The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-26
Headquarters United States
Troops in Cuba,

Headquarters United States
Troops in Cuba,
Santiago de Cuba, July ID.
General Order y. 26.
The successful accomplishment OF thc
campaign against Santiago, resulting III
its downfall and the surrender OF the
Spanish forces and the capture OF large
amounts of military stores, together win
the destruction of the entire Spanish
ilcet in the hnrbor, which, upon the IN
vestmcnt of the city, was forced 10
leave. is one of which this army can wei
he proud. This has been accomplished
through the heroic deeds Of the army,
and to its officers aud men the MAJOR
General commanding offers his SIN
ccrc thanks for their endurance
OF hardships heretofore unknown
in the American Army. The work you
have accomplished may well appeal to
the pride of your countrymcn, ana mas
been rvaled upon few occasions III the
worlds history. Landing upon IN ,in-
known coast. you faced dangers i'll dis
cubarking and ovcrcamc obstacles that,
even in looking back, seem insurmount-
able.
Selling. with the assistance of the
navy, the towns of Bniquiri and Siboney,
YOU pushed boldly forward, calamity
driving back the cnemys outpost i'll the
engagement Of La Quasna, and com
plctcd the concentration of the enemy
near Scvilla. within sight of the Spanish
stronghold at Santiago dc Cuba Inc
outlook from ScviIln was one that might
well have appalled, The stoutest heart.
Behind you ran narrow ROAD, mace
we'll nigh impossible by rains, while
10 the front YOU looked tpon hlgh
foothills covered with dense tropical
growth, which could only be travcrscd by
bride paths terminating within range
of the cnemy's guns.
Nothing deferred, you responded Gag
crly TO the order to close upon the foe,
and attacking ut Caney and San Juan,
drove him from work to work until he
took refuge within his last and strongest
intrenchmcnts Immediately surrounding
the city.
DESPITE the fierce glare of II southern
sun and rains that fell in torrents, you
valianty withstood his attempts to drive
you from the position your valor had
won. Holding in your vise-like grip the
army opposed to you, after seventeen
days of battle and siege, you were re-
warded by the surrender of nearly n
900 prisoners, 12,000 being those in
your immediate front. the others scat
tered in the various towns of Eastern
Cuba, freeing completely the eastern
part of the island from Spanish troops.
This was not done without great sac
rificcs. The death of go gallant sol
diers and the wounding of 1,2S4 others
shows too plainly the fierce contest III
which you were engaged. The few re-
ported missing are undoubtedly among
the dead. as 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 n high example of courage ana pa
triotism to our ow-countrymen. All
who have participated in the campaign,
battle and siege of Santiago de Cuba Will
recall with pride the grand deeds ac-
.conplished and will hold one another
pslear for having shared the sufferings,
shardshps. and triumphs together. All
may well feel proud to inscribe on their
banners the name of Santiago de Cuba.
BY Command of Major General Shat
ter. e. j. M'CLERNAND,
Assistant Adjutant General.