, 1898-07-25
Highly Compliments the Work of the
American Troops.

Highly Compliments the Work of the
American Troops.
Santiago. July 22.-Following is Ma
jor General Skaters order, just pub
lished
headquarters United States Troops
in Cuba, Santiago de Cuba. July 49,
General order No. 26.-The successful
accomplishment Of the campaign
against Santiago. resulting in the
downfall and the surrender of the
Spanish forces and the capture of a
large Mount of military stores, to-
gether with the destruction of the en-
tire Spanish fleet in the harbor, which,
upon the Investment of the city was
forced to leave. is one Of which this
army can we'll be proud. This has been
accomplished through the heroic deeds
Of the army. and to its officers and men
the major general commanding offers
his sincere thanks for their endurance
of hardships heretofore unknown in
the American army. The work we
have accomplished may well appeal to
the pride of your countrymen and has
been rivaled on few occasions in the
worlds history. Landing on an I'M
known coast, you faced dangers in en-
barking and overcame obstacles. that
even in looking back, seem insurmount-
able.
"Seizing, with the assistance Of the
navy. the towns of Baiquiri and Sib-
oney. o pushed boldly forth, gallant
ly driving back the enemy's outposts
in the engagement of La Quasina and
completed the concentration of the en-
envy zeal Sevilla, within sight of the
Spanish stronghold of Santiago de
Cuba.
THE outlook from Sevilla was one
that might well have appalled, the
strongest heart. Behind you ran a
narrow road. made well RICH impass-
able by rains, while to the front you
looked out upon high foothills covered
with a dense tropical growth. which
could only be traversed by bride paths
terminating within range of the enc
my's guns.
Nothing deferred. you responded
eagerly to the order to close upon the
foe. and. attacking at Caney and San
Juan. drove him from work to work
until he took refuge within his last
and strongest entertainments. immedi-
ately surrounding the city.
Despite the fierce glare of the south
ern SUI and the rains that fell in tor
rents. you valiantly withstood his at
tempts to drive you from the position
vice-like grip the army opposite to you,
after seventeen days of battle and
siege, you were rewarded by the sur
render of nearly "a 900 prisoners, 1000
being those in YOU immediate front,
the others scattered in the various
towns of eastern Cuba, freeing COM
pletely the eastern part of the island
from Spanish troops.
This was not done without great
sacrifice. The death of go gallant SOL
diers and the w%ounding of l,S14 show
but too plainly the fierce contest in
you were engaged. The few re-
ported missing are undoubtedly among
the dead. No prisoners were lost.
For those who have fallen in battle
with you, the commanding general sor-
rows, and with you will ever cherish
their memory. Their devotion to duty
sets a high example of courage and pa
triotism to our fellow countrymen. All
who have participated in the campaign,
battle n siege Of Santiago de Cuba
will recall with pride the grand deeds
accomplished and will hold one another
dear for having shared the sufferings,
hardships and triumphs together. All
may we'll feeel proud to inscribe on
their banners the name Of Santiago de
Cuba.
by command of
MAJOR GENERAL SHAFTER.
"E. J. M'LERNAND,
Adjutant General"