as afterwards. I could eat it better at the last. I didn't feel quite as lively and vigorous as before, but I could do all duty." Eugene Whitlock, private, Troop C, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 152 pounds; when trial ended, 1534 pounds; gain, 14 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable after the first day. It tasted better from day to day. I felt good all the time. I would feel tired and a little weak on getting into camp, but would be all right as soon as I got my dinner. I felt just as well at the end as at the beginning.' Schuyler Williams, private, Troop C, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 150 pounds; when trial ended, 148 pounds; loss, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate any other food than the ration that I could get during the trial." No further questions were asked this man. Frederick Thompson, private, Troop C, Eighth Cavalry (teamster).-Fifth year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 174 pounds; when trial ended, 1724 pounds; loss, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "In addition to the ration I ate one ear of corn during the five days. I did not like the ration at first but later I was all right. I sometimes had a headache in the daytime, which I think was due to the want of coffee. Nothing more." Edward Morris, civilian teamster.-Weight when trial commenced, 158 pounds; when trial ended, 163 pounds; gain 5 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "In addition to the ration I ate one ear of corn during the five days. The ration was palatable. It had no effect on my health and strength except that I had a headache one day. I had an extra pair of pants on the last time I was weighed which accounts for the change in weight." James J. Thorne, Hospital Corps.-Second year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 157 pounds; when trial ended, 155 pounds; loss, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It did not have a particle of effect on my health and strength. I was in perfect condition." Herman Weinman, sergeant, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-Twentieth year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 143 pounds; when trial ended, 143 pounds; loss, one-half pound. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It had no effect at all on my health and strength. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 3 ration. I think No. 1 the better." Herman S. Dilworth, sergeant, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-Third year of service. Weight when trial began, 145 pounds; when trial ended, 143 pounds; loss, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. The first day I couldn't eat much, the next day I felt weak. I then improved every day, and on the last day was in my usual health and strength." William R. Evans, corporal, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-Fourth year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 170 pounds; when trial ended, 168 pounds; loss, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. I could not see any difference in my health and strength." Charles B. Wheeler, corporal, Troop A, Eight Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 147 pounds; when trial ended, 147 pounds; no change. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. After the first day it was palatable. It tasted better every day I ate it. It had no effect on my health and strength." Albert B. Russell, cook, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 173 pounds; when trial ended, 175 pounds; gain, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. I felt better than usual. I have never felt better since I have been in the service. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 3 ration. I think No. 1 better than No. 3." Charles F. Adams, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 1464 pounds; when trial ended, 145 pounds; loss, 14 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It kept my strength up. I lost 14 pounds, but that was because I left my spurs off when last weighed. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 2 rations. For strength I think No. 1 the better." Fred. I. Bigford, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 185 pounds; when trial ended, 182 pounds; loss, 3 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days, except that I ate a small piece of biscuit on the road as we were coming in the last day. The ration was palatable. It had no effect on my health and strength that I could see. At first I felt hungry and a little weak, but after that was all right." George B. Bishop, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 185 pounds; when trial ended, 1864 pounds; gain, 14 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else until the last night, when I ate a meal of other food. The ration was palatable. I was just about the same as usual. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 3 rations. I consider No. 1 a great deal better than No. 3." William R. Campbell, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 162 pounds; when trial ended, 162 pounds; no change. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. I felt a little weak." Wiley E. Cheens, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 176 pounds; when trial ended, 173 pounds; loss, 21⁄2 pounds. Not questioned. James C. Crum, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 1824 pounds; when trial, ended, 186 pounds; gain, 34 pounds. Not questioned. Floyd Evans, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.—First year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 132 pounds; when trial ended, 130 pounds; loss, 24 pounds. Questioned when the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It tasted good until the last two days, when I had cramps and couldn't eat it very well. It kept up my strength until the last two days, when I had cramps and felt weak. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 2 rations. For keeping up strength I think No. 1 the best. For taste I would take No. 2." Jeremiah Foltz, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 154 pounds; when trial ended, 149 pounds; loss, 5 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It bound me up a little and made me a little weak. I was able to do all duty. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 3 rations. I consider No. 1 more strengthening than No. 3, but No. 3 tasted better." Benjamin F. Gaines, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 151 pounds; when trial ended, 149 pounds; loss, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It had no effect whatever on my health and strength." John L. Hobson, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 139 pounds; when trial ended, 140 pounds; gain, 1 pound. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. I was somewhat weaker that usual, but was able to do all duty. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 2 rations. I consider No. 1 better than No. 2." Henry C. Lewis, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 144 pounds; when trial ended, 145 pounds; gain, 1 pound. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It had no effect whatever on my health and strength. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 2 rations. I consider No. 1 better than No. 2." Joe E. Lipe, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 163 pounds; when trial ended, 158 pounds; loss, 5 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. I liked it. On the second day I felt weak, but commenced regaining my strength after that.” Clyde E. Moore, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.—First year of service. Weight when trial began, 1414 pounds; when trial ended, 142 pounds; gain, pound. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. The first meal was not palatable. I was all right afterwards. It had no effect whatever on my health and strength." Andrew Myers, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry,-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 162 pounds; when trial ended, 164 pounds; gain, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. I felt just as good when I came off as when I went on it." John L. Osment, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial commenced, 1434 pounds; when trial ended, 143 pounds; loss, pound. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. I felt just as good as ever. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 2 rations. I consider No. 1 better than No. 2." Curtis M. Samuel, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 175 pounds; when trial ended, 175 pounds; no change. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It had a good effect on my health and strength. I felt as well as usual.' Clyde Pierce, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 160 pounds; when trial ended, 159 pounds; loss, 1 pound. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. I had good health and good strength. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 3 rations. I consider No. 1 better than No. 3." John A. Walker, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 157 pounds; when trial ended, 155 pounds; loss, 2 pounds. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It had no effect whatever on my health and strength. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 2 rations. I consider No. 1 the best to keep up one's strength but think No. 2 tastes better, but it made me weak." William W. Wilkes, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 147 pounds; when trial ended, 148 pounds; gain, 1 pound. Not questioned. William A. Willey, private, Troop A, Eighth Cavalry.-First year of service. Weight when trial began, 1584 pounds; when trial ended, 159 pounds; gain, pound. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It didn't have any effect at all on my health and strength. I gained, if anything. I have lived on No. 1 and No. 2 rations. I think No. 1 better than No. 2." Ben. Clark, guide.-Weight when trial began, 188 pounds; when trial ended, 188 pounds; no change. Questioned after the march was concluded: "I ate the ration and nothing else during the five days. It was palatable. It had no effect on my health and strength." The results of these trials may be summarized as follows. Three rations were tested by the board: The one formulated by the board, which we may call No. 1. The standard emergency ration, which we may call No. 2. The one manufactured by Armour & Co., which we may call No. 3. During five days' trial of each of these rations, 34 men subsisting on No. 1 los' 73 pounds in weight; 28 men subsisting on No. 2 lost 144 pounds in weight; 28 men subsisting on No. 3 lost 23 pounds in weight. In the case of No. 3 the loss shown would probably have been much greater but for the fact that the men became so hungry and weak as to disobey all instructions and procured parched corn and other food whenever it could be obtained. Out of 28 men composing the detachment 18 confessed that they had thus obtained other food than the ration. During the trials the following questions were asked of each man composing the detachment: Has the ration satisfied your hunger? Of No. 1, 34 men replied in the affirmative, none in the negative. Has it kept up your strength? Of No. 1, 33 men replied in the affirmative and 1 man, a civilian teamster, stated that "the second day he felt a little weak." Of No. 2, 8 men replied in the affirmative and 16 in the negative. Of No. 3, 5 men replied in the affirmative and 22 in the negative. Do you feel able to perform all duty? Of No. 1, all replied in the affirmative. Of No. 2, 21 men replied in the affirmative and 3 in the negative. Of No. 3, 18 men replied in the affirmative and 5 in the negative. Have you felt any ill effects in either stomach or bowels after eating the ration? With No. 1, all replied in the negative. With No. 2, 17 replied in the negative and 9 in the affirmative. With No. 3, 16 replied in the negative and 6 in the affirmative. When each trial was concluded the men were further questioned, as follows: What effect did the ration have on your health and strength? Of No. 1, all the men questioned stated it had no effect whatever. Of No. 2, 5 men stated it had no effect and 21 stated it made them weak. Of No. 3, 3 men stated it had no effect and 22 stated it made them weak. Did the ration continue palatable all the time you were using it? Of No. 1, all replied in the affirmative, and 9 men said it tasted better every day. Of No. 2, 19 replied in the affirmative and 6 in the negative. Of No. 3, 20 replied in the affirmative and 6 in the negative. Did it disagree with you while you were eating it, or did you have any sickness or disagreeable feelings that could fairly be attributed to the ration? As to No. 1, all replied in the negative. As to No. 2, 22 men replied in the negative and 3 in the affirmative. As to No. 3, 16 men replied in the negative and 10 in the affirmative. What was your physical condition while living on the ration as compared to what it ordinarily is? With No. 1, all replied it was the same, one man adding that his spirits were somewhat depressed. With No. 2, 6 men replied it was the same and 19 stated it was not as good. Of 8 men who had lived on No. 1 and No. 2, one stated that No. 2 was more palatable, but he could notice no other difference. The other 7 men said they considered No. 1 the best. Three men who had lived on No. 1 and No. 3 stated that they considered No. 1 better than No. 3. No. 3 should not be considered in any case, as it is only to be eaten after further cooking, while one of the main requisites for an emergency ration is that it can be eaten dry as it comes from the can. This ration is inadequate in any case, and everyone using it became weak and demoralized. This summary gives the opinions and conclusions of the men who lived on the various rations, and although sometimes poorly expressed and somewhat contradictory, their statements taken together clearly show that Nos. 2 and 3 rations are unsatisfactory, and that No. 1 has fully satisfied the men for whose benefit such a ration is intended. In the second trial of No. 1, made with a larger command, the loss of weight of 56 men was but 6 pounds. The conditions of this trial were purposely made more severe than in the preceding ones, full cavalry marches being made and actual service conditions observed in every respect. The object of the trial was to ascertain in what condition for service a command would be after subsisting exclusively on this ration during a five days' campaign, and to determine beyond question whether a command could safely undertake such a campaign provided with this ration alone. At the termination of the trial the men were questioned as follows: Was the ration palatable? Fifty replied in the affirmative and 2 in the negative. What effect did it have on your health and strength? Forty-two stated it had no effect; 4 stated they felt a little weak; 2 stated they felt weaker than usual; 1 stated he didn't feel quite as lively and vigorous as before; 1 stated he didn't feel like working; 1 stated he had a sort of diarrhea the last day and felt weak; 1 stated it kept his strength up until the last two days, when he had cramps and felt weak. These men all stated they were able to perform all duty. Three men who had lived on Nos. 1, 2, and 3 stated that they considered No. 1 the best; 6 men who had lived on Nos. 1 and 2 stated that they considered No. 1 the best; 5 men who lived on Nos. 1 and 3 stated that they considered No. 1 the best. It is not considered necessary in this summary to give the favorable opinions of the various members of the detachment as expressed in their individual statements, and mention is made of the various unfavorable ones only to show how trifling they are when regarded as affecting the efficiency of the command. In neither of the trials of No. 1 was there the slightest evidence of suffering or weakness in either face or bearing of any of the men composing the detachments, but on the contrary every man looked as fresh and strong at the end as at the beginning of the trial. In the opinion of the board the ration formulated by it fulfills all the requirements of an emergency ration. The package is of a convenient form for easy carriage on the person and possesses a minimum of bulk, measuring only about 26 cubic inches. The ration is simple in composition and preparation, acceptable as to taste, easy of digestion, possesses good keeping qualities, is capable of quick preparation, requiring no special skill or appliances, and when fire is not available can be eaten without any preparation whatever. The practical tests have shown that it is capable of keeping up the full muscular strength and endurance of the soldier for a number of days with no suffering from hunger and but a trifling loss in weight. The board therefore recommends this ration for adoption and issue as the United States Army emergency ration. F. W. FOSTER, S. W. FOUNTAIN, Captain, Eighth Cavalry. Captain, Fifth Cavalry, Recorder. |