Later, at a meeting of the School Board, the course in military training was authorized as a high school subject, and the San Benito Corps of Cadets became an established organization.

Early in January, the work was started in earnest under the direction of Captain Foster of the Fourth South Dalota infantry. With the help of Sergeant Meier of Captain Foster's company, the boys quickly learned the rudiments of drill without arms, since rifles were unavailable.

After getting a fine start with these drill masters, the company was disappointed in the departure of the South Dakota regiment, and a new instructor had to be sought.

Lieutenant Earl and Sergeant Butler of the Third Tennessee infantry came to our assistance and soon became very popular with the Cadets. Just as we had become accustomed to these instructors, they were ordered away, and we were again in the market for a drill master.

Corporal Duckett, 26th Infantry

Corporal Ducket of the 26th U.S. Infantry was then assigned to us, and under his able supervision the good work proceeded nicely. But this was not to last long, for the Corporal could not be spared from his company on account of its having become a mounted unit, and he was needed with the others for the care of the horses.

Corporal Hale has been with us only a few days now, but we are in hopes that he will remain until the end of school, and that by that time we will have become a highly proficient infantry unit.