The following article appeared in Tama, Iowa newspaper, dated June 2, 1898, the day the 49th Iowa Volunteer Infantry left for service. The unit would still find itself in Jacksonville's Camp Cuba Libre when the fighting ended on August 13, and as late as October, 1898. Eventually the unit served in Cuba as part of the occupation forces. Contributor Judy Landauer's grandfather, Arthur Leon Bruner, served in the 49th Regiment Iowa Volunteers during this war. He played cornet in the regimental band.
The Article:
"Last Saturday afternoon Tama was again the scene of enthusiastic
patriotic demonstrations. Early in the morning word was recieved
from Camp McKinley Des Moines, that the 49th Regiment Iowa Volunteers,
(the old first Reg.) had been ordered to Jacksonville, Florida, and that
the First batallion , consisting of Col. Dows and staff, Cos. K of Toledo,
H of Marshalltown, F of Tipton, and C of Cedar Rapids, would pass through
Tama over the Milwaukee about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Immediately
after dinner an immense crowd began to collect and when the special train
finally arrived a crowd of at least two thousand had congregated to bid
them God Speed. Curiosity prompted many, but the majority of those present
were there to bid some dear friend a fond and perhaps final farewell.
The boys were enjoying good health and were full of enthusiasm which was
cheering to their many friends. The train stopped but a short time,
but during the time short as it was the boys were all supplied with a cup
of good hot coffee and numerous other things. Co. K boys, the Bruner
boys of the Regiment band and W. E. Rhodes
and Chas. Dunn of Co. F, Tipton of course recieved the greatest attention,
but every body shook hands with the boys and wished them good luck regardless
of acquaintance. So departs the last regiment of the State Malitia.
We believe they will give a first-class account of themselves."
Information courtesy of Judy Landauer (descendent of Arthur Bruner)
Clerk of Joint Committee on Printing, The Abridgement of Message from the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress. (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1899. Vol. 4, p 494.
Novak, Greg, Remember the Maine and to Hell with Spain; Being
a Wargamer's Guide to the Spanish American War 1898. (Champagne: Ulster
Imports, 1990). 36.
