The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-07-25
SKATER THANKS HIS TROOPS.

Endured Hardships Heretofore Un
 known to the American Army.
 Santiago de Cuba, July 22, z D. m. Following is an order of Major General Shafter just published:
 Headquarters United States Troops in
 Cuba:
 Santiago de Cuba, July 1g. General orders No. 26:
 The successful accomplishment of the campaign against Santiago resulting in it's downfall and the surrender of the Spanish forces and the capture of large amounts of military stores, together with the destruction of the entire Span- ish squadron in the harbor, which upon the investment of the city was forced to leave, is one of which this army can well be proud This has been accom- plished through the heroic deeds of the army and to it's officers and men, the major general commanding offers his sincere 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 countrymen and has been rivalled upon but few occasions in the. worlds history. Landing upon an url- known coast, you faced dangers in dis embarking and overcame obstacles that even in looking back, seem insurmount- able.
 Seizing, with the assistance of the navy, the towns of Daiquiri and Sibo-s ney, you pushed boldly forth, gal1antly driving back the eneny's outposts in the engagement of Ian Quasina and completed the concentration of the enc my near Saville, within sight of the Spanish stronghold at Santiago de Cu- ba. The outlook from Seville was one that might well have appalled, the stoutest heart. Behind you run nar- row road, made well night impossible by rains, while to the front you looked out upon high foothills covered with a dense tropical growth, which could only be traversed by bridle paths terminat- ing within range of the enemy's guns.
 Nothing deterred, you responded eag- erly to the order to close up on the foe. and, attacking at Clancy and San Juan, drove him from work to work until he took refuge within his last and strong est entrenchments, immediately sur rounding the city. Despite the fierce glare of southern sun and the rains that fall in torrents. you valiantly withstood his attempts TO drive you from the position your valor had won Holding in your vice-like grip the army opposed to you, after seventeen days of battle and siege, you were rewarded by the surrender of nearly 24,000 prisoners, 12,000 being those in your immediate front, the others scattered in the vari- ous towns of eastern Cuba, freeing com pletely the eastern part of the island from Spanish troops.
 This was done without great sacri- fees. The death of 230 gallant soldiers and the wounding of 1,2S4 others shows but too plainly the fierce contest in which you were engaged. The few reported missing are undoubtedly among the dead, as no prisoners were lost. For those who have fallen in bat tie with you, the commanding general sorrows with you, will ever cherish their memory. Their devotion to duty sets a high example of courage and patriotism to our fellow countrymen. All who have participated in the cam- paign, battle and siege of Santiago de Cuba will recall with pride the grand deeds accomplished and will hold one another dear for having shared great sufferings, hardships and triumphs to- gether. All may well feel proud to in- scribe on their banners the name of Santiago de Cuba
 By command of Major General Shafter-
 E. J. McClernand, assistant adjutant general.