Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-10-12
SEC. ALGER's REPLY
Continued from page -
secretary of war as referred to in your
letter of Sept. 81, 1898.
Very respectfully,
r. A. ALGER,

WHY respectfully,
r. A. ALGER,
Secretary of War.
1-Plan of campaign proposed imme-
tfiately after the declaration of war:
was it intended to move at once on Ha-
vana, or that the campaign should be
postponed until the autumn?
Answer-Immediate blockade by the
navy of the important ports of Cuba,
as directed by the Presidents procla-
nation. The holding of troops at
points nearest to Cuba, to be available
in any emergency which might arise
and especially to be ready for prompt
assistance in case the operations of the
navy should make use of the land
forces if desirable. Early in May a
plan was partly matured to land a
force at Marie, point about 26 miles
west of Havana, reports having been
received in it's immediate vicinity were
high grounds, we'll watered and suita-
Die for camping troops preparatory for
movement upon Havana later If It
was deemed advisable; the thought
being that possibly an assault might
be made upon the forces defending
that city before the rainy season sets
in. Orders were issued to that effect
on May 3. but subsequently plans wera
changed on account of further infor-
nation that there would be great dan
ger to the health of the troops in that
vicinity, and also on account of the
uncertainty of the movements of the
enemy's fleet.
1t was then determined to keep the
forces of the United States at points as
near Cuba as possible for immediate
embarkatfon should an emergency de-
mand it. The Santiago campaign
proved to be that emergency.
1t should be added further that it
was believed, after the consultation
with medical authorities that troops
camping in Southern states during the
surlmer would become somewhat ac-
clmated for their service in Cuba.
!When was the Santiago campaign
determined upon?
Answer-The Santiago campaign was
ma'e necessary by the presence If
Admiral Cervera's fleet in Santiago
harbor: but has previously been con-
templated as one point on the coast
where a reconnaissance in force was to
be made to ascertain the strength of
the enemy in the different localities in
eastern Cuba.
The immediate destruction of Al
miral Cervera's fleet was necessary
and to enable the navy to accomplish
this the military force under Major
General Shafter, U. s. v, was directed
to move at once on the city and prov
ince of Santiago. This movement was
fastened by reason of a telegram re-
ceived from Admiral Sampson, Juna
CT a hat no haI hor, l1ar va
forts of Santiago, June 6, and quickly
silenced works, and if 10000 men were
there city and fleet could be captured
within As hours.
(See copies of kilograms herewith at
tached marked a, b, c, d, e, +, G, H
1t is proper to state that after the
date of this message, the Spanish gar
rison was largely reinforced. The
opinion of Admiral Sampson WAS
doubtless correct at the time. The
troops sailed from Tampa, June II,
1898. with 16.9S8 officers and men.
3-Why was Tampa selected as the
base of operations?
Answer-On account of the shipping
facilities at that point ana it's compare
lively short distance from Cuba rem
dering any movement of the troops
of the blockade or any other sudden
condition might require
4-Why We're summer camps organ
lied at Fernandiana, Jacksonville and
Tampa?
Answer-All of the early camps IN
the South We're selected with special
regard for the health of the troops, and
their convenience for prompt move
~ "a rnta Th.
Fernandina was organized on the
recommendation of the major general
commanding the army. The camp al
Jacksonville was selected on the recon-
men1ation of Major General Lee, L. s
", commanding 7th Army Corps (copy
of telegram herewith attached marked
-.
A permanent camp was never con
templated at Tampa. Troops were
sent there preparatory for embarkatlor
and were kept there ready for any
emergency, and later to embark fol
Porto Rico, and upon the signing ot
the protocol the troops being no Longer
required at Tampa, were sent to Hunts
vile, Ala. camp selected by officer.
detailed to ascertain best camping site
having in view the health and com
fort OF the soldiers.
5-When was the Porto Rico cam
paign determined upon?
Answer-The Porto Rico campaign
had long been under consideration ant
the orders to carry 1T out were issue
June 26 1898. (See copy of letter here
with. marked j.
6-Why were the troops held OF
transports after embarkation at lamp
and not permitted to sail for severa
days?
Answer-Troops We're held on trans
ports after embarkation at Tampa o
account of advice received from Com
modore Remy that Spanish cruise
second class and Spanish torpedo boa
destroyer seen by Eagle, Nicholas chan
mel, Cuba destroy convoy" t.;ee COP
les of kilograms from the navy depart
ment herein marked X. l., Nd.
COPIES OF THE TELEGRAMS