[Appendix]
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.
I cordially commend him for the above promotion, and bespeak your good opinion of him, such officers as he will commend to your notice, and the regiment itself.
Very respectfully,