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, (Signed) JAMES H. WILSON, _Major General of Volunteers_.
Headquarters, District of Matanzas, MATANZAS, CUBA, March 13, 1899.
TO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.
_Sir_:--I have the honor to recommend for appointment as Brigadier General of Volunteers, Colonel William A. Pew, of the Eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Colonel Pew has been under my command since last June and has proved his capacity in many ways. He has been at times during this interval, in command of a brigade, and also of the Third Division, First Army Corps. He has one of the best regiments in the service in all respects, due largely to his intelligence and faithful service. I consider him fully qualified to discharge the duties of Brigadier General.
Very respectfully, (Signed) J. P. SANGER, _Brigadier General, U. S. V._
H. E. WEBBER, ESQ., Salem Post Office, Salem, Mass.
_My dear Sir_:--Replying to your letter of October 19th, I hasten to say that the Eighth Massachusetts Infantry served under my command during the war with Spain. It was a most excellent volunteer regiment, exceedingly well officered, from Colonel Pew down to the lowest lieutenant. It was noted for the good discipline displayed by it throughout its entire service, and what struck me particularly were the good relations existing between the officers and the enlisted men at all times and in all places. It was quite apparent that the officers treated their men with just consideration, equally removed from undue familiarity on the one hand and oppressive severity on the other. They took every care to instruct their men in all their duties, and while the regiment did not participate in any battle, it showed by its promptitude and willing obedience to orders, that it would give a good account of itself in the presence of the enemy. Its camps were noted for their cleanliness and good police, and both officers and men for the cheerful intelligence with which they performed such duties as were assigned to them. In the late war between the States, it was said that Massachusetts sent her best to support the Union, and judging from the character of this regiment, it is safe to say that she did the same in the war against Spain.