American Historical Ephemera & Photography

BENNET, James O'Donnell. Manuscript diary page. [Cuba], 4 & 5 July 1898. 2 pages, 2 7/8 x 5 7/8 in., disbound, toning. [With:] Autograph letter signed ("Bennett"), to Biff. [Chicago, 15 September 1899]. 1 page, 8 7/8 x 7 7/8 in., toned.

An 1899 presentation letter introduces the diary: "Here is a page out of my Cuban diary, across which I have written my name. It is the only thing in the way of a frame-able relic I can send you." 

The two pages of Bennett's diary recount the horrific medical conditions in Cuba. July 4: "It is a very sad Fourth, wounded coming in by wagon loads. McIntosh is reported won with yellow fever. War ships are flying all their colors. Sanitary condition grow worse." July 5: "Sickness increases and condition of wounded horrible. It is a phase of the Franco-Prussian over again. We lack doctors, wagon trains, ambulances - everything. But spirit of men immense. Negotiations continue. Feel like the devil, hint of Y.F."

[With:] TANNER, A.E. Autograph letter signed ("Private A.E. Tanner"), to M.M. Lybarger. Camp Bushnell, Ohio, 28 July 1898.

8 pages, 8vo, 5 1/2 x 8 3/4 in., with printed American flag cover postmarked 29 July 1898 from Columbus, Ohio, toned, old creases, some tears to cover. 

A letter written by Private Tanner who was working as a cook in Co. H, 10th USV. He writes to his friend about his time at camp, including frequent and often quite explicit discussions of his encounters with women: "The Columbus girls are dead gone on the boys in the naval uniform and of course we have lots of fun as a result."