The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-24
HE DIED ON FIRING LINE
MELVIN RAY, OF THIS CITY, ONE OF
THE HEROES OF SAN JUAN.
His Sister Receives a Letter from His
Captain-CaDtain Capron's Bat
terry Passes Through.

Melvin Ray was one of the heroes who
fell at the bloody three days fight at San
tiago de Cuba. He enlisted in the regular
army at the Office of Captain Black May 2
last, and the next day was transferred to
the Columbus co. barracks. Subsequently
he was placed with the First United States
Cavalry, and took part with his regiment
in the glorious charge up San Juan hill.
A letter has been received by his rea-
tives from the captain of his troop telling
Of his brave death Young Ray was but
twenty years of age. He was employed in
the works of the 7. B. Laycock Manufac-
turing Company, where he was well thought
Of. He had been with the firm from the
time he was thirteen years of age. There
was some surprise when he announced that
he had decided to go into the army, but he
was promised work if he returned in safety.
But little was heard from him by the firm
from the time he enlisted until his name
was seen in the official list of the dead.
Thursday Mrs. Lena Wiebke, of 1914 Mont
calm street, a sister of the dead soldier. re-
ceived a letter from Capt George w. Goode,
Troop 1, First United States Cavalry, tell
ing of the death and burial of her brother,
who was under Captain Goodies command.
The letter is as follows:
Replying to your letter Of Aug. II. am
panied by the necessity of making known
to you the death of your brother, Private
Melvin Ray, of Troop /, First Cavalry. I
WISH indeed, this letter might bring you
better tidings and that you might be spared
the grief that has come to many homes
from Santiago Your brother died on the
fighting line like brave man and his name
should be enrolled with the heroes of that
day. He was killed in the advance on San
Juan blockhouse July / and was buried on
or near the spot where he fell. / went in
person and superintendent the making of his
grave in such a substantial way that 1t can
be identified at any time in case of re-
moval. In case the removal of the dead
soldiers in Cuba is contemplated you will
doubtless be advised of it by the war De-
partment, and by addressing the adjutant
general United States army, Washington, ID.
c., you can get such other information as
to the effects of your deceased brother, etc.
as are received there. With much sympathy
for you in your misfortune, l am" etc.
Melvin Ray would have been twenty-one
years old had he lived week longer. He
was born at Whitestown July s, 1877. He
was quiet boy and received the nickname
of Sleepy" from his feIlow-workmen. How
ever, he was bright and apt at his work.
May he entered Mr.. Laycock's office and
asked for a recommendation. He said he
intended enlisting in the regular army for
the war with Spain. Mr.. Laycock gladly
wrote the recommendation, and in the after
noon he returned, his face beaming, and
said he had been accepted by Captain Black,
the recruiting officer. The next day he was
sent to the Columbus barracks, and in few
weeks he had given up his life in the EFFORT
to force his way, with his comrades, up san
Juan Hill Mr.. Laycock speaks highly of
young Rays ability and character. When
cold weather sets in he will attempt to have
the body brought home. Ray father, DaVld
Ray, and his sister live at 1514 Montcalm
street.