My Dear Kid-Just got notice that the mail will go down to the post
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In the Field near Santiago
June 29
My dear Kid:-
Just got notice that mail will go down to the post.- we are about 5 miles from Santiago and except the fight which the cavalry brigade had the other day the Spanish have not opposed us - I, Davis + John Fox went to within 2 miles or nearly 1½ miles of Santiago yesterday on a reconnaissance - everything is quiet in + about the city - what one might call an ominous lull -
The first night ashore it rained and I slept all night wet. - I stayed with the 6th but found they did not move forward so I staled (sp.) - I got lifts for my pack most of the way - at the second base I found Eddie Burke sick - I nursed him up - got a d - doctor to promise to invalid him and went on. Afterwards I found he had joined the Regt. - and was sick with Typhoid - he has been sent back.
I have an awful cold - + cant get over it - the country is healthy + few men are sick -
John Fox + I sleep on the same blanket. We burn on Genl. Chaffee mess - crackers coffee + bacon - by God I haven't had enough to eat since I left Tampa - I am dirty - oh so dirty. I have on a canvas suit + have 2 shirts - my other shirts as the boys call them. - I have no baggage which I do not carry on my back -
I bought a horse and equipment from Col. Benham 7th Infl for $150 gave my check last night - he goes home sick - so now I wont have to suffer - If I could get my hammock same cegar and a quart of whiskey I would be it. But I am seeing all the actualities of campaigning -
Hearst is at the port I understand I hope to get home soon - I hope I dont get ten days quarantine (sp.) either -
Yours lovingly
Frederic R -