Springfield in the Spanish American War

On July Fourth the men paraded in blue and fired the national salute. The Prairie for a day or two acted as flagship of the squadron during the absence of the Amphitrite at Key West.

On Tuesday, July 5th, the Hawk came alongside the Prairie with orders for the latter to proceed to Mariel, 23-1/2 miles from Havana, and assist in the capture of a liner supposed to have been trying to run the blockade. The liner proved to be the Spanish transport Alphonso XII, with a large number of soldiers on board. She had tried to run the blockade but had been discovered and chased so sharply by a couple of the converted yachts attached to the blockading squadron that she was run ashore and lay head on. The troops and her crew had managed to get ashore by the time the Prairie came up, but it was not certain that she was not manned and several shots were sent at her from the starboard six-inch guns. After the fourth or fifth shot there was an explosion, evidently her magazine, and as she did not return the fire the Prairie ceased firing. During the firing a saucy little Spanish gunboat stuck her nose out of the harbor but a couple of six-inch shells settled her fate and she was sunk in quick time. The firing at the Alphonso XII was first-rate target practice and at long range, too, all the shells hitting her, although the range was 6600 yards.

On July 7th the Tecumseh brought a lot of mail from Key West for the Prairie and a good share of the day was put in in reading it. On the 9th a small shark was caught and some of the boys secured teeth as souvenirs.

Monday, July 11th, the Prairie was relieved of blockade duty off Mariel and ordered to Gibara with the Topeka, Mayflower and Badger, the Prairie being made the flagship of the squadron. The trip to Gibara was without special incidents and the ships arrived there on the 13th. Just as the blockaders appeared a schooner and two fishing smacks which were just coming out made haste to get back into the port. Blockade duty was kept up for several days and occasionally the ship would go in so close to the town that the people could be seen in the streets. The search-lights were used about every night and this work was pleasing to the men detailed for it.

The San Francisco arrived on the 17th and took off a lot of mail for the United States. Since leaving Havana the crew of the Prairie had not received any mail and were eagerly expecting some. On the 18th the supply of sugar gave out and this was keenly felt until some was procured. On the 20th the Maple, which had joined the squadron, caught a small sloop with a crew of four men and laden with tobacco, making the first prize of the tour.

One of the marine detail on the Prairie was a Springfield man named John Fenton and on the 21st he was the victim of a severe accident caused by the slipping of a six-inch shell from his hands at gun practice. The shell landed on his foot, badly crushing it.

This same day a delegation of the prominent citizens of Gibara came out in a small boat and offered to surrender the town as the Spanish garrison was about to leave and the inhabitants were afraid of the negroes in the vicinity. On receiving the offer the Prairie steamed to Nipe bay where the Topeka was found engaged in shelling the town. The Dupont took a message to the Topeka and the Prairie returned to Gibara. From a Cuban who came out in a dory it was learned that the inhabitants had raised an American flag over the town and were anxious that a force be landed to take possession of the place. It was also learned that the town was short of provisions. The Cuban's heart was gladdened by the gift of hardtack, canned meat, corn and coffee. On the 25th the Mangrove brought orders to proceed to Guantanamo bay and coal up at once. At Guantanamo fresh meat and also newspapers a week or two old were received.

Wednesday, July 27th, marked the close of the third month of service of the Prairie's crew and as if to celebrate the event the Supply came in with a lot of provisions. The work of coaling ship was begun on the night of the 25th and did not cease until the 27th, the men standing their regular watches and doing their trick with the coal as if it was nothing unusual.

The Prairie sailed from Guantanamo bay on the evening of the 27th and reached San Juan, Porto Rico, on the 29th. Some ammunition brought from Guantanamo for the cruiser New Orleans was transferred to her in boats. The Prairie did not stay long at San Juan but sailed for Ponce on the other side of the island on the 31st, arriving there the next day. Troops were being landed at Ponce and the roadstead was filled with war ships and transports. One of the transports became stuck on a bar outside the light-house and the Prairie had hard work getting her off the bar. A lot of mangoes brought aboard resulted in a number of the men being made ill from indulging too freely in the fruit. The soldiers on the transport Massachusetts, the one which was stuck, were taken on board the Prairie and fed, being landed the next day.

News of the cessation of hostilities reached the ship August 5th and was received at first with incredulity. The night of Friday, August 12th, was made memorable by Burgess tumbling out of his hammock three times in rapid succession. "Rags," the canine mascot, had become subject to fits and was assisted to commit suicide one day while in the harbor.

The Prairie received orders to sail for the United States and on August 18th left for Santiago, arriving there the 20th. The ship left Santiago the 21st, with three companies of the Seventh infantry on board. All went well until the 25th, when a heavy fog came on and the Prairie ran aground near Amagansett Point, 15 miles from Montauk Point. There was considerable confusion, of course, but the Prairie was handled well. All the boats were lowered and two kedge anchors were put out, one from the starboard quarter and the other from the starboard forecastle. The boats were out all night and it was not until at high tide the next day that the Prairie was hauled off by the tug Brittania and a light-house tender. The soldiers were landed and taken to Montauk Point. After being hauled off the Prairie sailed for Montauk Point, arriving there early in the evening. At Montauk the Prairie was put into quarantine until the 28th. Hardly was she out of quarantine before she steamed to Newport and from there to Fall River, where a warm reception was given the Fall River men on board the ship. That evening the Fall River and New Bedford men went ashore but the Springfield contingent was kept on board, much to their disappointment. On the 30th the Prairie left Fall River and steamed down to Newport, the event of the evening being the playing of the "Fu-Fu" band. The next day the ship started for New York and remained there until the 19th, when she went to Delaware Breakwater. Rumors of discharge began to agitate the crew soon after arriving in New York and Capt. Train went to Washington to confer with the Navy Department concerning it but returned with no definite knowledge of the exact time the muster-out would take place. From Delaware Breakwater the Prairie steamed up to the League Island navy yard where some of the guns were taken off and transferred to the New York. During the stay in New York and at League Island the "Rough Riders" made several successful initiations.

Sunday, September 25, hammocks were lashed for the last time and after the dunnage had been loaded on a tug, the crew mustered and gave three cheers for Capt. Train and Lieuts. Stone and Stimpson. This done, the crew bade good bye to the Prairie and went ashore, going to Jersey City by train. After a brief trip on a ferry, the Fall River boat was boarded for the trip to that city and Boston. The latter place was reached about 10 o'clock Monday morning and after passing in review before the governor at the state house the Prairie men proceeded to the receiving ship Wabash, where they were furloughed until the following Wednesday. The boys enjoyed themselves hugely in Boston until Wednesday, when they were mustered out and given their discharges from the service of the United States.

At 9.15 that evening, the Springfield part of the crew arrived home and were given an enthusiastic welcome in which red fire and fireworks played a prominent part. At the armory the men were greeted by glad relatives and soon dispersed to their homes plain naval militiamen once more after doing their full duty to Uncle Sam and serving him well.

Lieut. H. S Crossman, who went out with the Prairie detail remained on the ship until she was ordered south, when he and some of the other officers were sent out on special duty. He was assigned to duty as recruiting officer on the Minnesota and remained there until a short time before the dismissal of the Prairie's crew from the service.

Lieut. J. K. Dexter was detailed from duty on the Lehigh to duty as navigator on the converted ferry boat, Gov. Russell, and ordered to take her to Key West. The trip was an eventful one, for the Gov. Russell as a war boat was a fearfully and wonderfully constructed piece of marine architecture, and there were times when it was a question whether she would ever reach a port or not. But finally she was navigated as far as Newport News, and after looking her carefully over, the naval authorities decided that it was not wise to expose her again to the high seas.

After muster-out of the Lehigh detail H company was once more at home and it was not long before the reorganization of the command as a part of the state militia was begun and successfully carried out, a good number of the officers and men who had seen service remaining. Today the company is once more in its old position of the best all-round company in the Massachusetts naval brigade.

On October 27th, a number of prominent citizens tendered H company a banquet at Hotel Worthy, and the occasion will long be remembered as a very pleasant one. During the evening the handsome silk American flag, purchased for the company by citizens, was presented by Rev. Dr. P. S. Moxom.

ROSTER

FIELD STAFF AND NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF

Colonel, Embury P. Clark. Major, Frederick G. Southmayd. Adjutant, First Lieut. Paul R. Hawkins. Quartermaster, First Lieut. Edward E. Sawtell. Major and Surgeon, Henry C. Bowen. Major and Surgeon, Ernest A. Gates.

Sergeant-Major, Robert N. Ingersol. Quartermaster-Sergeant, Ross L. Lusk. Hospital Steward, Edson P. Howes.

G. COMPANY

PRIVATES

B COMPANY

PRIVATES      

K COMPANY

PRIVATES

H COMPANY NAVAL BRIGADE

SEAMEN

THE ROLL OF HONOR

Henry C. Bowen, Major and Surgeon, died in Second Division Hospital, Santiago, August 13, of malarial fever.

G COMPANY

Corporal Patrick J. Noone, died in Springfield, September 20, 1898, typhoid fever.

Private George A. Richmond, died in field hospital near El Caney, July 1, 1898, of wound in head.

Private Walter A. Packard, killed on field, El Caney, July 1, 1898.

Private Robert G. Kelly, died in division hospital of wound received in action July 2d, at San Juan.

Private Francis A. Burke, died at Springfield, October 24, 1898.

Private Andrew Little, died in second division hospital, Santiago, August 22, 1898.

Private Fred S. Stetson, died in second division hospital, Santiago, August 24, 1898.

B COMPANY

Second Lieutenant Harry J. Vesper, died on S. S. Mobile, August 17, 1898, of gastric enteritis.

Quartermaster Sergeant Richard H. Bearse, died in camp before Santiago, August 1, 1898, of malarial fever.

Wagoner Paul J. Kingston, died on S. S. Mobile, August 27, 1898, of malarial fever.

Private John J. Malone, died in field hospital, July 5, 1898, of wound received at El Caney, July 1.

Private Paul Vesper, died in camp before Santiago, August 10, 1898, of malarial fever.

K COMPANY

Corporal William C. Piper, died in second division hospital, August 5, 1898.

Corporal Thomas C. Boone, died in Springfield, March 19, 1899.

Musician Frank P. Jones, died at Montauk Point, L. I., August 27, 1898.

Private Frank E. Moody, killed on field, July 1, 1898, at El Caney.

Private Arthur M. Burnham, died in division hospital, Santiago, August 18, 1898, of typhoid fever.

Private Michael R. Lyons, died in Springfield, April 20, 1899.

Private George S. Creley, died in Springfield, June 28, 1899.

Private John L. Morehouse, died in Springfield, November 12, 1899.

Since the muster-out three more of Springfield's contingent, all K company men, have answered the final roll call. Corporal Thomas C. Boone died in Massachusetts general hospital at Boston, March 19, 1899, and Private Michael R. Lyons at Springfield, April 20. Private George C. Creley died June 25, at his home after a long illness. Private John L. Morehouse died in Springfield, November 12, 1889.

SPRINGFIELD'S DEAD HEROES

HENRY C. BOWEN

Henry C. Bowen, major and surgeon of the Second regiment, died in the Second Division hospital, near Santiago, after making a gallant fight against sickness and death, not only for himself but for the regiment under his care. It is not too much to say that but for the heavy burden he was under with the care of over 800 sick and dying men on his hands, he might have recovered from the Cuban fever and been alive to-day, but as it was he succumbed. It was his misfortune to go to the front ignorant of the red tape which forms an even more effectual barrier to individual action than did the Spanish barbed wire to our troops, and it was this same red tape which was indirectly responsible for his death. When the regiment was in its worst condition in front of Santiago, when he was alone in the work of caring for the sick and dying, he found it next to impossible to obtain needed medical supplies for his men, and yet knew he was held responsible for their welfare. It is not to be wondered at under these circumstances that he grew nervous and irritable, and repelled rather than attracted those who tried to help him. The wonder of it was, that sick in body and mind as he was, he bore up as long as he did. But he did what he could and gave his health, and strength, and life in his duty.

Major Bowen was born in Castle Creek, N. Y., the son of Dr. Charles W. Bowen of Westfield, and he studied in the public schools there and at Wilbraham academy. He gained his medical education in the University of New York and served in Bellevue hospital for eighteen months and in the Broome street lying-in hospital. He began practice in Springfield in 1894 and was fast reaching a high place in his profession when the war broke out. At the time of his appointment he was a member of the surgical staff of the Mercy hospital where he was liked by patients and officials.

HARRY J. VESPER

Second Lieutenant Harry J. Vesper of B company, came of fighting stock, his father, O. R. Vesper, of Springfield, being a one armed veteran of the civil war. Harry was born in Springfield and was 31 years of age when he died on the Mobile. He studied in the public schools, leaving the high school to enter the employ of the Springfield Homestead. There he rose by steady industry and ability, to be head of the mailing department and business manager of the electrotyping department. For several years he had been deeply interested in the militia and had enlisted in B company, rising through the grades of corporal and sergeant to the second lieutenantcy, to which he was elected and commissioned May 11, 1896. For two years he had served as adjutant of the first battalion of the regiment, and was popular with everyone in the command.

RICHARD H. BEARSE

The news of the death of no member of the Second was received in Springfield with more regret than that of Sergeant "Dickie" Bearse of B company. A member of the company for several years, he was known and liked by all the officers and men of the Springfield companies, for to know "Dick" Bearse was to like him. With his pride in B company and the regiment, not to speak of his patriotism, it was only natural he should be anxious to go to the front with the Second, and he did so, although he had to twice overcome the examining surgeon's objections. In camp and on the march he was cheerful and helpful and at El Caney he was up with the best of them. But all the while the hardships and toils of the campaign were sapping his vitality, and when the deadly calentura came, he had no strength left to resist it, but simply laid down and died. In him B company and the Second lost one of their best. Sergeant Bearse was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Bearse and was 24 years of age. His body was brought home and interred in the family lot in Oak Grove cemetery, after such a funeral as has seldom been witnessed in Springfield, an outpouring of grief from hundreds of friends.

WILLIAM C. PIPER

Corporal William C. Piper of K, was born at Marysville, O., in 1874, and his father is a well known lawyer and probate judge of that state. Corporal Piper came to Springfield in 1895 as manager of the Stetson Shoe store and had charge of the establishment at the time he was mustered in to the United States service. He enlisted in K company in 1897.

FRANK P. JONES

Musician Frank P. Jones of K, and one of the best fellows in the Second, died in the hospital at Camp Wikoff, August 27, after passing through all the hardships of the campaign in Cuba without being seriously ill. He was a native of Ludlow, Mass., and was 21 years of age. He had served in K for three years and though opposed by his parents, could not be kept from enlisting as a volunteer when the call came for troops. Of a cheerful, happy disposition, he did much in the dark days of sickness and death in the camp before Santiago, to help his comrades, and his example helped many a sick man.

PAUL J. KINGSTON

Wagoner Paul J. Kingston, B company, was an efficient soldier and well liked member of the command. He was 24 years of age when he died on the Mobile and was the son of George Kingston, an expressman. He was serving the third year of his enlistment in B when the war came and at once volunteered to go to the front.

PAUL VESPER

Private Paul Vesper of B was younger than his brother, Lieut. Harry J. Vesper, but had many of the qualities which made the latter so well liked. He was serving his first enlistment in B company when the war came, and promptly expressed a desire to volunteer. He died in the camp before Santiago, August 10, 1898.

ROBERT G. KELLY

Robert G. Kelly was the third G company man to fall in the fighting in front of Santiago. At 10 o'clock on the night of July 2d, the crashing of rifle volleys and the screams of shells awoke the Second from the sleep of fatigue, and the officers and men rushed to the crest of the hill behind which they had bivouacked. The attack was to the right of the Second's position, but while waiting for orders the regiment had to stand the rain of scattering shot and Kelly was the first to be hit. The bullet struck him in the left cheek, going through and lodging in the muscles of the other side. He was taken to the division hospital and died there July 15. He was the son of Samuel Kelly of Springfield and enlisted just before the Second was ordered to South Framingham.

ARTHUR M. BURNHAM

Private Arthur M. Burnham of K was the son of George M. Burnham, a well known contractor and builder of Springfield. Arthur was born in 1876 and studied in the public schools. He was popular with his school fellows and with all who knew him. For three years previous to the breaking out of the war he had been associated with his father in business. He enlisted in K company soon after its transfer to Springfield and after serving three years, left the company, a short time before the war broke out. He was one of the first of the former members to reenlist when it was known that war was certain and bore himself manfully through the campaign. He was ill with typhoid when the regiment left Cuba and was obliged to be left behind.

FRED A. STETSON

Fred A. Stetson enlisted in G company at the outbreak of the war and served faithfully until he was attacked by the disease which laid him low, only a day or two after his comrades had left Cuba for home. He was employed in Springfield when he enlisted, but had only been in the city a short time, and had no near relatives living so far as known. He was 24 years old.

JOHN J. MALONE

John J. Malone, fatally wounded at El Caney, was a member of B company and had been for two years previous to the outbreak of the war. He was a bright, cheerful young fellow and was well liked by his acquaintances as well as by his comrades. His parents died during his childhood and John made his home with a relative. He was employed in the Homestead office. At El Caney, Malone was one of the first men hit, the fatal bullet striking him within a few moments after B company had taken its position with the 22d. He died in the field hospital.

FRANK E. MOODY

Frank E. Moody of K company, killed in action at El Caney, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Moody of Springfield and was 20 years old when he enlisted in K, only a few days before the regiment left for South Framingham. He was shot soon after B and K companies took position on the right flank of the 22d.

ARTHUR HOWARD PACKARD

Killed instantly at El Caney, July 1, 1898. He was the son of Mrs. Helen N. Packard, who, the wife of a soldier of the civil war, saw her two sons go to the front in the war with Spain, both being members of G company. Arthur would have been 19 years of age in November, 1898, and had been employed in the Homestead office. When only 17 he enlisted in G company and was well liked by his comrades. When the war came Arthur insisted on being one of the men to go with the company. Through the campaign he was soldierly and cheerful and his bright, if sometimes caustic sayings, did much to help his comrades. He was on the advanced firing line of the Second in the squad under Lieut. Leyden when the fatal bullet struck him and he died instantly.

GEORGE A. RICHMOND

George A. Richmond was one of the oldest members of G company and was born in Springfield. He enlisted in 1887, and remained a member of the company for several years. When it was seen that war was coming, Richmond was one of the first to apply to Capt. Leonard for a place in the ranks and joined the company at South Framingham. At El Caney Richmond was with Lieut. Leyden's squad, and was shot through the head early in the engagement. Willing hands bore him to the improvised field hospital where he lay in agony for several hours before death came. He was comforted and consoled by Chaplain Fitzgerald of the 22d, who took his last messages. Richmond's mother died in his early youth and he had made his home with relatives. He had been employed in the Springfield post office. He took a small camera with him to Cuba and made a number of pictures.

FRANCIS A. BURKE

Private Francis A. Burke of G company, who died at the House of Mercy hospital, October 8, 1898, was the son of Thomas Burke and resided at 196 Spring street. He was employed as a clerk in the store of Forbes & Wallace and was well liked by his associates. He was 22 years of age. As a youth he took much interest in military matters and was for some time a member of the Cathedral cadets. Later he enlisted in G company and had served some time when the war broke out. He promptly volunteered and served well in the campaign.

THOMAS C. BOONE

The circumstances surrounding the death of Sergeant Thomas C. Boone, who went to the front with K company, but was transferred to the U. S. Signal Corps, were particularly sad as at the time his many friends supposed he was practically recovered from the terrible experience he underwent while in the service. Boone died in the Mass. General Hospital, Boston, on March 19, 1899, after a comparatively brief illness. He was a native of Maryland, being born in Annapolis in 1876, and came to Springfield in 1894, enlisting in K company soon after his coming here. At South Framingham Boone was appointed a corporal by Capt. Warriner, but the number of these positions in the companies being reduced Boone was obliged to serve as a private. Soon after the arrival of the Second at Tampa he was transferred to the signal corps with the rank of sergeant. He was an expert telegrapher and was selected for that reason. On July 2d he with Col. Drew and Major Maxfield were in the war balloon at San Juan and while the balloon was at a height of 2700 feet and was being taken over a creek it was pierced by three pieces of shrapnel from the Spanish lines and fell. The basket caught in the top of a tree and Boone was caught in the anchor and hung suspended over the stream for a long time with the iron hook pressing into his side. Then he fell into the water. He was badly injured, but did not realize it at the time. A few days later he was sent to the hospital, but while being conveyed there in a mule team the vehicle was upset and he was again injured. On his return to the United States through an error on the part of some officer he was accused of desertion but after several months the stain was taken away and he received an honorable discharge. Boone was a popular member of the company and also popular among a large number of friends.