Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Chapter 15: Spanish-American War, 1914 (part 2 of 2)

The Home People

The good people at home, through the reports sent out by sensational newspaper correspondents, formed the idea the regiments in Porto Rico were suffering from neglect. On September 14 a mass meeting was held, of which D. A. Cameron was chairman and James T. Joyce secretary. Addresses were made by Hon. William II. Frawley, Mayor S. S. Kepler, Richard F. Wilson, A. A. Cutter and others, and committees appointed. At a second meeting, held on September 15, it was agreed to send Robert K. Boyd to Porto Rico with funds. On September 19 Mr. Boyd, accompanied by General Griffin, left Eau Claire for Washington.

The War Department furnished him with transportation, passes and letters, and he sailed from New York on the Steamer Chester, October 2. He lauded at Ponce and reached the regiment on October 7, at Coamo on their return march. Owing to the high water, he was compelled to swim several rivers.

Mr. Boyd was accorded a royal reception by E Company. lie found conditions on the island very much improved. The men had become acclimated. He remained with the regiment and accompanied it home, sending in the meantime reports which allayed the anxiety of the friends at home.

Will the publishers of the Eau Claire County History give one of the men of the Puerto Rican expedition a little space to make mention of Happy Jack? He was the horse ridden by Adjutant Cousins during the Spanish-American War and for years after the war. Jack was a Kentucky thoroughbred, born in the state of fine horses and beautiful women, but as a young colt was sent to a Georgia plantation, about forty miles from Chickamauga Park. It was at Chickamauga Park he was purchased by the Eau (Claire officer on May 25, 1898. The planter from whom he was bought frankly stated he did not thiuk the horse suited for military purposes as he was a plantation saddler and had never been in the city or been among large bodies of men. Jack was accepted, however, and in a few days had established friendly terms witli matters military aud with officers and men. He quickly learned bugle calls and seemed to recognize the uniform. He was a particularlj' handsome, well-bred animal, and could take the single foot gait at considerably better than a three-minute gait. He was as intelligent as he was handsome. He received a painful Avouiid while on the island, Avhich was dressed and attended to by Captain E. H. Grannis, one of our regimental surgeons.

Jack came home with the regiment and lived in Eau Claire until February 10, 1912, when he passed quietly away. From 1899 on he annually attended the regimental encampments at Camp Douglas, and hundreds of men will recall his attitude as he would stand before the regiment at evening parade while his master. Captain Cousins, Regimental Adjutant, published the orders.

Jack, although spirited and lively, was never vicious excepting when colored people were about. For the negro race he seemed to have a particular aversion and would not hesitate to use his hoofs or teeth to impress upon them his dislike. Jack rendered his country good and faithful service, and was a kind, affectionate and agreeable friend and comrade.