Outside Santiago Harbor
Cuba
June 20 1898

Dear Papa

We just reached here 10 oclock this morning we are getting ready to make a landing there is 52 ships in our fleet & we have about 40 thousand men We had a fine voyage we were 7 days coming down here & had only one storm Everything is 10 times the ordinary price & tobacco is worth its weight in gold I bought some before we left & I sold most of it & made about $15 but I spent the $15 for some thing to eat & drink & you bet I fed better than the other boys We left Port Tampa last Tuesday night & they took us by surprise as we expected to stay there another week The people in Santiago are starving & the Battle ships have reduced the forts to a pile of ruins The boys are all crazy to get at the Spanish & they are now kicking because they are not getting ashore right away By the time you get this letter we will have captured Santiago We seen a few flying fish & a terripin [turtle] as big as a man & we seen a few sharks Give my love to all & may god bless you and keep you in good health & weath untill I return Good Bye Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible

I remain forever your Affectionate Son
Alexander Matier
Santiago
Cuba
71st Regt Co E

This is written in a hurry will write to you later & let you know full particulars I hope you feel as good as I do I have had fine health
Good Bye