New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-25
SHAFTER PRAISES HIS ARMY.
THANKS THE TROOPS FOR GALLANTRY
AND ENDURANCE DISPLAYED BE-
FORE SANTIAGO

Santiago de Cuba, July % delayed In trans
MISUNDERSTANDING is Major-General Shafters
order ccngratulating the troops, just published:
Headquarters United States Troops In Cuba
Santiago de Cuba. July 10.
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 26
THE successful accomplishment Of the cam
paign against Santiago. resulting in its 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 feet in the harbor. which, upon the invest
ment of the city. was forced 10 leave. Is one or
which this Army we'll be proud This has
been accomplished through the heroic deeds OF
the Army and to its officers and men the Ma
jor-General commanding offers his sincere
thanks for their endurance Of hardshps hereto
fore 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 unknown
coast. you faced dangers in dsembarking and
overcame obstacles that, even In looking back,
seem insurmountahle.
"Seizlng, with the assistance Of the Navy,
the towns OF Baiqulri and Siboney, you pushed
boldly forth. gallantly driving back the enemys
outposts in the engagement of La Quasna, and
completed the concentration of the enemy near
Sevia, within sight of the Spanish stronghold
at Santiago de Cuba. The outlook from Sevilla
was one that might we'll have appalled, the stout
est heart. Behind you ran a narrow road, made
wellngh impossible by rain while to the front
you looked out upon high foothills covered with
a dense tropical growth. which could only be
traversed by bridle-paths terminating within
range Of the enemys guns.
Nothing deferred, you responded eagerly to
the order TO close upon the foe and, attacking
at FL Caney and San Juan. drove him from
work to work until he took refuge within his
last and strongest intrenchments, Immediately
surrounding the city.
Despite the fierce glare Of a Southern sun, and
rains that fell in torrents, you valianty with
stood his attempts to drive you from the posi-
ton YOUR valor had won Holding in your vice.
like grip the army opposed to you. after seven
teen days of battle and siege you were rewarded
by the surrender Of nearly twenty-four thousand
prisoners twelve thousand being those In your
immediate front, the others scattered In the va
rous towns Of Eastern Cuba freeing complete
ly the eastern part Of the island from Spanish
troops.
This was not done without great sacri1ces.
The death Of 230 gallant soldiers and the wound
ing of 1,2S4 others show 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 battle with
you the commanding General sorrows and with
you will ever cherish their memory. Their devo-
ton to duty sets a high example OF courage and
patriotism to our fellow-countrymen. All who
have participated in the campaign. 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 trumphs together All may well
feel proud to inscribe on their banners the name
Of Santiago de Cuba.
"By command Of Major-General Shafter
&c. ]. MCLERNAND,
Assistant Adjutant-General"