The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-07-27
PRAISE PROM sHAFTER.
rsll. Of ths Hsreisn Of ID. Army.

Tells Of the HerOism Of His Army.
Following is Major Genera Skaters
order, just published:
santiago de Cuba, July ls.
(''General Order No. 26)
'The successful accomplishment of the
campaign against Santiago. resulting in
its downfall and the surrender OF the
Spanish forces and the capture and the
surrender Of large amounts Of military
stores, together with the destruction of
the entire Spanish feet 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
accomplished through the heroic deeds Of
the army. and 70 its 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 ac-
complished may well appeal to the pride
OF your countrymen, and has been rivaled
upon but few occasion in the worlds his
tory. Landing upon an Unknown coast
you faced dangers in disembsrking and
overeame obstacles that, even in looking
back, seem insurmountable.
'.Seizing, with the assistance of the ma
w, the towns of Baiqniri and SibOney,
you pushed boldly forth, gallantly driving
back the enemy's outpost in the engage
ment of La Quasina, and completed the
concentration Of the enemy near Sevilla,
within sight of the Spanish stronghold at
Santiago de Cuba. The outlook from Sc
villa was one that might have appalle
the stoutest heart. Behind you ran mar
row road. made well-nigh impossible by
rains, while 10 the front you looked out
upon high foothills covered with dense
tropical growth, which could only be ira
versed by bride paths terminating with
in range of the enemy's guns.
: Nothing deferred, you responded ca
gerly to the order to close upon the foe.
and, attacking at Caney and San Juan,
drove him from work TO work until he
took refuge within his last and strongest
Entertainments Immediately surrounding
the city.
despite the fierce glare of a southern
sun, and rains that fell in torrents, you
valiarily withstood his attempts 10 dive
you from the position your valor had
won. Holding in your viee-like grip the
army opposed to you, after seventeen days
Of battle and siege. you were rewarded by
the surrender of nearly 1900 prisoners,
l20O0 being those in your immediate
front, the others scattered in the various
towns of eastern Cuba, freeing completely
the eastern part of the island from Span
ish troops.
This was not done without great sacri-
fee. The few reported missing are un-
doubtedly among the dead, as no prison.
ers were lost.
"For those who have fallen in battle,
with you the commanding General sor-
rows, and with you will ever cherish
their memory. Their devotion to duty
sets high example Of courage and patri-
oiism to their fellow countrymen. All
who have participated in the campaign,
battle and siege Of Santiago de Cuba will
recall with pride the grand deeds accom-
plished, and will hold one another dear
for having shared in the sufferings, hard
ships and triumphs together. All may
well feel proud to inscribe on their ban
ners the name of Santiago de Cuba
'.By command of Major General Shafter.
"E. J. M'cLERNAND,
Assistant AdigJant General