Letters of a Volunteer in the Spanish-American War

This book is a collection of letters written home by George King, an American soldier who served in the Puerto Rican campaign during the Spanish-American War. At the outbreak of the War, King volunteered in the Sixth Regiment of Infantry formed in Concord, Massachusetts. He rose quickly to the rank of sergeant. King describes in some detail the life of a soldier during the war, including the kind and extent of training received, and the lean diet and physical hardships of campaigning in Puerto Rico. King's letters are interspersed with notes and explanatory commentary that puts his letters in perspective. Some of his letters and commentaries describe the interrelationships between American soldiers and the inhabitants of Puerto Rico during the War. He pointed out, for example, that the Americans hired native Puerto Ricans, who rendered the army efficient and valuable service as mounted scouts.