Second and Third Battalions left Americus, Georgia, for Cuba, via Savannah.
9. Arrived at Savannah. Fire in freight yard.
10. Second and Third Battalions embarked on Transport Michigan for Cuba.
First Battalion arrived and landed at Matanzas, Cuba.
13. Second and Third Battalions arrived and landed at Matanzas, Cuba.
20. Cuban insurgents laid down their arms. Celebration in honor of event.
20. Regiment participated in parade and reception to General Gomez, Cuban General.
25. Twelfth New York regiment of brigade got orders to prepare for home and muster out.
18. Regiment received orders to prepare for home and muster out.
24. Regiment escorted the Twelfth New York to Transport Meade and watched it embark for home.
3. Regiment embarked on Transport Meade for home.
4. Transport sailed for Boston at 6.30 A. M.
9. Transport arrived at Boston. Regiment disembarked at New England dock and marched to South Armory, being reviewed at State House by Governor Wolcott and staff. Regiment furloughed and companies returned to home stations. Receptions given returning commands.
11. President William McKinley officially proclaimed the war to have terminated.
12. Men of regiment reported for duty from furlough.
28. Regiment reported for duty at 8.30 A. M. and companies were mustered out in the following order: Companies E, D, G, M, L, K, B, C, F, I, H, and A, Band, field and staff, Colonel Pew.
The following letters will be of interest to the members of the regiment, showing, as they do, the standing the regiment and its commander had with officers higher in authority in '98, and the fact that the good opinion is retained 10 years later.
Headquarters, Department of Matanzas, MATANZAS, CUBA, March 10, 1899.
TO THE PRESIDENT, Executive Mansion, Washington.
_Sir_:--I take pleasure in saying that I have known Colonel William A. Pew, Jr., Eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, since his entry into the service at Camp Thomas. He has served with me in Kentucky, Georgia, and in this Island, and has shown himself to be in every way competent to command his regiment, which is one of the best I have seen in the Army. Colonel Pew is a lawyer by profession, but has devoted himself very persistently to the National Guard, with which he has served some eighteen or twenty years. Withal, he is still in the prime of life, and should occasion require it, I should be glad to see you avail of his services for the Regular Army, or any further service that may be necessary in the volunteers. Colonel Pew is entirely capable, correct in his habits, soldierly in his bearing, and at all times attentive to his duties. You could not do better, if his services were required, than appoint him to the rank of Brigadier General, which grade I am sure he would have won had it been his good fortune to participate in the conflict with the enemy.