Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1898-07-02
tier IL arrived. He had anticipated It

after It arrived. He had anticipated It,
for only a few hours before dispatch
came to him from General Breckin-
ridge, inspector general OF the army
stating that the spirit Of the troops was
high and that they were eager and ex-
pectant OF action. General Breckin-
ridges dispatch indicated that results
might be expected very soon. General
Miles also received another dispatch
sent today from Skaters headquarters
saying that the big military balloon
was now high in the air and was giving
opportunity for observation over a
great sweep of country. This In itself
was Of incalculable value to our troops
Brave "Reminiscences had been made
but these were Of little value compared
to what could be seen from balloon
mile or more in the air, commanding a
radius Of observation Of from 20 to 40
miles with powerful telescopes.
According to General Skaters re-
port, the attack on Santiago was begun
BY the Second division Of the Fifth ar
my corps, commanded by Brgadier
General H. W. Lawton. This division
consists OF three brigades made up as
follows:
pII6dQcb W OOiOAA~N
j. J. Van Horne-Eighth United States
infantry. Twenty-second United States
infantry and Second Massachusetts, in
fantry.
Second brigade, commanding officer
unknown. but supposed to be Colonel
Bates-First United States infantry,
Fourth United States infantry and
Twenty-fifth United States infantry.
Third brigade, commanded by Briga-
der General A. r. Chaffee-Seventh
United States infantry Twelfth United
States infantry and Seventeenth United
States infantry.
It thus appears that the entire divi-
sion which opened the hostilities OF the
day is composed entirely Of regular
troops, seasoned and experienced in
battle. with the exception Of the Second
Massachusetts volunteer infantry, re-
garded as one Of the best volunteer or
ganizations of the army.
General Lawton, who was chosen for
the important and responsible duty of
opening the battle by the capture Of Ca
ney and the interception of Spanish re-
endorsements now nearing Santiago, Is
described as a good fighter and SOL
der of experience and ability. He serv-
ed in the Union army throughout the
war, having entered as sergeant of
Company E, Ninth Indiana volunteer
infantry, in April, 1861.
He was successfully promoted through
merit on the field of battle to first lieu
tenant Of the Fiftieth Indiana infantry
In August, 1861; to captain in May, 1862
and lieutenant colonel In November,
1864. In March. 1865, he was brevetted
colonel for gallant and meritor1ous serv
Ices during the war He entered the reg
ular establishment in July, 1866, as Sec
ond lieutenant Of the Forty-flrst infan
try, colored, and remained with that
branch OF the army until January, 1871,
when he was transferred to the Fourth
cavalry, with which he remained until
September. 1885, when he was appointed
Inspector general. with the rank Of ma
!or.
He was subsequently promoted to the
rank Of lieutenant colonel and held that
rank until the opening of the present
war with Spain. when the president ap-
pointed him brigadier general of volun-
teers and assigned him to the command
Of division Of the Fifth army corps,
commanded by General Shafter.