Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1898-06-12
ARMY OF INVASION
On a Fleet of Swift Trans
ports. ...,
SCENES AT PORT TAMPA
First United States Infantry, Ma jor General
Skaters Old Com maad, Given the
Honor of Elnbarklne First
Excited Humanity.
(By Telegraph.)


TAMPA. FLA, June 1.-THE army
OF invasion is now embarked on a
large fleet OF swift transports.
The first official notification that the
time for movement had arrived came
in the form OF a general order posted
on May 31st The announcement ere
ated great enthusiasm Preparations
We're FASTENED among the troops on the
Following day to be in readiness to
move Immediately on board the trans
ports Every man went about his
work with eagerness. The embarka-
ton assumed definite shape on Monday
afternoon. June 9Th. when the First
United States infantry. Major General
Skaters old command, q regiment ia
nous in the history of the army, was
given the honor OF embarkins first.
These physical giants. as they marched
down the long pier at Port Tampa
with their regiment band playing pa
triotic airs. were an inspiring sight,
awakening the enthusiasm of all who
beheld this spectacle. Their national
colors futtered in the gulf breeze
their arms glistened in the tropical
sun. while their rhythmic tread added to
TIN. impresslveness among all that this
was. the most warlike scene yet wit
messed here.
During the balance of the afternoon
and until daylight the next morning.
the movement was resumed with the
utmost vigor
All during Tuesday the wharves were
a moving mass OF excited humanity.
each individual vainly striving for a
place. Late In the afternoon every
commanding officer was ordered to get
his regiment In readiness for immedi-
ate movement, and soon afterwacl
word was sent out to send the troops
upon the transports as rapidly as pos
sble. Trains Of coaches and cars Of
all descriptions were placed on sidings
near the various camps, and baggage.
arms and ammunition were hurried on
board. NJ, @ .5i..,:..
On Tuesday evening about O'clock
Lieutenant Miley, who was in the hotel
telegraph office with General Miles.
was seen to rush into the hall and
run down 1t at fun speed toward Cen
siai Skaters apartments. Immedi-
aleiy the two were seen moving rap
idly toward the telegraph office. Lieu
tenant Nliley forcibiy pulling the
HI avy general with him. The regular
ol orator was evicted, the office doors
w.re closed and Captain J. E. Brady.
the censor. took the key. General
NJ lies and General Shutter were then
A. .eel IL direct communication with
tn. War Department and Il half hours
&c nf.re,lce ensued. The termination of
II is resulted In hurried whispered con-
fsrenccs among the lesser officers, fol-
lie we'd by wave of eNcitement--"The
a, my of invasion must Immediately de-
p; rt." was the word.
From the comparative calm Of a few
minutes before the scene was changed
to one OF action. Scurrying feet hur-
ried the order from room to room.
While horses fiecked With foam. sped
from camp to camp. Special trains
We're hurriedly coupled and baggage
piled aboard in chaotic fashion.
Newspaper correspondents left half
tEeir possessions in their rooms in
their frantic rush. All during the
night, feverish rush continued. The
more anxious disregarded the trains.
hiring cabs to convey them to Port
Tampa. nine miles away.