The age-herald., 1898-10-12
ALGER'S REPLY
 10 COMMISSION
Continued From First Page.)


 The permanent camp was never contem- plated at Tampa. Troops were sent there preparatory for authorization and were kept there to be ready for any emergency and later to embark for Porto Rico, and upon the signing of the protocol the troops be- ing no longer required at Tampa, were sent to Huntsville, Ala, camp selected by officers detailed to ascertain best camping sites, having in view health and comfort of the soldiers.
 D. When was the Porto Rico campaign determined upon?
 Answer The Porto Rico campaign had been long under consideration, and the or ders to carry it out were issued June 26, 1898. (See copy of letter herewith marked "J'' to Major-General Miles, U. S. Al.
 6. Why were the troops held trans ports after authorization at Tampa and not permitted to sail for several days?
 Answer. Troops were held on transports alter authorization at Tampa on account of ,-4e advice received from Commodore Schley that Spanish cruisers, second-class, by Eagle, Nicholas channel, Cuba; de- stroyer convoy" (See copies of tele- grams from the navy department here- with marked "K,' .'L," Mo.
 Orders Sent to shafter
 War Department, Washington, May 30, 1S98.-Sent in cipher, May 31, 1898, 2:30 am. MajorGeneral William R. Shafter Tampa
 Fla.
 With the approval of the secretary of war you are directed to take your command on transports, proceed under convoy of the navy to the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba, lana your force at such place east or west of that point as your judgment may dic- tate, under the protection of the navy and move it on to the high ground and bluffs over the harbor, or into the interior as shall best enable you to capture or destroy the garrison there, and cover the navy a 8 Tpnn int move torpedoes, or, with the aid of the navy, capture or destroy the Spanish fleet now reported to be in Santiago harbor You will use the utmost energy to ac- complish this enterprise, and the govern ment relies upon your good judgment as to the most judicious use of your command but desires to impress upon you the i'm portance or accomplishing this object with tne least possible delay You can cali to your assistance any of the insurgent forces Tn that vicinity and make use of such of them as you think advisable to assist and especially as scouts, guides etc.
 fou are cautioned against putting too much confidence in any persons outside of your troops. You will take every precau- tion against ambuscades or surprises or posts that may have been mined or com manded by the Spanish forces. Ton will cooperate most earnestly with the naval forces In every way, agreeing beforehand upon a code of signals. Communicate your instructions to Admiral Sampson and Commodore Schley. On completion of this enterprise, unless you receive other or deem it advisable to remain in the l,arbor Of Santiago de Cuba, re-embark your troops and proceed to the harbor of Pio De Banos, reporting by the most favorable means for further orders and future opera- tions-this with the knowledge that your command has not sustained serious losses that the above harbor is safe for your transports and convoy. When will VOL sail?
 By command of Major-G General Miles H. c. CORBIN, Adjutant- General. Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., June q, 1898.
 Sampson's In nformation General Shafter, Tampa, Fla Information from Sampson says he has practically reduced Notifications and only waits your arrival to occupy Santiago. Time is the essence of the situation. Early departure of first importance. By order of the secretary of war H. C.. CORBIN, Adjutant-General. Washington, D. C., June 2, 1898. 75O p. m. General Shafter, Tampa Fla: That you may know the exact situation the president directs me to send you the following from Sampson: "Bombarded forts at Santiago 7:5O to 10 a. m today, June 6. Have silenced forts quickly without injury of any kind, though stationed 2000 yards. If 10000 men were here city and fleet could be ours within forty eight hours. Every consideration demands immediate army movement. If delayed city will be defended more strongly by guns taken from fleet.
 (signed) '.sAMPsoN." He further says that you will sail aa h.