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  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in oa_core_visibility_data() (line 607 of /app/profiles/viu/modules/contrib/oa_core/includes/oa_core.access.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in oa_core_visibility_data() (line 607 of /app/profiles/viu/modules/contrib/oa_core/includes/oa_core.access.inc).
Date: June 20th 1898
To
Father
From
Alexander Matier
Letter

Outside Santiago Harbor
Cuba
June 20 1898

Dear Papa

We just reached here 10 oclock this morning we are getting ready to make a landing there is 52 ships in our fleet & we have about 40 thousand men We had a fine voyage we were 7 days coming down here & had only one storm Everything is 10 times the ordinary price & tobacco is worth its weight in gold I bought some before we left & I sold most of it & made about $15 but I spent the $15 for some thing to eat & drink & you bet I fed better than the other boys We left Port Tampa last Tuesday night & they took us by surprise as we expected to stay there another week The people in Santiago are starving & the Battle ships have reduced the forts to a pile of ruins The boys are all crazy to get at the Spanish & they are now kicking because they are not getting ashore right away By the time you get this letter we will have captured Santiago We seen a few flying fish & a terripin [turtle] as big as a man & we seen a few sharks Give my love to all & may god bless you and keep you in good health & weath untill I return Good Bye Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible

I remain forever your Affectionate Son
Alexander Matier
Santiago
Cuba
71st Regt Co E

This is written in a hurry will write to you later & let you know full particulars I hope you feel as good as I do I have had fine health
Good Bye

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Original Scans