Thirty years ago, on April 21, the United States declared war against Spain.

Although, the Spanish-American war was of short duration and though little detail of it is known, the United States has benefitted considerably through it in territory, prestige and trade. It has added to the territory of the United States, the Philippine Islands, the islands of Guam and Porto Rico - it has liberated Cuba and has placed it on equal footing among nations of the world. From a fifth-class military power, the United States rose to become a recognized world power. Little of importance goes on in the world affairs today that the United States is not consulted. The entrance of the nation into the World war could not have occurred if there had not been a Spanish-American war. The war with Spain has opened for the nation large markets in South America, Asia and the entire world. The war with Spain produced Theodore Roosevelt, the most popular president after Washington and Lincoln. It has brought to light the unequaled qualities of our American navy and the heroic deeds of our army.

Another leader, Gen. Shaftner, of the Fifth Army Corps, fighting an enemy greatly superior in numbers during the rainy season of a tropical country, garbed in uniforms suitable only for northern climate and possessing ration fit for the Dakotas. Of course his army had adequate arms, but no medical supplies. He also, was a product of the Spanish-American conflict.

On June 22 the United States of America landed on the island of Cuba a force of men any country would be proud to acknowledge. In the months of September and October of the same year the army transports arrived on their return trip Montauk Point L. I., with only a remnant of the army left fit for duty. Thousands were transported to hospitals there.

"Remember the Maine"

Scattered from the Canadian frontiers to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, in numerous small and large garrisons, the regular army of the United States was resting after its many Indian campaigns. The "Regulars" were a body of picked men, well trained, officered by West Pointers , disciplined according to the European style. They were mainly young adventurers who were there for the love of soldiering, eager to remain in the open, seeking a life of excitement. The word "Regulars" was an inspiration and a pride to us. We were proud we served with the "Colors," always ready to defend them - the warriors of Uncle Sam. We composed as fine body of well drilled men as was ever assembled by any country for martial purposes.

The struggle in Cuba was watched by us. Nearly all felt kindly and sympathetically for" Cuban Libre." We knew, sooner or later, Uncle Sam would go to the rescue of the struggling Cubans and we were eager for the excitement to come. And when the Battleship Maine was blown up on the night of February 15, "Remember the Maine" became the battle cry of the army.

Have Sham Battle

Although it was in the midst of a cold, Kansas winter, things began to move lively around Fort Leavenworth. The drills were increased, the discipline began to tighten up more than ever, the "covered wagons," the old army transport, appeared on the streets of the fort, going to and from the quartermaster, ordnance and commissary departments. Company after company, we were marched down to the quartermaster department for our field uniforms and new cooking utensils. In small squads we were sent to the hospital to be closely inspected by the army of doctors and many, myself included, were sent to the hospital for minor operations. The smell of war surrounded us. Of course, we had no official information. We were not supposed know anything, but how to obey orders. The morale of the men was excellent. Laughter of childish men, the same old cutting up, the same good fellowship existed. We began to realize that it was only a matter of a few days before something would happen.

About the middle of March, when the weather began to warm up, long distance marches began. More scouting duty and more sham battles were in order and the newspapers were full of war rumors.

On April 15, two months after the destruction the Maine, we were fully prepared and equipped and were ready to march at a moments notice.

We were each issued 140 rounds of ball cartridges, and every day, after the morning drill. The "articles of war" were read to us in the company quarters by the first lieutenant.

On April 18 we were ordered to pack up. Our bunks, lockers, our dress uniforms, all personal belongings were hauled down to the quartermaster department. We wore our new field uniforms that day, looking spick and span. Campaign hats, leggings, blue uniforms, knapsacks, canteens and our rifles were issued.

That night we slept on the hard floor in our barracks with our knapsacks used as pillows.

The nineteenth of April, two days before the actual declaration of war was a memorable day for the men of the regular army.

On that day the regiments of the various scattered posts were started for the Southern camps. And at day break "reveille" assembled us in the front of our company quarters, our regimental band played the " Star Spangled Banner," and for the last time we stood at "attention" and saluted the flag of Fort Leavenworth, slowly being pulled up on the post.

For the last time the cannon of the fort boomed its salute for the departing regiment.

It was 7:30 when the bugler from the regimental headquarters sounded "assembly." All the company buglers repeated the call.

All captains repeated the order, "Company F, fall in." Our captain made a short talk about our duties in the field (there was no war declared as yet), the honor and pride of our company, regiment and regular army in general.

Then company inspection began. We were inspected from head to foot. Our rifles, haversacks, canteens, cartridge belts; everything was minutely inspected while we stood at attention. It was 8:30 when, at the command "double time," we marched from in front of our quarters, joining other companies, to assemble on the large parade ground.

When the entire regiment was assembled, Lieut. Col. Wheaton, commanding, accompanied by his staff, began to inspect us. First by battalion, then by company and finally every man individually. The sharp eyes of the commander did not miss anything. While the inspection was on, our regimental band of 31 pieces was playing martial music, and inspiring the men. The soft April sun mildly shining, making it a beautiful sight to see the entire regiment lined up spic and span. Meanwhile hundreds of citizens from Leavenworth and surrounding towns began to assemble in Ft. Leavenworth to watch our regiment departing for the front.

Forward, March !

Then the historical moment came. It was 10 o'clock when Lieut. Col. Wheaton mounted his horse, drew his saber and facing the regiment, gave the command, "forward march.""Forward, march" sounded the regimental bugler, and all the company buglers repeated it. "Second and third battalions stand still. First battalion pass in review," was the command given by Lieut. Col. Wheaton, and repeated by each battalion and company commander.

At that moment our band struck up Sousa's "Under the Double Eagle." With our regimental and national colors flying, the first battalion started off, passing in review while the second and third battalions "presented arms," each battalion going through the same formation. With a proud and firm step, our heads high in the air, our shoulders thrown back, and amid the cheers of thousands of citizens, the Twentieth U.S.A., started for the war.

Goodbye, Fort Leavenworth

When we marched by Gen. Grant's monument the command was given, "at ease," and the band started to play ‘The Girl I left Behind Me." Marching down to the depot where a train, divided into three sections, was awaiting us, we started to entrain.

"After the "stacking of arms," we "fell out" and that's where the fun began. There were tears, "good-byes," kisses, good wishes, and shaking of hands by the hundreds of citizens who assembled at the depot to see the regiment starting off for the front. There were crying mothers, sisters, sweethearts and wives. Some came from long distances to wish their dear ones goodbye and Godspeed. As I did not know a living soul around there, neither did my bunkie, Mike Gordon, nor my chum Billy Adams, for we hailed from far off lands, and three of us sat on our knapsacks watching the excitement and scenes surrounding us. We were too hardhearted to cry and it was too pitiful to laugh. Then an old lady walked up to us and asked, "Ain't you boys got anybody to tell goodbye to?" "No, ma'am, replied Gordon, and she said, "May God bless you, my dear boys."

Just then all the buglers started to sound "assembly." Fall in!" "Fall in!" was heard everywhere. "Break loose over there," a corporal called to someone who was still hanging on to his sweethearts neck. " Remember the Maine," raising his gun in the air, called out Mike Gordon. "Remember the Maine! Remember the Maine!" hundreds cried.

They're Off !

"Call the roll," commanded the captain to the first sergeant. "One, two, three, four - one, two, three, four," was heard all along the line, and while the trains whistled, handkerchiefs and hats were waving, "goodbye, goodbye." "Remember the Maine!" howled Mike Gordon again, while we were piling into the train. The train started. Goodbye, Fort Leavenworth, the beautiful fort where I spent so many happy, care free days. We passed the parade grounds, where in our dress-parade uniforms, proud a peacocks, we had presented arms to officers. And the large drill grounds where in field uniforms, "double time" with fixed bayonets we had charged again at the imaginary enemies. And here we sped past Sheridan drive and Sherman drive and all other large field grounds where we maneuvered and learned the art of war.

A troop train is one place in the world where there is no chance to be lonesome. A citizen would imagine that after leaving their home and dear ones behind, the soldiers sit in the train weeping, and wiping tears away. They do not! At least our bunch of regulars made it hot for anyone who had a tear in his eye or a homesick look about him. We sang and danced - someone played a banjo - someone played the guitar - someone did an Oriental dance, some danced the jig, while the rest clapped hands and made enough noise with their feet to knock the floors through.

The train began to slacken speed, and we got off to drink hot coffee. And "Remember the Maine!" howled my bunkie, Gordon, getting on the platform. We piled off the train with mess kits in our hands. Girls began to swarm around us like bees. "Oh, you darling give me your flower," and "Say, honey-bunch, give me your name and I will send you a message direct from the war." "Come and get your coffee," the sergeant's command and the girls were kept busy talking.

In a few minutes the platform became our dining room. We used cobble stones for napkins, trucks, trunks and all baggage for our chairs and tables.

And "fall in" again. Down-South we go!

Our bunch went to a restaurant and how the Southern girls blushed! "What will you boys have?" "Steaks, of course!"(It's not an army ration.) "Coffee?" "Oh, no, how about a stein?" We finished up with Budweiser and Pabst. The price did not matter - what else could we do with our money? Anyhow we all landed safely back in camp for retreat.

Drills and Practice Marches

The next day, as the custom is in the army, after a day off, you generally land in the fatigue party. We dug ditches, pulled up stumps, cut down underbrush, and did everything a soldier dislikes to do.Fatigue plays a prominent part in army life. In a few days' time our camp looked like a beautiful, white canvas village, with streets, alleys and a segregated street for the officers, with offices for all the headquarters and clerks, and with telephone and telegraph connections. Stables were built for the horses and pack mules. A Y.M.C.A. tent was put up with a canteen where food and drinks were sold to the men. And I must say that our camp near Mobile was a model camp. It was located in the midst of a pine forest, where there was plenty of shade from the trees, and a nice breeze from the Gulf. A creek cut through our camp where we did our washing and often swam. Company kitchens were rapidly organized and an abundance of good, healthy food was prepared for us.

After three days of organization work, we began to prepare for actual warfare. The heavy drills and practice marches began and each morning in the hot, boiling sun we charged in open formation again and again, over a large area of open ground in company, battalion and regimental formation. With fixed bayonets and without fixed bayonets. The drills lasted till 10 o'clock. If there were no other duties to perform on that day we rested under a shade tree. But there was always plenty of work to be found. There was guard duty, fatigue duty and kitchen police.

The climate was exceedingly hot and stifling. We always wore our heavy blue flannel shirts and breeches, heavy shoes and leggings, and a heavy felt campaign hat. A belt with 140 cartridges, a knapsack containing an extra pair of shoes, half a "dog" tent, a blanket, underwear and a few personal belongings and a canteen filled with water. And then there was the Krag-Jorgenson rifle weighing 16 pounds. Then every once in a while we would go out for a long practice march, testing the ability and endurance of the men. But the regulars stood the test wonderfully and very little sickness was reported.

The Volunteer Army

While the regulars were being trained and drilled in the Southern camps - being prepared for the campaign in Cuba, the Philippine Islands and Porto Rico, President McKinley issued a call for a half million Volunteers.

And Johnny left his plow and went to the nearby-town to volunteer. Ray left his factory behind him and went to enlist. Charlie left his desk and went looking for a recruiting station. Billy left his plumbing outfit to hunt a place where it said "Volunteers Wanted." Sammy left his tailoring shop and with the "boys" landed. The lawyers, the doctors, the chemists, the engineers, men to their respective governors, all sent applications for enlistment.

A wave of patriotism swept the nation. Mothers with tears in their eyes sent their sons off to volunteer. Sweethearts kissed their beaus goodbye as they left to join the boys in blue.

Flags everywhere - marching bands, speeches. By thousands, like a stream, they besieged the recruiting offices. Regiment after regiment was organized and dispatched for the Southern camps. And on one afternoon six regiments of Volunteers landed about a mile from us to our left and began pitching camp. There were two Alabama regiments, two from Louisiana and two from Texas. The Alabama and Louisiana regiments were in terrible condition. Kids from 16 to 20 years old - no military experience, and most did not have uniforms. We felt sorry for them and we showed them how to pitch camp, how to cook and did all we could to help them along.

While this patriotism was sweeping the country, while thousands and thousands were flocking to the colors, our bugles were calling us to the charge again and again. Like the waves of a rolling sea, in the hot boiling sun, we charged again and again.

NOTE: The 20th U.S. Infantry was stationed at the Spring Hill Camp. The camp was located between Spring Hill and Crichton suburbs of Mobile, Alabama.

Before the end of our training in the southern camp, we had what is called in the army a "forced practice march" to test the endurance of the men. In the time of hostilities your command is ordered to get to a certain destination in the shortest possible time and that is called a "forced march."The ordnance quartermaster, commissary and hospital corps men were preparing a few days ahead of time. We were only notified at "retreat" by the first sergeant that on the morrow we would leave on a "forced practice march."

The usual reveille awoke us in the morning. No "drill calls" - only commotion in the camp. Mounted and dismounted orderlies ran around from one camp to another. All along the line we could see the soldiers in front of their tents, shining their shoes, packing their knapsacks and cleaning their rifles. The cavalry men were grooming their horses. We all filled our canteens full of water and wore our field uniforms. Finally at 7:50 "assembly" was sounded from headquarters. Then the command "fall in" was heard all along the line. Each company was lined up in front of its tents (we had "regulation" tents then). On our backs we carried everything with the exception of our large tents. And everybody in the camp had to "turn out" with the exception of those in the hospital, the company cooks, and those on guard duty.

The Cavalry Rides

It was a wonderful day for an experiment of that kind. It was so hot that day that we commenced to "steam" before we got started. There were no khaki uniforms in the regular army at that time. They were "talking about them" in the quartermaster department, but we had our heavy blue flannels on, campaign hats and heavy shoes. Finally - "attention" - attention!" We stood like statues, silent, immovable and with our shoulders thrown back.

"Present arms!" The general in command with his staff and orderlies rode by us saluting and inspecting us. The slings on our rifles cracked when we "presented arms," eyes to the front. Then came the cavalry. Two proud horsemen, one flying the national colors and the second the regimental banner: Back of them came the color guard with drawn sabers. Then came the regimental band - mounted- playing "Stars and Stripes Forever." The horses were blustering and gay. How proudly the men looked, as f they were glued to the backs of their mounts. Finally the infantry started on the move every regiment marching by with colors flying and the bands playing.

Hot - And How !

Back of each regiment came the ambulance flying the Red Cross. Finally we got started as our band struck up "Dixie". We felt real snappy that morning pepped up by a good plate of hash, plenty of black coffee and a lot of excellent music. Even the "shave tail," our brand new second lieutenant was in good humor that morning and he'd give us a "hep-hep" every once in a while, and that would start the old soldiers cussing him.

Everything went fine at the start. It was burning hot and the sweat rolled off us. But as long as our band played " I Wish I was in the Land of Dixie" it was all right, for we were in the land of "Dixie." "At ease- at ease," came the command after we had marched about a mile. We loosened up a bit, wiped off the perspiration from under our campaign hats, loosened our knapsacks and it was a little "easier." After marching that way for another mile the command of "route step" was given which means you can talk, laugh, poke fun at one another, smoke, carry your knapsack and rifle any old way, or put your ammunition belt around your neck if you cared to.

Down the road we went, up hill and down hill. The horses were raising clouds of dust. Here we were wading in a creek - there we were marching through fields of sand. The sun climbed over our heads. Dust, dust, dust everywhere.

The March Ends

The men became silent, gloomy and cross. Our rifles weighed a ton. Our shoes felt like they were made of iron. The only thing that held up was our "pride."

We pitched our camp, left behind, like a paradise We wanted water, water, water and couldn't get any. Then things began to snap - one fellow dropped by the wayside - then another. The ambulances were kept busy. The stretcher bearers ran to pick the stragglers up, and each received a stimulant and a ride the rest of the way. But then there were "rookies," for the old tars wouldn't give in. They pulled their campaign hats over their eyes and wouldn't bother about the stragglers. The cavalrymen were bending over their horses' heads, the infantrymen were walking like pack peddlers. It was close to noontime and we were too tired to be hungry. Finally the command "halt," was given. We stopped and lifted our heads. From the distance we could see our camp. We had just marched around it in a circle. "Attention"" came the cry. "Company, attention!" We began to brace up, straighten ourselves out, and button up. Mounted orderlies looking as if they came from a sand quarry, dashed by again. Finally- "Forward , march!" Our bands were playing again, our colors were flying. Tramp, tramp, tramp, hep, hep, hep, we marched in line again, stiff and proud, the same old regulars of 1898!

After putting us through the severest of drilling and practice marches for the entire month of May, brigaded with the Third U.S. Infantry from Fort Snelling, Minn., and four troops of the Second U.S. Cavalry under the command of Gen. Bates, we were ordered to board the transports to proceed to Tampa, Fla.. It was on the first day of May, a bright, hot morning, we broke camp, jumped into our field uniforms and with our band playing, we marched off, leaving all the other troops behind us. We, the ordinary soldiers, were not aware what our destination was to be. We marched down to the bay where a transport with the name "Matteawan N. 26" was waiting for us.

Our entire regiment, including the four troops of the Second Cavalry, with all their horses, got on the Matteawan. The Third Infantry boarded two smaller transports. It took us all day to board this transport and get ourselves adjusted. Just as soon as we left our clean, healthy camp in Mobile, our misery and suffering began. The transport was a large commercial vessel which was hastily converted into a troop transport. Very unclean, unsanitary and not fit for conveying troops. The stench from the horses and mules was unbearable and they were right beneath us.

Battleships Too

The "Matteawan," I believe, was the largest troop transport we then had afloat. It took on, in Mobile, 1270 men, 700 horses and mules, rations and forage for 70 days, and 1,500 gallons of drinking water.

The next morning, at day break, when "reveille" was sounded and we assembled on deck, we found ourselves surrounded by four war-ships. The Marblehead, the Scorpion, the Farragaut and the Meade. They had slipped upon as at night. It was a pleasant surprise for us and it really began to look like war. When we started to raise our flag on the transport mast we stood at "attention," saluting, our band playing the national anthem. Then when we pulled up our brigadier general's insignia, the Marblehead fired a salute. It was a beautiful sight. The sun began to creep out from behind the mountains. A lovely breeze came from the bay to greet us with a smile. Then the Marblehead, leading the four warships, while we stood at attention, presenting arms, saluting the navy and the sailors stood at attention, saluting the army. With the Mablehead in the lead, the Scorpion covering the rear and two destroyers on our right and left flanks; we started out of the bay. I, for one, was very glad I was in the army and could see that beautiful scene. We soon lost sight of Mobile. Then the always timely and beloved mess call. We had what is called traveling rations, breakfast consisting of canned beef and beans, black coffee and hardtack.

Into the Gulf

Horses or no horses, stench or not, the bunch got busy immediately with its usual gaiety. Some began to play poker, some a game of seven-up, some were reading, and many were walking around enjoying the scenery of the Gulf.

About 2 o'clock in the afternoon the bugles sounded assembly and fall-in. We could not see any Spanish fleets and were wondering what it was all about. Facing us to our left so we could barely see it, the Star Spangled Banner was flying on a tall mast. We passed Fortress Morgan. A part of the Fifth U.S. Heavy Artillery was stationed over there. Boom ! Boom ! Boom ! Crashed the artillery. They fired 21 guns while we swept past.

The Marblehead fired the customary salute, relying to the guns of the fortress. Passing by the fortress we slid into the Gulf of Mexico, and there we were joined by the flat river gunboat Helena, which took the lead. At night we traveled very slowly, no lights and no noise. I was on deck for a long time enjoying the cool breeze , watching our ships signal to each other every now and then. And after two days and two nights, late in the afternoon with the Helena leading, we sailed into Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay

There were no cannons roaring, nor bands playing when the three transports carrying Gen. Bates brigade, escorted by five small war-ships sailed into Tampa Bay, for we were only a "few of the many." The bay was dotted with warships, large and small. The largest vessel then in the navy, the Indiana, was lying majestically on the water. The Helena signaled the Indiana, which later led our expedition to Cuba. We sailed by the quarantine station, and into the harbor. I was then late in the afternoon. Our Matteawan was puffing, spouting and listing from side to side, her engines growling, her seamen running around like wild men from deck to another. Landing commands were heard all over the vessel. The horses were neighing and the mules were braying, "Hey, Yep," the cavalry men were calling to their mounts.

We infantrymen were all on deck wondering what came next. The harbor was crowded with troop transports of all sizes. We could see far off that some of them were being loaded with troops. A few miles inland we could see the white tents stretching for miles and miles. The harbor was swarming with troops, who were watching us land.

Our transport finally anchored alongside the others, making it a regular forest of ships. We were notified that we were going to remain aboard the Matteawan and so were the horses and mules, but shore leave would be granted freely. The next day I was on guard duty and watched the other fellows go ashore for a good time. Our duty consisted of pacing around a certain space on deck to do a marine's duty. Everybody who returned from shore leave had to be searched and if he had anything on his hip it was thrown overboard. I did not like that job at all. It was not a soldier's job and was very unpleasant.

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