276. SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CORRESPONDENCE Lengthy A.L.S., 6pp. 4to., Manila Bay, June 3, 1898, from journalist E. W. Harden to a fellow newspaperman attacking Colonel George Loud for misconduct and negligence of duty while serving during the Spanish American War. In part: "...I am sorry to learn of the probability of war between the United States and Spain. However we were somewhat prepared for the news your letter contained by the newspapers which are received here two months after they are printed. The last American papers received are dated April 16 and it then looked like war was inevitable...All the spare time we have between sinking Spanish vessels and killing people we put in hoping and praying there may be a peaceful settlement of our difficulties. However out thoughts are constantly interrupted by the sound of heavy firing...which mark another battle between the Spanish regulars and insurgents...Col George A. Loud late paymaster of the McCulloch has gone home. Incidentally he has played the meanest trick any white man ever played another. Some of his actions are of no present importance...but I want to tell you of them some time. The last act directly affects you. McCutcheon and I took 130 pictures of the fight and of the wrecks etc. which we ordered sent to you. We had to leave Hong Kong before they were finished and we have just learned Loud took every negative with him not even leaving prints or a note of explanation as to what he intends doing with them. We will cable you to have the San Francisco collector watch for him and ask for the negatives...Col Loud has a right to prints from the negatives but no right to make any use of them before we can dispose of the right also. He took only one picture in the entire lot, The remainder are taken by Mac. Gen Lord is a vain conceited, selfish man who thinks only of himself...He volunteered for service during the battle and so did McCutcheon and I. He selected his own post, the after ammunition room sending Mac and me to the forward ammunition holds, which were in a more dangerous position..." Much more good content. Loud went on to publish his diaries upon returning to the States in August of 1898, entitled Col. George Loud's Diary, Written During the Battle. Usual folds and archival repairs to fold separations. Good. $300-400