This Spanish War service is something of which the regiment are justly proud. On April 26, Col. Pfaff led 99 per cent. of the full militia strength of his command into the harbor forts, itself a conclusive demonstration that the National Guard is a dependable force. Foremost were they in the entire United States to assume their post of duty. First of all volunteers were they to be mustered in; the genius of “The Old First” was in control. Thruout the entire two-hundred-three days of duty they maintained the very highest standards of efficiency and discipline. It noway lessened the credit belonging to these volunteer soldiers that the Spaniards were so wise as to keep at a safe distance from the Massachusetts coast; the warmest kind of a welcome was awaiting them, had they come. When on Nov. 14, the command were mustered out of Federal service and returned to the militia, they had added a most creditable chapter to the long annals of their organization. In 1899 a tour of duty was performed at Fort Rodman; and so satisfactory did it prove that the post was chosen for the annual coast defence exercises, with one exception, until 1906. In 1902 some companies were stationed at Fort Greble and other Rhode Island posts. The only serious objections to Rodman were the haze and fog, which hang low over Buzzard’s Bay. As a consequence of the Spanish War, the flannel shirt and the khaki suit became part of the regimental uniform. Oct. 14, 1899, the regiment participated in the ovation to Admiral George Dewey, and at the same time turned their Spanish War flags and colors over to the custody of the State. Col. Pfaff retired as Brigadier General Apr. 20, 1900. His loyal and generous interest in the old regiment has been shown in making possible the publication of this history. Col. James A. Frye, who commanded the regiment from May 4, 1900, until Jan. 4, 1906, had served as Major during the Spanish War. Upon relinquishing command of the regiment, he became Adj. Gen. of the State. Col. Frye was the one selected to record the services of the command during the Spanish War; and his history will always stand as a worthy monument to his memory. In 1903 the regiment participated in joint coast defence and naval maneuvers at Portland harbor, of which the chief feature was the long hours. The men were on duty all day and all night, so that sleeping almost became a forgotten art. On June 25, 1903, the Coast Artillery shared in the exercises of dedication around the magnificent statue of their old commander, Gen. Joseph Hooker. Members of the regiment had been foremost in securing the appropriation for the statue; and heartily did they rejoice to see the beautiful bronze by D. C. French which finally crowned their labor.