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University of Michigan William L. Clements Library

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Edward F. Leiper Letters, April 23, [1898]-August 26, 1898.

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Containers:
Box 1, Folders 34-37
Abstract:
A collection of letters sent by Edward F. Leiper on the USS New Orleans to his wife Mary his young daughter, also Mary. Mary and Mary were initially living in Annapolis before moving to (elder) Mary's mother's home in Overbrook, Philadelphia. While stationed at Newport, Leiper wrote to (elder) Mary quite frequently; by 8 May, the New Orleans had put to sea. After a stay in Hampton Roads that Leiper found quite frustrating, the New Orleans departed for Key West, and then to the Cuban coast for blockade duties, after which letters began to be sent much less regularly. As the New Orleans stayed off Santiago in June, Leiper begins to complain about "canned fruit, bad bread and bad coffee. I doubt if you can think of a worse combination" and the "heat of a tropical sun." He also makes a complaint to his wife about the "lot of irresponsible newspaper reporters" for their "sensational and readable columns of matter for the public." By August, the New Orleans was in San Juan for peace negotiations, witnessed by Edward, who was optimistic that the war would end soon. The envelopes of each letter are marked numerically; this collection begins with letter number seven. Sailors' letters, Battle of Santiago, Siege of Santiago. Partial geographical list: Newport (R.I.), Annapolis (Md.), North Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Roads (Va.), Key West (Fla.), Caribbean Sea, Santiago (Cuba), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Guantánamo (Cuba), Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pa.).
Extent:
35 items

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