The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1898-08-10

on several occasions for the use of a lighter
or small steamer to collect supplies, 1 was
informed that they could render no assist
ance in the way, and the medical depart
ment was compelled to rely entirely upon
it's own energies and in,provise its own
transportation. I feel justified in saying
that at the time of my. departure large
quantities Of medical supplies urgently
needed on shore still remained on the trans
ports, number of which were under orders
to return to the United States. Had the
medical department carried along double
the amount Of supplies it Is difficult to see
how with the totally inadequate land and
water transportation provided by the quar-
termasters department, the lamentable con-
ditions on shore could have been in any
way improved.
The Quitting Of the transports for the
reception Of sick and wounded is duty de-
manding thought and experience. and
should never be entrusted to any one except
a regular medical officer 1t included the
proper policing of the portions of the ship
to be used for the wounded the removal of
hunks and partitions to give space and
the utilization of the ships blankets, door
mats, rugs, and carpets, to render the
hunks more comfortable, the securing of
extra supplies, such as canned soups, and
fruits, lime juice and oatmeal, the estab-
lishment of a mess and laundry and the
assignment of convsllescents to specific
light duties, which materially relieve the
overworked hospital corps. Usually 1t is
necessary to overcome passive resistance
and opposition the part Of the crews and
tendency on the part Of the captains to
disregard or modify orders.
In several instances in my own expert
ence this action of the crew amounted al
most to mutiny and was only to be dealt
with by threats, show Of force, and, in
one instance, by the use of the irons. While
executive officer at the general hospital
1oar cd
captain of the steamer Seneca positively
refused to obey the orders emanating from
your officer, given him by the contract sur
geon in charge, to proceed to New York
he remaining nearly an additional day at
Hampton Roads with sick and wounded,
and asserting that he would obey no orders
given by the medical department. A SIM
liar experience Of my own at Daiquiri,
which had to be settled by force, empha asizes
the fact that no one should be placed in
charge of such a ship who is not accus-
toned to command men and enforce obedi-
ence.
With regard to the Red Cross society it
would seem as If the lofty purposes Of this
organization were, on the Santiago eXpedi-
ton, subverted to individual interests. While
at Tampa the Red Cross ship "State of
Texas" was formally placed under the con-
troll of the chief surgeon, 9Th corps, by DR..
Egan, the representative of the society;
he acting under telegraphic instructions to
that effect. Col. Pope accepted this offer
and directed that the State Of Texas ac-
company the expedition Of Gen. Shafter
to it's destination. Although this order was
fully understood the State of Texas did
not accompany the expedition nor did it
arrive at Siboney until the forces had been
landed. Too much praise cannot be given
to the individual efforts of DR.. Lesser and
the Red Cross nurses. Their work was
undying and unselfs'l and the assistance
rendered nv them waS Nf~pYeat Valle
In conclusion it is desired to emphasize
the fact that the lamentable conditions pre-
vailing in the army before Santiago were
due to the military necessity which threw
troops on shore and away from the posi-
bility of supplies without medicines, instru-
ments, dressings or hospital stores Of any
kind. Very respectfully, your obedient ser
vant EDWARD L. MUNSON
Captain and Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.,
Commanding Res. Amb. Co.