THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR When the news reached Richard that the Spanish-American War seemed inevitable he returned at once to New York.

Here he spent a few days in arranging to act as correspondent for the New York Herald, the London Times, and Scribner's Magazine, and then started for Key West.
Off Key West--April 24th, 1898.
On Board Smith, Herald Yacht.
DEAR MOTHER: I wrote you such a cross gloomy letter that I must drop you another to make up for it.

Since I wrote that an hour ago we have received word that war is declared and I am now on board the Smith.

She is a really fine vessel as big as Benedict's yacht with plenty of deck room and big bunks.

I have everything I want on board and The Herald men are two old Press men so we are good friends.