The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-10-30
GEN. RODR1eUEzs LETTER.
Full of Advice to His Troops, but sayS Moth
ing of Their Duty to Us.

Full of Advice to His Troops, but Says Moth
ing of Their Duty to Us.
Hero is the farewell letter that Gen. Rod
rigueZ. insurgent commander In the provinces
Of Havana and Pinar del Rio. wrote to his troops
before he started for Santa Cruz del Sur to at
tend the Cuban convention:
SOLDIERS: For many consecutive years you
have shared with me the painful chances of q
formidable struggle. sustained in defence Of
our legitimate ideals against q powerful enc
my, who had In his favor, in addition to his
personal bravery. the great military talents Of
the illustrious General who to-day represents
Spain In the Antilles; and II on all occasions I
have admired your valor in combat and your
generosity in victory. as we'll as your resiRna-
ton in defeat. l have also admired your obe-
dience and your discipline, which might be o
model to regular armies.
To-day. when l am about to separate from
you accldentally. since the welfare OF our coun-
to you and advice - give you, observation and
advice which, knowing, your loyalty and abne.
cation. may be perhaps unnecessary. but
will at any rate be useful and advantageous
Remember that we have consecrated all our
Efforts. all our energies. to the creation Of an
and sovereign in the general concert of ma
lions; that we have raised a spotless banner.
and an that T. y necessary that this nationa alt
banner shine with all the splendor Of glory.
To obtain these ends we have need OF. ex-
auhoiIO "a uuOhCC, Vi oiOClol tOCb vi
Judgment; we have now no enemies to fight.
but rather brothers to acknowledge.
On the affairs OF the fatherlandt there neither
must nor can be sacrifices and sacrificed. Let US
put aside sect hatreds. party rivalries, and diff
ferences OF birth, p~roclaiming that under the
majestic shadow Of the Cuban banner there Is
room for all honorable men. From to-day for
ever after past resentments must be forgotten
which may bring to our minds the sad recollec-
ton OF painful agonies.
Now we are free; let us learn how to be-
come great through our virtues. In order that
BY, becoming great we may be respected.
In pitching. our camp on the beach OF
Marianao we rely at the same, time on the JUS
tice of our aspirations, on the beneyolence.
illustrious Gen. Blanco. a distinguished COM
mander worthy OF our greatest respect and
profound veneration. whose enlightened views
are seconded with notable skill and prudence
by the distinguished Civil Governor of Havana.
by the Colonel, Military Governor OF Marianao.
and by its Alcalde.
Let us then avoid any conflict. any discord,
any friction with the Spanish forces. because
We and they have accomplished our respective
duties. they In defending the banne to which
they a sworn allegiance. We in defending
LET US be honorable to the very end. and
seek for the concord. the harmony, which is to
lead us to prosperity and greatness.
IN handing over the command for thei interim
tothe distinguished Gen. Mario Menocal. whose
high qualities OF energy and brilliancy are so
we'll known to me. l am sure that he will spare
no sacrifice or care to MAINTAIN and raise our
prestige to the greatest height. Give him. then,
the powerful assistance OF your correct be-
havior and receive my parting greeting. Your
~"HEADouARTERs MILITARY E~NoAMPMENT OF
FL MAYOR, Oct. 10, 1888"