iers, no tasks to perform for one whole week, except g

tory of our country or some man must be honored, and homage paid to his memory. The soldiers on these occasions had

's notice. Those were memorable days. History was being added to, or rather made, almost daily. Every one was talking of war with Spain, its results and possibilities. Our camp was in a commotion, expecti

before we left there. Every man, woman and child, app

erest. At San Antonio the citizens demonstrated their patriotism and hospitality by having a grand banquet awaiting our arrival. Every man seemed to have a good time while there. Before our train left, the citizens put several keg

rty hours carried us into Ne

ty of the regiment seemed to enjoy their stay in Ne

d them very highly; when one went into the city he was generally

ood and clothing will be furnished as long as they are in the army. When a soldier draws his pay, usually the first thing he looks for is some place to gamble and get rid of his

it for all. Generally when one man has any money it is free to all, and it is enjoyed as long as it lasts. Soldiers a

dier. A man soon learns to drink and to gamble, although he may have known nothing of these vices before his enlistment. I thought that a soldier's life would suit me, but after a service of three years I can truthfully state that it was not what I desired. Life in camps at one place a little while, then a

five mornings in each week, special duty in the afternoon, then half of every night fighting mosquitoes. May was very hot. I

y injured my fe

to major of the 23d Regiment, and commanded it for several months. He was then promoted to a lieutenant-colonel and assigned to duty with the T

and had a hard service. A son of Lieutenant-Colonel Goodale, who was a lieutenant, was placed in command of

ll quota of one hundred men for each of twelve companies. Four new companies had to be formed, which were

the new companies and placed in charge of th

rs avoided it as much as possible. From the 20th o

to San Francisco. It will be remembered that we had gone to New Orleans under orders directing our regiment to Cuba, b

nt were received by Colonel Fren

so many wet soldiers before. I was on guard and saw two hundred men or more go into stables that were near our camp. We were camping in the race track of the city fair grounds, which were surrounded by a great many stables. This was rough fare, and I could not say whether the men slept or killed mosquitoes. One thing I know beyond question: I saw the toughest, sleepi

ng up the march of three miles to the railroad station. We marched through the city and to the station without a halt. It seemed to me the hottest day I ever k

but it seemed they were scarce for us. This, however, was only t

thern Pacific Railroad and set out on its journey for San Francisco. The regime

d last, but not least, nor more desirable, canned horse meat. To use a soldier's expression, such "

not human beings like other people. They thought they could

en ground grouped around their mess kits containing their rations; a young lady with her escort was passing thr

y never seen a

tle boys noticing the soldiers eating, and seeming to be interested in their manner of eating, said: "Papa, will soldier

for the soldiers containing notes of kind words and wishes, and signed by the giver. Some gave us small baskets of nicely prep

dness and appreciation which they had no opportunity to give us. Whenever our train stopped it would only be for a few minutes, and t