American Historical Ephemera and Photography Featuring the Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann

8vo (130 x 178 mm). Notebook pages completed in manuscript. Flexible morocco (losses to spine, scuffing).

A notebook recording the equipment distributed on 20 May 1898 to 49 soldiers, including several sergeants and other officers, in Troop E of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, popularly known as the "Rough Riders." They were one of three regiments mustered after the sinking of the USS Maine, with recruits composed primarily of volunteers from Oklahoma/Indian Territory, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt was second in command at the start of the war and used his political influence to ensure the volunteer regiment would be properly equipped. As noted in these pages, the recruits were issued horse gear, camp essentials, as well as a "pistol" (a Colt Single Action Army) and a "carbine" (Springfireld Krag carbines, used by regular cavalry), with serial numbers noted. All were issued on 20 May, about 1 week before their departure to Tampa where they set off for Cuba. They saw extensive action, notably at the Battle of San Juan Hill.