He saw six fights and never shot off his gun once because as he said it was not his business to kill people and he has persuaded me that he is right, so I won't do anything but look on-- I have bought at The Journal's expense a fifty dollar field glass which is a new invention and the best made.

I have marked it so that you can see a man five miles off and as soon as I see him I mean to begin to ride or run the other way--no one loves himself more than I do so you leave me to take care of myself.

I wish I could give you any idea of the contempt the four returned correspondents who talked to me, have for the Spaniards.

They have seen them shoot 2,500 rounds without hitting men at 200 yards and they run away if the enemy begins on them first.

However, you trust to Richard-- We have a fine escort arranged for us and Michaelson speaks Spanish perfectly and has been six months scouting over the country.
DICK.
KEY West, December 26, 1896.
DEAR FAMILY: I got your letters late last night and they made me pretty solemn.