The age-herald., 1898-10-12
ALCER'S REPLY
 ID COMMISSION Original Plan of Campaign Was
 to Attack Havana. PRESENCE OF SPANISH FLEET In Harbor of Santiago Caused the Abandonment of the Idea. SELECTION OF ( AT TAMPA
 
 Mas Made on ? : of Shipping Fa- ciIities ar 2 Unity to Cuba. TROOPS S ON TRANSPORTS After Embarkation on Account of Ad- vices From Commodore Schley Say ing Spanish Vessels Had Been Sighted in Nicholes Channel.
Mas Made on 2 of Shipping Fa-
 ciities ar : Unity to Cuba.
ON TRANSPORTS

WaSnlngtOn, OctoDer l.-Ine IoloWiHB is Secretary Alger's reply to the questions of the war Investigating commission:
 War Department,
 Washington, October G. 1898. Major-General Greenville M. Dodge, Presi- dent Commission Appointed by the Presi- dent to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department in the War With Spain. Sir:-I have the honor herewith to hand you information desired from the secretary of war as referred to in your letter of September 27, 1S9S
 D Very respectfully,
 R. A. ALGER, Secretary of War.
 Information desired from the secretary of war:
 l. Plan of campaign proposed immediate ly after the declaration of war; was 1t in- tended to move at once on Havana, 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 proclamation. The holding of tfbops 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 the use of land forces necessary or desirable
 To Attack Havana
 Early in May plan was practically ma- tured to land force at Mariel, point about twenty-six miles west of Havana, reports having been received that in it's immediate vicinity were high grounds well watered and suitable for camping troops preparatory for a movement upon Havana, later if 1t was deemed advisable, the thought being that possibly an assault might be made upon the forces defending that city before the rainy season set in. Orders were issued to that effect on May g. but subsequently, plans were changed on account of the further information that there would be greater danger to the health of the troops in that vicinity; and also on account of the uncertainty of the movements of the enemys fleet. It was then determined to keep the forces in the United States at points as near Cuba as possible for immediate authorization should an emergency demand it. The Santiago campaign proved to be that emergency.
 It should be added further that 1t was believed after consultation with medical authorities that troops camping fin south- ern states during the summer woplG pe- come somewhat acclimated for their ser- vices in Cuba.
 2. When was the Santiago campaign de- termined upon?
 Presence of Cervera's Fleet
 Answer-The Santiago campaign was made necessary by the presence of Admiral Cerveras fleet in Santiago harbor, but had previously been contemplated 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 To- ' cations in eastern Cuba The immediate destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet was necessary, and to enable the navy to &C., complsh this the military force under Major-General Shafter, United States Vol unteers, was directed to move at once on the city and province of Santiago. This movement was hastened by reason of a telegram received from Admiral Sampson on June stating that he had bombarded forts at Santiago June and silenced works quickly; and if 10000 were there, city and fleet could be captured within forty-eight hours.
 (See copies of telegrams herewith att tached marked A, B, c, D. F, F, G. H.)
 It is proper to state that after the date of this message the Spanish garrison was largely reinforced. The opinion of Admiral Sampson was doubtless correct at this time The troops sailed from Tampa on June IA, 1898, with 16,9SS officers and men. 8. Why was Tampa selected as the base of operations?
 Answer-On account of the shipping fa- ciities at that point and its comparative short distance from Cuba, rendering any movement of the troops possible on short notice as the progress of the blockade or any other sudden change might require. 4. Why were summer camps organized at Fernandina, Jacksonville and Tampa?
 Selection of Camps
 Answer-All of the early camps in the south were selected with special regard for the health of the troops, and their conven- fence for prompt movement by rail and water The camp at Fernandina was or ganized on the recommendation of the major-general commanding the army. The camp at Jacksonville was selected on the recommendation of Major-General Lee, United States Volunteers, commanding the Seventh army corps. Copy of telegram herewith attached marked I)
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