The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1898-09-20
SKATERS REPORT
It's Main Part Deals With Op-
erations Before Santiago.
SKATER AND GARCIA
GEN. SHAFTER OUTLINES HIS
PLAN OF CAMPAIGN.
GREATLY INDEB TED TO GEN. WHEELER
Skaters Plan of Battle Which Resulted in the
Capture of Heights of San Juan. Words
of Ardent Praise for the
Officers and Men.

Washington, Sept. 14.-Gencral Shat
ter's report of the campaign which ter
minated in the fall of Santiago, has been
made public. He recount the organiza-
ton of the expedition and its embarlia-
ton. and then dcvotes the main body Of
the report to the active operations about
Santiago. General Shafter says the eX-
pedition was undertaken in compliance
with Geographic Instructions of May
30th, from headquarters of the army, III
which it was stated:
"Admira Schley reports that two
cruisers and two torpedo boats have
been seen in the harbor of Santiago. Go
with your force to capture garrison 1t
Santiago, and assist III capturing harbor
and fleet"
General Shafter gives in detail the
troops assembled at Tampa and also tells
of the em~barkation, delay in getting away
and final departure. The report briefly
covers the trip and landing and Skaters
first meeting with General Garcia, add
ing:
During the interview General Garcia
offered the service of his troops, com.
prising about 1000 men in the vicinity
Of AsSeradcros. and about 800, under
General Castillo. at the little town Of
C~uiababo. Il few miles east of Daiquiri.
[ accepted this offer, impressing it upon
him that | could exercise no military
control over him except such as he would
concede. and as long as he served under
me | would furnish him rations and an
munition.'
After comforting with Admiral Samp-
son and General Garcia. the plan of
campaign was outlined by General Shat
ter. The Decentralization was 10 com
mence on the 22nd at Daiquiri, with
RENTS by the Cuban..s on CabanaS. and
by the navy 1T various shore points. IN
order to miSlead the enemy as ~ The
place of landing.
These movements General ShafJer
SAYS. "committed me to approaching
Santiago from the east over Il narrow
road. at first in some places not better
than a trail. running from DaiQulri
through Siboney and Seyilla, and making
attacks from that quarter. This, III my
Judgment. was the only feasible plan. ard
subsequent information and results con
firmed my Judgment
The engagement i'll which the Rough
Riders participated is described as hay
ing had an inspiring effect upon our
men, and. doubtless. cO~rrespondingly de-
pressed the enemy. as it WAS now plain
~ demonstrated 10 IIltIH ludj :HtA IfNl
a foe to meet who would advance upon
them under a heavy fire delivered from
Entertainments. General Wheeler. divi-
sion commander. was present during the
cement. and reports that our troops,
officers and men. fought with the great
est gallantry. This engagement gave us
a well Watered country farther to the
front on which to encamp our troops"
The report continues:
ut was not until nearly two weeks
after the army landed that it WAS pos
sibIe to place on shore three lays sup
plies in excess of those required for the
daily consumption. On
June Both, | reconnoitered the country
about Santiago and made my plan of at
tack. From Il high hill from which the
city was in plain view, | could see the
San Juan hill. and the country about
FL Caney. The roads were very poor.
and. indeed. little better than bride
paths until the San Juan river and Ell
Caney were reached
General Shafter explained. ar Il meet
ing of generals, his plan of battle as fol
lows:
"Lawton's division. assisted by Cap
ronS light battery. was ordered To move
out during the afternoon oward FL
Cancy. to begin the attack there early
TN lltAt Jiip1 IIllS. 1A1ttI - Tx III
Caney. Lawton was to nov by the Eel
Caney road toward Santiago, and take
position on the right of the line. Wheel
cr's division of dismounted cavalr.", and
Kcnt's division Of infantry. were direct
ed TO move on the Santiago read. the
head Of the column resting near lei Pozo.
toward which heights Grimes battery
moved on the afternoon of the 30th. with
orders to take position there early the
next morning, and at the proper time
prepare the way for the advance of
Wheeler and Kent. on San Jua nil. The
attack at this point was to be delayed
until LaWton's guns were heard 1T Ell
Caney and his infantry fire showed he
had become well engaged"
The preparations were far from what
! desired them to be. but we were in a
SickIy climate; our supplies had to be
brought forward by Il narrow wagon
road, which the rains might at any time
render impassable; fear was entertained
that Il storm might drive the vessels con
tanning our stores to sea. thus separating
as from our base Of supplies, and lastly
1T was reported that Gencral pando,
with 5000 rcinforcements for the enemy
was on route from Manzanillo, ana
might be expected in a few days. Under
theS" conditions determined to give bat
IL" without delay"
General Shafter here gives a descrlp-
non Of the battle of FL Caney and the
'hafge up San Juan hill, in which he
pays a high compliment to the conduct Of
me officers and men. He says:
General Wheeler. the permanent com
4'ahder OF the cavalry division, who had
u''h Ill, came forward during the morn
ing ana later returned to duty and
''hdtred most gallant and efficient SER
Wee during the remainder Of the day.
treat credit is due Brigadier General
H. ), Hawkins. who, placing himself be-
tween his regiments. urged them on by
|'i'r and bugle calls to the attack so
brilliantly executed.
In this fierce encounter words fail
10 10 justice to the gallant commanders