A powerful trio of boudoir cabinet cards documenting the mobilization of U.S. forces from Tampa, Florida to Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Each image was captured by local Tampa photographer Field and is boldly imprinted with his location on the mount. All three cards are crisply annotated on verso with dates and detailed descriptions.

Loading the Transports – Tampa Docks: A staggering scene of military logistics as thousands of U.S. soldiers prepare to board troopships. An ocean of humanity floods the docks, flanked by trains and massive steamships. Verso reads: "Shafter’s Expedition to Cuba, Loading Transports. June 15th, 1898. 16,400 men."

On to Cuba: The SS Olivette (marked "23") sails out of port, brimming with troops. Soldiers crowd every deck and perch, full of energy and anticipation. Verso states: "June 15th, 1898. Shafter's Expedition. About 1000 men aboard. 'On to Cuba'"

Transports Moving Out – Hospital Ship in View: The transport labeled "14" cuts through the sea, with another vessel marked with a medical cross visible. The verso identifies this as: "Shafter’s Expedition, June 15th 1898. Transports moving out. 'Hospital'. Shafter on left."

Clear period handwriting on the backs ties them firmly to the most pivotal campaign of the war. Rare, direct photographic documentation of the U.S. military’s first major overseas expedition — these images carry real historical weight and are seldom offered as a group.