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"History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin, 1914, Past and Present"
Chapter 15 - Spanish-American War
by Marshall Cousins
The Home People
(-as transcribed from pages 259 - 260)
The good people at home, through the reports sent out by sensational newspaper correspondents, formed the idea the regiments in Porto Rico were suffering from neglect. On September 14 a mass meeting was held, of which D. A. Cameron was chairman and James T. Joyce secretary. Addresses were made by Hon. William H. Frawley, Mayor S. S. Kepler, Richard F. Wilson, A. A.Cutter and others, and committees appointed. At a second meeting, held on September 15, it was agreed to send Robert K. Boyd to Porto Rico with funds. On September 19 Mr. Boyd, accompanied by General Griffin, left Eau Claire for Washington. The War Department furnished him with transportation, passes and letters, and he sailed from New York on the Steamer Chester, October 2. He landed at Ponce and reached the regiment on October 7, at Coamo on their return march. Owing to the high water, he was compelled to swim several rivers.
Mr. Boyd was accorded a royal reception by E Company. He found conditions on the island very much improved. The men had become acclimated. He remained with the regiment and accompanied it home, sending in the meantime reports which allayed the anxiety of the friends at home.
"History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin, 1914, Past and Present"
Chapter 15 - Spanish-American War
by Marshall Cousins
The Home People
(-as transcribed from pages 259 - 260)
The good people at home, through the reports sent out by sensational newspaper correspondents, formed the idea the regiments in Porto Rico were suffering from neglect. On September 14 a mass meeting was held, of which D. A. Cameron was chairman and James T. Joyce secretary. Addresses were made by Hon. William H. Frawley, Mayor S. S. Kepler, Richard F. Wilson, A. A.Cutter and others, and committees appointed. At a second meeting, held on September 15, it was agreed to send Robert K. Boyd to Porto Rico with funds. On September 19 Mr. Boyd, accompanied by General Griffin, left Eau Claire for Washington. The War Department furnished him with transportation, passes and letters, and he sailed from New York on the Steamer Chester, October 2. He landed at Ponce and reached the regiment on October 7, at Coamo on their return march. Owing to the high water, he was compelled to swim several rivers.
Mr. Boyd was accorded a royal reception by E Company. He found conditions on the island very much improved. The men had become acclimated. He remained with the regiment and accompanied it home, sending in the meantime reports which allayed the anxiety of the friends at home.