Orig. Spanish American War Soldier ' S Diary Co. L 3rd MO. V. I. - Content
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:276051 |
Original Spanish American War Soldier's Diary Co. L 3rd Regt. Missouri V. I. - Amazing Content
Offered from the family of the original owner is an absolutely amazing, original record of a soldier's experiences in the months leading up to hostilities in Cuba along with a near daily accounting of his enlistment with the 3rd Regiment Missouri National Guard (Volunteer Infantry) just days after the blockade of Cuba was approved and life as a solider for the entirety of the war.
...This incredible piece of history illustrates the daily life in America in 1898, and how dramatically things changed with the sinking of the Maine and America being consequently thrust into a war that would cement the United State's stronghold over the Pacific Region at the turn of the century.
The diary begins Jan. 1 1898 in Wheatland Missouri, describing the soldier's age as 23 and lists his desire to move out of his parent's home and find work on the railroad being built in Missouri near his hometown. The content until April 21, 1898 lists day to day activities, his travels to find Railroad work, passages about work he finds in lead and zinc mines in Spring River Missouri and planting he does for friends helping them farm their land. One very interesting passage is found for Feb. 17 1898 where he writes rather innocuously about the Battleship Maine sinking, having no idea that event has altered the course of his life. "Thurs. 17. Battleship Maine blew up yesterday. Worked at the Jack Davis (machinery company)."
With the April 21 entry the diary takes a dramatic turn, including a bold line drawn between the previous April 20 passage. This is where he indicates war powers have been passed (authorizing the blockade of Cuba), and his enlistment in the 3rd. Regiment Missouri National Guard (Volunteer Infantry). He chronicles his enlistment, assignment to Co. L, mustering in to the reg. U.S. military, and the fanfare as his company receives as it boards trains headed for camp, eventually arriving in Camp Algers, VA (Washington, DC).
What follows is a near daily accounting of an enlisted soldiers life during the War. Detailed are the day to day activities along with accounts as they occur of every major event in the war. It is clear this soldier longs for action in Cuba as he speaks frequently about rumors they are to be deployed. He speaks of frequent desertions, crimes committed by soldiers, food they ate, and the many drills and training activities as they ready themselves to reinforce the Army in Cuba when they are called.
The Diary concludes in early July, 1898 with reference to the U.S. defeating the Spanish fleet in Santiago on July 3rd and one final rumor they are to reinforce the army after losses sustained near Santiago at San Juan hill. The final passage on July 8 finds the regiment back in Kansas City for a regimental convention and a note that the "Papers indicate peace soon" - which comes about days later on July 17, 1898 when Spain surrenders, ending the war.
This diary is a vest pocket style and totals 80 pages, 76 of which contain diary passages from 1-1-98 (1898) to 7-8-98 (1898). The cover bears an early 20th century paper label identifying the time period the diary covers. The Diary cover is loose from the diary itself but all 80 of the pages are intact with their original staples. The diary has wear as would be expected with a 120 plus year old piece of history. The pencil written passages inside remain clear and vivid with little fading.
Don't miss the opportunity to add this important historical record to your collection today!
SHIPPING
Fast and flat rate shipping is available anywhere in the United States. International buyers are welcome using Ebay Global Shipping Program.
ABOUT BEAST VINTAGE
Beast Vintage started in 2018, born out of a desire to bring rare, unusual, and extraordinary vintage products to the masses. Its' owners have several decades of collective experience uncovering exciting, unusual and important objects and curating historically significant collections of Vintage and Antique items. We are passionate about preserving the history of people, places, and objects that may otherwise have been forgotten. We specialize in rare and unusual Vintage ephemera, fashion, design, toys and pop culture. We like to go beyond the item and provide some context about the time and place from which it came. It is important to remember that every single item, collection, or archive has its' own unique place in history. At Beast Vintage we are committed to making sure this important historical record is maintained, no matter how small or large.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR VISITING OUR STORE! GO AHEAD, DIG AROUND, AND SEE WHAT YOU CAN UNCOVER!
Offered from the family of the original owner is an absolutely amazing, original record of a soldier's experiences in the months leading up to hostilities in Cuba along with a near daily accounting of his enlistment with the 3rd Regiment Missouri National Guard (Volunteer Infantry) just days after the blockade of Cuba was approved and life as a solider for the entirety of the war.
...This incredible piece of history illustrates the daily life in America in 1898, and how dramatically things changed with the sinking of the Maine and America being consequently thrust into a war that would cement the United State's stronghold over the Pacific Region at the turn of the century.
The diary begins Jan. 1 1898 in Wheatland Missouri, describing the soldier's age as 23 and lists his desire to move out of his parent's home and find work on the railroad being built in Missouri near his hometown. The content until April 21, 1898 lists day to day activities, his travels to find Railroad work, passages about work he finds in lead and zinc mines in Spring River Missouri and planting he does for friends helping them farm their land. One very interesting passage is found for Feb. 17 1898 where he writes rather innocuously about the Battleship Maine sinking, having no idea that event has altered the course of his life. "Thurs. 17. Battleship Maine blew up yesterday. Worked at the Jack Davis (machinery company)."
With the April 21 entry the diary takes a dramatic turn, including a bold line drawn between the previous April 20 passage. This is where he indicates war powers have been passed (authorizing the blockade of Cuba), and his enlistment in the 3rd. Regiment Missouri National Guard (Volunteer Infantry). He chronicles his enlistment, assignment to Co. L, mustering in to the reg. U.S. military, and the fanfare as his company receives as it boards trains headed for camp, eventually arriving in Camp Algers, VA (Washington, DC).
What follows is a near daily accounting of an enlisted soldiers life during the War. Detailed are the day to day activities along with accounts as they occur of every major event in the war. It is clear this soldier longs for action in Cuba as he speaks frequently about rumors they are to be deployed. He speaks of frequent desertions, crimes committed by soldiers, food they ate, and the many drills and training activities as they ready themselves to reinforce the Army in Cuba when they are called.
The Diary concludes in early July, 1898 with reference to the U.S. defeating the Spanish fleet in Santiago on July 3rd and one final rumor they are to reinforce the army after losses sustained near Santiago at San Juan hill. The final passage on July 8 finds the regiment back in Kansas City for a regimental convention and a note that the "Papers indicate peace soon" - which comes about days later on July 17, 1898 when Spain surrenders, ending the war.
This diary is a vest pocket style and totals 80 pages, 76 of which contain diary passages from 1-1-98 (1898) to 7-8-98 (1898). The cover bears an early 20th century paper label identifying the time period the diary covers. The Diary cover is loose from the diary itself but all 80 of the pages are intact with their original staples. The diary has wear as would be expected with a 120 plus year old piece of history. The pencil written passages inside remain clear and vivid with little fading.
Don't miss the opportunity to add this important historical record to your collection today!
SHIPPING
Fast and flat rate shipping is available anywhere in the United States. International buyers are welcome using Ebay Global Shipping Program.
ABOUT BEAST VINTAGE
Beast Vintage started in 2018, born out of a desire to bring rare, unusual, and extraordinary vintage products to the masses. Its' owners have several decades of collective experience uncovering exciting, unusual and important objects and curating historically significant collections of Vintage and Antique items. We are passionate about preserving the history of people, places, and objects that may otherwise have been forgotten. We specialize in rare and unusual Vintage ephemera, fashion, design, toys and pop culture. We like to go beyond the item and provide some context about the time and place from which it came. It is important to remember that every single item, collection, or archive has its' own unique place in history. At Beast Vintage we are committed to making sure this important historical record is maintained, no matter how small or large.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR VISITING OUR STORE! GO AHEAD, DIG AROUND, AND SEE WHAT YOU CAN UNCOVER!
