Spanish-American War cover sent by a soldier from the Philippines, with 2c Washington tied by
MIL. STA. No.1 PHILIPPINE ISLANDS/MANILA. duplex postmark dated June 14, 1899, and with Soldier's Letter endorsement at top:
"Soldier's Letter. Clarence Deems, Capt. 6th Arty". Addressed to Genl. J. M. Deems, at Baltimore, MD.
Addressed by Capt. Deems to his father, Civil War General, and composer, James Monroe Deems, (1818-1901), who served during the Civil War as Lt. Col. of the 1st Maryland Cavalry, fought in 62 engagements, including Gettysburg, and was breveted Brigadier General, Mar. 13, 1865; A composer, his "Nebuchadnezzar" (1848) was the first American oratorio, and is best remembered for his 1850 book, "Vocal Music Simplified", one of the earliest public-school music texts in the U.S.
The cover was mailed by his son, Clarence Deems, (1850-1924), an 1874 graduate of West Point, he served in the Philippines, 1899-1901, commanding a battalion, 6th U.S. Artillery.
Small edge tear at left. Fine.
COMBINED SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS.