The following letter shows that at least at the time my brother regretted the decision, but as events turned out he succeeded in rendering splendid service not only as a correspondent but in the field.
TAMPA--May 14, 1898.
DEAR CHAS.
On reflection I am greatly troubled that I declined the captaincy.

It is unfortunate that I had not time to consider it.

We shall not have another war and I can always be a war correspondent in other countries but never again have a chance to serve in my own.

The people here think it was the right thing to do but the outside people won't.

Not that I care about that, but I think I was weak not to chance it.