The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-03
SECOND DIVISION IS TO GO.
cEDER ISSUED TO GET IN READI-
NESS FOR CUBA.


orally Expected That the Move
1ncnt VIII Begin Next Week-Gen.
Lee and StaR VIII Probably Ac-
company the First Troops TO the
IsIand-Maj. Harrison Probably
Havana's First Provost Marshal
The Second Division of the Seventh
Army Corps was yesterday officially des-
iguated by Gen. Lee as the first troops
that are 10 leave Savannah under the
orders just issued from the war depart
ment The order from headquarters is as
follows;
In compliance with Geographic instruc-
tons from the war department dated Dec.
I, to send a division of this corps TO Cuba,
the commanding general, Second Division,
viii prepare his division, including the
division hospital, TO embark promptly on
transports on their arrival here and pro-
coed to Cuba The signal corps battalion
viii accompany the Second Division.
Regiments viii be provided with hos
pital tents at the rate Of one tent for six
men, and four tents for reglmental hospi-
tai acquisitions for these tents and the
necessary wall tents for the use of Off
GERS, based on regulation allowances, to
fill any deficiency should be made at once
by each regiment. These tents will not
be delivered in camp. but viii be put on
board the transports as troops embark.
The tentage now in use will be turned in
to depot quartermaster at Savannah as
each regiment leaves. The necessary store
tents. guard tents, etc. should be retained
and taken with the troops. Each regi-
ment viii take with il on It's transport
all the lumber now in its possession that
can be used again. This is very impor-
tant as lumber Is very difficult to obtain
in Cuba.
Regimental commanders will be held
responsible that their commands are fully
equipped with serviceable cooking uten-
sis. clothing and equipage, and will make
immediate acquisitions for any deficiencies.
AT the same time they are cautioned that
transportation IS limited and that no eX-
cess of positive necessities must be ac-
cumulated.
The number of public animals with
each organization that will be permitted
10 go on board of transports viii be limited
partment orders"
The regiments included in the Second
Division are the One Hundred and Sixty
hrst Indiana, Second Illinois, First North
Carolina. Fourth Virginia, Forty-ninth
Iowa and Sixth Missouri There are in
round figures 6.0C0 officers and men in The
division, under command of Brig Gen.
e. b. Williston and II. c. Hasbrouck. In
addition the division hospital corps and
bfa FOR Of u
accompany them. Six transports OF the
size of the Minhewaska could handle them
all, but as the government has more trans
ports of the smaller size in use it is prob
able that IL will require the services of
ten or twelve of them 20 carry the divls-
ion to Havana, which is generally accept
ed as the port for which it will embark
Several transports are understood to be
en- route for Savannah, but the informa-
ton in the possession of the officers of the
corps here is very meager Not a single
advice has come to them from Washing
ton as yet as to when the transports will
reach here, which ones they are, what
their accommodations are, and which regi-
ments II is desired to move first. The
only thing that is absolutely known Is
that the preliminary order for which the
corps has waited for several months has
at last come, and that within a short
time some of the regiments, at least. Will
be on the ocean bound for Cuba. There
is a general feeling of satisfaction over
this and a current belief that the trans
ports win be here early next week. But
there is nothing certain 70 base this belief
upon.
The orders l have issued" said Gen.
Lee last night, ''embodies all the informa-
ton have. 1t is preliminary order, Civ
ing notice TO the troops that are selected
to go under the order from Washington,
so that their commanders may make all
necessary arrangements and be in readi-
ness to go on board ship at an hours
notice If required. When the transports
come il Will be found that the several
regiments are in shape to strike tents and
march 10 the wharf to embark at once.
The men are now well disciplined, in good
condition for the voyage, are well equip
ped, and will enter on their new duties
in Cuba with a spirit of confidence in
themselves and their officers and a de-
termination 90 make a gratifying record
as American volunteers"
Gen. Lee stated that he expects adj
vices at any time now as to the trans
ports that are designated 20 move the d.
vision. From the orders he has received
from the war department ne is satisfied
that 1t is its desire and intention to put
the troops In Cuba now as quickly as pos
sible. He seems TO share the impression
existing around the headquarters generally
that the entire Second Division will be out
OF Savannah before the middle of the
month
Gen. Lee intimated that the headquar-
tiers would accompany the first troops
from the city. No orders have been is
sued to that effect" said he, with smile,
but il is still quite possible"
The signal corps will be among the first
to leave for the island, it is said, as IL is
desired to have arrangements made
promptly for Geographic ard telephone
communication between the various COM
mands, as well as with the city of Havana,
where the general headquarters win
doubtless be established. This will entail
considerable work upon the signal corps
and ii Is probable that only small de-
taehment, perhaps fifteen or twenty, will,
be left here with the First Division 10
keep up the present lines. There are
about 12O enlisted men in the three COM
panies comprising the corps, under Lieut..
Col Joseph Z. Mansfield of the regular