The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-12-08
MILES AT PORTO RICO.
Brief History of the Expedition
to That Island.


With the fall of Santiago. the occupation
of Porto Rico became the next strategic
necessity. Gen. Miles had previously beer
assigned to organize an expedition for that
purpose. Fortunately he was already at
Santiago, where he had arrived on the 18th
OF July, with. requirements for Gen.
Skaters army. With these troops, consist
ing of 3,415 infantry and artillery, two COM
panies of engineers and one company of
mo on July Il, having nine transports cor
Win tRs ef aRgships pxe
gloucester, Columbia and Yale, tho two
latter carrying troops: o. The expedition
entered win little opposition: Here, ire
feet was Joined by the Annapolis and the
Wasp, while the Puritan and Amphitrite
went to San Juan and Joined the New Or
that port. The major general comma nding
schwapn's brigade Of the Third army
division, and also by Gen. Brooke, with a
part Of his corps, numbering in all is .s73 Of;
beers beers and men; On July; q he entered
the island, from which he thereafter d.
rected operations for the capture of the
With the exception of encounters with
the enemy at Guayama. Hermiguerez,
Coamo and Yauco, and an attack on force
landed at Cape San Juan, there was no Sc
ElOuS FCSlSldHCc. 4uS campaign was prose-
cuted with great vigor, and by the 18th of
August much Of the island was in our pos
tession and the acquisition Of the remainder
was only a matter Of a short time. At
we're enthusiastically welcomed. Protesta-
lions of loyalty to the flag and gratitude for
delivery from Spanish rule met our COM
manders at every stage. AS potent in
fuence toward peace, the outcome of the
Porto Rican expedition was of great con-
sequence, and generous commendation is
due to those who participated in it.
Fall of Manila.
The last scene of the war was enacted at
Manila, its Starting place.; On August Is,
after brief assault upon the works by the
land forces, in which the squadron assisted,
1.-THE capital surrendered Internationally.
BY this conquest of the Philippine islands,
virtually accomplished when the Spanish
capacity for resistance was destroyed by
Nam yi sss'sd Of The LIST Of
1itt, his officers and men for their uncom-
flaming and devoted services for their gall
Antry In action, the nation is sincerely
grateful. Their long voyage was made
With singular success, and the soldierly
conduct of the men, most of whom were
Without previous experience in the military
service, deserves unmeasured praise.
Our LOSSES.
it the army during the war was as follows:
tDtal, $50; officers wounded, l13: enlisted
men wounded. 1,4s4; total. 1,5T: OF the
Of wounds, 1; invaliGed from service, s.:
total, 81. 1t will he observed that while our
navy was engaged in two great battles and
IN numerous pertlous undertakings in the
blockades and bombardment and more
ttan $1,000 Of our troops were transported
to distant lands and engaged in assault
and siege and battle and many skirmishes
In unfamiliar territory. we lost in both
arms Of the service q total of 1868 killed and
%0%nd ed and in the entire campaign by
nag or transport or ship, and with the
|eNception Of the crew Of the Merrimac, not
|h soldier or sailor was taken prisoner.
h Troops Return.
N On August 7. Is days from the date of the
landing of Gen. Skaters army IL Cuba,
Rnd q days from the surrender Of Santiago.
fhe. United States troops commenced en-
was returned to the United States as early
hs August "a. They were absent from the
United States only two months.
Tribute to Patriotism.
It is fitting that should bear testimony
10 the patriotism and devotion Of that
hrge portion of our army which, although
lager to be ordered to the post of greatest
Exposure, fortunately was not required out
4de of the United States. They did their
thole duty, and like their comrades at the
font, have earned the gratitude Of the
1ation: In like manner, the officers and
hained in their departments and stations
e the navy performing most importa MT
duties connected with the war, and whose
fquests for assignment in the field and at
heir services were indispensab BILE here, are
Untitled to the highest commentator. It
lis my regret that there seems to be no pros
vision for their suitable recognition.