Sistersville oil review. [volume] (Sistersville, W. Va.) 1896-1901, 1898-08-31

General Garcia, who was to block
the entrance of Pande, informed
him at 10 o'clock last night that
Pando had passed him on the Cobra
road. Lawton says he can not
compel Garcia to obey my instruc-
tions to place themselves in any
position where they will have to
fight, and that if we intend to re-
duce Santiago we will have to de-
pend upon our own troops, and
that we will require twice the num-
Der we now have.
"I sent message to Admiral
Sampson, asking if he proposed en-
tering the harbor, SO as to give us
assistance. Commodore Watson
replies that he does not know Ad-
miral SIMPSONS intention since
the destruction of the Spanish
SO nadron, but does not himself
think the feet should try to 60 into
the harbor of Santiago. This, un-
der the circumstances, is not very
encouraging.
Have been expecting a division
from Tampa and Dufield's second
brigade from Camp Alger but only
small number of recruits has ap'
geared so far. Ifwe have to 60 to
try and reduce the town, now that
the fleet is destroyed, which was
slated to be the chief object of the
expedition, there must be no delay
in getting large body OF troops
here.
1.-The town is in terrible con
dition as to food and people are
starving, as stated by foreign con-
suls this morning but the troops
can fight and have a large quantity
of rice but no other supplies.
There will be nothing none here
until noon of the fifth and sup
pose I can put them off a little
longer to enable the people to ge;
out. Country here is destitute oi
food or growing crops except man
goes.
"Men are in good spirits,
though it is hard to tell how long
the latter will continue.
"I am sorry to say / am no bet
ter, and in addition to my weakness
cannot be out on account Of slight
attack of gout, but hope to be bet
ter soon. Lieutenent Miley had
an interview with the consuls this
morning and his report will be tel
egraphed Immediately. l do no,
send this in cipher, as time is pre-
cious. SKATER.
Major General.
MILES TAKES CHARGE.
"I was this situation which de.
termined Gen. Miles to go to Cuba
The day he sailed with reinforce
ments, July 7, he sentthe following
dispatch from Washington:
General Shafter, Santiago.
"'Take every precaution against
surprise and be on the lookout that
the enemy does not turn your right
flank and come in on the line OF
your communications. Reinforce
ments are being sent forward as
rapidly as possible, but you will
have to be the judge OF the position
YOU are to hold until reinforcements
can reach you.
MILES,
major General Commanding
General Miles sailed for Cuba.
| On July II, at noon, he reported
i his safe arrival to the war depart
ment and at once assumed charge,
reporting to the secretary OF war.
All of the subsequent business OF
the surrender was entirely in his
hands as shown by the fact that the
war department communicated with
him direct, not even mentioning
General Skaters name in the nu-
me-ous dispatches. The following
dispatch is an excellent example:
Washington, July IS, 1898.
Major General Miles-You may
accept surrender by granting parole
to officers and men after parole will
be permitted to return 10 Spain, the
United States assisting. II not ac-
cepted then, assault, unless in your
Judgment an assault would fail.
Consult with Sampson and pursue
such course as to the assault as you
jointly agree upon. Matters should
be settled promptly.
(Signed. r a. ALGER,
Secretary OF War.