Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1898-09-22
THE STORY OF SANTIAGO.
Gen. Shsfter Makes His OniciaI Report To
the War Department - Some Extracts


Gen. Shsfter Makes His OniciaI Report To
the War Department Some Extracts
Therefrom,
Washington, Sept. 15.-Gen. Shat
ter's report of the campaign which
terminated in the fall of Santiago has
been made public. He briefly recounts
the organization of the expedition and
its embarkation, and then devoteS the
main body of the report to the active
operations about Santiago.
The report says: 1t was not until
nearly two weeks after the army land
ed that it was possible 10 place on
shore three days supplies in excess OF
those required for the daily conSump-
ton. On June 80 | reconnoitered the
country about Santiago and made my
plan of attack. OF the battle Of San
Juan he says:
In this fierce encounter words fail
to do justice to the gallant regimental
commanders and the heroic men. for
while the generals indicated the for
nations and the points of attack, IT
was after all the intrepid bravery of
the subordinate officers and men that
planted our colorS on the crest of San
Juan hill and drove the enemy from
his trenches and blockhouses, thus
gaining a position which sealed the
fate of Santiago.
MY own health was impaired by
over-eXertiOn in the sun and the in
tense heat of the day before which
prevented me from participating as ac-
lively in the battle as | desired, but
from high hill near my headquarters
! had general view of the battlefield.
Very few Cubans took part in the
battle of FL Caney. and they rendered
little assistance, as they were poorly
armed, weak and suffering.
Shafter does not mince words in
dealing with Gen. Garcia. Shafter
thinks that with between 1000 and
5000 men Garcia should have been able
to cut off Escario, who reinforced Lin
ares and Toral at Santiago, and claims
that Garcia's forces were well able to
perform this duty.
The only reference to Miles is a brief
one. He speaks of him as the com
mander-in-chief of the American army.
and recites that the latter arrived in
his camp just as he tShafter) was ne
-''i'i * W lNil VI dI IOi iIt SURRENDER
of Santiago.
Here are some important statements
of the report: ''After the great physi-
cal strain and exposure of July and
2 the malaria and other fevers began
to rapidly advance throughout the
command, and on July yellow fever
appeared at Sibony. Though efforts
were made to keep the fact from ths
army, it soon became known.
THE supply of quartermaster and
commissary stores during the cam
paign was abundant. The troops on
the firing line were at all times sup
piled with cornmeal. sugar and coffee.
There was no lack of Transportation.
In reference to the sick and wounded.
| have to say that they received every
attention that it was possible to give.
The medical officers worked night and
day. 1t would have been better if we
had more ambulances."
Shafter recommended for promotion
n long list of officers. and returns
thanks 10 Admiral Sampson and Capt.
Goodrich for efficient services in dis
embarking his army. In closing the
report. Shafter expresses his warmeSt
thanks to division, brigade and regi-
mental commanders. He is particular
~ indebted to Gen. Joe Wheeler, who
was of such valuable assistance, and
who insisted on taking part in the bat
ties, despite a severe illness.
Along with Shafter's report are re-
ports from the brigadiers. They tell
chiefly what happened to their own
commands.