56th Congress, 1st Session. SENATE. - No-.^E - REPORT OF THE COMMISSION APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT TO INVESTIGATE THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT IN THE WAR WITH SPAIN. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, Iowa, President. Co). James A. Sexton, Illinois. Col. Charles Denby, Indiana. Capt. Evan P. Howell, Georgia. Ex-Governor Urban A. Woodbury, Vermont. Brig. Gen. John M. Wilson, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. Gen. James A. Beaver, Pennsylvania. Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook, U. S. A. Dr. Phineas S. Conner, Ohio. Richard Weightman, Secretary. Lieut. Col. F. B. Jones, Chief Quartermaster of Volunteers, Disbursing Officer. Maj. Stephen C. Mills, liecorder. IN EIGHT VOLUMES. Vol. 1. MINUTES OF MEETINGS-REPORT TO PRESIDENT- APPENDICES. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE". i goo. CONTENTS-VOLUME 1. Page. Minutes of meetings 3-104 Report to President 107-233 Appendices: A. Secretary R. A. Alger's letter to President 237 B. President William McKinley's letter to Commission 237 C,D, E, F. Extracts from minutes of Commission 238 G. Letter to Secretary of War . _ 239-244 H. Reply of the Secretary of War __ 244-249 I. Reply of the Adjutant-General 253-266 I3. Statistical matter from the office of the Inspector-General 269-424 13. Explaining recent changes in the inspection system of the Army _ 427-432 K. Reply of the Quartermaster-General 435-542 L. Reply of the Commissary-General 545-567 M. Reply of the Surgeon-General 571-734 in PROCEEDINGS. FIBST DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., September 34, 1898. The Commission met in accordance with the request of the President of the United States at 12 o'clock noon. Present: Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, of Iowa; Col. James A. Sexton, of Illinois; Col. Charles Denby, of Indiana; Capt. Evan P. Howell, of Georgia; Governor Urban A. Woodbury, of Vermont; Brig. Gen. John M. Wilson, Chief of Engineers, United States Army; Gen. James A. Beaver, of Pennsylvania; Maj. Gen. A. McD. McCook, United States Army; Maj. S. C. Mills, Inspector-General, United States Army, recorder. Absent: Dr. Phineas S. Conner, of Ohio. The Commission having met for the purpose of organization, Gen. Grenville M. Dodge was nominated for president of the Commission, and unanimously elected. General Dodge then took his seat as president. The Commission appointed Mr. Bichard Weightman, of Washington, D. C., secretary of the Commission, and the recorder was instructed to call upon Mr. Weightman and inform him of his appointment. It was resolved that for the present the deliberations of the Commis- sion be private, and that no information as to the proceedings of the Commission be given out save by the president of the Commission. The president of the Commission was authorized to employ the neces- sary clerical force and procure the necessary stationery and material for the use of the Commission. Gen. J. A. Beaver was appointed the examiner of the Commission. The recorder was directed to request of the Secretary of War the detail of a captain and quartermaster of the U nited States Army to act as disbursing officer for the Commission. The recorder was instructed to obtain from the President of the United States the letter from the Secretary of War asking for an investigation of the War Department, the order from the President for the Commis- sion to assemble, and the address by the President to the Commission. It was resolved that the hours of session of the Commission be from 10 a. m. till 12.30 p. in., and from 2 p. m. till 1 p. m. The Commission, at 1 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. Monday, the 26th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. 3 4 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, J). C., September 26, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m. Present: Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, of Iowa; Col. Charles Denby, of Indiana; Gen. A. McD. McCook, United States Army; Gen. John M. Wilson, United States Army; Gen. James A. Beaver, of Pennsylva- nia; Governor Urban A. Woodbury, of Vermont; Dr. Phineas S. Con- ner, of Ohio; Capt. Evan P. Howell, of Georgia; Col. James A. Sexton, of Illinois; Mr. Bichard Weightman, of Washington, D. C., secretary; Maj. S. C. Mills, United States Army, recorder. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. Colonel Denby read a paper setting forth his views as to the proper course of investigation to be pursued by the Commission. Governor Woodbury said that the question was how to begin the investigation, and, as indicated at the last meeting, it was deemed proper to call on the Secretary of War for all the information he can give on the subjects mentioned by Colonel Denby in his paper, and with a view of going to work on this line of investigation he had drafted a letter to the Secretary of War, which he offered for such amendments as might be thought necessary. The letter was read by the secretary. On motion it was ordered that a typewritten copy of the letter be prepared for each member of the Commission, that it may be considered, and such amendments as are desirable. General McCook inquired if a copy of the papers from the President to the Commission had been received. The recorder stated that a request had been made for the papers, but they had not yet been received. General Wilson read a paper giving in detail the information desired of the various branches of the War Department, and, after discussion, it was ordered that it be included in the letter to the Secretary of War as a memorandum of the specific information desired, and that a type- written copy of the same be furnished to the members of the Commis- sion. The chairman read a letter received from E. T. Parker, of Washing- ton, making charges against the War Department; one from a gentle- man from Massachusetts in regard to the mail service, and one from W. Clark Marshall in regard to corned beef. Also a statement taken from the Washington Post, giving charges purporting to have been made by the chaplain of the First Pennsylvania Volunteers, of the bad treatment of soldiers at Chickamauga. The disposition of communications received was discussed, and a form of letter acknowledging their receipt was adopted; also a form of letter calling for specific information in cases which would seem to require such action. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 5 Dr. Conner was granted leave of absence for forty-eight hours. On motion it was ordered that the afternoon session of this day be devoted to a visit to Fort Myer. On motion it was ordered that the president of the Commission be authorized to give to the press such information as to the proceedings of the Commission as he may in his discretion think best, and that at the proper time a copy of the letter of inquiry to the Secretary of War be given to the press. The Commission, at 12 o'clock, adjourned to meet to-morrow, the 27th instant, at 10 a. m. S. C. Mills, Recorder. THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. G., September 27, 1898. The Commission met at 10 o'clock a. m., with all the members present excepting Dr. Phineas S. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved. The president of the Commission submitted a communication from the President of the United States, giving (1) the names of the commis- sioners as follows: Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, Iowa; Col. James A. Sexton, Illinois; Col. Charles Denby, Indiana; Capt. Evan P. Howell, Georgia; Governor Urban A. Woodbury, Vermont; Brig. Gen. John M. Wilson, U. S. A.; General James A. Beaver, Penn- sylvania; Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook, U. S. A.; Dr. Phineas S. Conner, Ohio; Maj. Stephen C. Mills, recorder; (2) the following letter from the Secretary of War: War Department, Washington, September 8, 1898. To the President : I have the honor to ask that a board, consisting of from five to seven members of the most distinguished soldiers and civilians that can be selected, be appointed by you, with full power to investigate thoroughly every bureau of the War Department in connection with the mustering, clothing, supplying, and arming of troops, trans- portation, the letting of contracts and chartering of vessels, and all expenditures of every kind, as well as of orders issued by this Department; indeed, that everything connected with the Army be thoroughly investigated for your information. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. and (3) an address by the President to the Commission, as follows: To the Commission Appointed by the President to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department in the War with Spain. Gentlemen : Before suggesting the matters which shall come before you for inves- tigation I desire to express my appreciation to each of you for your willingness to accept the patriotic service to which you have been invited. You are to perform one of the highest public duties that can fall to a citizen, and your unselfishness in undertaking it makes me profoundly grateful. 6 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. There has been in many quarters severe criticism of the conduct of the war with Spain. Charges of criminal neglect of the soldiers in camp and field and hospital and in transports have been so persistent that, whether true or false, they have made a deep impression upon the country. It is my earnest desire that you shall thor- oughly investigate these charges and make the fullest examination of the adminis- tration of the War Department in all of its branches with the view to establishing the truth or falsity of these accusations. I put upon you no limit to the scope of your investigation. Of all departments connected with the Army I invite the closest scrutiny and examination, and shall afford every facility for the most searching inquiry. The records of the War Department and the assistance of its officers shall be subject to your call. I can not impress upon you too strongly my wish that your investigation shall be so thorough and complete that your report, when made, will fix the responsibility for any failure or fault, by reason of neglect, incompetency, or maladministration, upon the officers and bureaus responsible therefor, if it be found that the evils com- plained of have existed. The people of the country are entitled to know whether or not the citizens who so promptly responded to the call of duty have been neglected or misused or maltreated by the Government to which they so willingly gave their services. If there have been wrongs committed, the wrongdoers must not escape conviction and punishment. The president ordered to be spread upon the records of the minutes that the Commission, after adjourning yesterday, met at Fort Myer and examined the hospital there. The president announced the receipt of a communication from W. W. Howard, of 1007 West Ashland street, Los Angeles, Cal., inclos- ing two clippings from a Rochester paper, entitled "An attack on Camp Merritt-Its location." The secretary was directed to make the usual acknowledgment. The secretary read to the Commission the letter to the Secretary of War, as follows: Washington, D. C., September 26, 1898. The Secretary of War. Sir: Pursuant to authority conferred upon ns by the President, we have the honor to request that you direct the Adjutant-General, the Quartermaster-General, the Commissary-General, the Surgeon-General, the Chief of Ordnance, and the Chief of Engineers to furnish us as soon as practicable information as to the condition of their several departments at the time of the declaration of war with Spain and the opera- tions of those departments from that time until the present. We desire the infor- mation to include the following, viz: (1) The times and places of the mobilization of the regular and volunteer troops. (2) The organization of these troops into the various subdivisions of the Army, the personnel of the brigade, division, corps, and army commanders, and of their staffs, whether appointed from the permanent establishment, from the National Guard, or from civil life. (3) The amount and kind of camp and garrison equipage and other supplies that were on hand at the beginning of the war, the amount subsequently purchased, when and where purchased, when and where delivered to your Department, and when and where actually issued to the troops. (4) Similar information in regard to furnishing the troops with arms and accouterments. (5) Which of the volunteers were armed and equipped in the various State camps, and which in the general camp. (6) Upon whose recommendation or judgment the various general rendezvous were selected, and the reasons for such selection. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 7 (7) Full particulars relative to the transportation of troops by sea, giving an account of the provisions made for the accommodation and care of the sick and wounded. (8) An account of the quantity, quality, and kind of food furnished the troops; and in case that any of them failed of being plentifully and seasonably supplied, state the reasons therefor. (9) As to the proper tentage, beds, linen, medicines, food, and all other necessary equipment and supplies for the use of the Hospital Corps of the Army. If there was any lack of these things at any time, state the reasons therefor. (10) Whether the medical staff was efficient and sufficient at all times for the proper care of the sick and wounded; and if not, state the reasons therefor. (11) Such information relative to the conditions and operations of the Ordnance and Engineering departments as will be of value to us in our investigation. We have outlined briefly a portion only of the information that we trust you will be able to give us. It will be satisfactory to have it communicated to us in writing, or by the chiefs of the several bureaus in person, with the submission of such records confirming their statements as they may be pleased to hand us. To aid you in complying with this request there is submitted herewith a list of special questions, to which, so far as is possible, answers are desired. Very respectfully, Grenville M. Dodge, President. INFORMATION DESIRED FROM SECRETARY OF WAR. 1. Plan of campaign proposed immediately after the declaration of war; was it intended to move at once on Havana, or that the campaign should be postponed until the autumn ? 2. When was the Santiago campaign determined upon? 3. Why was Tampa selected as the base of operations? 4. Why were summer camps organized at Fernandina, Jacksonville, and Tampa? 5. When was the Porto Rico campaign determined upon? 6. Why were the troops held on transports after embarkation at Tampa and not permitted to sail for several days? INFORMATION DESIRED FROM ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 1. Number of troops available for duty just before war was declared. 2. Number of men enlisted in Regular Army under authority of the law authorizing placing it upon a war footing. 3. Number of volunteer regiments mustered in, number of officers appointed, and number of men enlisted under the first call of the President. 4. Number of volunteer regiments mustered in, number of officers appointed, and number of men enlisted under the second call of the President. 5. Maximum number of officers and enlisted men in the regular and volunteer forces during the war. 6. Number of officers appointed in the volunteer service in each staff department during the war. 7. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers with maximum number of troops operating in Cuba in the Santiago campaign with the organization of the command, its commanding general, corps, division and brigade commanders, the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. 8. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers with maximum number of troops operating in Porto Rico, with the organization of the command, its com- manding general, corps, division and brigade commanders, the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. 8 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. 9. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers with maximum number of troops operating in the Philippine Islands with the organization of the command, its commanding general, corps, division and brigade commanders, the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. 10. Location of camps in the United States, by whom selected, number of regi- ments and number of officers and enlisted men of regulars and of volunteers at each camp, organization of camps, names of commanding generals, together with names of division and brigade commanders, length of time each camp was maintained, and number of deaths by disease at each camp. 11. Finally, all reports of officers in the Inspector-Generals Department. INFORMATION DESIRED FROM QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 1. Upon the declaration of war, was the organization and were the regulations of the Department of such a character as to admit of the prompt equipment and move- ment of troops? 2. How many officers belonged to the Department when war was declared, and how many (with their rank) have been appointed in the volunteer service since that time? 3. For an army of what size was the Department prepared to fully supply all necessary clothing, camp and garrison equipage on April 1, 1898. 4. Was the clothing on hand and ready for issue to troops, and that previously issued, of a character suitable for use in a tropical climate? 5. What amount of tentage was available, and were the troops sent from garrison life to the field at once furnished with necessary tentage and other quartermaster supplies necessary for use in camp life? 6. What steps were taken for fully supplying an army of 250,000 men with suitable clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and what amount of material of each kind had been obtained and what amount issued up to August 31, 1898? 7. How many public animals and how many wagons with harness were available April 1, 1898? 8. What steps were taken for obtaining animals, wagons, and harness; how were they obtained, and what number had been purchased and issued by August 31, 1898 % 9. What arrangements had been made previous to April 1, 1898, for the rapid move- ment of troops by land and by water? 10. What arrangements were made and how many troops were actually moved by railroad and by vessel between April 1 and August 31, 1898? 11. Were full and complete arrangements made for supplying the troops operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines with suitable clothing and with camp and garrison equipage and quartermasters' stores for armies operating in the field? 12. How many and what vessels were purchased or chartered for transportation of troops? What was the capacity of each vessel? Was it properly arranged for the comfort of the troops, so far as was possible? Was there a full supply of water for use of troops arranged in every case, and was each and every vessel carefully inspected by an officer or agent of the Department and pronounced satisfactory before troops were permitted to embark? 13. What arrangements were made for the disembarkation of troops, when there was a possibility of it being done outside of a harbor? 14. When so-called permanent camps were located for a large force, what arrange- ments were made for a full and complete supply of potable water for use of troops ? Were tent floors furnished in any cases other than for hospitals? If so, where and to whom? 15. When troops were moved by rail for long distances, were there any arrange- ments made for a supply of water? Were there any unnecessary delays in the movements of troops from the camps established on the return of the Army from Cuba? MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 9 16. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Quartermaster- General in reference to the prompt compliance with proper requisitions or complaints of any character in reference to the operations of the Department in connection with the movement of troops, the issuing of proper and necessary supplies, or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Quartermaster's Department? 17. What funds were at the command of the Department April 1, 1898, and what additional funds wrere available by August 31, 1898, under general or special legis- lation? INFOBMATION DESIRED FROM ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. 1. What was the organization of the Department on April 1, 1898? 2. How many arsenals were there where ordnance materials were being manufac- tured and what was their daily capacity? 3. On April 1, 1898, what were the conditions in reference to the following: How many modern, high-power, heavy, breech-loading rifle guns were available and what were their calibers? How many gun carriages of each class were available? How many 12-inch B. L. rifled mortars were available? How many 12-inch B. L. rifled mortar carriages were available? How many rapid-fire guns and of what caliber, together with their mounts, were available ? How much black powder for heavy and rapid-fire guns was available? How much smokeless powder for heavy and rapid-fire guns was available? How many projectiles for each class of high-power guns, rifled mortars, and rapid- fire guns were available? How many rifled siege guns, howitzers, and mortars, and of what caliber, with their carriages, were available, and what ammunition was ready for them? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many rifled field guns and of what caliber, with their carriages, necessary harness, etc., were available, and what ammunition was ready for them? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many machine guns, with their mounts, were available, and what ammunition was ready for them? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many rifles and of what caliber were ready for issue to troops, and what amount of ammunition was ready? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many carbines, how many pistols, and how many sabers, with belts, etc., were ready for issue, and what amount of ammunition for the carbines and pistols was ready? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many sets of horse equipments for cavalry and light artillery were ready? How many knapsacks, haversacks, meat cans, tin cups, knives, forks, and spoons were ready ? An army of what size was the Ordnance Department prepared to completely equip in every respect ready for field service, with necessary artillery, small arms, ammu- nition, and all articles furnished by that Department, on April 1, 1898? 4. By August 31 what of the articles mentioned, in addition to those on hand April 1, had been obtained, how obtained, and how much had been issued? 5. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Chief of Ord- nance in reference to the prompt compliance with proper requisitions, or complaints of any character in reference to the operations of the Ordnance Department in con- nection with furnishing necessary armament for permanent defenses or siege and field artillery, rifles, equipments for infantry, artillery, and cavalry, and ammunition of all kinds? 6. What funds were under the control of the Department April 1, 1898, and what additional funds were available by August 31 under general or special legislation? 10 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. INFORMATION DESIRED FROM SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT. 1. What was the organization of the Subsistence Department April 1, 1898, the number and rank of officers, and number of commissary sergeants? 2. What additions in number and rank of regular officers, and what number of volunteer officers were appointed in the Snbsistence Department between April 1 and August 31? 3. On April 1, 1898, an army of what size was the Subsistence Department pre- pared to fully supply with officers and the necessary field rations, and of what does that ration consist? 4. Between April 1 and August 31, 1898, what arrangements were made for fully supplying with food an army of 250,000 men serving in the field and in camp? What was the field ration and what was the ration in camp? 5. What arrangements were made for supplying the army in Cuba, the army in Porto Rico, and the army in the Philippines, and of what did the ration actually consist in each case? 6. Were the troops in the field and those in camps fully supplied at all times with proper food? If not, why not? 7. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Commissary- General in reference to the prompt compliance with requisitions, the lack of food, poor character of food, or complaints of any character whatever in reference to fur- nishing supplies, or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Subsistence Department? 8. What funds were under the command of the Department on April 1 and what additional funds were available by August 31, under general or special legislation? INFORMATION DESIRED FROM MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 1. What was the organization of the Medical Department on April 1, 1898? How many officers, with their rank; how many hospital stewards, and what was the size of the Hospital Corps? 2. How many ambulances and litters were available? 3. An army of what size was the Department able to completely fit out with medi- cal officers, stewards, and hospital corps, and necessary surgical instruments and supplies of every character? 4. Between April 1 and August 31, 1898, what steps were taken for fully supply- ing an army of 250,000 men with all necessary surgeons, stewards, hospital corps, ambulances, litters, surgical instruments, and medical supplies of all and every character? 5. How many general hospitals were organized, where located, how equipped and managed, number of patients and number of deaths in each case, between April 1 and August 31, 1898? 6. How many hospitals were established at various camps; what were the arrange- ments for the care and comfort of the sick and wounded; how many sick were cared for at each camp hospital, and how many deaths occurred? 7. What, if any, railroad ambulance trains were established; where were they located aud used? 8. How many hospital ships were obtained; how were they equipped, how managed, and what work did they perform? What arrangements were made and how were the armies operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines supplied with medi- cal officers, medical supplies, and food for the sick and wounded? 9. What number of surgeons of volunteers, hospital stewards, nurses, attendants, etc., were employed between April 1 and August 31 in addition to those in the service of the United States on April 1, 1898? 10. Were all vessels used in transporting sick and wounded thoroughly inspected by a medical officer before troops were permitted to embark, and were they fully supplied with surgeons, surgical instruments, medical supples of every character, potable water, and proper food for sick and convalescents? MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 11 11. Were the armies operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines fully sup- plied with efficient surgeons, stewards, and hospital corps, and with ambulances, litters, surgical instruments, medical supplies of all kinds, and proper food for the sick and wounded? 12. Were the chief surgeons in the various camps instructed to carefully watch their sanitary condition, to look after their cleanliness, to demand the proper supply of water, to test the water as to its character, to look into the cooking arrangements, to locate the sinks and to see to their proper care? 13. Why were regimental hospitals in camps abolished and division hospitals sub- stituted? Were the results satisfactory ? 14. How were the surgeons employed in the field, in camps, and in general hos- pitals selected? Was there any regular examination required, and as a rule have they proved efficient and faithful? 15. How were the hospital stewards, nurses, and attendants selected? 16. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Surgeon- General in reference to the prompt compliance with requisitions, the lack of proper medical attendance, the lack of surgical instruments, the lack of proper care, food, and water for the sick and wounded with armies in the field or with troops in camp or men in general hospitals and field hospitals or on railroad trains or transports at sea; in fact, what, if any, complaints have been made in writing in reference to the issuing of proper supplies or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Medical Department of the Army ? 17. What funds were at the command of the Department on April 1, and what additional funds were available by August 31 under general or special legislation? It was moved and carried that the president sign and send the fore- going letter, and that a copy of same be given to the press. The president notified the Commission that he would be absent on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, and General Beaver then moved that, in the absence of the president, Colonel Denby should act as president, which, upon being duly seconded, was carried. The president stated that if there was no objection Colonel Denby should be given the title of vice-president, and, hearing no objection, the president so announced that title. Upon motion of Governor Woodbury, duly seconded, it was deter- mined to allow one representative of each of the press associations to be present during the examination of witnesses by this Commission. It was ordered by the Commission that the stenographer should not record all the remarks made by members of the Commission, but that the regular routine work of the proceedings should be recorded. The following resolution was moved: Resolved, First, that the Secretary of War, the Adjutant-General, the Quarter- master-General, the Commissary-General, and the Surgeon-General be requested to transmit to this Commission all complaints that have been received by them since April 1, 1898, touching the conduct of the war. Resolved, Second, that this Commission invites and is ready and willing to receive and consider any complaints about the management of any of the various branches of the War Department from any person or persons; that we respectfully request that such complaints be made in writing, stating facts that the party may know of his own knowledge plainly and in detail, giving names of any officers or enlisted men who may be charged with misconduct or incompetency, addressed to the secre- tary of the Commission at Washington, D. C. 12 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Upon being duly seconded, this motion was carried. The president read a letter from William N. Hill, M. D., of Balti- more, Md., stating that he offered last spring to construct portable buildings, etc., which, if followed out, would have made conditions better. The president ordered that a communication be sent to him acknowledging the receipt of the letter and informing him that the same would receive proper attention. Upon motion, duly seconded, it was resolved to make the salary of the secretary of the Commission $10 per day, and his expenses while out of the city of Washington, D. C. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 28th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., September 28, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m. Present: Col. Charles Denby, vice-president; Gen. John M. Wilson, United States Army; Governor Urban A. Woodbury; Capt. Evan P. Howell. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read, amended, and approved. The following letters were read, and it was directed that they be answered on the proper form, 1 or 2, and filed: W. S. Witham, Swainsboro, Ga., September 20. John H. McWilliams, Celina, Tenn., September 17. J. S. Bourdon, Augusta, Me., September 26. H. Gottschalk, Chicago, Ill., September 24, relative to Private Peter Kramer, Seventh Illinois Volunteers, stated to have been sent to Chicago from hospital at Montauk Point in a terrible condition. It was directed that a copy of this letter be sent to the commanding officer at Camp Wikoffi with a request for report. General Wilson read a letter from Theodore W. Noyes, editor of the Washington Evening Star, asking for certain facilities for obtaining the news from the Commission. It was directed that it be filed, to be considered by the full Commission. General Wilson stated that he would advise the writer of the action taken. The report of Brig. Gen. John M. Wilson, Chief of Engineers, United States Army, was received, read, and placed on file. The Commission, at 11.40 a. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 13 AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The vice-president called attention to a telegram from Major-General Wheeler, asking if he would be needed to appear before the Commis- sion before Saturday, to which a reply was ordered sent stating he would not be needed before Tuesday of next week. The vice-president read articles from several newspapers, which were handed to the recorder to be properly filed. The Commission, at 2.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 29th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., September 2J, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m. Present: Col. Charles Denby, Gen. John M. Wilson, U. S. A.; Gov- ernor Urban A. Woodbury, Capt. Evan P. Howell. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read, amended, and approved. The chairman read the following communications, referred to the Commission in letter of J. A. Porter, secretary to the President of the United States, dated September 28, 1898: Margaret H. Garrard, Billport, Long Island, September 25. Answer by Form 2. Mrs. E. C. Allis, 29 East Twenty-first street, New York, September 26. Answer by Form 2. Jesse M. Holland, Camp Wikoff, New York, September 26. Special answer. Also the following, received in letter from the secretary to the Presi- dent, dated September 28, and marked "Important:" Dr. Robert MacLean Taft, 371 West End avenue, New York, Septem- ber 13. Important, and to have special answer, the writer to be requested to forward the affidavits to which he refers, and such addi- tional evidence as he has, and to be informed that the affiants men- tioned will have the immunity from court-martial proceedings desired. Letters were read and disposed of as follows: A committee of citizens, by Augustus Peters, chairman, and Robert B. Roosevelt, secretary. Special answer. George E. Fox, Philadelphia, Pa., August 28. Usual acknowledg- ment. George J. Thompson, Anderson, W. Va., September 16. Usual acknowledgment. 14 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Mrs. B. F. Sower, Thomas, W. Va., September 26. Usual acknowl- edgment. Benjamin F. Jennings, Pittsburg, Pa., September 23. File. H. Blanchard Dominick, 14 West Forty-ninth street, New York. Usual acknowledgment. John H. Mills, 285 Bedford avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., August 24. Usual acknowledgment. Mrs. Mary P. Merritt, 87 St. James street, Kingston, N. Y., Septem- ber 14. Usual acknowledgment. Oliver C. Sabin, Washington, D. 0., September 10. Important; special. R. Stansbury Sutton, major and brigade surgeon, Pittsburg, Pa., September 14. Usual acknowledgment. Edward T. Howard, room 127, Dreibund Building, New York, Sep- tember 26. Usual acknowledgment. George P. Holmes, St. Louis, Mo., September 15. File. A. D. Ferren, 867 Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, September 15. File. Rev. S. Leroy Blake, New London, Conn., August 21. File. S. S. Carlton, Webb, Me., August 31. File. J. H. Ladeu, 154 East Houston street, New York, August 30. Usual acknowledgment. G. W. F. Graff, Kinersville, Pa., September 13. Usual acknowledg- ment. S. W. Armington, Holden, Mass., August 22. File. Walter W. Concklin, Englewood, N. J., September 7. Special. Z. Haeberlin, Terre Haute, Ind., September 17. File. Mrs. William B. Hanna, 110 South Thirty-eighth street, Philadelphia, Pa., September 23. Usual acknowledgment. Francis Lowell Hills, chairman relief committee, Wilmington, Del., September 23. Usual acknowledgment. M. J. Spaulding, secretary Seventy-first Regiment Aid Society, Borough of the Bronx, New York, August 31. Special. R. Brinkerhoff, Mansfield, Ohio, September 10. Inclosing letter of Dr. P. D. Sims. General Wilson read two letters received by him from Col. John S. Saunders, No. 1 Rialto Building, Baltimore, Md., and asked that they be acknowledged. So ordered. General Wilson read a letter sent by him to officers of the Engineer- ing Department five days before the one already given in his report, and asked that it be filed with said report, and it was so ordered. Governor Woodbury was appointed a committee to prepare and sub- mit letters to Generals Merritt, Merriam, and Otis, and to the chief quartermaster at San Francisco, Cal., asking for certain information. At 12.30 p. m. the Commission took a recess until 2.30 p. m. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 15 AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2.30 o'clock p. m. Governor Woodbury submitted to the Commission a letter which he had framed, and the same was ordered sent to Maj. Gen. E. S. Otis and Maj. Gen. H. C. Merriam, which is as follows: Sir : We hd,ve the honor to request you to furnish us as early as possible with such information as you may possess as to the adequacy or inadequacy of the quar- termaster, commissary, and medical supplies, and medical staff of the troops under your command while in this country, while en route to and at your present station, and whether or not such supplies were promptly and sufficiently issued to the troops. Also as to the proper or improper preparation of the transports for the transportation of your troops to your present station. We would also be pleased to be informed as to the ration issued to the troops. Very respectfully, Charles Denby, Vice-President. A like letter was ordered sent to Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt, modified to read "and while in command at Manila" in lieu of the expression "while at your present station." The following letters were received by the Commission and disposi- tion thereof made as herein noted: Mr. F. J. Pflueger, Station A, Newport, Ky., September 27, 1898. Form 2. Mrs. Catharine White, care Chicago Record, Chicago, Ill., September 27, 1898. Form 1. Mr. Edward C. Ellis, Boston, September 28, 1898. Form 1. Mr. F. W. Taylor, 767 Van Buren street, Milwaukee, Wis., Septem- ber 25, 1898. The secretary was directed to send to the commanding officer, Fort Monroe, for a report on the matter. Mrs. F. M. Armstrong and Miss F. M. Walcott (joint letter), Waiala, Hampton, Va., September 27, 1898. Special. The Commission, at 3.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 30th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SIXTH DAY. War Department, Washington, I). C., September 30, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m. Present: Col. Charles Denby, Gen. John M. Wilson, Governor Urban A. Woodbury, Capt. Evan P. Howell. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read by the vice president and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: R. H. Newton, All Saints' Church, New York City, September 28. Special. 16 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. John Liggins, Cape May, N. J., September 30. Form 1. Thos. S. Morgan, Boston, Mass., September 27. Form 1. J. Morris Keen, New York City, September 28. Form 2. H. O. Ladd, president Jamaica Hospital Relief Society, Jamaica, borough of Queens, N. Y., September 25. Special. Wm. F. Mannix, first lieutenant Company I, Third Pennsylvania, 417 South Ninth street, Philadelphia, Pa., September 29. Special. Mrs. Samuel S. Ferris, Sound Beach, Conn., September 28. Special. K. P. Wormley, Jackson, N. H., September 27. Special. J. W. Brown, Chicago, Ill., September 27. Form 1. Dr. W. Gilman Thompson, New York City, September 28. Special. O. W. Bennett, Drexel Building, Philadelphia, September 29. Form 1. The recorder was directed to obtain a scrapbook, in which clippings should be placed and grouped under regular departments and to show which belong to the different camps. The Commission, at 11.30, adjourned until 2.30 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The following letters were read by the vice-president and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: E. G. Norton, Delphine, Ala., September 27. Form 2. J. M. Blodgett, Chicago, September 26, inclosing newspaper clipping signed Edward J. Hamilton. Form 2. The Commission, at 3.20 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock to- morrow, October 1. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., October 7, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m. Present: Col. Charles Denby, Gen. A. McD. McCook, Gen. John M. Wilson, Governor Urban A. Woodbury, Capt. Evan P. Howell. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read by the vice-president and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Mr. H. G. Day, editor Standard Printing Company, Albert Lea, Minn., inclosing clipping on interview with J. A. Caswell, editor Anoka Herald (Anaka, Minn.). Form 1, to H. G. Day; Form 2, to J. A. Caswell. Special Orders, No. 229, Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-Gen- eral's Office, Washington, D. C., September 28, ordering Francis B. Jones, chief quartermaster, United States Volunteers, as disbursing officer of the Commission. File. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 17 Mr. Frank Jones, New York, September 29. Form 2. (Refers to purchase of Merrimac.) (Refer to Navy, later on.) Mr. A. E. Welch, Independence, Mo., September 28. Form 1, and return inclosed letter. Mr. R. G. Garter, first lieutenant, brevet captain, retired, Washing- ton, September 29. Form 1. Miss Cora T. Brady, secretary, Philadelphia, September 30. File. Special. Nelson Hersh, representing the New York World, care Hotel Raleigh, Washington, D. C., October 1. The following letter was directed sent in answer by the secretary: The Commission has the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of this date, transmitting certain statements in connection with the conditions at Camp Wikoff, together with a list of witnesses who can be called before the Commission. The letter and statements have been read by the Commission, and I am instructed to say will receive careful consideration. F. Dorsey, Baltimore, containing clipping. Form 2. James E. Pitman, New York, September 22. Form 2, also to be referred to General Lee. John Moran, Philadelphia, September 29. Form 2. A. Churchell, M. D., Nevada, Mo., September 28. Form 1. S. S. Culbertson, 640 Third street, Steubenville, Ohio. Form 2. M. R. Leverson, M. D., Fort Hamilton, N. Y., September 30. Form 1. Upon motion of Governor Woodbury, duly seconded, it was decided that in signing all letters the secretary shall precede his signature by the following words: "By direction of the Commission." The Commission, at 12 o'clock, adjourned to meet on Monday next October 3, at 10 o'clock a. m. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, I). C., October 3, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all being present excepting General Beaver. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the meeting of Saturday last were read and approved. General McCook read a letter he had received from Secretary Weight- man, inclosing one from J. L. Patterson, dated Washington, D. C., October 1, 1898, in the case of Dan Dodge, a private, who died at Arroyo, August 10, 1898, unattended, it is said, and his body lying unattended for several hours between two patients, and that soldiers who wrote about this were reduced and forced to retract, and inquiring if protection will be given to witnesses to these facts; to which 7833-vol. 1 2 18 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. General McCook said he had replied that there would be no danger to any person so far as the Commission has power for any affidavit that may be furnished, or any testimony that may be offered, but full im- munity would be granted to all who may testify, and persecution will not be tolerated. Ou motion of General Wilson, the action of General McCook in his letter to Mr. Weightman was approved. The following resolution was adopted: Whereas a large number of unsigned communications have been received by members of this Commission making complaints and suggestions: Therefore, Resolved, That such anonymous communications will receive no attention from this Commission. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Sarah F. Hallowell (without date), Philadelphia, Pa. Form 2. C. S. Wilson, St. Paul, Minn., September 28. Form 1. Surgeon-General United States Army, October 2, transmitting copy of communication from R. Stansbury Sutton. Form 1. Surgeon-General United States Army, October 2, to be given to the press. Form 1. It was directed that Gen. H. V. Boynton, United States Volunteers, who will be in the city this week, be called before the Commission in reference to Camp Thomas, Chickamauga. The Commission went into executive session, during which the fol- lowing was passed: Voted, That each member of this Commission shall be allowed and paid his expenses incurred in traveling from his place of residence to Washington, and a like sum to pay his expenses from Washington to his home, in addition to a compensation to be hereafter fixed. Each member shall be allowed and paid the sum of $10 per day to pay his current expenses while a member of this Commission, or from the time he has been in Washington at the request of the President. And in addition thereto the president of this Commission shall be allowed and paid the sum of $10 per day, for such time as he deems it expedient, to rent a parlor at the hotel for a consultation room. Each stenographer employed by this Commission shall be allowed and paid $125 per month, and expenses while doing duty outside of Washington. The following letters were read, and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: George Rowland, M. D., Covington, Ind., September 28. Form 1, and name to be taken as witness. H. W. Perkins, South Bend, Ind., September 27. Form 2, and name as witness. J. D. Holmes, New York City, September 30. Form 1, and name as witness. A. L. Braden, New York City, October 1. Form 2, and special answer. William Jenning Powell, Elizabeth, N. J., September 30. Form 1. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 19 It was directed that the President of the United States be requested to appoint as notaries public two stenographers of the Commission. The Commission, at 12.30 p. in., took a recess until 2 o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Dr. C. B. Hutchins, San Francisco, Cal., September 26. Form 1. Dr. H. A. Dobson and Josie M. Dobson, Washington, D. C., Octo- ber 1. Form 1. I. W. Stevens, sheriff, Bandera, Tex., September 28. Form 1. Refer to Adjutant-General. Dr. D. Simmons, Brooklyn, N. Y., September 29. Form 2. A letter was received from Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, stating that he would meet the Commission on Wednesday, October 5. File. A communication was read from the press, requesting permission to allow stenographers admission before the Commission when taking testimony. It was thereupon moved, seconded, and carried, that the press be allowed to have present at the sittings of the Commission during the examination of witnesses three stenographers; two being representa- tives of out-of-town papers, and one representing the city papers. The Commission, itt 3.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 4th instant. 8. C. Mills, Recorder. herein noted: NINTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., October 4, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., with all the members of the Commission present, together with the secretary and recorder. The proceedings of the preceding day were read and approved. It was decided that the Commission would adhere to its resolution of yesterday in regard to the admission of stenographers and newspaper men. General McCook gave the following names to be placed on the wit- ness list, to be called when visiting New York: Dr. Louis J. Stimson, Dr. Frank Delafield, Dr. Kinnicutt. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: J. O. Parmlee, Warren, Pa., September 28. Form 1, and name on witness list. 20 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Col. Robert B. Beath, September 27. Form 1. The following names were ordered to be placed on the witness list: Spencer Baldwin, jr., Fall River, Mass. (Case of Robert Wremm, of the Rough Riders.) Dr. Cleeman; same case. A. H. Buckner, Areturus, Fairfax County, Va., October 1. Refer to Adjutant-General. Thomas F. Riley, sergeant, Second New York Volunteers, Company C; Troy, N. Y. Form 1, and name on witness list. Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The following resolution was offered and adopted: Resolved by the Commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain, That the disbursing officer of this Commission is authorized to make requisitions, when approved by the presiding officer of this Commission, upon the Secretary of the Treasury for so much of the funds allotted by the President of the United States from the appropriation for national defense as may be necessary to defray the expenses of this Commission. Further, That said disbursing officer is authorized to pay upon proper vouchers, when approved by the presiding officer of the Commission, for all purchases of sup- plies, hire of transportation, including special sleeping and dining cars, hire of employees and offices, and compensation of a secretary for this Commission at the rate of $10 per day; also $10 per day for expenses to each of the nine members of this Commission; the compensation of the secretary, and the per diem of the mem- bers to include Sundays and the days of travel to and from their homes; the recorder and the disbursing officer being commissioned officers, each are to be paid from these funds at the rate of 7 cents per mile, when traveling with or on account of this Commission. Also the necessary traveling expenses and meals of the employees, including the secretary, when traveling with or on account of this Commission. And for any further expenses not heretofore enumerated which the Commission may deem necessary for the proper transaction of the business required of this Commission. Provided, The disbursing officer is not authorized to pay any compensation for services to the nine members, recorder, and disbursing officer of this Commission. Further, That, as suggested by the Comptroller of the United States Treasury, this resolution be submitted for the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, who is authorized by the President to have this allotment disbursed; also that it then be submitted to the President of the United States for his approval in accordance with the act of Congress in regard to the expenditure of said appropriation for national defense. The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: W. E. Seball, Manhattan Club, New York City, October 2. Form 1, and name as witness. Margaret H. Garrard, Bellport, Long Island, October 2. Form 1, and name as witness. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 21 A. H. Conkey, Erie, Pa., inclosing letter from his son, Frank Conkey, September 26, Camp Meade. Form 1. J. G. Faxon, Boston, Mass., September 2. Form 2. H. N. Barrett, New York, September 28, inclosing statement from Oapt. Charles B. Jones, chaplain Second New York Volunteers. Form 1 to Barrett. Form 2 to Jones. Senator James H. Kyle, Cleveland, Ohio. Special answer. John W. Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio, September 10. Form 2. John R. Hutchings, Danville, Va., September 26. Form 2. The testimony of Major-General Wheeler was continued. The Commission, at 4 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 5th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. TENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, J). C., October 5, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all the members being present, together with the secretary and recorder. The proceedings of the preceding meeting were read and approved. General Wilson announced that Gen. F. V. Greene, United States Volunteers, was in the city, and a request was made upon the Adjutant- General for his appearance before the Commission. General Dodge also called attention to the fact that Colonel Lee and Colonel Wheeler, Quartermaster's Department, and Major Gallagher, Subsistence Depart- ment, were passing through the city, and suggested that they be called before the Commission, and a request was made of the Adjutant-Gen- eral accordingly. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Surgeon-General, regarding Lieut. Col. L. M. Maus. The Adjutant- General was asked to order him before the Commission. David Clarke, Springfield, Mass. Refer to Treasury Department. Acknowledged receipt. Keene Ryan, Danville, Ky., October 1. Form 2. Ira J. Haynes, Chickamauga, Ga., October 2. Form 2, and say he will be protected. Cassius C. Brannan, band Fourth United States Cavalry. Refer to Adjutant General United States Army. James M. Sullivan, Cohocton, N. Y., October 1. Form 2, and ask for names of officers. B. Y. Austin, 725 North Thirty-eighth street, Philadelphia, Septem- ber 26. Refer back to Secretary of War with contents noted. The testimony of Major-General Wheeler was then concluded. The Commission, at 1 o'clock, took a recess until 2 o'clock. 22 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. Brig. Gen. H. V. Boynton, United States Volunteers, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 6th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. ELEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., October 6, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all the members being present, together with the secretary and recorder. The proceedings of the preceding meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Dr. R. A. Cushing, Sanborn, Iowa, October 3. Form 2, and name taken as witness. Q. N. Funk, New York, October 1. Form 2. Surgeon-General United States Army, October 5. In reply to commu- nication from the Commission of October 4, in relation to the Fifteenth Minnesota Volunteers, and inclosing report of H. R. Tilton, lieutenant- colonel and deputy surgeon, United States Army. Copy of the report to be taken and the original to be returned to the Surgeon-General. The testimony of General Boynton was then continued. At the conclusion of General Boynton's testimony the following let- ters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Samuel L. Parish, Southampton, Long Island, October 5. Form 2, and name as a witness. William R. Stewart, Delphi, Ind., October 3. Form 2. Max Cohen, Washington, October 5. Form 1. William W. Walker, M. D., Fort Sam Houston, October 2. Form 1, and copy for the press. Julian Hawthorne, for the New York Journal. Special answer. The New York World, October 5. Form 1, and laid upon the table. George G. Gross, U. S. S. Ponce, Philadelphia, September 24. Form 2. Julia Sands Wayne, Norwich, N. H., October 4. Form 1. George Bettesworth, Omaha, Nebr., September 28. Form 1. Edward A. Oldham, Washington, October 4. Form 2. Refer to the Adjutant-General, with request that he refer it to the proper officer for report. W. J. Carpenter, Orlando, Fla., October 3. Form 2, and extract to be furnished the commanding officers of the Third and Sixth Cavalry for report. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 23 E. W. King, Huntsville, Ala. Special answer. Rolland Adel Sperger, Camp Wikoff, October 4. Form 2. General Wilson read an article from the Washington Post of Sep- tember 19, 1898, giving a statement made by Rev. Dr. Hamlin in a sermon. It was directed that Dr. Hamlin be notified that he would be called before the Commission. W. M. Tunno, Bayview, Fla., September 28. Form 1. Wm. F. Mannix, first lieutenant, Third Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, September 28. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The following letters were read, and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: John Elliott Ellenwood, Lexington, Ky., October 5. Form 2, and name as witness for this hospital. (Special.) F. H. Stannard, Adams, Nebr., September 24. Referred to com- manding officer of Second Corps, Camp Meade, Pa., with a request that it be investigated and reported upon. J. K. Reed, Oregon, Ill., September 29. Referred to commanding officer of the First Corps, with request to investigate and report. A. B. Deming, Washington, D. C., October 6. Form 2. It was directed that complaints coming from regiments in service be referred to the commanding officer of the corps, and he be asked to investigate and report thereon. An extract was read from the Leader-Democrat, Springfield, Mo., September 30. Form 2 was directed to be sent in care of the editor. A clipping was noted in regard to Corpl. Will F. Irish, of the Sixth Massachusetts. Sent to Col. E. Rice, commanding Sixth Massachu- setts Infantry, for investigation. Form 2. The Commission, at4p. m., adjourned until 10 o'clock to-morrow, the 7th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. TWELFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., October 7, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., with all the members present, together with the secretary and recorder. The proceedings of the preceding day were read and approved. 24 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The president submitted a communication from Surgeon-Geneial Sternberg, inclosing private letters received by him. Ordered that names of witnesses be filed, extracts of letters made, and the orignals returned to the Surgeon-General. The president submitted another communication from the Surgeon- General, containing memorandum of list of medical officers. Ordered to be filed and a copy given to the press. The president also submitted a letter, addressed to the Secretary of War, from Brig. Gen. G. S. Carpenter, United States Volunteers, regarding the Lafferty case. Extract of same ordered made. Maj. Gen. Francis V. Greene, United States Volunteers, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Maj. Henry B. Hersey, First United States Volunteer Cavalry, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.45 p. m,, took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. A letter was read from William Warner, Chattanooga, Tenn., Octo- ber 5. Form 1 was directed to be sent, and name taken as a witness. The testimony of Major Hersey was then continued and concluded. Col. J. G. C. Lee, assistant quartermaster-general, United States Army, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 8th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. THIRTEENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, I). 0., October 8, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all members excepting General Beaver being present. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Rev. T. S. Hamlin, Washington, stating that he had no personal knowledge upon which his sermon was preached. File. H. C. Whittemore, Sycamore, Ill., October 5, inclosing clipping. File, Porto Rico. (Special.) R. Heber Newton, Easthampton, Long Island, in which he sustains his statement and names witnesses who will testify. Form 2 to all parties named. 25 MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. Miss Julia Chadwick, Easthampton, N. Y. Mrs. Thomas L. Manson, jr., Easthampton, N. Y. Miss D. Viola Graves, 366 Lexington avenue, New York City. (Head nurse Ward K, general hospital.) W. Meyer, naval station, Key West, Fla., October 3. Refer #to Sec- retary of Navy. On motion of Governor Woodbury, voted that the Commission start for Camp Meade on the evening of the 16th instant, arriving there Monday morning, unless the president receives information which justi- fies a change of plan. Communication from Surgeon-General was received in regard to Camp Wikoff. File with Camp Wikoff papers. Rev. Helen Stuart Richings, Ashley, Ohio, October 4. Form 2, and take names as witnesses at Camp Thomas. Maj. R. Emmett Giffin, Medical Department, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testi- mony taken. (See transcript of same.) The following letters were then read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: W. T. Brown, New York, October 1. Form 2, and return letters of recommendation. A. C. Ladd, Walhemba, Mo., Company B, Third Missouri, October 2. Refer to Adjutant-General for investigation and report. Charles O. Newman, Homer, N. Y., September 30. File. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. Capt. James C. Baldridge, Subsistence Department, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn, and his tes- timony taken. (See transcript of same.) Dr. Conner made the following motion, which was duly seconded and carried: Whenever we summon any witnesses we shall pay them $1.50 per day and mileage in accordance with Army Regulations, paragraph 963: Provided, This rule will not apply to persons appearing voluntarily before the Commission. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Maj. Henry Romeyn, United States Army (retired), Central Valley, Orange County, N. Y. Form 2. Frank G. Coburn, Mills Hotel, New York City. Form 2. J. M. Blodgett, Chicago, Ill. Form 1. J. N. Ohlivine, secretary Thirtieth. Indiana Veteran Association, Cromwell, Ind. Form 1. The Commission, at 4 o'clock p. m., adjourned until 10 o'clock a. m. Monday, October 10. S. C. Mills, Recorder. 26 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. FOURTEENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., October 10, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all the members being present, together with the secretary and re- corder. The proceedings of the preceding meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Mrs. Hugo Lange, 655 Bedford avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., October 6. Form 1, and copy of extract for the press. General Greeley, New York Infirmary, October 8. Report of seven cases treated at the infirmary during September, 1898. Form 1, and file with Camp Wikoff and Seventh Infantry papers. Clipping from New York Times. Form 2, and referred to H. B. Bryan. Letter in regard to Dr. Taber. File. T. S. Newton, Munhall, Pa., October 7. Form 1. J. L. Davis, 48 M street NW., Washington, D. C., October 8. Form 1, and inform him that he will be called as a witness. Put name on list. Edwin S. Wheeler, 69 Richmond street, Station K, Boston, Mass., October 8. Form 1, and copy to the press. R. B. Leach, M. D., 9 Germania Bank Building, St. Paul, Minn., October 7. Form 1. Louis A. Stimson, 34 East Thirty-third street, New York City, October 7. Form 1, and name as witness. W. I. Squire, Toledo, Ohio, October 7. Send half dozen of Form 2, and ask him to distribute them, and say that when the Commission is in Toledo he may be called. Ausburn Birdsall, Pleasantville, N. Y., October 5. Filed. Surgeon-General. Index, and refer to Dr. Conner to read. Clippings sent by the Surgeon-General. File, and to be taken with Commission on the trip. • Capt. J. H. Culver, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Maj. J. H. Hysell, Medical Department, appearing before the Com- mission, and having no objection, was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The following letters were read, and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: H. Gottschalk, 182 Wabash avenue, Chicago, Ill., October 8. File for investigation at Chicago, also with Seventh Infantry papers. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 27 R. J. Brown, Shannon City, Iowa, September 25. Refer to Adjutant- General for investigation. H. W. Perkins. South Bend, Ind., October 5. Refer to Adjutant- General, to be referred to colonel and surgeon of the One hundred and fifty-seventh Indiana for report. Francis Newton, Easthampton, Long Island, October 3. Form 1. File with Montauk evidence, and take names of witnesses. Henry B. Patee, M. D., St. Louis, Mo., October 5. Form 1. S. H. Stout, M. D., 189 Washington avenue, Dallas, Tex., October 1. Form 1. Edward 0. Towne (without date or address). Form 1. Surgeon-General, October 10. File, and take name of witness. Albert H. Caine, 942 Summit avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, October 5. Form 2. A. L. Braden, 301 Madison avenue, New York, October 5. Form 1, and refer to Chicago for investigation. W. Gilman Thompson, M. D., 34 East Thirty-first street, New York. Form 1, and say that he may be called upon by the Commission when in New York. J. Hiestand, Mount Morris, Ill., October 3. File. Charlotte A. Aikens, supervising nurse, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, D. C., October 9. Form 1, and state will be called before the Commission, and take name as witness. Nelson Hersh, New York World, October 6. File. J. I. C. Clarke, editor Criterion, New York, October 8. Answer, requesting that the copies be sent. The Commission, at 1 o'clock p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m., all the members being present, together with the secretary and recorder. Maj. Hugh J. Gallagher, commissary subsistence of volunteers, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) General Beaver offered the following resolution, which was duly seconded and carried: Whereas the testimony elicited by the Commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain seems to indicate that the army ration for troops in garrison serving in tropical climates can be materially improved in the way of varieties and the substitution of fruit for the carbon-producing portions of the present ration; and Whereas the expected transfer of large bodies of troops to such climates in the near future rendered the investigation of this subject of immediate and pressing importance: Thereupon, Resolved, That the President be respectfully requested to take such measures as in his judgment may be desirable in the premises. 28 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The president submitted a letter, with inclosures, from Mrs. Louise E. Hogan, of Amagansett, Long Island, post-office box 185. File name on witness list. The Commission, at 4 o'clock, adjourned until 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 11th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. FIFTEENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., October 11, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all the members being present, together with the secretary and recorder. The proceedings of the preceding meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Dr. Alexander Taylor Mitchell, Vicksburg, Miss. Form 2, and name as witness. Article from a Buffalo, N. Y., newspaper, apparently the Buffalo Express, being an interview by Maj. Ira C. Brown. File. J. B. Kenner, Chattanooga, Tenn., October 9. Special answer. Report from Surgeon-General United States Army, dated October 10, is put in evidence and marked. File with Surgeon-General papers. Harlam Life, October, 1898, containing letter from Chaplain Van de Water. File for New York. Lieut. W. S. Coleman, Houston, Tex., October 6, with attached news- paper clipping. Form 2. James Morrissey, 615 East Fifth street, Kansas City, Mo. Form 1, and name and address. The Commission then proceeded with examination of report from Sec- retary of War and other Department papers. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following letter was read and action taken as noted: Mrs. Alice Lederer, 83 High street, Newark, Ohio, October 16. Referred to Adjutant-General, with request that he lurnish the infor- mation called for and write the lady that the letter has been put in the proper channel. The Commission then proceeded to the examination of papers sub- mitted by the War Department. Maj. Gen. Wm. M. Graham, appearing as a witness before the Com- mission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to morrow, the 12th instant. 8. 0. Mills, Record&r. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 29 SIXTEENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., October 12, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all the members being present, together with the secretary and recorder. The proceedings of the preceding meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Mrs. Henry M. Thompson, 298 Pawtucket street, Lowell, Mass. File; answered by Governor Woodbury. Margaret H. Garrard, Belleport, Long Island, October 9. Form 2. Edgar P. Morehouse, Williamstown, Mass., October 10, with news- paper clipping. Form 1. Rev. C. T. Brady, Twelfth and Walnut streets, Philadelphia, Octo- ber 11. Form 1, and say he will be called as a witness; ask for names of such surgeons and others as would be of service to the Commission; file with a reference to Major Hysell's testimony. J. A. Munay, Malone, N. Y., October 6. Referred to Adjutant-Gen- eral United States Army, asking him to refer it for investigation. The testimony of General Graham was then continued. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The taking of the testimony of General Graham was resumed and concluded. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: W. Clark Marshall, 6653 Harvard avenue, Chicago, October 4. Form 2. Report from the Surgeon-General's Office containing letters from Mrs. M. L. Tanner, with other letters. Special answer. Report from the Surgeon-General's Office on letter of Maj. Charles Gandy, together with other papers. Special answer, and put name of Francis L. Oswell on witness list. Surgeon-General, October 11 (inclosing communications). File. George W. Allen, Freeport, Long Island, October 10. Form 1. Charles B. Welles, 16 Grammercy Park, New York, October 10, Special answer. John Sweet, Owosso, Mich., October 10. Form 1, and refer to Adj u t ant- General. The Commission, at 4 o'clock p. m., adjourned until 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 13th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. 30 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. SEVENTEENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, JD. C., October 13, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all the members being present except General Wilson. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Luie Burtis (sworn statement). Referred to Adjutant-General United States Army. R. B. Roosevelt, October 12. Special answer. Surgeon-General, October 13. Filed. Rev. George Zurcher, Buffalo, N. Y., October 12. Form 1. Letters were received in answer to Form 2 from the following parties: Wilson A. Sawyer, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., October 10. Charles H. Jones, Bayonne, N. J., October 11. On motion of Governor Woodbury it was voted that the president of the Commission be authorized to give out for publication such portion of the Adjutant-General's reports as be considered should be published. Lieut. Col. John Van R. Hoff, Medical Department, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his tes- timony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON session. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Edward Atkinson, Boston, Mass., October 12. Special answer by General Dodge. Surgeon-General United States Army, October 13. Filed. The Commission, at 4 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 14th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTEENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., October 14, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., with all the members present with the exception of General Wilson. The secretary and recorder were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. 31 MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: C. E. Euth, major and brigade surgeon, Keokuk, Iowa, October 11. Form 1, and special. Surgeon-General United States Army, inclosing letter from Col. Charles H. Alden, containing answers to interrogatories propounded to him, October 13. File. Eussell A. Alger, October 13, inclosing answers to interrogatories propounded to the Adjutant-General of the Army. File. Adjt. Gen. H. C. Corbin, October 13, inclosing list of quartermas- ters and commissaries. File. Francis L. Hill, chairman relief committee New York Society of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America, Wilmington, Del. (two let- ters), October 12. (a) Referring to sickness of troops at Jacksonville. File for Jacksonville. (&) Beply to letter of September 23. File. A. Hartsuff, deputy surgeon-general, United States Army, Chicago, Ill., October 12. Special. J. Foster Stanton, Salem, Mass., October 8. Form 1, and file. Howard L. Pyles, Wilmington, Del., October 13. Form 1, and refer to Adjutant-General. John D. Long, Secretary of Navy, October 13. Form 1, and special answer. Maj. Louis Livingston Seaman, surgeon, First United States Volun- teer Engineers, appearing as a witness before the Commission, he was asked whether he had objection to being sworn. He requested to be affirmed, and accordingly made the affirmation. The witness requested permission to have a personal friend present during the examination on account of ill condition of witness. The Commission, after going into executive session to consider the question, decided that the request of the witness be granted. Major Seaman's testimony was then taken, but not concluded. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30, took a recess until 2 o'clock p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: George Ashbridge, 709 Walnut street, Philadelphia, Pa., October 13. Acknowledged, saying statement received and the Adjutant-General has been asked to have an investigation made; then refer to Adjutant- General for investigation. Name as witness, and also Dr. Wales. Surgeon-General, October 14. File. The Commission then continued taking the testimony of Major Sea man, which was concluded. Lieut. F. K. Hill, United States Navy, appearing as a witness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) 32 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The following letters were then read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: S. A. Davenport, Erie, Pa., September 26. File. Gen. Charles P. Eagan, October 14. File. Mrs. Sarah A. Sawyer, Jacksonville, Fla., October 8. Form 1, and file with Camp Cuba Libre papers. Robert B. Hunt, Chattanooga, Tenn., October 10. Form 1, and file with Camp Thomas papers. Lieut. Col. A. D. Reeves, Epsom Springs, Tenn., October 6. Form 1. Jesse H. Jones, Halifax, Plymouth County, Mass., October 12. Form 1. Mrs. Margaret H. Garrard, Belleport, Long Island, October 13. Form 1, and file with Camp Wikoff papers. Gen. H. C. Corbin, in re General Arnold, Octobei 13. File. Secretary of the Navy, October 14. File. The Commission adjourned to meet Sunday afternoon on board train, unless sooner called together by the president. S. C. Mills, Recorder. NINETEENTH DAY. On Train en route to Jacksonville, Fla., October 17, 1898. The Commission met at 9 o'clock a. m. on the train en route to Jack- sonville, Fla., all the members and the recorder being present. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed as herein noted: Maj. Gen. H. C. Merriam, San Francisco, Cal., October 6, in answer to letter of Colonel Denby, vice-president, of September 29. File, and refer to Manila. Mahlon Pitney, M. C., October 10, in re Miss M. H. Garrard, inclosing letter from her. File for Camp Wikoff. A. D. Maxwell, Montezuma, Ga., October 13. Refer to Tampa sub- committee. It was moved and carried that the president of the Commission ap- point two committees, of two members each, one to visit Tampa, Fla., and one to visit Fernandina, Fla. The president appointed the following subcommittees to visit the brigades of the respective divisions at Camp Cuba Libre: First Brigade: Colonel Denby, Dr. Conner, Colonel Sexton. Second Brigade: General McCook, Governor Woodbury, Captain Howell. Third Brigade: General Wilson, General Beaver, General Dodge. The Commission arrived at Jacksonville, Fla., at 12.30 p. in., and devoted the afternoon to inspecting Camp Cuba Libre. S. C. Mills, Recorder. minutes of the commission. 33 TWENTIETH DAY. Jacksonville, Fla., October 18,1898. The Commission met at 9 o'clock a. m. Present, all members except General Wilson and Captain Howell, who were absent on duty as a subcommittee visiting Fernandina, Fla. The recorder was also present. Lieut. Col. L. M. Maus, chief surgeon Seventh Army Corps, appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) At the conclusion of Colonel Maus's testimony the Commission took a recess until 1.30 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 1.30 p. m. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see trans- cripts of same): Lieut. Col. O. E. Wood, chief commissary Seventh Army Corps; Capt. C. B. Baker, Acting Quartermaster Volunteers; Lieut. Col. Curtis Guild, inspector-general Seventh Army Corps. The Commission took a recess until 8 p. m. EVENING- SESSION. At 8 o'clock p. m. the Commission reassembled, all the members being present, General Wilson and Captain Howell having returned from Fernandina at 5.30 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objections, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- scripts of same): Col. Wiley Jones, Second South Carolina Infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson, Second South Carolina Infantry; Lieu- tenant Davis, Second South Carolina Infantry; Lieutenant Tompkins, Second South Carolina Infantry; Captain Herbert, Second South Caro- lina Infantry; Sergeant McEwan, Company B, Second South Carolina Infantry; Sergeant Mooney, Company H, Second South Carolina Infan- try; Private Brodie, Company A, Second South Carolina Infantry. The Commission, at 10.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 19th instant. S. O. Mills, Recorder. TWENTY-FIRST DAY. Jacksonville, Fla., October 19, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all the members being present except General McCook and Colonel Sexton, who were absent on duty as a subcommittee visiting Tampa, Fla. The recorder was also present. 7833-vol. 1 3 34 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. It was moved and carried that- Whereas it is expedient that one commissioner should be in Washington to attend to the business of the board: Therefore, Resolved, That the president of this board be requested to detail one commissioner for the above purpose. The president announced that, in accordance with the resolution, he would detail Colonel Denby as the commissioner to proceed to Washing- ton. General Wilson submitted the report of the subcommittee, consisting of himself and Captain Howell, which visited Fernandina. The report was accompanied by certificate of county clerk as to ownership of land used as camp site and map showing location of camps. The following is the report: Jacksonville, Fla., October 19, 1898. Hon. G. M. Dodge, President Commission to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department during the War with Spain. Sir: In compliance with the instructions of the Commission, we have the honorto report that we visited Fernandina, Fla., on the 18th instant, and made a careful and critical inspection of the site occupied as a camp by the troops lately stationed at that town, and found the conditions to be as follows: The Florida Cent ral and Peninsular Railroad, leading into Fernandina, is a well- equipped one-track road, with sidings at the town, amounting in all to about 2 miles. Its facilities for receiving and delivering troops appeared to be very good. The facilities for embarking and disembarking troops by water are also very good, there being a dock front over a half mile long, with a minimum low-water depth over the bar at the mouth of the harbor of not less than 17 feet and a rise of tide of 6 feet. The location of the camp is excellent, probably quite equal to any site for the purpose that could have been selected on the Florida coast; the ground is rolling, its maximum elevation about 60 feet above the level of the sea, with no swamp except a tidal salt marsh beyond the highest ground; the sea bathing facilities are excellent. We visited and walked over a large portion of the area occupied by the troops, and although there had been a severe storm the night before our arrival, the ground was practically dry. We carefully examined the site of the camp of the Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, which it has been reported was a tropical jungle, worthless land until cleared, and upon which it has been said the troops worked like slaves to clear it until it was fit for camping. While your committee can not state the condition of this land when the troops arrived, it found no appearance of a tropical jungle here or in the vicinity. There were no evidences of there having been serious work in preparing the camps, although, as is usual, there were small bushes, vines, low palms, etc., scattered here and there over the camp site and the adjacent land. Altogether, the committee was most favorably impressed with the character of the site selected. We were informed that it had been occupied by about 16,000 troops. We visited and obtained from the county clerk of Nassau County, Fla., Mr. George E. Wolff, a map showing the land occupied by the troops and his official certificate as to the ownership of the land. This certificate states that the greater part of the lands occupied reverted to the State of Florida in June, 1897, by reason of unpaid taxes, and that no one by the name of Alger ever controlled any lands in the county of Nassau, as shown by the records, and that the land occupied by the Third Penn- sylvania Volunteers at Fernandina as a camp was at the time the property of the State of Florida. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 35 The distance of the site of the camp from town is from 1 to 1| miles. The water was piped, without expenditure to the camp, from Fernandina, being from an artesian well about 600 feet deep; the supply was unlimited. The water had a slight sulphur taste, which, it is said, some of the troops disliked, and consequently occasionally used surface water. The locations of the hospitals, as pointed out to us, were on high ground, well drained, and apparently well selected. The time the site was occupied by troops was from July 21 to August 15; in all, about three weeks. The mayor of Fernandina informed us that Major Hendley, the surgeon in charge of the camp, had stated to him just before the troops left that the number of sick was 540. Your committee therefore has the honor to report that, in its opinion, the camp was well selected; that probably the site was equal in all respects to any other that could have been found on the Florida coast; that from the information they obtained and what they saw it was far from being a tropical jungle, and that the certificate of the county clerk indicates that no Government official was interested in the land, and that the amount of work done in clearing the under- brush was no greater than might have been expected at almost any locality in the South selected for camping purposes; that the site was well drained, the water for drinking and cooking purposes good, and the bathing facilities at the sea beach excellent. Very respectfully, John M. Wilson, Brig. Gen., Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. Evan P. Howell. State oe Florida, County of Nassau: I, George E. Wolff, clerk circuit court and custodian of public records in and for Nassau County, Fla., hereby certify that I have carefully searched the public records of said county, and find that R. A. Alger does not own or control, directly or indi- rectly, any land on the island of Amelia, Nassau County, Fla. I further certify that the records show that fee-simple title to the lands lately occupied by the military camps at Fernandina, as indicated by map hereto attached and made a part of this certificate (red lines of said map indicating water pipes of said camp), are vested in the several persons and corporatious as follows: Fernan- dina Development Company, Florida Town Improvement Company, S. A. Swann, S. D. Swann, Fred. W. Haward, A. T. Williams, W. C. Yulee, P. Edwards, M. B. Self, W. H. Hendricks, Mrs. D. M. Hammond. That I further certify that the greater part of said lands, as indicated by green coloring on said map, reverted to the State of Florida June, 1897, by reason of unpaid State and county taxes for the years 1895, 1896. I further certify that no one by the name of Alger ever owned or controlled any lands in said county of Nassau, as shown by the records; and, further, that the lands occupied by the Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment at Fernandina as camp was at the time property of the State of Florida, having reverted to the State for unpaid taxes previous to its occupation as such camp. Witness my hand and official seal this 18th day of October, 1898. George E. Wolff, Clerk Circuit Court, Nassau County, Fla. A true copy: S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General, United States Army. State of Florida, Nassau County: I, L. Bengnet, clerk of the county judge's court in and for the county aforesaid, certify that I have examined the death record of the city of Fernandina, Fla., and that during the month of July, 1898 (the month of the arrival of the United States troops), I find only two deaths of record in said city among the residents thereof, to wit: Henry H. Linville (white), age 67 years, and Charley Brown (colored), age 36 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. 13 years. The first named died of sunstroke and the last named of pulmonary tuberculosis, according to said records. Witness my hand and seal at Fernandina, Fla., this 20th day of October, A. D. 1898. [SEAL.] L. BEUGNET, Cleric of the County Judge?8 Court in and for the County of Nassau, Fla. Fernandina, Fla., October 19, 1898. I, Samuel A. Swann, as owner and as agent for the Fernandina Development Com- pany and for sundry individual owners of property covering the entire grounds upon which the troops of the United States have recently been encamped near the city of Fernandina, do hereby certify that the title in and to about two-thirds of all said lands was in said development company until recently acquired by the State under tax certificates, and that remainder of said lands are now owned by me or by parties for whom I am agent; and I further certify that no part or interest in any of the grounds covered by the military encampment, or outside of same, on Amelia Island, was ever bargained, sold, or leased to Alger (son of the Sec- retary of War), or to anyone in his interest; and that no consideration whatever was charged to the Government, or received by any owner, for the use of the prop- erty, or was the property in any way benefited by the cutting away of the growth found necessary for the comfort and health of the troops, but rather the destruction of all young trees does prejudicially affect the sale of the suburban lots which have been denuded of all shade trees and other growth. I further certify that the parties I represent would be glad to interest Mr. Alger or anyone else in the development of the grounds in question, and would thank the Herald's brilliant correspondent to interest some such parties in the purchase of a part or the whole of it. Saml. A. Swann, For Self, and as Agent for the Fernandina Development Company, and Others. It was moved and carried that a copy of the report of the committee be furnished to the mayor of Fernandina, to Mrs. S. C. F. Hallowell, Philadelphia, Pa., and to the press, and that the disbursing officer repay to the members of the committee the expenditures incurred by them in procuring the maps and the certificate. The Commission then began taking testimony. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. Noble H. Creager, quartermaster, United States Volun- teers; Col. James R. Campbell, Ninth Illinois Infantry; Lieut. Simeon Mowre, Ninth Illinois Infantry; Lieut. John H. Tolliver, Ninth Illinois Infantry; Sergt. John L. Lay, Ninth Illinois Infantry; Maj. Royce D. Fry, Medical Department. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m., when the following witnesses appeared, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Col. William G. Dowes. Forty-ninth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry; Gen. Edward B. Wil- liston, United States Volunteers; Lieut. Edward A. Millar, Sixth Artil- lery, aide to General Williston; Lieut. Charles T. Meuoher, Sixth MINUTES of the commission. 37 Artillery, aide to General Williston; Lieut. A. U. Machemer, Forty- ninth Iowa Volunteers; Private Thorpe, Company B, Forty-ninth Iowa Volunteers; Sergt. A. S. Hartell, quartermaster sergeant Company H, Second Louisiana; Private H. G. Meyer, Company H, Second Louisiana Volunteers. The Commission adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, the 20th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. WORK OF SCEOOMMITTEE-GENERAL M'COOK AND COLONEL SEXTON. Tampa, Fla., October 19, 1898. The following witnesses appeared before the committee, and having no objections were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Capt. R. L. Brown, George W. Few, Capt. C. C. McCullock, jr., Col. J. B. Anderson. S. C. Mills, Recorder. TWENTY-SECOND DAY. Jacksonville, Fla., October 20,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 o'clock a. m., all members being present, save Colonel Denby, who had departed for Washington in accordance with the resolution of yesterday. The recorder was also present. General McCook and Colonel Sexton returned from Tampa at 7 a. m. The proceedings of the last three days were read, amended, and approved as amended. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Miss Annie Robbins, head nurse, First Division hospital; Miss Mary E. Walker, nurse, First Division hospital; Miss Mattie E. Hibbard, head nurse, Second Division hospital; Miss Florence M. Maurice, ward nurse, Second Division hospital; Miss Edna Copeland, head nurse, Third Division hospital; Miss Isabella G. Waters, ward nurse, Third Division hospital; Maj. James E. Pilcher, surgeon, United States Army; Capt. J. W. Swatek, Second Illinois Infantry; Sergt. A. F. Lorenzen, Company L, Second Illinois Infantry. The Commission, at 1 p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. Col. G. W. Taylor, Fourth Virginia Infantry, and Lieut. H. M. Mor- row, Third Nebraska, appearing as witnesses, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Col. William J. Bryan, Third Nebraska, appeared before the Com- 38 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. mission at the request of the Commission. The president stated he would read the scope of the inquiry. Here Colonel Bryan made a request that, for reasons which could be understood, he would prefer that the testimony for his regiment should be given by the lieutenant- colonel of the regiment. The Commission acceded to his request, and Colonel Bryan withdrew. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Col. Winfield T. Durbin, One hundred and sixty-first Indiana Infantry; Lieut. E. W. Jones, Fourth Virginia Infantry; Private Allen O. White, Fourth Virginia Infantry; Col. Letcher Hardeman, Sixth Missouri Infantry; Dr. Alexander Kent, Washington, D. C., agent for Red Cross; Private W. W. Kirksey, First Division hospital corps; Pri- vate Samuel C. Thompson, Company B, Third Nebraska Infantry; Lieut. Anson G. Freeman, One hundred and sixty-first Indiana Infan- try; Private Abraham T. Marks, One hundred and sixty first Indiana Infantry, Company F; Lieut. James R. Paurie, Sixth Missouri Infan- try; Private James T. James, Company B, Sixth Missouri Infantry; Lieut. Col. Victor Vifquain, Third .Nebraska Infantry. The Commission adjourned until evening. EVENING- SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 8 o'clock p. m. Mrs. E. E. Marshall, Jacksonville, Fla., appeared as a witness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and her testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Mrs. Ellen Lawson Babb attended as a friend of Mrs. Marshall, and being asked by the Commission a few questions, made a short state- ment, not under oath. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 9 o'clock p. m., adjourned to meet at Atlanta to-morrow, the 21st instant, leaving Jacksonville at 10 p. m. S. C. Mills, Recorder. TWENTY-THIRD DAY. Atlanta, Ga., October 21,1898. The Commission arrived at Atlanta, Ga., at 10 a. m., and at 11 a. m. proceeded to Fort McPherson, Ga., where the Commission inspected the general hospital at that post. The Commission, for the purpose ot inspection, was divided into three subcommittees. The Commission met on board the train at 2 o'clock p. m., all mem- bers being present save Colonel Denby and Captain Howell. The recorder was also present. The proceedings of the previous day were read and approved. MINUTES of the commission. 39 Maj. Blair D. Taylor, surgeon, United States Army, and Chaplain O. J. Nave, United States Army, appearing as witnesses, and having no objections, were duly sworn and their testimony taken. (See trans- script of same.) The Commission, at 4.20 p. m., adjourned to meet to-morrow, the 22d instant, at Anniston, Ala. S. C. Mills, Recorder. TWENTY-FOURTH DAY. Anniston, Ala., October 22, 1898. The Commission arrived in Anniston, Ala., the night of the 21st instant and devoted the morning of the22d to inspecting the camp and the hospitals, being divided for this purpose into subcommittees. The Commission met at 2 o'clock p. m., all members being present except Colonel Denby and Captain Howell. The recorder was also present. It was moved and carried that the hours of meeting of the Commis- sion while on the trip shall be from 9 a. m. to 12.30 p. m., and from 2 p. m. to 5 p. m. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Brig. Gen. Royal T. Frank, United States Volunteers; Maj. H. F. Hoyt, surgeon, United States Volunteers. The Commission, at 5.15 p. m., adjourned to meet Monday morning, the 24th instant, at 9 o'clock a. m. S. C. Mills, Recorder. TWENTY-FIFTH DAY. Anniston, Ala., October 34, 1898. The Commission met at 9 o'clock a. m., all members being present save Colonel Denby and Captain Howell. The recorder was also pres- ent. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. O. H. Falk, quartermaster, United States Volunteers, Third Army Corps; Maj. C. M. Drake, surgeon, United States Volunteers; Maj. J. H. Heatwole, commissary, United States Volunteers; Maj. David Vickers, inspector-general, United States Vol- unteers. A letter from Major Seaman, surgeon, First United States Volun- teer Engineers, was read and ordered filed. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p.m. 40 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Lieut. Col. Wm. H. Bisbee, First United States Infantry; Maj. Chas. A. Dempsey, Second United States Infantry; Capt. John K. Waring, Second United States Infantry; Lieut. William J. Lutz, Second United States Infantry; J. H. A. Feltus, quartermas- ter-sergeant, First United States Infantry; Sergt. Otto Katz, First United States Infantry; Joseph Stahl, quartermaster-sergeant, Second United States Infantry; Private Crockett Hounshell, Company D, Second United States Infantry; Col. Robert L. Bullard, Third Ala- bama Volunteer Infantry; Col. H. M. Seaman, Fourth Wisconsin Vol- unteer Infantry; Col. J. P. Fyffe, Third Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. The Commission, at 5.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 9 a. in. to-morrow, the 25th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder, TWENTY-SIXTH DAY. Anniston, Ala., October 35, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 9 o'clock a. m., all the members being present save Colonel Denby and Captain Howell. The recorder was also present. - The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): R. D. Boss, acting assistant surgeon; Lieut. F. Ellis Reed, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers; Colonel Fyffe, Third Ten- nessee Volunteers, (additional testimony); Lieut. Wm. T. West, Third Alabama Volunteers; Lieut. George J. Haley, Third Tennessee Volun- teers; Private Fountain Ragland, Third Alabama Volunteers; Private Edward Simmons, Third Alabama Volunteers; Private H. C. Lemke, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers; Major Heatwole, chief commissary (recalled); Col. David G. Colson, Fourth Kentucky Volunteers; Lieut. Col. DeRosey C. Cabell, Second Arkansas Volunteers; Capt. Samuel S. Sample, United States Signal Corps; Private Perry W. Williams, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers; Sergt. Robert S. Hilton, Second Ten nessee Volunteers; W. Nathan Langston, private, Third Tennessee Volunteers. At 12.30 p. m. the Commission went into executive session. It was moved and carried that so far as the character of an officer is con- cerned the Commission confine itself to the personal knowledge of the facts coming within the witness's observation The Commission took a recess until 2 p. in. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 41 AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 p. m. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): George A. Lee, quartermaster-sergeant, Second Arkansas Volunteers; Private David Bottoms, Company H, Second Arkansas Volunteers; Samuel H. Hurst, quartermaster-sergeant, Fourth Kentucky Volunteers; Private Jordan B. Gross, Company H, Fourth Kentucky Volunteers; Maj. F. B. Kenyon, surgeon Fourth Kentucky Volunteers; Maj. Charles F. King, Fourth Wisconsin Vol- unteers; Henry H. Lee, surgeon First Vermont Volunteers; Lieut. Col. Frank M. Caldwell, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers; General Frank (recalled); Maj. Harry 0. Benson, inspector-general of Volunteers; Maj. Charles L. Woodbury, United States Volunteer Engineers; Major Benson (recalled); Capt. Francis P. Fremont, Second United States Infantry. The Commission adjourned to meet at Huntsville, Ala., to-morrow, the 26th instant. S. 0. Mills, Recorder. TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY. Huntsville, Ala., October 26,1898. The Commission arrived at Huntsville, Ala., at 6.30 a. m., and met at 10 a. m. with all members present on the trip. The recorder was also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Gen. Louis H. Carpenter, United States Volunteers; Maj. Charles M. Gandy, brigade surgeon; Gen. G. S. Carpenter, United States Volunteers. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The recorder was absent by authority of the Commission. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn, and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Lieut. Col. C. H. Grierson, chief commissary, United States Volunteers; Capt. R. W. Thompson, commissary subsistence, United States Volunteers; Capt. G. S. Cartwright, assistant quartermaster, United States Volun- teers; Dr. John H. Stone, first lieutenant, assistant surgeon, Sixteenth Infantry; Lieut. C. L. Farnsworth, Seventh United States Infantry; 42 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Maj. H. S. T. Harris, chief surgeon, United States Volunteers; Maj. H. D. Thomason, surgeon Thirty-third Michigan Volunteers. The Commission, at 5 p. m., adjourned to meet at 9 a. m. Thursday, day, the 27th instant. S. 0. Mills, Recorder. TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY. Huntsville, Ala., October 27, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 9 a. m., all members on the trip being present. The recorder, Major Mills, was absent, sick en route to Washington by authority of the Commission. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Capt. Charles M. Augur, assistant quartermaster, United States Volunteers; Capt. Gilbert I. Cullen, assistant surgeon, First Ohio Volunteers; Col. Edward Duffy, Sixty-ninth New York Volun- teers; Capt. Charles D. Parkhurst, Second United States Artillery; Lieut. John Conklin, Second United States Artillery; Maj. Thomas C. Lebo, Sixth United States Cavalry; Capt. John F. Stretch, Tenth United States Infantry; Q. M. Sergt. Daniel J. Nevins, Company A, Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers; Private Patrick J. Finan, Com- pany B, Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers. The Commission took a recess at 12.30 p. m. until 8 p. m. The after- noon was spent inspecting the camps and hospitals. evening session. The Commission reassembled at 8 o'clock p. m. Charles M. Lee, surgeon, appeared before the Commission, and having no objection was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 9.30 p. m., adjourned to meet Friday morning for inspection of Camp Thomas and hospitals. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. TWENTY-NINTH DAY. Chattanoog-a, Tenn., October 28, 1898. The Commission arrived at Chattanooga at 5 a. in., and left at 8.30 a.m. for Chickamauga Park, where the day was spent in inspecting the camp and hospitals. The Commission met at 5 p. m. and resumed taking testimony. Maj. R. E. Giffin, surgeon, Sternberg Hospital (recalled), and Charles F. Craig, acting assistant surgeon, Sternberg Hospital, appearing as MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 43 witnesses, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testi- mony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 6.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 9 o'clock to- morrow morning, Saturday, the 29th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTIETH DAY. Chattanooga, Tenn., October 29,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournmeut at 9 o'clock a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Denby and Captain Howell. Governor Woodbury made the following motion: That after the business is transacted here at Chattanooga, the president, General Dodge, and Commissioners Conner and Sexton, proceed to Lexington, Ky., Cincin- nati, Chicago, and such other points as they may deem best, for the purpose of examination of camps and taking testimony, and when they have completed the work to proceed to Washington. The motion was duly seconded and carried. Dr. Conner made the following motion: That Governor Woodbury be instructed to proceed to Burlington, Vt., and such other places en route as may be necessary to visit, and make such examinations as are required. Motion was duly seconded and carried. General Wilson moved that during the absence of General Dodge, General McCook act as temporary chairman; this motion was duly seconded and carried. General Wilson then moved that Colonel Jones act in the place of Major Mills until the Commission returned to Washington; this motion was duly seconded and carried. Governor Woodbury moved that the representatives of the daily press of Chattanooga be admitted during the taking of testimony; and the same being approved, it was so ordered. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. Edward T. Comegys, surgeon and medical purveyor; Lieut. James M. Arrasmith, Second United States Infantry; Dr. A. W. Boyd; Dr. G. A. Baxter; J. C. Howell, station master, Central Station, Chattanooga; Capt. D. E. McCarthy, assistant quartermaster, United States Army; Edward E. Betts, engineer, Chickamauga Park. The Commission went into executive session, and President Dodge read a letter from Dr. Taber, of New Orleans, and stated to the Com- mission that he would write to Dr. Taber, inviting him to Washington, where his testimony would be taken. The Commission took a recess until 2 p. m. 44 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Ira J. Hains, hospital nurse; Capt. M. G. Zalinski, assistant quartermaster, United States Army; Dr. F.B. Stapp; Lieutenant Arrasmith (recalled). The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 8 p. m. As no witnesses appeared at that time, no testimony was taken. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. Colonel Denby, sitting as a subcommittee in Washington, D. C., took the testimony of Maj. Gen. A. R. Chaffee, United States Volunteers, on the 29th day of October, 1898. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY-FIRST DAY. Knoxville, Tenn., October 31, 1898. The Commission arrived at Knoxville Sunday morning, the 30th instant. Monday morning the Commission divided into subcommittees and inspected Camp Poland and the hospitals. At 1.30 p. m. the Com- mission met and resumed the taking of testimony, all members on the trip being present. The acting recorder was also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. C. F. Martin, chief surgeon First Brigade, Second Division, First Army Corps; Maj. Park L. Myers, surgeon Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; F. K. Huger, superintendent Southern Railway, Knoxville Division; Capt. Eldridge W. White, Thirty-first Michigan Volunteers; Col. Fred Shubel, Lieutenant-Colonel Thirty- first Michigan Volunteers; Col. Geo. Le R. Brown, Fourth Tennessee Volunteers; Lieut. Col. Richard C. Croxton, Sixth Virginia Volunteers. The Commission, at 5.30 p. m., adjourned, and left for Washington at 6 p. m. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. Colonel Denby, sitting as a subcommittee in Washington, D. C., took the testimony of Maj. Gen. H. W. Lawton, United States Volunteers, on the 31st day of October, 1898. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE- GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, AND DR. CONNER. Lexington, Ky., OctoVer 31,1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 45 of same): Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, United States Volunteers; Capt. Charles E. Golding, Col. F. D. Baldwin, Benjamin Johnson, Col. T. W. Jones, Lieut. Col. J. M. Marshall, Gen. J. C. Bates, Maj. E. A. Mearns, Col. William A. Pew, jr., Col. R. W. Leonard, Col. W. K. Caffie, Col. Thomas J. Smith, Col. D. Mitchell, Lieut. Col. R. W. Banks. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. Lexington, Ky., November 1, 1898. The following witnesses appeared before the committee, and having no objection they were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Maj. John J. Bachman, One hundred and sixtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Maj. J. D. Glennan, brigade surgeon; Maj. William Coggswell, surgeon, Eighth Massachusetts Volunteers; Capt. G. B. Duncan, assistant adjutant general; Capt. T. C. Chalmers, acting surgeon, Twelfth New York Volunteers; Lieut. Col. James Parker, Twelfth New York Volunteers; Lieut. Frank L. Strange, Third Ken- tucky Volunteers; Lieut. Charles F. Wonson, quartermaster, Eighth Massachusetts Volunteers; Keene Ryan, private, Signal Corps; David F. Magner, quartermaster-sergeant, Eighth Massachusetts Volunteers; John Hoag, sergeant, Twelfth New York Volunteers; William F. Logan, sergeant, Second Missouri Volunteers; W. F. Hunter, private, Twelfth New York Volunteers; George G. Cook, private, Second Missouri Vol- unteers; William K. Twohig, private, Company C, Third Kentucky Volunteers; John L. Linguist, private, Eighth Massachusetts Vol- unteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY-SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 2, 1898. The Commission arrived in Washington, D. C., Tuesday morning, November 1, at 10 a. m., having left Knoxville, Tenn., at 6 p. m. Mon- day, October 31. The Commission met at 10 a. m. November 2. Present, General McCook, acting chairman; General Wilson, General Beaver, Colonel Denby, and Captain Howell. The secretary and acting recorder were also present. Captain Howell moved that a subcommittee of three be appointed to visit Camp Meade for the purpose of inspecting the camp and hospitals and to secure such testimony as might be available; motion duly sec- onded and carried, and General Wilson, General Beaver, and Captain Howell were appointed as such committee. 46 investigation of conduct OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The following letters were read and disposition thereof directed (see file): Mrs. Ella Anderson, 126 East Twelfth street, New York City; Elizabeth Boland, Baltimore, Md.; N. B. Myers, Huntsville, Ala.; C. Reynolds, 147 Ellison street, Paterson, N. J. Maj. Henry Romeyn, United States Army (retired), correspondent, appeared before the Commission as a witness, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., adjourned, to meet to-morrow morn- ing, the 3d instant, at 10 o'clock. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUB COMMITTEE- GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Lexington, Ky., November 2, 1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Brig. Gen. J. P. Sanger, United States Volunteers; Col. E. A. Godwin, Seventh United States Volunteers; Maj. Thomas Cruse, quartermaster, United States Volunteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY-THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 3,1898. Colonel Denby held a session at 10.30 a. m., General McCook being absent owing to illness. The secretary and the acting recorder were present. Lieut. Col. Albert J. Hartsuif, deputy surgeon-general United States Army, appearing as a witness,'and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) A recess was then taken until 3 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The hearing of testimony was resumed at 3 p. m. by Colonel Denby. Col. Myron H. McCord, First Territorial United States Volunteer Infantry, appearing as a witness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Colonel McCord also submitted a letter addressed to the War Investi- gation Commission, which was filed with and made a part of his testimony. The Commission adjourned until 10 a. m. Friday the 4th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. MINUTES of the commission. 47 WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Cincinnati, Onio, November 3,1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. E. S. Helburn, Second Kentucky Volunteers; Lucius M. Drewry, Capt. Charles H. Price, Second Kentucky Volunteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL WILSON, GENERAL BEAVER, CAPTAIN HOWELL. Harrisburg, Pa., November 3,1898. Capt. Frank N. Moore, Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, appeared before the committee, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) F, B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY-FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 4, 1898. Colonel Denby held a session of the Commission at 10 o'clock a. m. No witnesses being present, the official mail and papers were attended to. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GOVERNOR WOODBURY. Burlington, Vt., November 4, 1898. The following witnesses appeared before Governor Woodbury, sitting as a subcommittee, and having no objection they were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Lieut. Francis J. Koes- ter, Third United States Cavalry; Capt. Henry L. Ripley, Third United States Cavalry; Capt. George K. Hunter, Third United States Cavalry; Hermann E. Ensslin, quartermaster-sergeant, Troop F, Third United States Cavalry; Graham Wilson, sergeant, Troop G, Third United States Cavalry; James T. Murphy, first sergeant, Troop C, Third United States Cavalry; Frank Caine, first sergeant, Troop G, Third United States Cavalry; Henry Koch, first sergeant, Troop K, Third United States Cavalry; Bartholomew Mulhern, color-sergeant, Third United States Cavalry; John Oullette, first sergeant, Troop I, Third United States Cavalry. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 48 investigation of CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL WILSON, GENERAL BEAVER, CAPTAIN HOWELL. Harrisburg, Pa., November 4, 1898. The following witnesses appeared before the committee, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Capt. Guy Howard, Quartermaster's Department, major, United States Volunteers; Maj. James N. Allison, commissary, lieuten- ant-colonel, Volunteers; Maj. Alfred C. Girard, lieutenant-colonel and chief surgeon, Volunteers; Lieut. Carl Reichmann, assistant adjutant, United States Volunteers; Capt. William P. Duvall, United States Artillery; Brig. Gen. George W. Davis, United States Volunteers; Lieut. Col. E. B. Watts, United States Volunteers; W. H. Bachler, quartermaster-sergeant, Forty-ninth Iowa Volunteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Cincinnati, Ohio, November 4,1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): H. E. Menage, surgeon, Sixth United States Infantry; Lieut. Sami. J. B. Schindel, Thirteenth United States Infantry; Lieut. Col. Charles W. Miner, Sixth United States Infantry; Col. C. B. Hunt, First Ohio Volunteers; William H. Davis, Avondale, Ohio; Gen. H. Clay Egbert, United States Volunteers; Fred. J. Pfleuger, Newport, Ky.; Maj. J. D. Griffith, chief surgeon, Third Division, First Corps; Enter W. Springer, chaplain, United States Army; E. J. Button, chap- lain, United States Army. F. B, Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY FIFTH DAY. War Department, W ashing ton. JD. C., November 5, 1898. The Commission met at 10 o'clock a. in., Colonel Denby, General Wilson, and Captain Howell being present. The secretary and the acting recorder were also present. General McCook, and the recorder, Major Mills, absent owing to ill- ness. The other members of the Commission still absent on the duties assigned them. The Commission ordered that the disbursing officer of this Commis- sion be requested to submit, through the usual channels, to the Public Printer, a request for the immediate printing of the testimony so far as it is prepared, and to continue this printing as rapidly as the testimony is ready for the printer. 49 MINUTES of the commission. That the Public Printer be informed that this whole testimony will eventually be printed as an appendix to the report of the Commission, and it is suggested that it will be well to electrotype the matter as fast as it is set up. That 50 copies be obtained, so that each member of the Commission, its executive officers, and secretary may each be furnished with 2 cop- ies, and the remainder held with the records of the Commission. The Commission, at 11 a. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Monday, the 7th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL LODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Cincinnati, Ohio, November 5,1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Dr. Chas. L. Bonifield, Cincinnati, Ohio; Maj. Frank W. Hendley, medical department, First Ohio; Dr. Otis L. Cameron, Cin- cinnati, Ohio; James T. Weaver, private, First Ohio; W. H. Sloan, jr., Cincinnati, Ohio, First Ohio Cavalry; Charles W. Zell, Cincinnati, Ohio, passenger agent; Thomas Reed, Covington, Ky.; E. T. Landy, Cincin- nati, Ohio, and Mrs. Joseph J. Gest, Cincinnati, Ohio (Newport, Ky.). F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GOVERNOR WOODBURY. Burlington, Vt., November 5,1898. Maj. James M. Jenne, chief surgeon, volunteers, appeared as a wit- ness, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY-SIXTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., November 7,1898, The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby and General Wilson. The secretary and the acting recorder were also present. The other members of the Commission still absent on the duties assigned them. The official mail was attended to, and there being no witnesses present, the Commission adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Tuesday, the 8th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder, 7833-vol. 1 4 50 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Chicago, III., November 7, 1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. Lewis Schooler, medical department; Virginia T. Betts, Chicago, Ill.; Maj. Milo B. Ward, medical department; Maj. William Cuthbertson, surgeon, First Illinois Cavalry; Col. Henry L. Turner, First Illinois Volunteers; Dr. S. Y. McCormick, Chicago, Ill.; Col. Nicholas Senn, chief surgeon, United States Volunteers; Lieut. Ben- jamin J. Moore, Company K, First Illinois Volunteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY SEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., November 8, 1898, The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby and General Wilson. The secretary and the acting recorder were also present. The other members of the Commission were still absent on the duties assigned them. The official mail was attended to. There being no witnesses present, the Commission adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Wednesday, the 9th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder, WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GOVERNOR WOODBURY. Burlington, Vt., November 8,1898. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Capt. Charles A. Williams, Twenty-first Infantry, United States Army; Capt. John S. Parke, Twenty-first Infantry, United States Army; Capt. Frederick H. Ebstein, Twenty-first Infantry, United States Army; Jesse Ramsburgh, surgeon, Twenty-first Infantry; Pri- vate Luther N. Fennell, Company M, First Vermont Volunteers; Sergt. Joseph Hanson, Company C, Twenty-first United States Infantry; Corpl. James O'Shea, Company B, Twenty-first Infantry; Ernest F. Jurgensen, quartermaster-sergeant, Company M, Twenty-first United States Infantry; Corpl. William H. Burt, Company M, First Vermont Volunteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 51 WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Chicago, III., November 8,1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Maj. George A. Smith, surgeon, Second Division, Third Army Corps; Charles S. Bullock, chaplain First Illinois Cavalry; Mrs. Trumbull White, Chicago, HL; Col. O. M. Smith, commissary, United States Army; William T. P. Wardrop, Chicago, HL; Dr. W. S. Devoe, Chicago, HL; George K. Hoover, Chicago, HL; Lieut. Charles McQuiston, Fourth United States Infantry; Col. E. 0. Young, First Illinois Cavalry; Col. Marcus Cavanaugh, Seventh Illinois Infantry; Fred. H. Wines, Springfield, 111.; Maj. Lawrence M. Ennis, Seventh Illinois Infantry; Francis H. Buzzacott, Chicago, 111. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY-EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 9,1898. The Commission met at 10 a. m. Present, Colonel Denby and General Wilson. The secretary and the acting recorder were also present. The other members of the Commission were still absent on the duties assigned them. The official mail was attended to. There being no witnesses present, the Commission then adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Thursday, the 10th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE- GOVERNOR WOODBURY. Burlington, Vt., November 9, 1898. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): William E. Willard, quartermaster-sergeant, Company M, First Vermont Vol- unteers; Frank A. Bailey, Montpelier, Vt.; Luther J. Bailey, private, Company E, First Vermont Volunteers; Maj. C. M. Bonette, First Ver- mont Volunteers; Harris H. Walker, hospital corps, First Vermont Volunteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 52 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Chicago, III., November 9, 1898. The following witnesses appearing before the committee, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Private Frank B. Reynolds, First Illinois Infantry; Maj. Stephen Baker, Fourth United States Infantry; Col. A. H. Bainbridge, Fourth United States Infantry; George Chipman, Chicago, Hl.; Pri- vate Edward G. Stanton, Second Volunteer Engineers; Private William G. Dolan, Second Volunteer Engineers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. THIRTY NINTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 10,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, Colonel Denby, General Wilson, and Captain Howell. The secretary and the acting recorder were also present. The other members of the Commission were still absent on the duties assigned them. The official mail was attended to. Letter received from General Dodge, and answered to the effect that testimony was being printed, and that it would be briefed after the printing. Report of the subcommittee which went to Camp Meade ordered filed. Letter from Executive Mansion covering letter from F. A. Muench and inclosures ordered to be sent to Adjutant General, with the state- ment that these letters do not refer to any matter of which we have cognizance. Letter from Mr. Dowell and inclosures ordered filed. There being no witnesses present, the Commission adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Friday, the 11th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE WAR COMMISSION TO VISIT AND INSPECT CAMP MEADE, PA. Washington, D. 0., November 5, 1898. Maj. Gen. G. M. Dodge, President of Commission to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department during the War with Spain. General: The committee, consisting of Gen. James A. Beaver, Capt. Evan P. Howell, and myself, in accordance with instructions, proceeded to Harrisburg, Pa., and thence to Camp Meade, Pa., where we arrived at noon on Thursday, November 3. Walking from the station to corps headquarters, we presented ourselves to Maj. Gen. S. B. M. Young, United States Volunteers, commanding the Second Army Corps, and 53 MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. shortly afterwards, escorted by Brig. Gen. George W. Davis, United States Volunteers, we visited the camps of every regiment of the corps, except the Two hundred and third New York Volunteer Infantry, which was located several miles from the main body of the troops. We found the camps well located, the sanitary arrangements in good condition, and the water supply excellent. Interviews with the commanding officers of the various regiments, with the majority of whom we conversed, failed to bring out complaints except of minor character, and the reports indicated that the supply departments were in good condition; that requisitions upon the staff departments were, as a rule, promptly filled; that the discipline was good, and the troops, numbering about 22,500 men, were ready to take the field at any time. We completed our visit through the camps about 6 p. m. and returned to Harrisburg. At 8 p. m. the committee again met at Lochiel Hotel and called before it Capt. Frank N. Moore, Company M, Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Captain Moore was before the committee until about 10.30 p. m. His testimony will be found in the report of the stenographer herewith. The committee again met at the Lochiel House at 9 a. m. Friday, November 4, 1898. It called before it during the day and heard the testimony of the following-named officers: Lieut. Col. Guy Howard, United States Volunteers, chief quartermaster Second Army Corps; Lieut. Col. James M. Allison, United States Volunteers, chief commis- sary Second Army Corps; Brig. Gen. George W. Davis, United States Volunteers, commanding First Division, Second Corps; Lieutenant Colonel Watts, Eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; Lieut. Col. Alf. C. Girard, United States Volunteers, chief surgeon Second Corps; Capt. Carl Reichmann, United States Volunteers, assist- ant adjutant-gen er al, Second Corps; Lieut. Col. W. P. Duvall, United States Volunteers, chief ordnance officer Second Corps. The committee adjourned at 2 p. m. and returned to Washington, reaching there on the evening of the 4th instant. The testimony of the officers who were heard will be found in the record of the stenographer herewith. Very respectfully, John M. Wilson, Brigadier General, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GOVERNOR WOODBURY. Burlington, Vt., November 10,1898. The following witnesses appeared, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Capt. George A. Dodd, Third United States Cavalry; Cornelius M. Brownell, Burlington, V t. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 54 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GENERAL DODGE, COLONEL SEXTON, DR. CONNER. Detroit, Mich., November 10, 1898. The following witnesses appeared before the committee, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. A. W. Corliss, Seventh United States Infantry; Lieut. O. B. Rosenbaum, quartermaster Seventh United States Infantry; Capt. Charles A. Booth, Seventh United States Infantry; Maj. Charles B. Nancrede, division surgeon; Theodore W. Whittier, private, Seventh United States Infantry; Maj. Lawrence D. Knowles, surgeon, Thirty- second Michigan; Captain Booth (recalled), Mrs. Lucy Weldon, Detroit, Mich.; Helen Stuart Richings, Capt. George S. Young, Seventh United States Infantry; Maj. William G. Latimer, Thirty-fourth Michigan Volunteers; O. B. Weed, Thirty-second Michigan Volunteers; Maj. Thomas H. Reynolds, Thirty-second Michigan Volunteers; Capt. F. W. Crowley, Thirty-third Michigan Volunteers. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTIETH DAY. War Department, Washington, JD. C., November 11, 1898, The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby, General Wilson, and Captain Howell. The secretary and the acting recorder were also present. The other members of the Commission were still absent on the duties assigned them. The official mail was attended to. There being no witnesses present, the Commission adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Saturday, the 12th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTY-FIRST DAY. War Department, Washington, JD. C., November 12, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., with all the members present excepting Governor Woodbury, who was still absent on the duties assigned him. The acting recorder and secretary were also present. Colonel Denby submitted to the Commission a written report in regard to business transacted in Washington during the absence of the Commission, which was read and tiled. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 55 The several members of the subcommittee which proceeded to the West, composed of General Dodge, Colonel Sexton, and Dr. Conner, made an informal verbal report of their work, a fuller report of which will appear by reference to transcript of testimony taken by them. Dr. Conner submitted a communication received from the Chicago College of Pharmacy (connected with the University of Illinois), which was filed. General Dodge submitted a letter from M. Koenigsburg, of Mont- gomery, Ala., which was read and filed. The Commission, at 12.30 o'clock, adjourned to meet on Monday at 10 a. m., the 14th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTY-SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 14,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members excepting Captain Howell, who was called to Atlanta, Ga. The acting recorder and secretary were also present. General Dodge submitted for the consideration of the Commission a report on the case of Corpl. Francis H. Sweet, who died October 30, at Montauk Point. Special letter sent. Col. R. S. Huidekoper, chief surgeon, United States Volunteers, appeared before the Commission and, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.40 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. Maj. Thomas T. Knox, inspector-general, United States Army, ap- peared before the Commission and, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) General Dodge submitted the following letters: H. F. Hodges, lieutenant-colonel First United States Volunteer Engi- neers, in regard to Dr. Seaman. Filed with Dr. Seaman's testimony. John M. Thayer, Lincoln, Nebr., November 7, 1898. Filed, and put name of Mrs. Adams referred to in said letter on list of witnesses. Gen. Joseph C. Breckinridge, Inspector-General United States Army, appeared before the Commission and, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.45 p. m. adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, the 15th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 56 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. FORTY-THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., November 15, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members except Captain Howell, who was still absent in Atlanta. The acting recorder and secretary were also present. Gen. Joseph C. Breckinridge resumed the witness stand and con- cluded his testimony. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Capt. R. W. Dowdy, United States Army, retired; Dr. George L. Magruder, Washington. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The following witnesses appeared, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Dr. William G. Weaver, assistant and acting surgeon, Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Maj. Louis A. La Garde, surgeon, United States Army. The Commission adjourned until to morrow, the 16th instant, at 10 a. m. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTY-FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 16,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members present. The acting recorder and secretary were also present. Major La Garde resumed the stand and concluded his testimony. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Lieut. Col. J. W. Jacobs, Quartermaster's Department; Capt. Jonathan M. Patton, assistant quartermaster, United States Vol- unteers. The Commission, at 12:30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Gapt. M. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 57 W. Ireland, assistant surgeon, United States Army; Capt. Edward L. Munson, assistant surgeon, United States Army; Col. W. H. Forwood, assistant surgeon-general. The Commission, at 4:45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thurs- day, the 17th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTY-FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 17, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present. The acting recorder and secretary were also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. On motion of Governor Woodbury it was voted that one member of the Commission be designated to remain in Washington during the absence of the Commission in the North, to look after business of the Board in that place; and President Dodge designated Colonel Denby to remain in Washington. Letter was read from H. A. Dobson, M. D., Washington, D. C., which was referred to Colonel Denby for attention. Letter read from W. H. Caine, M. D., Minneapolis, Minn. Upon motion of Dr. Conner it was moved that Dr. Caine be again requested to send all the information he has in the matter referred to in the form of an affidavit. Dr. Forwood resumed the witness stand and concluded his testi- mony. Maj. Richard H. Pyles, surgeon First District of Columbia Volun- teers, appeared as a witness and, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. Gen. S. B. M. Young, United States Volunteers, appeared as a wit- ness and, having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 3.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, Friday morning, November 18, at 10 a. m. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 58 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. FORTY-SIXTH DAY. New York City, November 18, 1898. The Commission arrived in New York City at 7 a. m., and met at 10 o'clock, in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where it resumed the hearing of testimony. All members on the trip present, Colonel Denby being delegated to attend to the business of the Commission in Washington. The acting recorder was also present. The following witnessesappearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Col. Charles R. Greenleaf, assistant surgeon-general; David J. Goss, cook, Seventy-first New York Volunteers; Henry Hauck, private, Company L, Seventy-first New York Volunteers. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess to meet at 2 o'clock p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. It was decided that on and after the 21st instant the morning session would begin at 9.30 a. m. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): William H. Henry, New York City; Richard M. Henry, New York City; Frank Donaldson, acting assistant surgeon; James S. Sauers, private, Com- pany K, Seventy-first New York Volunteers; Mrs. Mary Manson, New York City. The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Saturday, the 19th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTY-SEVENTH DAY. New York City, November 19, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members on the trip except General Beaver, who was called to Pennsylvania on court duty. The acting recorder was also present. The proceedings of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Mrs. Edmund C. Allis; Capt. Edward H. Plummer, Tenth United States Infantry; Maj. George T. Lorigan, Ninth New York Volunteers. The Commission, at 12.30, took a recess until 2 p. m. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 59 AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Mar- garet H. Garrard, Morristown, N. J.; Lieut. Charles Edwards, Company H, Seventy-first New York Volunteers. The Commission, at 4 p. m., adjourned to meet at 9.30 a. m. on Mon- day, the 21st instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-COLONEL DENBY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 19, 1898. The following witnesses appearing before Colonel Denby, sitting as a subcommittee in Washington, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Mrs. Josie M. Dobson, Dr. H. A. Dobson, Lawrence J. Wooldridge, Samuel Phelan, Arthur L. Kitchen. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTY-EIGHTH DAY. New York City, November 21, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 9.30 a. m. Present, all members on the trip except Captain Howell, who was called away to Atlanta, Ga. General Beaver returned from Pennsyl- vania. The acting recorder was also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Maj. F. J. Ives, brigade surgeon volunteers; Dr. Lewis A. Stimpson, New York City; Miss Julia H. Chadwick, New York City. Mr. R. B. Roosevelt appeared before the Commission and made a short statement. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 1 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Dr. W. Gilman Thompson, S. D. Parrish, New York City. 60 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Mr. Parrish, after being sworn, stated that he excepted to the expres- sion "the whole truth," inasmuch as he did not expect to tell all he knew. The Commission adjourned, at 4.30 p. m., to meet at 9.30 a. m. the 22d instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-COLONEL DENBY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 21, 1898. The following witnesses appeared before Colonel Denby, sitting as a subcommittee in Washington, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Lieut. S. Clifford Cox, assistant surgeon, First District of Columbia Volunteers 5 Corpl. Wm. C. Ryan, First District of Columbia Volunteers, Company D. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FORTY NINTH DAY. New York City, November 22,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 9.30 a. m. Present, all members on the trip, except Captain Howell, who was still absent in Atlanta. The acting recorder was also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Mrs. Susan B. Powell, New York; Joseph Gurke, Yonkers, N. Y.; Col. A. S. Kimball, assistant quartermaster, United States Army; Sidney V. Lowell, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Miss Mary C. Lowell, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Rev. Henry B. Bryan, Long Island. The Commission, at 1 p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Hilder Olin, second lieutenant Company I, Seventy-first New York Volun- teers; George Wallace, Long Island; Mrs. L. G. Woodhouse; Col. Theodore Roosevelt, First Regiment Volunteer Cavalry. The Commission, at 5 p. m., adjourned to meet Wednesday, the 23d instant, at 9.30 o'clock a. m. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. minutes of the commission. 61 WOEK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-COLONEL DENBY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 22,1898. Capt. William S. Hodges, Company D, First District of Columbia Volunteers, appeared before Colonel Denby, sitting as a subcommittee, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FIFTIETH DAY. New York City, November 23,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 9.30 a. m. Present all members on the trip. The acting recorder was also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Lieut. John M. Thompson, Seventy-first New York Volunteers; J. S. J. Archibald, New York City; John Jay Robin- son, New York City; Mrs. Johanna von Wagner, New York City; Knight Neftel, New York City; Cleveland Moffett; Edward A. Sumner, New York City. The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess to meet at 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Dr. Elmer Lee, New York City; Col. J. Morris Brown, deputy surgeon-gen- eral, United States Army; Dr. Herbert O. Anderson, Brooklyn, N. Y. It was moved and seconded that in view of the fact that Thursday, the 24th instant, would be Thanksgiving day, the Commission would adjourn until Friday, the 25th instant, at 9.30 a. m. A resolution was also adopted that upon the close of the session in New York, on Saturday evening, the 26th instant, the Commission proceed to Boston, Mass., that night, for the purpose of taking testi- mony there. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 62 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. FIFTY-FIRST DAY. New York City, November 35, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 9.30 a. m. Present all members on the trip, except Governor Woodbury, absent in Burlington, Vt. The acting recorder was also present. The following letters were received in reply to invitations to appear as witnesses before the Commission: 39 East Thirty-fifth Street, November 24,1898. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President of Commission. Dear Sir: I regret that I must decline your invitation to appear before your committee. I visited Camp Wikoff as a member of the advisory board of physicians of the National Red Cross Society of this city, by the request of the executive com- mittee of the society, to report on the sanitary conditions of the camp. A full report was sent by me to the committee, which I presume they will gladly furnish you. The desire of your committee for information, it seems to me, can be served in this way better than by the methods which it has seemed wise to your committee to adopt in examining the medical gentlemen who have appeared before you. Respectfully, Francis P. Kinnicutt. 12 West Thirty-second Street, November 4, 1898. Dear Doctor: I have no testimony to give that will be of service to your com- mittee, so that I shall have to ask you to excuse me. Yours, truly, Francis Delafield. 8 East Sixty-sixth Street, New York, November 24, 1898. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge. Dear Sir : Appreciating the courtesy of an invitation to appear before your com- mittee,. I beg to be excused, as I am unable to testify to any specific facts based on personal knowledge. Very respectfully, yours, Geo. F. Shrady. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Daniel McKeever, New York City; Rev. Dwight Galloupe, Newark, N.J.; Charles J. Goulden, New York City; Joseph P. Holmes, New York City; Mrs. Mary Hatch Willard, Joseph F. Gleason, Brook- lyn, N. Y.; Louis E. Kreuss, New York City; Mrs. Elizabeth Brosnan, Worcester, Mass. ; M. J. Hussey, Brooklyn, N. Y. The Commission took a recess at 1 p. m. until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Dr. A. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 63 Monae Lesser, New York City; Dr. Cyrus Edson, New York City; A. E. Gallant, New York City. Mrs. Mary Hatch Willard submitted a letter, which was read, and requested that same be made a part of her testimony, which was so ordered. Gilbert G. Brockway, Charles J. Coons, Thos. H. Brett, and J. J. Keller, all volunteers Seventy-first New York Volunteers, appeared before the Commission, each presenting a paper signed by himself; all being duly sworn, stated the contents of said papers, marked Nos. 1,2, 3, and 4, were true. Dr. Lewis A. Stimpson, New York City, appeared again before the Commission and submitted some papers of record, in accordance with understanding previously had. (See transcript of testimony.) The Commission adjourned at 4 p. m. to meet again at 8 p. m. EVENING- SESSION. The Commission met at 8 p. m. pursuant to adjournment. The following witnesses appeared, and having no objection were duly sworn, and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Maj. John W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, United States Army; Charles M. Swift, purveyor of fleet; Henry P. Kirkham. The Commission, at 9.30 p. m., adjourned, to meet at 9.30 a. m. Satur- day, the 26th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-COLONEL DENBY. War Department, Washington, D. C., November 25,1898. Preston C. King, hospital steward, First District of Columbia Vol- unteers, appeared before Colonel Denby, sitting as a subcommittee, and having no objections he was duly sworn, and his testimony taken (see transcript of same). F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FIFTY-SECOND DAY. New York City, November 26, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 9.30 a. m. Present all members on the trip, except Governor Woodbury, who was still absent. The acting recorder was also present. 64 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The following letter was received from Alexander Duane in reply to an invitation to appear as a witness before the Commission: 49 East Thirtieth Street, New York, November 25, 1898. Gen. G. M. Dodge, President War Commission. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of this date. In reply I regret to say that I have no first-hand information that conld be of value to your Commission; in other words, I can offer no testimony as an eyewitness or from personal experience. What information I have is such as most of us have here, who have followed (with care and an earnest wish to learn the facts) the authorized reports, the accounts published in the medical journals, and the conservative press generally, and the testimony of competent witnesses that we have happened to come into contact with. This testimony has already been in large part presented to you at first hand (e. g., Dwight Thompson, Dr. Stimpson, and others). Hence, while I shall be very glad to assist the Commission in any way in my power, I feel that it would be only a waste of time to present myself before you to testify in regard to matters of which I was not an eyewitness, and as to the truth of which I can not, although morally certain, contribute any decisive evidence. Respectfully, Alexander Duane. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Dr. M. O. Terry, surgeon-general New York State; Mrs. L. W. Quintard, New York City, N. Y.; Mrs. Alice B. Babcock, New York City, N. Y.; Joseph F. Chmelicek, New York City, N. Y. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took recess, to meet at 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): W. H. Baldwin, jr., president Long Island Railroad, New York City; Eleanor L. Coe, New York City, N. Y. Letter received from Robert B. Roosevelt was read, same was ordered to be filed with the testimony. The following letter was mailed to the New York World, on Novem- ber 19, 1898, viz: New York City, November 19, 1898. New York World, New York City. Gentlemen: Referring to your request as to the investigation of contracts by this Commission, I desire to say that the Commission is prepared to investigate any con- tract that has been made by the Government where fraud is charged or undue influence against any officer of the War Department. If you have any evidence bearing u,.on such cases we would be pleased to hear it. Respectfully, yours, Grenville M. Dodge, President. to which no answer has been received up to the time the Commission closed its sessions in New York City. The Commission then, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 9.30 a. m. at the Parker House, Boston, Mass., Monday, the 28th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 65 FIFTY-THIRD DAY. Boston, Mass., November 29,1898. The Commission met at 9.30 a. m. Present, all members on the trip. The acting recorder was also present. The Commission was unable to meet on the 28th instant, as agreed upon at the adjournment on the 26th instant, owing to the railroad trains upon which the members were traveling between New York and Boston being detained thirty hours while en route on account of a severe snowstorm. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Leonard W. Johnson, North Cambridge, Mass.; Dr. William H. Prescott, Boston, Mass.; Dr. Laura A. 0. Hughes, Boston, Mass. The Commission, at 1.45 p. m., took a recess to meet at 2 o'clock p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The following witnessesappeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Gen. Adelbert Ames, United States Volunteers, Boston, Mass.; E. G. Brackett, Boston, Mass.; Mrs. Elizabeth Bell Thomas, Haverhill, Mass.; Dr. R. C. Cabot, Boston, Mass.; Dr. George F. Camp- bell, Boston, Mass.; William B. Kenibbs, Boston, Mass.; Dr. Miles Standish, Boston, Mass.; Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, Boston, Mass.; J. B. Houston, Boston, Mass. The Commission adjourned to meet at 9.30 a. m., November 30,1898. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FIFTY-FOURTH DAY. Boston, Mass., November 30,1898. The Commission met at 9.30 a. m. Present, all members on the trip. The acting recorder was also present. The following-mentioned letters were received in reply to invitations to appear before the Commission. From William. Astor Chandler, that he did not receive notice dated 25th instant until the 28th instant, so he was unable to avail him- self of the invitation to testify. From George Y. Bancher, that as nothing would be gained by his appearing, and it would put a blot on his regiment, he declines. From Dr. William H. Pierce, that Mrs. John Brooks is unable to appear, owing to quite serious illness in her family. 7833-vol. 1 5 66 investigation of conduct OF WAR WITH SPAIN. A letter was received from Mrs. J. H. Bull, stating that her son would like to testify in support of the War Department. Three letters were received from Mr. H. L. Higginson, of Boston, Mass., stating that if he could be assured that witnesses would be treated kindly and fairly he would be able to induce several good men to go before the Commission. Mr. Higginson was advised that as yet the Commission had no complaint from any witness, and that it would be pleased to have sent before it any person in possession of informa- tion. Mr. Higginson also complained of a certain surgeon, who was found continually drunk while on duty, both at Fortress Monroe and Camp Wikoff. The Commission requested Mr. Higginson to kindly furnish the name of the doctor, to which Mr. Higginson replied, stating that his name was Winter and that he did not know whether he was an army officer or not. On motion of General Beaver it was agreed that upon final adjour- ment in Boston the Commissioners meet at 10 a. m. Friday, December 2, 1898, in Washington, D. C. On motion of Captain Howell, it was agreed that Dr. Conner and Governor Woodbury remain in Boston for the present as a sub- committee to take such testimony for the Commission as they deem necessary. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Dr. James B. Clarkson, Boston, Mass.; Maj. Charles K. Darling, Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers, Boston, Mass.; Jeremiah G. Fennessey, lieutenant, Ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, Boxbury, Mass.; Dr. Frank M. Johnson, Boston, Mass.; Dr. Henry La Motte, Boston, Mass.; Mr. Edwin Atkinson, Boston, Mass.; Dr. David Clark, Springfield, Mass.; Dev. Dr. Edwin S. Wheeler, Boston, Mass.; W. H. Seabury, Boston, Mass.; A. Brown, Boston, Mass.; Grafton J. Cush- ing, Boston, Mass.; Charles Pfaff, colonel First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. The Commission, at 3.30 p. m., adjourned. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-GOVERNOR WOODBURY, DOCTOR CONNER. Boston, Mass., December 1, 1893. The following witnesses appeared before the committee, and having no objections, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Maj. Charles L. Heizmann, surgeon, United States Army 5 Dr. Daniel Fiske Jones. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. MINUTES of the commission. 67 FIFTY-FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 2,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all the members except Dr. Conner, absent as subcommittee taking testimony at Boston, Mass. The secretary and acting recorder were also present. General Dodge read a letter from the New York World, dated November 29. Ordered filed with the records. Colonel Denby submitted a letter from Secretary Alger in regard to testimony of General Breckinridge. General Wilson submitted a copy of General Order 181, Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-General's Office, November 26, 1898. Ordered to be filed with Lieutenant Fennessey's testimony. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Col. Charles Bird, Quartermaster's Department, United States Volunteers; Col. Crosby P. Miller, Quartermaster's Department, United States Army. The Commission, at 1 p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Col. William S. Patton, Quartermaster's Department, United States Army; Capt. James McKay, Tampa, Fla. The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Satur- day, the 3d instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. WORK OF SUF COMMITTER-DR. CONNER. Boston, Mass., December 2,1898. Dr. Edward H. Bradford appeared before Dr. Conner, sitting as a committee representing the Commission, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) E. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 68 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. FIFTY-SIXTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 3, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. All the members were present except Dr. Conner, who was still absent taking testimony in Boston. The secretary and acting recorder were also present. General Dodge read indorsements of Lieut. Col. and Chief Surg. John V. R. Hoff, dated August 24, 1898, and Maj. Gen. J. C. Breckin- ridge, of September 2, in regard to report of General Sanger's board on sanitary condition of camps. The papers were ordered filed. A letter from Col. and Asst. Surg. Gen. Charles R. Greenleaf was read, being in reply to the request of the Commission, giving his views in regard to the Medical Department. It was ordered to be printed in connection with his testimony. A letter dated November 12,1898, from Maj. Gen. J. R. Brooke, was read and ordered to be filed. A letter was read from the Secretary of War, dated November 29, 1898, in regard to Inspector-General's Department. It, together with General Orders, No. 18, of March, 1895, and No. 81, of June, 1898, were ordered to be printed. Colonel Denby submitted a report of the work done and testimony taken by himself in Washington during the absence of the other mem- bers of the Commission in New York and Boston. The report and letters in connection therewith were ordered to be placed on file. Colonel Denby also related a statement made to him by the mother of the late Sergeant Dobson, First District of Columbia Volunteers. Letter of November 18, 1898, from Miller & Young, 108 Front street, New York City, was read, in regard to sale of coffee at Southern camps. Ordered referred to Commissary-General. Copy of cablegram from Brig. Gen. Charles F. Humphrey, Quarter- master's Department, objecting to testimony of Lieut. Col. J. W. Jacobs, was read, and ordered that it be made part of the records. Captain McKay resumed the stand and concluded his testimony. George W. Goethals, captain of engineers, lieutenant-colonel and chief engineer of Volunteers, appeared before the Commission, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. Col. James M. Moore, assistant quartermaster-general, appeared before the Commission, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 3.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Monday, the 5th instant. y. b. Jones, Acting Recorder. MINUTES of the commission. 69 WORK OF SUBCOMMITTEE-DR. CONNER. Boston, Mass., December 3, 1898. Col. John F. Marsh appeared before Dr. Conner, sitting as a repre- sentative of the Commission, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FIFTY-SEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 5, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all of the members being present. The secretary, recorder, and acting recorder were also present. General Dodge read a letter from Mrs. James Brady in relation to the trial of Captain Queenly, of the Ninth Massachusetts, and death of her son. It was ordered returned to Adjutant-Gen er al United States Army with the information that as the case had been passed upon by a board, the Commission did not deem it expedient to reopen the case. General Dodge read a letter received through the Adjutant-General from Horace Barnes. It was ordered returned to the Adjutant-General with the indorsement " contents noted." A letter addressed to Hon. Mark Hanna, from Granville Sinclair, was read, in regard to Private W. E. Ball, Company G, Second West Vir- ginia, complaining that he sees no testimony from enlisted men. Gen- eral Dodge was authorized to write a reply. Col. J. G. C. Lee was recalled by the Commission. (See transcript of testimony.) Maj. Ira C. Brown, surgeon, United States Volunteers, appeared before the Commission as a witness, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 1 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 p. m., when Major Brown con- tinued and concluded his testimony. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Lieut. Col. M. C. Martin, quartermaster Volunteers; Clinton Smith, architect, Quartermaster's Department. The Commission, at 5 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thursday, the 6th instant. F, B. Jones, Acting Recorder. 70 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. FIFTY-EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 6, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. All the members were present. The secretary, recorder, and acting recorder were also present. General Dodge read a letter from Dr. Samuel D. Hubbard. Ordered, that Dr. Hubbard be asked to furnish an affidavit in the case of Private Frank, injured at Chattanooga. General Dodge read a letter from Dr. W. N. Prescott, asking for a copy of his testimony. Ordered, that he be informed that it is in proc- ess of printing, and copy of same will be furnished him. Governor Woodbury offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the President is hereby authorized to assign to each Commissioner such data in the preparation of the report of the Commission as he may deem wise. Adopted. General Beaver moved that all the papers furnished by the Adjutant- General be printed for the Commission's own use. It was so ordered. General Beaver submitted a draft of "heads of subjects" to be con- sidered by the Commission for making its report; he was requested to complete the same, after which manifold copies will be furnished each member of the Commission. The following resolutions were passed: Resolved, That the Commission adjourn for Christmas and New Year's day, and that any member who desires be allowed to take a longer time; but that the Com- mission remain in session and continue its work during the holiday week. Resolved, That the recorder be authorized to employ an expert indexer for the purpose of preparing a proper and complete index of the testimony taken, and yet to be taken, before the Commission. The salary to be submitted for the approval of the Commission. No witnesses appearing for examination, the Commission took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock, and no witnesses present- ing themselves for examination, the Commission adjourned at 3.30 p. m. to meet at 10 a. m. Wednesday, the 7th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. FIFTY NINTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 7, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present save General Dodge, absent in New York. The secretary, recorder, and acting recorder were also present. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 71 Col. Frank J. Hecker, quartermaster, United States Volunteers, appear- ing as a witness, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Colonel Denby read a letter from Brig. Gen. Charles E. Compton, United States Volunteers, dated Chicago, Ill., November 28, 1898, addressed to Adjutant-General United States Army, stating "Dr. G. A. Smith's testimony conveyes a wrong impression. To use a mild expression, Dr. Smith is mistaken." Dr. Conner moved that a communication be sent to the Surgeon- General, asking if Dr. George A. Smith's report of the Second Division Hospital, Third Army Corps, at Camp Thomas had ever been received at his (the Surgeon-General's) office, or any communication relative to the matter. It was so ordered. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Col. Charles H. Alden, assistant surgeon-general; Private James E. Smith, Troop A, Sixth Cavalry. Colonel Hecker reappeared and submitted certain papers pertaining to his testimony. In reply to inquiry by the Commission, a letter was received from the Surgeon-General, inclosing papers pertaining to Dr. G. A. Smith, which was referred to Dr. Conner for examination. The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Thurs- day, the 8th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. SIXTIETH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 8,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present. The secretary, recorder, and acting recorder were also present. Dr. Conner reported there was nothing in the papers from the Surgeon-General's Office concerning Dr. G. A. Smith of interest to the Commission, and recommended that they be returned to the Surgeon- General's Office. It was so ordered. Affidavit of Mrs. Woodhouse presented and ordered filed. Brig. Gen. George M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General United States Army, appeared before the Commission as a witness, and having no 72 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m. and went into execu- tive session. It was ordered that a letter be written asking for the report of Colonel Roosevelt on the Santiago campaign, and that such extracts of Captain McKay's testimony as General McCook may designate be sent to Colonel Roosevelt in reply to Colonel Roosevelt's letter to General McCook. Also, that a letter be written to Gen. C. E. Compton, United States Volunteers, that if he (Compton) will send his affidavit about what he has to say in regard to the testimony of Dr. G. A. Smith, the Commis- sion will have it printed with Dr. Smith's testimony. Surgeon-General Sternberg resumed and concluded his testimony. Brig. Gen. D. W. Flagler, Chief of Ordnance, appeared as a witness, and having no objections, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transciH-* of same.) The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Friday, the 9th instant. F. B. Jones, Acting Recorder. SIXTY-FIRST DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 9, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Captain Howell. The secretary and recorder were also present. Col. Frank J. Hecker, assistant quartermaster, recalled and addi- tional testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) A communication from James H. Ferriss partially read and laid aside, when Maj. D. M. Appel, surgeon, United States Army, appeared as a witness, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) It was moved and seconded that Mr. Ryan (referred to in Colonel Hecker's testimony) be called as a witness. The Commission went into executive session. A communication in regard to the Homeopathic Hospital in Brooklyn, N. Y., was read by General Dodge, in re Maj. D. M. Appel, surgeon, United States Army, and it was decided to recall Major Appel and question him in regard to it. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 73 AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 p. m. Maj. D. M. Appel was recalled and continued his testimony. Maj. A. H. Appel, surgeon, United States Army, appearing as a wit- ness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Saturday, the 10th instant. S. C. Mills, Becorder. SIXTY-SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 10, 1898. The Coin mission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Captain Howell. The secretary and recorder were also present. General Wilson submitted a letter from Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, dated December 9, regarding status of Colonel Swift. Noted and filed. A letter was received from Edward Oldham, general manager Asso- ciated Trade and Industrial Press, Washington, D. C., inclosing letter from Jacob Dold Packing Company, Kansas City, Mo. Ordered that it be referred to the Commissary-General to ascertain when the adver- tisements were published, what the proposals were for, and what length of time was given for bids. A letter was received from Dr. Elmer Lee, 10 West Forty-ninth street, New York City. Ordered that the charts be left out of Dr. Lee's testimony. A letter was received from Rev. Dr. R. Heber Newton, New York, explaining why he did not avail himself of the invitation from the Com- mission to appear before it while testimony was being taken in New York. Ordered filed. Directed that the Adjutant-General, United States Army, be re- quested to order Colonel Wright and Major Torney, chief surgeon, to report to Dr. Conner at No. 508 Johnson Building; Cincinnati, Ohio, at 10 a. m. December 23, for examination. Maj. Valery Havard, surgeon, United States Army, appearing as a witness, and having no objections, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Brig. Gen. D. W. Flagler was recalled and additional testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 1.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Monday, December 12, S. O. Mills, Becorder. 74 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. SIXTY-THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 12, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the mem- bers being present except Captain Howell. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Navy, dated December 10, 1898, inclosing copy of letter from Capt. C. F. Goodrich, United States Navy, dated December 7, 1898, together with letter from Maj. Gen. J. R. Brooke, headquarters First Army Corps, Arroyo, Porto Rico, dated August 3,1898; also copy of letter from James A. Wright, jr. (no date), resenting a criticism on the steamer St. Louis. Ordered to be filed and acknowledged. Dr. Conner stated that he had received a long letter from Woodbridge G. Osborne, jr., dated Portland, Me., December 9, 1898, which letter was ordered referred to the adjutant-gen er al of the State of Maine, with the request that he forward it to the colonel of the regiment for inves- tigation, and to return the letter with the report to this Commission. A letter dated Washington, D. C., December 8, 1898, was received from Surgeon-General Sternberg, submitting communications from A. H. Winchester, Buckhannon, W. Va., dated at Cartagena, Colombia, November 3, 1898, to Mr. Rafael Madrigal, transmitted through the State Department. Letters ordered filed. A letter was read from Col. Crosby P. Miller, Quartermaster's Depart- ment, dated Washington, D. 0., December 7, 1898; also letter from Marion McMillan, captain and assistant quartermaster, United States Volunteers, Huntsville, Ala., December 8, 1898. Ordered filed and to be printed with testimony. Reference from Adjutant-General's Office, December 9, 1898, in response to request from President Dodge, under date of December 6, relative to ground lease for camps. Ordered filed with Adjutant-Gen- eral's report. A letter was read from James H. Ferriss, dated Joliet, Ill., December 6, 1898, inclosing statement from Mr. Maloney; also statement from Chaplain O'Dell in response to letter from Commission, dated Novem- ber 19, 1898. Ordered filed and that Mr. Maloney be called as a witness, and that Dr. Huidekoper be recalled. A letter was read from William H. Caine, dated Minneapolis, Minn., November 10, 1898, together with clipping from the St. Paul Globe, December 5,1898. It was ordered that the secretary write Mr. Caine to appear at 508 Johnson Building, Cincinnati, Ohio, at 3 p. m. December 23, for examination by Dr. Conner. Witness fees and transportation to be furnished. Papers to be referred to Dr. Conner. It was directed that the secretary write a letter to Mr. Knox, hatter, New York City, asking him if the papers in reference to the Philadel- phia hat contract have been returned to him, and to say that the War MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 75 Commission, should he so desire, will be glad to have him appear before it at such time during the present week as may be agreeable to him. A letter was read from H. R. Duval, president Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad Company, dated New York, December 9, 1898, in reply to a letter from President Dodge to Mr. Coleman. Ordered filed and acknowledged. Brig. Gen. Adolphus W. Greely, Chief Signal Officer, appeared before the Commission as a witness, and, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 1 p. m., took a recess until 2 o'clock. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 p. m. and went into executive session. Brigadier-General Greely then resumed and concluded his testimony. Brig. Gen. Charles P. Eagan, Commissary-General of Subsistence, appeared as a witness, and having no objections, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, the 13th inst. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SIXTY-FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., December 13, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all mem- bers being present. The secretary and recorder were also present. Brigadier-General Eagan continued and concluded his testimony. Telegram from W. H. Kyan to General Beaver read, denying having made any complaints. Ordered filed. Col. Albert J. Hartsuff was recalled and testified. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. Colonel Hartsuff concluded his testimony. Col. F. L. Gunther, Fourth Artillery United States Army, appeared as a witness, and, having no objection, he was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission then went into executive session and passed the following resolution: Resolved, That the disbursing officer is authorized to pay, upon proper vouchers, when approved by the presiding officer of the Commission, $5 per day for expenses to each the recorder and the disbursing officer of this Commission, said per diem to be paid from the date of each officer's entry on duty with the Commission. 76 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The letter of General Greely, with the accompanying papers, was read to the Commission, and it was directed that the letters be returned to the Chief Signal Officer and Commissary-General of Subsistence, with the following indorsement: Respectfully returned. In the opinion of the Commission, General Greely's testi- mony was along the line and in perfect accord with the testimony of General Eagan himself, viz: that the Commissary-General should have the power to provide every- thing necessary to put the food in the mouths of the American soldier. The Commission, at 4.45 p. m., adjourned, to meet at 10 a. m. to morrow, the 14th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SIXTY FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 14, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present. The secretary and recorder were also present. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Father Kelly, chaplain, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Maj. B. F. Pope, surgeon, United States Army. A letter from Dr. M. S. French, National Relief Association, was read. Ordered filed, and marked "Special," so it can be printed. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock, when Major Pope resumed and concluded his testimony. Dr. Urban S. Bird appeared before the Commission, and, having no objection he was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Thurs- day, the 15th instant. S. C. Mills, Decorder. SIXTY-SIXTH DAY. War Department, Washington, 1). C., December 15, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being, present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 77 Maj. Gen. John B. Brooke appearing as a witness before the Com- mission, and, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock, and General Brooke resumed and concluded his testimony. The Commission, at 4.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Friday, the 16th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SIXTY-SEVENTH DAY. War, Department, Washington, D. C., December 16, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members present save Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Brig. Gen. John F. Weston, United States Volunteers, colonel and assistant commissary-general, United States Army; Bev. Dr. Henry McCook. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Brig. Gen. M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General United States Army; Brig. Gen. John M. Wilson, Chief of Engineers. The Commission went into executive session and passed the follow- ing resolution: Resolved, That the disbursing officer of this Commission is authorized to pay, upon proper vouchers when approved by the presiding officer of the Commission, the compensation of the nine members; also the expenses of the recorder and the dis- bursing officer, as set forth in the foregoing resolutions of December 12 and 13,1898. Further, That, as suggested by the Comptroller of the Treasury, this resolution be submitted to the President of the United States for his approval, in accordance with the act of Congress in regard to the expenditure of the appropriation for national defense. The Commission, at 4.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Satur- day, the 17th instant. S. G. Mills, Recorder. 78 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. SIXTY-EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 17, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present save Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from the Surgeon-General United States Army, inclosing a letter from Maj. Thomas O. Summers, surgeon Second Ten- nessee Volunteers. Ordered filed. Also a letter, together with a news- paper clipping, from Asst. Surg. J. Stebbins King, United States Army. Order filed. A letter was received from Dr. J. M. Jenne, St. Albans, Vt., inclos- ing certificates and affidavits in re charges made against Dr. Jenne. Ordered marked "special," and certificates and affidavits to be printed. A letter was received from Dr. Samuel D. Hubbard, late major and surgeon, Ninth New York Volunteers, inclosing affidavit in reference to case of Jacob Frank, quartermaster-sergeant Ninth New York Vol- unteers. Ordered marked "special," and same to be printed. Brig. Gen. G. N. Lieber, Judge-Advocate General United States Army, appearing as a witness, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Mon- day, the 19th instant. S. 0. Mills, Recorder. SIXTY-NINTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 19, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present. The secretary and recorder were also present. On motion of Governor Woodbury, which was duly seconded, it was ordered that Dr. Conner be detailed to go to Cincinnati, Ohio, to take testimony at such time as President Dodge may direct. It was ordered that letter from Dr. Culp in regard to Dr. Jenne be placed on file, but not printed in the report. A letter was received from Col. J. G. C. Lee in regard to the issue of hospital tents. It was ordered that the Quartermaster-General be requested to furnish this Commission, at the earliest moment practica- ble, with a statement of the date of issue of tents at Camp Thomas: not the date of the order, but the date of delivery to the troops. A joint letter was received from Senator Turley and Representative E. W. Carmack in regard to the death of George Mayes, private, Company I, Second Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. Ordered that the same be referred to the Adjutant-General, asking him to furnish the Commission with what information he can obtain in this matter. 79 MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. A letter was received from George W. Grover, inclosing copy of a letter addressed to the Surgeon-General, under date of October 4, 1898. Ordered that letter to the Commission be made part of the records. A letter was received from Maj. B. F. Pope, surgeon, United States Army, requesting that same be added to his testimony. It was ordered that Major Pope's request be complied with, and that said letter be printed with Major Pope's testimony and made part thereof. A letter was received from George Schmidt, ex-private, Company B, Second United States Volunteer Engineers, complaining of his treat- ment at Montauk Point. Ordered that same be referred to the Adjutant-General for such action as he may deem necessary, and that Mr. Schmidt be advised of the action taken. A letter was received from Dr. Charles D. Napier, Brooklyn, N. Y., in regard to certain conditions existing at Camp Wikoff. Ordered marked <£ special," and to be printed in the records. The letter of the Rev. Teunis S. Hamlin, pastor Church of the Cov- enant, of October 8, 1898, was ordered given to the press. Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee, acting assistant surgeon, United States Army, appeared as a witness, and having no objection she was duly sworn and her testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock and went into executive session. The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, the 20th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTIETH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., December 30, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present. The secretary and recorder were also present. Capt. A. E. Hardy, Fifth Illinois Volunteers, appeared as a witness, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission went into executive session. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. Brig. Gen. William R. Shafter, United States Army, and Major- General, United States Volunteers, appearing as a witness, and having 80 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.40 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Wednesday, the 21st instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-FIBST DAY. War Department, Washington D. C., December 21, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. A letter to Gen. N. A. Miles was ordered written and sent. It was ordered that the employees of the Commission be given the time from Friday afternoon until Tuesday morning as a holiday recess. Lieut. Col. John D. Miley, United States Volunteers (first lieutenant, Fifth United States Artillery), appeared as a witness, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, United States Army, appeared at the request of the Commission, and on being asked if he was willing to be sworn, he said he did not think it necessary to be sworn as he could tell all he knew without being sworn, and "was responsible for what he said." (See transcript of his statement.) The Commission, at 1.15 p. m., took a recess to meet at 2.30 o'clock p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt, United States Army, appeared before the Commission as a witness, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission went into executive session. The Commission, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thurs- day, the 22d instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., December 22, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Dr. Conner and General Beaver. The secretary and recorder were also present. 81 MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. Brig. Gen. Henry C. Corbin, Adjutant-General United States Army, appeared as a witness before the Commission, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Fri- day, the 23d instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 23,1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, Colonel Denby and General Wilson. The secretary and recorder were also present. Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, United States Army, retired, appeared as a witness, and having no objection was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Tuesday, the 27th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. WORE OF SUBCOMMITTEE-DR. CONNER. Cincinnati, Ohio, December 23,1898. The following witnesses appeared before Dr. Conner, sitting as a representative of the Commission, and having no objection they were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Joseph P. Wright, assistant surgeon-general, United States Army; Maj. George H. Torney, surgeon, United States Army. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 27, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby, General Wilson, and Dr. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter from Edward A. Oldham was ordered returned, together with report of Commissary-General in re Jacob Dold Packing Company. A letter from Nelson Hersch was answered referring to matter of William E. Ryan. A letter was acknowledged from Paula Platt, Cincinnati, Ohio. A letter was written to Dr. W. H. Caine, Minneapolis, Minn., who had been requested to appear before the Commission both at Chicago 7833-vol. 1 6 82 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. and Cincinnati, asking that he forward the Commission a statement of facts in the form of an affidavit. The Commission, at 10.45 a. m., adjourned, to meet at 10 o'clock a. m., Wednesday, the 28th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 28, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby, General Wilson, General McCook, and Di. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Swift & Co., Chicago, Ill. January 4 was set for their appearance. A letter from Col. W. H. Baldwin to Hon. George C. Perkins, in re amount of purchase made at his depot, San Francisco, May 1 to November 30, transmitted through Adjutant-General's Office. A letter was received from Rev. John F. Hurst, inclosing resolution on the canteen in the Army. Referred to the Secretary of War. A letter was received from Dr. Wm. H. Caine, Minneapolis, Minn., dated December 21. Referred to Dr. Conner. A letter was received from Dr. L. W. Hilliard. Form No. 2 was sent to him. Sergt. Wm. W. Hill, First District of Columbia Volunteers, appeared at the request of the Commission, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 11.30 a. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thurs- day, the 29th instance. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-SIXTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 29, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby, General Wilson, General McCook, and Dr. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Gen. Thomas M. Anderson, United States Volunteers, charging General Babcock with carrying away portions of civil records of Manila, Philippine Islands. Referred to General Babcock for his information. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 83 A letter was received from General Dodge, having reference to details of the Commission's work. Ordered filed. The Commission went into executive session, and adjourned at 11.30 a. m., to meet at 10 a. m. Friday, the 30th instant. S. G. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-SEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., December 30, 1898. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby, General Wilson, General McCook, and Dr. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from the Adjutant-General, transmitting copies of daily reports made by the commanding general at Chickamauga National Park from June 6 to July 18, and the action of the Depart- ment thereon. Held for action of the full Commission. A letter was received from W. E. Ball, Company G, Second West Vir- ginia Volunteers, transmitted through Hon. M. A. Hanna. Beferred to Adjutant-General United States Army for attention. Telegram was received from G. F. Swift, of Swift & Co., stating his intention to appear before the Commission on January 9. The Commission went into executive session, and adjourned at 11.30 a. m., to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, January 3, 1899. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 3,1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby, General Wilson, General McCook, General Beaver, and Dr. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from the adjutant-general of the State of Maine, inclosing report of L. H. Kendall, First Maine Volunteer Infantry. Ordered filed, but not to be printed. A letter was received from Dr. G. E. Payne, Atlanta, Ga., inclosing clipping from Gallard's Medical Journal, New York City. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Private John J. Burleson, Company C, Seventh United States Infantry, in re meat furnished Santiago expedi- tion. Ordered filed. 84 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. A letter was received from Wm. H. Caine, Minneapolis, Minn., dated December 29, 1898, stating why he did not appear before the Commis- sion at Chicago or Cincinnati. Ordered acknowledged. A letter from Mrs. E. C. Allis, New York City, dated December 29, 1898, in re burial of soldiers at Camp Wikoff. Ordered acknowledged. The following copy of cablegram was received, transmitted through Adj utant-G eneral: [Cablegram.] Havana, January 2, 1899. Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.: Will leave here Wednesday unless my departure can be longer delayed. There is every reason in the interests of the public service why I should remain here until the last day. Humphrey. Directed that the Adjutant-General be informed that it would suit the Commission if General Humphrey sailed on Wednesday, or if the exigencies of the service required his presence in Havana it would suit the Commission if General Humphrey appeared within ten days. A letter was received from the Adjutant-General's Office, stating that Maj. W. H. Carleton might have important information. Major Carleton ordered summoned. Papers in re death of Albert Kost, private, Company H, Seventh Ohio Infantry, referred to Adjutant-General for such action as he may deem necessary. Not within scope of War Investigation Commission. Communication was received from General Otis, dated Manila, Philip- pine Islands, November 19, 1898, reporting condition of quartermaster, commissary, and medical departments under his supervision from May 17 last. Ordered acknowledged and printed. A letter was received from E. Meyer, New Orleans, La. Answered. Col. James M. Moore reappeared before the Commission, wishing to make some corrections in his testimony. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 11.45 a. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Wed- nesday, the 4th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. SEVENTY-NINTH DAY. War. Department, Washington, D. C., January 4, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members, except General Dodge, and Colonel Sexton, who was absent sick. The secretary and recorder were also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Maj. G. H. Hopkins, assistant adjutant-general, United MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 85 States Volunteers; Maj. D. B. Harrison, Ninth United States Volunteer Infantry. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thurs- day, the 5th instant. S. C. Mills, Reeorder. EIGHTIETH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 5, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members except General Dodge and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. Maj. H. B. Osgood, commissary of subsistence, United States Army, appeared as a witness, and having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) A telegram from Major-General Brooke, in regard to the appearance of General Humphrey, was ordered answered as follows: Adjutant-General United States Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: In answer to the cablegram of Major-General Brooke of January 2, relative to the appearance of General Humphrey before this Commission, the Commission has to say that, in their opinion, the public service requires that the testimony of General Humphrey be taken by the Commission at Washington. Charles Denby, Vice-President. The complaints of A. R. Turner and H. C. Locke were returned, with results of investigation. Ordered that a letter be sent to Gen. N. A. Miles, commanding the Army, requesting him to return the statement made by him before the Commission at his earliest convenience, as the Commission desires to send it to the Public Printer. The Commission, at 12.40 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Fri- day, the 6th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTY-FIRST DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 6, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from the Quartermaster-General under date of December 21,1898. Ordered filed and printed. A letter was received from General Shafter under date of December 21,1898. Ordered filed. 86 investigation of conduct OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Lieut. Col. H. C. Sharpe, assistant commissary-general, United States Army, appearing before the Commission as a witness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) A letter was received from General Eagan of December 22, 1898. Bead and ordered answered. The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Satur- day, the 7th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTY-SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 7,1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Dr. Milton B. Keeley, Dwight, Ill., under date of January 4. Ordered filed with reference to testimony of Cap- tain Hardy, Fifth Illinois. A letter was received from M. A. Pease, Canton, Ohio. Answered by No. 2. A telegram from General Weston, dated January 6. Ordered filed. Letter from Dr. Thomas O. Summers submitted through Secretary of War. Ordered that Dr. Summers be requested to forward an affi- davit of what he knows. Moved and carried that the different firms interested in the beef fur- nished the Army be requested to appear before the Commission to tes- tify as to the quality of beef furnished. Maj. J. D. Black, commissary of subsistence, United States Volun- teers, appeared as a witness, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Mon- day, the 9th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTY-THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 9, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members except General Dodge (sick at hotel in Wash- ington), General Beaver, and Colonel Sexton (sick at hotel in Wash- ington). The secretary and recorder were also present. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 87 A letter was received from Mrs. E. C. Allis, New York City, dated January 6,1899. It was ordered that the letter be referred to the Sec- retary of War, asking him to have the Quartermaster-General detail an officer to be present while the bodies are being disinterred at Camp Wikoff, to ascertain the number that were buried unclothed, and who was responsible for it. A letter was received from the Inspector-General requesting evidence regarding meat furnished the Army during the late war. Directed that the printed portion be sent him, and he be informed that the remainder will be sent to him as received from the Public Printer. Telegrams were received from the following beef-packing companies giving notice of their willingness to appear before the Commission at its pleasure: The Cudahy Packing Company, South Omaha, Nebr.; Armour Packing Company, Kansas City, Mo.; Armour & Co., Chicago, Ill.; Nelson, Morris & Co., Chicago, Ill. A letter was received from the Adjutant-General requesting the Com- mission's pleasure as to the appearance before it of Brigadier-General Weston. Answered that the Commission desires General Weston to appear before it when it is safe for him to do so. A letter was received from the Surgeon-General addressed to Dr. Conner, in reply to a letter from Dr. Conner requesting papers, tele- grams, etc., of General Shafter, referred to by General Miles in his statement before the Commission. Ordered filed. A letter was received from the Commissary-General of Subsistence, transmitting extract from cable message from Lieut. Col. Eugene T. Wilson, purchasing and depot commissary, dated January 7, at San- tiago, relative to the supply of meat furnished the troops at that place. The following witnesses appeared before the Commission, and having no objection they were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Fred W. Wilder, Chicago, Ill.; Edward Bucking- ham, Chicago, Ill.; John J. Murphy, Chicago, Ill.; HoraceC. Gardner, Chicago, Ill. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock, and the testimony of Mr. Gardner was concluded. The following witnesses appeared, and having no objection were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Charles E. Barry, Chicago, Ill.; Gustavus F. Swift, Chicago, Ill. The Commission, at 4.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tues- day, the 10th instant. S. 0. Mills, Recorder, 88 investigation of conduct OF WAR WITH SPAIN. EIGHTY-FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 10, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except General Dodge, General Beaver, and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from the Commissary-General inclosing list of parties who might be of value as witnesses. Returned to the Secretary of War. The Commission has not asked for these officers, but will be glad to hear them if they have evidence of importance. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Lieut. Col. H. J. Gallagher, commissary of subsistence; Capt. James C. Read, commissary of subsistence. The Commission, at 12.10 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Wed- nesday the 11th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTY-FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 11, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except General Dodge, General Beaver, and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from the Adjutant-General referring to General Humphrey. Ordered filed. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Edward Tilden, Chicago, Ill.; Arthur Meeker, Chicago, Ill.; William P. Wardrop, Chicago, Ill. (recalled); T. J. Conners, New York City; George J. Brine, Chicago, Ill. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. The following witnesses appearing, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see transcript of same): Jennette Jennings; Dr. W. O. Atwater, professor of chemistry. The Commission, at 4.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thurs- day, the 12th instant. 8. C. Mills, Recorder. 89 MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. EIGHTY-SIXTH DAY. Wab Department, Washington, D. C., January 12, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a in., all mem- bers being present except General Dodge, General Beaver, and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. Jennette Jennings recalled and continued her testimony. William D. Miles, Kansas City, Mo., appearing as a witness, and having no objections, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) Reports from Lieut. Cols. O. E. Wood and A. L. Smith, chief com- missaries of subsistence, received from Secretary of War. Ordered filed and printed. Telegram referring to Dr. Daly received from Adjutant-General's Office. Ordered filed. Letter received from F. B. Thurber. Ordered filed. Not desired as a witness. The Commission then went into executive session. Brig. Gen. C. P. Eagan, Commissary-General, recalled at his own request and submitted typewritten sworn statement. (See transcript of same.) The Commission then went into executive session. Moved, that the Commission receive General Eagan's testimony without com- ment ; that it be not printed at once, but held for the consideration of the whole Commission. Carried. Brigadier-General Eagan then continued his testimony. The Commission, at 1.50 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Friday, the 13th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTY-SEVENTH DAY. War, Department, Washington, D. C., January 13, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all mem- bers being present except General Dodge, General Beaver, and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission then went into executive session. The following letter was sent to General Eagan: Brig. Gen. C. P. Eagan, Commissary-General, War Department. Sir: We respectfully inform you that after your testimony was read yesterday the following resolution was unanimously passed : " Moved, that the Commission receive General Eagan's testimony without com- 90 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. ment; that it be not printed at once, but held for the consideration of the whole Commission. Carried?' Having now considered the questions involved, we have determined that in many instances the vituperative language used by you was not such as ought to have been addressed as a witness to this board. We think that the personal attacks and irrelevant statements contained in the paper submitted should be eliminated, and before receiving it as testimony we request that you will revise its language and, if you choose, resubmit it for our consideration. We herewith return your papers. Very respectfully, Charles Denby, Vice-President. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood, United States Volunteers; Maj. George W. Ruthers, commissary of subsistence; Mr. Rhoderick Scott, South Omaha, Nebr.; Maj. James M. Arrasmith, commissary of subsistence. The Commission went into executive session. A letter was ordered to be written to Col. J. M. Brown, Medical Department, in regard to statement of issues on requisitions. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Satur- day, the 14th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. EIGHTY-EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 14,1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except General Dodge, General Beaver, and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and having no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Maj. H. H. Carleton, inspector-general, United States Volunteers; Maj. F. A. Smith, commissary of subsistence, United States Volunteers. General Humphrey appeared before the Commission, and requested that he might be excused from testifying until Monday, the 16th instant. So ordered. The Commission, at 11:30 a. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Mon- day, the 16th instant. S. 0. Mills, Recorder. minutes of the commission. 91 EIGHTY-NINTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 16,1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except General Beaver and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The following witnesses appearing before the Commission, and hav- ing no objection, were duly sworn and their testimony taken (see tran- script of same): Frank Vogel, of Nelson Morris & Co., Chicago, Ill.; Capt. R. J. C. Irvine, Eleventh United States Infantry; Brig. Gen. Charles F. Humphrey, United States Volunteers, lieutenant-colonel, Quartermaster's Department, United States Army. A letter was received from Gen. Charles P. Eagan transmitting his revised testimony. Ordered that copies of the letter be given to the press if asked for by them. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock, when General Humphrey concluded his testimony. (See transcript of same.) Capt. Homer F. Aspinwall, Quartermaster's Department, appearing as a witness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testi- mony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 4.10 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tues- day, the 17th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. NINETIETH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 17, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except General Beaver and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from the Surgeon-General in case of J. W. Berry. Referred to secretary. Col. Charles H. Gibson appearing as a witness, and having no objec- tion, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) General Eagan's revised statement considered. It was ordered that it be admitted as evidence, and that the press could make copies of same, or if they would wait until it was printed copies will be furnished them. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Wed- nesday, the 18th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. 92 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. NINETY-FIRST DAY. War Department, Washington, D. G., January 18, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except General Beaver and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. A letter was read from the Inspector-General, United States Army. Ordered answered. Ordered that certain interrogatories be sent to Brig. Gen. J. F. Weston, United States Volunteers. The Commission, at 12.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thurs- day, the 19th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. NINETY-SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, D. G., January 19,1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present save Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session, and at 10.45 a. m. took a recess until 2 o'clock p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock, and again went into execu- tive session. A letter was received from Maj. Gen. N. A. Miles, Commanding the Army. Ordered, that a letter be written to General Miles requesting that the Commission be furnished with a copy of his letter calling for reports on the quality of beef furnished the troops, and the originals of all replies thereto received. These reports will be returned to him. The Commission, at 4.20 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m., Friday, the 20th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. NINETY-THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. G., January 20, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 93 The Commission then went into executive session. Maj. William H. Daly, late surgeon, United States Volunteers, ap- pearing as a witness, and having no objection, he was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock and went into executive session. Major Daly resumed the stand and continued his testimony. The Commission again went into executive session, and, at 4.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Saturday, the 21st instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder, NINETY-FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 21, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from General Miles inclosing original reports in re canned fresh roast beef furnished the troops in Cuba and Porto Pico. Ordered filed. Paymaster Thomas H. Hicks, United States Navy, appeared as a wit- ness, and having no objection was duly sworn, and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission went into executive session. Prof. Frank W. Clarke, Geological Survey, appeared as a witness, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. Paymaster-General H. G. Colby, United States Navy, appeared as a witness and having no objections, he was duly sworn and his testi- mony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission went into executive session, and, at 3.30 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Monday, the 23d instant. S. 0. Mills, Recorder, 94 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. NINETY-FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 23, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. A letter was received from General Eagan requesting certified copy of General Miles's statement. Ordered sent. A letter was received from W. S. French in re testimony of Colonel Gibson. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Hon. John D. Long in re analysis of beef samples. Ordered filed. A letter was received from F. J. Mather, New York City, as to his inability to furnish certain affidavits. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Hon. Thomas Eyan, Acting Secretary of Interior, in re beef analysis. Ordered filed. A letter was received from II. P. Smith, New York City, suggesting witnesses as to beef. Answered by No. 2. A letter was received from Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of Agri- culture, transmitting samples of meat, inspection tags, seals, etc. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Capt. L. C. Scherer, transmitting extract from report of Alfred E. Hunt, late of Light Battery B, Pennsylvania Volunters, having reference to analysis of certain canned roast beef. Ordered filed special and to be printed. It was ordered that copy of letter from Surgeon Woodhull, of Josiah Simpson General Hospital, be sent to H. F. Thompson, Portsmouth, Ohio. The Commission, at 12.30, took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock. D. E. Salmon, appearing as a witness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) A letter was received from General Miles, saying he would open package containing cans of beef if Commission would send a member or messenger over. The recorder went over and was present at the opening of the package, and brought back two cans of roast beef, Wilson Packing Company, New York; 2 cans fresh boiled beef, Armour Canning Company, Chicago, Ill.; 1 can roast beef, Armour Packing Company, Kansas City, Mo., which were held for examination of the Commission. The Commission, at 4.45 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, the 24th instant. S. 0. Mills, Recorder. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 95 NINETY-SIXTH DAY. War Department, Washington D. C., January 24, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Miss J. McKinley, Atlanta, Ga., addressed to Secretary Alger, in re beef furnished Camp Hobson, referred to Com- mission. Ordered filed. A letter was received from George D. Moulton, New York City, inclosing newspaper clipping. Ordered filed and answered by No. 1. A letter was received from General Miles, dated January 21, inclos- ing letter from Dr. E. P. Murdock, Chicago, Ill., in re canned beef. Ordered marked special and copy given to the press. Ordered that a copy of letter from Captain Scherer and accompany- ing letter be given to the press. A letter was received from Rabbi E. B. M. Browne, Columbus, Ga. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Carlton E. Sterrett, assistant surgeon, Third Illinois Volunteers, inclosing synopsis of what he can testify to. Ordered filed and answered by No. 1. A letter was received from W. H. Daly, late major and chief surgeon of volunteers, inclosing list of names of parties who came North on transport Panama. Ordered filed. A letter was received from C. W. Monroe, Cleveland, Ohio, in re beef analysis made by Major Daly. Ordered filed and answered by No. 1. A letter was received from Capt. L. C. Scherer requesting that Com- mission furnish board of survey with a copy of testimony of W. H. Daly, late major and surgeon, United States Volunteers. Ordered that copy be furnished the board when printed. Maj. R. M. Townsend, chief commissary of subsistence,United States Volunteers, appearing as a witness, and having no objection, was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) During the testimony of Major Townsend, General Beaver presented a can of roast beef and asked the major if it resembled the beef that was furnished the Army, so far as he knew. He answered, it did. The can presented was labeled "No. 2" and marked "Received from Maj. Gen. N. A. Miles, U. S. A., January 23, 1899; taken from express package opened in General Miles's office in my presence. S. C. Mills, recorder." It was opened by the recorder in the presence of the Com- mission, and it was ordered that the can be sent to Professor Clarke, of the Geological Survey, for chemical examination. The Commission went into executive session until 12.30 p. m., when Commission took a recess until 2 o'clock p. m. 96 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock and went into executive session until 4.30 p. m., when they adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thurs- day, the 26th instant. 8. C. Mills, Recorder, NINETY-SEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 26, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from William E. Curtis, Washington, D. C., in re canned beef brought back from Cuba by Captain Groom, First Troop Philadelphia Cavalry. Ordered that Captain Groom be asked to send some of the cans to the Commission. A letter was received from the Surgeon-General's Office stating that there was no record in that office of any special report having been received from Maj. W. H. Daly. Ordered filed. A letter was received from W. F. Osborne requesting copy of testi- mony of Professor Clarke, in re chemical analysis of beef. Ordered filed, and that copy of testimony requested be sent to Mr. Osborne when printed. A letter was received from Col. George B. Davis, acting commissary- general, inclosing names of parties who might have information of value. Ordered filed. A letter was received from the Adjutant-General's Office submitting map of Camp Wikoff, and requesting that map be returned when it has served its purpose. Ordered that letter be filed and request be com- plied with. A letter was received from the Quartermaster-General's Office, in re log of army transport Mobile, January 16 to August 18. Ordered filed. The Commission went into executive session. Hon. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War, appeared at the request of the Commission, and having no objection he was duly sworn and his tes- timony taken. (See transcript of same.) The Commission went into executive session, and at 1 p. m. adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Friday, the 27th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 97 NINETY-EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 27, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except General Beaver and Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. An affidavit was received from Maj. Gen. William Ludlow, United States Volunteers. Ordered received as evidence, and copy given to the press. A letter was read from a correspondent of the New York Journal, giv- ing name of Col. H. G. Giddings as a valuable witness in regard to beef contracts. Ordered that Colonel Giddings be asked to appear before the Commission as a witness. The following statements show the result: [Office of Commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain.] January 27, 1899. The Commission: Gentlemen : About 11 o'clock this forenoon, in compliance with your instruc- tions, I sent to Col. H. G. Giddings, at the Corcoran Building, a note in the usual form, asking him to report at 2 p. m. for the purpose of giving testimony in this investigation. The messenger returned with a verbal message to the effect that he (Giddings) could not appear-that he knew nothing about it. I append the messen- ger's report. Very respectfully, Richd. Weightman, Secretary. Washington, D. C., Jami ary 27, 1899. Gen. G. M. Dodge. Sir : I have the honor to report that a letter addressed to Col. H. G. Giddings, Corcoran Building, was delivered by me, and received a verbal reply to the Com- mission that he had nothing to testify to, and had nothing to say. Respectfully, M. J. Deponai, Messenger. The Commission went into executive session, and at 1 p. m. adjourned to meet at 2 p. m. in executive session at General Dodge's rooms. S. 0. Mills, Recorder. NINETY-NINTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 28, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Walter L. Ball, Fredericktown, Ohio. Ordered filed. A letter was received from the Acting Commissary-General, inclosing list of firms at present supplying the Army with fresh beef. Ordered filed. 7833-vol. 1 7 98 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. A letter was received from W. H. Wiley, chief chemist, Department of Agriculture, submitting report of beef analysis. Ordered filed. The Commission went into executive session. The following resolution was passed: Resolved, That upon the adjournment of the Commission, after signing its report, the recorder and the secretary be retained on duty until all records of ^very chara ster are properly arranged for final file and record, and that the recorder hereby is authorized to continue for this purpose such clerks and other employees as may be required. The Commission, at 1 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Monday, the 30th instant. c Recordert ONE HUNDREDTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 30, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. Ordered that an abstract of report of Maj. J. H. Hepburn, Eighth United States Volunteers, dated January 28,1899, be included in report on Camp George H. Thomas, and that a copy of same be given to the press. A letter was received from Prof. F. W. Clarke, Geological Survey, giving result of further analysis of beef samples. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Dr. G. M. Christine, Philadelphia, Pa., inclosing affidavit as to treatment of beef by Swift & Co. Referred to Swift & Co., South Omaha, Nebr., for explanation by telegraph. A letter was received from the Commissary-General's Office, inclos- ing copy of cablegram as to shipment of beef from Ponce, Porto Rico. Ordered filed. Capt. John C. Groom, Philadelphia, Pa., writes as to samples of canned beef sent the Commission. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Gen. N. A. Miles as to payment of troops in Porto Rico during campaign. Ordered filed. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 3 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 3 o'clock and went into executive session. The following resolution was passed: Resolved, That the records, testimony, and filed papers of this Commission be carefully and properly boxed and stored under the direction and control of its president until after the 4th of March, 1901. The Commission, at 6 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, the 31st instant. s. c Mills? ^ecordert MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 99 ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., January 31, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. A letter was received from Richard O. Morse, general secretary Inter- national Committee Young Men's Christian Association, inclosing report of its work during the recent war. Ordered marked special file and to be printed. The Commission, at 12 m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Wednesday, February 1. S. C. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 1, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. A letter was received from Prof. F. W. Clarke, Geological Survey, in re analysis of canned roast beef. Ordered marked " Special file," and to be printed. A letter was received from Adjutant-General United States Army, forwarding indorsements on letter of W. Clarke Marshall, October 19, 1897. Ordered marked "Special," and be printed. A letter was received from Prof. W. H. Wiley, Department of Agri- culture, submitting report on examination of samples of fresh beef. Ordered marked " Special file," and to be printed. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock and went into executive session, and at 4.45 p. m. adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Thursday, Feb- ruary 2. 8. C. Mills, Recorder. 100 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 2, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m., all the members being present except Colonel Sexton. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. The Inspector-General United States Army submitted certain papers, requesting that they be considered a part of his testimony. Ordered that as the matter contained in said papers did not relate to the subjects before the Commission, they did not deem it necessary to print them. A letter was received from John McLennon, dated January 30, inclosing affidavit regarding his statement of November 3, 1898. Ordered that it be referred to the Adjutant-General. A letter was received from Dr. F. I. Disbrow, New York, asking what had been done with his papers. Ordered that copies of same be returned to Dr. Disbrow, advising him that the originals were now a part of the files of the Commission. The Commission, at 12.30 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 o'clock and went into executive session, and, at 5.20 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Friday, the 3d instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 3, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, Colonel Denby, General McCook, General Wilson, General Beaver, Governor Woodbury, and Dr. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. The Commission went into executive session. A letter was received from General Miles, dated February 2,1899. Ordered that same be printed as a supplement to his testimony. Benjamin Johnston, Utilla, Honduras, writes in reference to canned roast beef. Ordered filed. A letter was received from Frank Bunders, transmitted through Secretary of War, asking permission to appear before the Commission. Ordered filed and answered by No. 2. A letter was received from a Mr. C. M. Campbell, of Washington, D. C., stating that Capt. Joseph Lee, of Georgetown, has information MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 101 that might be of value. Ordered that Captain Lee be requested to submit any facts he may have in the form of an affidavit. The Commission, at 5.15 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Satur- day, the 4th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 4,1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present: Colonel Denby, General McCook, General Wilson, General Beaver, Governor Woodbury, and Dr. Conner. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Dr. Anita, McGee, asking for copies of her testimony. Prof. W. H. Wiley, submitted report of results of examination of refrigerated beef. A letter was received from Capt. J. S. Parke, Twenty-first Infantry, making changes in his testimony. Affidavit was received from Albert S. Holmes, in answer to letter of February 1. A telegram was received from Swift & Co., in answer to letter of January 30. Adjutant-General United States Army submitted report in answer to indorsement of October 12, concerning complaints of rations at Honolulu. Adjutant-General United States Army submitted report of investi- gations of complaints of rations issued to Sixth Massachusetts Volun- teer Infantry, at Porto Rico. Commissary-General United States Army, forwarded letter received from Lieut. Col. E. T. Wilson, depot commissary, Santiago, Cuba. The Commission went into executive session until 4.20 p. m., when it adjourned to meet in executive session at General Beaver's rooms at 7.30 p. m., and at the rooms of the Commission at 10 a. m. Monday, the 6th instant. S. O. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. 0., February 6,1899, The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members. The secretary and recorder were also present. Further statement was received from Major-General Ludlow, United States Volunteers, to be printed as evidence. 102 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. A letter was received from Joseph H. Lee, in answer to letter of February 3. A letter was received from Frank jRundus, Washington, D. C. A letter was received from Maj. M. W. Wood, United States Volun- teers, in answer to letter of the 29th of December, 1898. The following resolution was ordered made a part of the official records of the Commission, in testimony of its appreciation and esteem of the deceased, and a copy to be sent to his family: The members of the Commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain have learned with profound regret of the death of Col. James A. Sexton, lately their colleague in the work con- fided to them by the Chief Executive, and being mindful of the patriotic virtues and the attractive personality of the deceased, bear witness to his loyal devotion, his conscientious industry, and the high and honorable purposes which inspired his labors. De it therefore resolved, That in the death of Col. James A. Sexton the Commis- sion has lost a faithful, efficient, and well-beloved coadjutor, the country a useful citizen, and the Union one of its most valorous defenders. The Commission, at 1 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, the 7th instant. 8. C. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 7, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members. The secretary and recorder were also present. Letter received from Major-General Miles. Ordered filed. Letter from Otto L. Ludwig, Company C, Fourteenth Minnesota Volunteers. Answered by No. 1. Letter received from Colonel Denby. Ordered spread upon the records of the Commission, as follows: Washington, D. C., February 6,1899. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President of the Commission appointed, by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain. Dear General: I beg to return to each and every one of our colleagues, through you, and to yourself, my profound thanks for the resolutions adopted by the Com- mission in my honor, which have been sent to the President, and of which a duplicate, signed by every member, has been delivered to me by you. The signers came from the North and the South, the East and the West. Their lives are a part of the history of our country. Such a testimonial, signed by them, would, under any circumstances, be a great honor to the recipient, but its transcend- ent value to me is due to the fact that it comes from esteemed, honored, and beloved friends. Such we are, I think, and such we will be until life ends. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 103 I shall preserve this testimonial always with gratitude, and I shall transmit it as a precious heirloom to my children. Tour obedient servant, Charles Denby. A letter was received from John K. Mohn. Ordered filed. Letters were received from Prof. W. H. Wiley, chemist, one dated. February 4 and one dated February 6, regarding examinations of sam- ples of meat. Ordered to be printed as appendices to the report. The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 p. m. Prof. F. W. Clarke, Geological Survey, was recalled. (See transcript of his testimony.) Prof. W. D. Bigelow appeared at the request of the Commission and-, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The following resolutions were passed: Resolved, The thanks of this Commission are due, and are hereby tendered, to Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge for the able and considerate manner in which he has pre- sided over our deliberations and conducted our labors. Resolved, We hereby express our appreciation of the intelligent and highly satis- factory services of Lieut. Col. F. B. Jones, chief quartermaster United States Vol- unteers; of Maj. S. C. Mills, recorder; and of Mr. Richard Weightman, secretary, during their connection with this Commission. Resolved, We commend the employees of this Commission for their faithful and constant labors. The Commission, at 4.20 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Wed- nesday, the 8th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 8, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Mary Hatch Willard, New York, request- ing copy of her testimony. A letter was received from Capt. Charles F. Kieffer, assistant sur- geon, United States Army, in re canned beef. Ordered marked special file. The Commission went into executive session, and adjourned at 6.30 p. m. to meet at 10 a. m. Thursday, the 9th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. 102 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. A letter was received from Joseph H. Lee, in answer to letter of February 3. A letter was received from Frank Rundus, Washington, D. C. A letter was received from Maj. M. W. Wood, United States Volun- teers, in answer to letter of the 29th of December, 1898. The following resolution was ordered made a part of the official records of the Commission, in testimony of its appreciation and esteem of the deceased, and a copy to be sent to his family: The members of the Commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain have learned with profound regret of the death of Col. James A. Sexton, lately their colleague in the work con- fided to them by the Chief Executive, and being mindful of the patriotic virtues and the attractive personality of the deceased, bear witness to his loyal devotion, his conscientious industry, and the high and honorable purposes which inspired his labors. De it therefore resolved, That in the death of Col. James A. Sexton the Commis- sion has lost a faithful, efficient, and well-beloved coadjutor, the country a useful citizen, and the Union one of its most valorous defenders. The Commission, at 1 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday, the 7th instant. 8. C. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 7, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members. The secretary and recorder were also present. Letter received from Major-General Miles. Ordered filed. Letter from Otto L. Ludwig, Company C, Fourteenth Minnesota Volunteers. Answered by No. 1. Letter received from Colonel Denby. Ordered spread uppn the records of the Commission, as follows: Washington, D. C., February 6, 1899. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President of the Commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war ivith Spain. Dear General : I beg to return to each and every one of our colleagues, through you, and to yourself, my profound thanks for the resolutions adopted by the Com- mission in my honor, which have been sent to the President, and of which a duplicate, signed by every member, has been delivered to me by you. The signers came from the North and the South, the East and the West. Their lives are a part of the history of our country. Such a testimonial, signed by them, would, under any circumstances, be a great honor to the recipient, but its transcend- ent value to me is due to the fact that it comes from esteemed, honored, and beloved friends. Such we are, I think, and such we will be until life ends. MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION. 103 I shall preserve this testimonial always with gratitude, and I shall transmit it as a precious heirloom to my children. Your obedient servant, Charles Denby. A letter was received from John K. Mohn. Ordered filed. Letters were received from Prof. W. H. Wiley, chemist, one dated. February 4 and one dated February 6, regarding examinations of sam- ples of meat. Ordered to be printed as appendices to the report. The Commission, at 12.45 p. m., took a recess until 2 p. m. AFTERNOON SESSION. The Commission reassembled at 2 p. m. Prof. F. W. Clarke, Geological Survey, was recalled. (See transcript of his testimony.) Prof. W. D. Bigelow appeared at the request of the Commission and-, having no objection, he was duly sworn and his testimony taken. (See transcript of same.) The following resolutions were passed: Resolved, The thanks of this Commission are due, and are hereby tendered, to Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge for the able and considerate manner in which he has pre- sided over our deliberations and conducted our labors. Resolved, We hereby express our appreciation of the intelligent and highly satis- factory services of Lieut. Col. F. B. Jones, chief quartermaster United States Vol- unteers; of Maj. S. C. Mills, recorder; and of Mr. Richard Weightman, secretary, during their connection with this Commission. Resolved, We commend the employees of this Commission for their faithful and constant labors. The Commission, at 4.20 p. m., adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Wed- nesday, the 8th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH DAY. War Department, Washington, D. C., February 8, 1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, all members. The secretary and recorder were also present. A letter was received from Mary Hatch Willard, New York, request- ing copy of her testimony. A letter was received from Capt. Charles F. Kieffer, assistant sur- geon, United States Army, in re canned beef. Ordered marked special file. The Commission went into executive session, and adjourned at 6.30 p. m. to meet at 10 a. m. Thursday, the 9th instant. S. C. Mills, Recorder. 104 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH DAY. War Department. Washington, D. 0., February 9,1899. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment at 10 a. m. Present, General Dodge, Colonel Denby, General McCook, General Wilson, General Beaver, Governor Woodbury, Dr. Conner, and Cap- tain Howell. Secretary Weightman and Recorder Mills were also present. The Commission went into executive session until 11.30 a. m., when it adjourned to meet at 3.30 p. m. The Commission reassembled at 3.30 o'clock p. m. The copies of the report being received, they were signed by each Commissioner. The Commission, accompanied by the secretary and recorder, then pro- ceeded to the Executive Mansion, where a copy of the report and its appendices was handed to the President of the United States. The President thanked the members of the Commission for their valuable and patriotic work, and expressed his high appreciation of their labors. The Commission withdrew, and at 5.15 o'clock p. m., there being no further business before it, adjourned sine die. S. 0. Mills, Recorder. REPORT TO WILLIAM MoKINLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 105 OFFICE OF COMMISSION APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT TO INVESTIGATE THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT IN THE WAR WITH SPAIN. Washington, D. C., February 9, 1899. To the President : Sib : The undersigned, members of the commission appointed by you to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the War with Spain, have the honor to submit the following report: On the 8th day of September, 1898, Gen. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War, submitted to you a letter (a copy whereof is annexed hereto, marked "A"), wherein he requested you to appoint a board, consisting of from five to seven members, with full power to investigate every bureau of the War Department and everything connected with the Army during the recent War with Spain. In pursuance of this request you appointed the undersigned a com- mission for the purpose indicated. At your request the members of the commission assembled at the Executive Mansion September 24 last. You then read to them a paper embodying your instructions (a copy whereof is hereto attached, marked "B"). In this paper you instruct the commission to thor- oughly investigate all charges of criminal neglect of the soldiers in camp, field, hospital, and on transports; and to make the fullest exami- nation of the administration of the War Department in all of its branches with the view of establishing the truth or falsity of the accusations of neglect and incompetency which had been made in the public press and elsewhere. Under your instructions there was no limit to the scope of our investigation, and you assured us that every facility would be afforded for the closest scrutiny and examination of all departments connected with the Army. You impressed upon us in the strongest manner your wish that our investigation should be so thorough and complete that our report should, when made, fix the responsibility for any failure or fault by reason of neglect, incompetency, or maladminis- tration upon the officers and bureaus responsible therefor, if it should be found that the evils complained of had existed. Appreciating to the fullest extent the candor and earnestness of your instructions, and resolved to abide by them in their meaning and spirit, we entered upon the discharge of our important duties. Immediately on leaving your presence the commission organized by electing Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, of Iowa, president; Col. Charles Denby, of Indi- ana, vice-president; and Mr. Richard C. Weightman, of Washington City, secretary. Gen. James A. Beaver, of Pennsylvania, was desig- nated to conduct the examination of witnesses. Lieut. Col. F. B. Jones, 107 108 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. chief quartermaster of volunteers, was detailed by the War Depart- ment as disbursing officer, and Maj. Stephen C. Mills, U. S. A., was appointed by you recorder of the commission. The organization of the commission took place at the War Depart- ment September 24, but on the next day and thereafter we met at the Lemon Building, in Washington City. At the second meeting of the commission the necessary arrangements were made for the securing of clerks and stenographers, and a general discussion had as to the line of investigation to be pursued. It was determined that the fullest possible publicity should be given to the proceedings of the commission. Only two rooms were assigned us for public use. One was used and occupied by the members of the commission for the taking of testimony and other business; the other by the employees of the commission. There was, therefore, but little space available for the*accommodation of reporters desiring to report proceedings; but there were allowed to be present at the sessions of the commission during the examination of witnesses six representatives, three of whom represented the three press associations of the United States, to whom all needed conveniences were assigned. A copy of the orders relating to reports by representatives of the press is annexed hereto, marked " G." In further preparation for the labors of the commission it was resolved at the first meeting for business, held September 25, that the Secretary of War, the Adjutant-General, the Quartermaster-General, the Commissary-General, and the Surgeon-General should be requested to transmit to the commission all complaints received by them since April 1, 1898, touching the conduct of the war. This request was promptly complied with by the officials above mentioned, and a large number of letters and communications touch- ing the subject-matter thereof were transmitted to the commission for its consideration. For the resolution see the paper hereto annexed, marked "D." In order that all persons should have the most ample opportunity to present to the commission any complaints they might see fit to make touching the conduct of the War Department, the commission, by a resolution adopted September 27, which was immediately given to the press, resolved that it invited and was ready and willing to receive and consider any complaints about the conduct of the War Department from any person or persons, and that it was respectfully requested that such complaints should be made in writing, stating facts that the party might know of his own knowledge precisely and in detail, giving names of any officers or enlisted men who were charged with misconduct or incompetency, and that such communications should be addressed to the secretary of the commission at Washington, D. C. A copy of this resolution is hereto annexed marked "E." In compliance with this resolution we received many hundreds of REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 109 letters and newspaper clippings, all of which were duly considered by the commission. In order to further facilitate our labors and to furnish every possible opportunity for presenting complaints it was ordered that whenever any person made a complaint which was not specific, he should be requested to forward a written statement, giving in as definite and complete a form as practicable all facts based upon personal experience and knowledge that would aid the pending investigation. (See paper hereto annexed, marked "F.") September 26,1898, a communication was addressed to the Secretary of War, wherein he was requested to direct the Adjutant-General, the Quartermaster-General, the Commissary-General, the Surgeon-General, the Chief of Engineers, and the Chief of Ordnance to furnish to the commission, as soon as practicable, information as to the condition of their several departments at the time of the declaration of war with Spain, and the operations of the same from that time until the war closed; a copy of which communication to the Secretary of War is annexed hereto, marked "G." This communication recited in detail the subjects on which informa- tion was desired, comprising facts touching the mobilization of troops, and their organization; the amount and kind of camp and garrison equipage on hand at the beginning of the war, the amount subsequently purchased; similar information with regard to furnishing the troops with arms and accouterments; information as to which of the volunteer regiments were armed and equipped in the various State camps; how the location of the camps of general rendezvous was determined; full particulars as to the transportation of troops; an account of the quan- tity, quality, and kind of food furnished; information as to the tentage, beds, linen, medicines, and all other necessaries for the hospitals; as to whether the medical staff was efficient; and as to the conditions and operations of the engineer and ordnance departments. To aid the Secretary of War in complying with this request there was submitted a list of special questions addressed to the heads of depart- ments, which list is attached to said communication. The Secretary of War and the heads of the departments, to wit, the Adjutant General, the Quartermaster-General, the Commissary-Gen- eral, the Surgeon-General, the Chief of Engineers, and the Chief of Ordnance, in compliance with our request, furnished answers to the questions propounded to them, copies of which, in the order above named, are hereunto annexed, marked, respectively, "H," "I," "K," "L," "M," "N," and "O" These replies have materially aided us in our investigation. Hav- ing thus arranged the preliminary matters which seemed advisable to be determined, the commission resolved that all charges specifically brought before it should be made the basis of the examination of wit- nesses who had, or professed to have, knowledge of the facts involved in such charges. 110 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. It was further determined that in the examination of witnesses the strict rules of evidence as applied in legal proceedings should not be adhered to, but considerable latitude should be allowed. While, therefore, in general, the rules of evidence have been followed, we have not hesitated to relax their application when thought advis- able. During our sessions we examined 495 witnesses. All of these were sworn or affirmed, except one who declined to take the oath. The chief examination was conducted by the member designated for that purpose, but each witness was interrogated by every member of the commission who desired to do so. Our purpose in the discharge of our duties was to arrive at the facts touching the conduct of the war, and no effort was spared by us to reach that result. We have examined the Secretary of War; the Com- manding General; heads of departments; officers of corps, divisions, brigades, regiments, and companies; noncommissioned officers and privates; nurses, and persons from many employments in private life. No man or woman who has stated to us that he or she had any material matter touching the subject of our inquiry to communicate has been refused a hearing. All the members of the commission have been engaged in taking testimony. It has happened that subcommittees have been occupied in hearing witnesses at four different places at the same time. Testimony has been taken in Washington, D. C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Fort McPherson, Ga.; Anniston, Ala.; Huntsville, Ala.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Lexington, Ky.; Chicago, Ill.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; Harrisburg, Pa.; New York City; Boston; Bur- lington, Vt. ; Tampa, Fla., and Fernandina, Fla. The commission visited in person most of the old camps; Jacksonville, which was occupied by the Seventh Corps; the sites of the camps at Tampa, Fernandina, and Camp Thomas; the new camps at Anniston, where the First Division of the Fourth Corps was located; Huntsville, where the Second and Third divisions and cavalry division of the Fourth Corps were located; Knox- ville, where the Second Division of the First Corps was located; Lex- ington, where the headquarters and First Division of First Corps were encamped; and Camp Meade, where the Second Corps was encamped. As a rule the inspection was not only of camps but of troops and supplies, and much valuable information was obtained by contact with officers and enlisted men. At all of these places we have invited, sometimes with special insist- ence, every person to come before us and testify who could throw any light on the conduct of the War Department in any of its branches. Any charge of corruption or intimation of fraud or bribery in con- nection with the letting of any contract, even a hint of wrongdoing, has been carefully investigated. It may be said now, at the beginning of this report, that there has been no evidence before us that anyone in or connected with the War REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 111 Department has dishonestly received a dollar. We have made persist- ent efforts to secure the attendance of persons to whose names rumor had attached an allegation that they knew of corruption of officials in the War Department, but these men have either denied the statements attributed to them or have maintained silence when invited to tell what they knew. Preliminary to a specific report on the conduct and management of the bureaus of the War Department, as well as on camps and sanita- tion, and the conditions attending the operations of armies in the field, attention is called to certain topics had under consideration. We have regarded it as a part of our duty to make suggestions touching changes that might be desirable in the future control and management of the Army. RETIRED OFFICERS. Under existing laws the officers of the Army are retired when they reach the age of 64. We have had before us many suggestions made by officers on the retired list, who are men of experience and dis- tinction, that this law should be so amended as to give to the Presi- dent the right to call into active service any retired officer during the time of war. This right exists as to the retired officers of the Navy, and it seems to us there is no reason why it should not be extended to embrace retired Army officers. It does not appear reasonable that an arbitrary law should prevent during the existence of war the use of experienced men merely on account of their age. We think it would be wise to make it discre- tionary with the President to use the officers on the retired list for filling positions during war and not trench on the active organization, that may be needed in the field. During the recent war many positions were filled by the appointment of civilians to which retired officers could have brought professional training, valuable knowledge, and large experience. These remarks must not be construed as reflections on the appoint- ments made from civil life. The young civilians who received staff and other appointments in the main discharged their duties in a highly commendable manner. Although inexperienced, they learned quickly. Among the officers of the staff departments appointed from civil life were many who had had experience in work identical with or similar to that they were Called upon to perform while in service. REGIMENTAL OFFICERS. Volunteer regiments commanded by regular officers or by officers of experience were better cared for than those regiments which were com- manded by inexperienced men. The colonel of a regiment is responsi- ble for the care of the men in every respect as to their health, drill, and discipline, and incessant care is necessary on his part to force upon 112 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the men the practice of hygiene in all matters relating to camp life, such as cleanliness, bathing, care of kitchen and sink, and general policing. The less sickness among regular troops as compared with volunteers must be ascribed, in part at least, to the fact that they are commanded and cared for by skilled and experienced officers. EXAMINATION OF APPOINTEES IN THE ARMY. In order to secure competent officers in all the branches of the Army, it is desirable that before receiving his commission every applicant should be examined by a board designated for the purpose by the President. The fact that regimental officers are nominated by the governors of the States constitutes no valid objection to their being compelled to undergo such examination. If it were known that appointees would be examined as to their qualification, greater care might be exercised by the governors in their selections. All such appointees are to be mustered into the service of the United States, and before the muster takes place the Government should be satisfied that they are capable of properly discharging the duties incumbent upon them after muster into service. It is the practice of the Govern- ment now to require every officer up to a certain grade to be examined for promotion. During the war it was the practice of the Govern- ment to require nominees for appointment in the Regular Army to be examined. The system should be adhered to in increasing the Army in time of peace and in all future wars. The short duration of the war with Spain, perhaps, did not render it practicable to convene boards of examination, but there is no reason why such should not be con- vened hereafter. SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION. We have been greatly impressed by the proof taken before us as to the advantages derived from schools of instruction, which were established in many brigades and regiments. Regular Army quarter- masters and commissaries held such schools at some places where large numbers of troops were collected; their services were greatly appreciated by civilian appointees, and good results followed. There were also in mauy regiments schools held for instructing the commis- sioned and noncommissioned officers in tactics and other soldierly duties. Binding regulations on this subject should be enacted, and the system extended to all branches of the service, particularly in any special duties pertaining thereto. It would be perhaps especially beneficial to surgeons appointed from civil life, who, informed in the line of their profession, are usually unacquainted with the purely mili- tary duties in which they should be specially instructed. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 113 PAPER WORK OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT. The routine work in the departments, in our opinion, is far beyond what is necessary, and each year seems to increase it. The methods employed make it almost impossible to transact business promptly. The heads of all departments, officers of large depots, chiefs of staff departments, corps, and divisions have necessarily been obliged to give the time and attention to details which should have been given to matters of larger moment. No well-regulated concern or corporation could transact business satisfactorily under such regulations as govern the staff departments, and the fact that every officer of each of the staff departments holding responsible positions has been obliged to ignore routine demonstrates the necessity of a thorough reform. THE ARMY. On the 1st day of April, 1898, the strength of the Army was 2,143 officers and 26,040 enlisted men, a total of 28,183. War with the Kingdom of Spain was declared April 21, 1898. Just before the war began portions of the Regular Army were stationed in Washington, Idaho, California, Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and at various posts, amounting in all to 80 in number. On April 15,1898, by direction of the Secretary of War, the regiments of the Regular Army, with few excep- tions, were ordered to proceed to various points in the South-Chicka- mauga, Ga., New Orleans, La., Mobile, Ala., and Tampa, Fla. By proclamation of April 23 the President called for 125,000 volunteers, and on May 25 for an additional force of 75,000. Congress also author- ized an increase of the Regular Army to 61,000 and in addition pro- vided for 16 regiments of volunteer infantry (immunes), cavalry, and engineers. On May 31, 125,000 volunteers had been mustered into the service. In August, 1898, the Regular Army numbered 56,365, the Volunteer Army 207,244-a total of 263,609. These figures of themselves indicate that an immense work was thrown upon the War Department. After thirty-three years of peace, during a great part of which the Army did not exceed 26,000 men, it suddenly became necessary to arm, clothe, feed, and equip more than a quarter of a million. How that duty was discharged will appear in detail in subsequent parts of this report. The sudden emergency which called our people to arms after an interval of half a century of peace with all foreign powers was met by the War Department with earnestness and energy. The situation found the country unprepared with any large stock of arms, ammunition, clothing, supplies, and equipments. That they were duly provided and that the numerous demands on the indus- tries of our people were met so promptly will remain one of the marvels of history. 7833-vol. 1 8 114 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. It is to be noted that the organization of the Army indicated a desire on the part of the War Department to place in separate and responsible commands experienced officers of the Regular Army and officers from civil life who had received a military education and had experience in the civil war. The chiefs of the staff departments in the field were selected from a similar class of officers. They took charge of the depots of supplies at the camps and were assigned the most responsible posi- tions. So many officers of the Regular Army commanded, supplied, and superintended the movement of troops that the service was markedly reduced in its field, line, and staff. The rapidity with which commanding officers of corps, divisions, bri- gades, regiments, and officers of the staff departments have profited by the first six months' service is shown in the improvements m the new camps, their location, water supply, and sanitary arrangements. The weak spots in the first arrangements for camping troops were soon dis- covered, and it was learned that with proper system and little expense they could be camped under favorable sanitary conditions. The pres- ent camps are models, the hospitals adapted to the comfort and care of the sick, the grounds clean, and the sanitary conditions greatly improved. The troops are now moved with promptness, without friction, and with more rapidity than in the beginning of the war. These improvements have come from experience, and the new army now is far advanced in facilities for feeding, equipping, camping, and transportation. CASUALTIES. The reports before us show that during the war 23 officers and 257 enlisted men were killed; 113 officers and 1,464 enlisted men wounded. Between May 1 and September 30, inclusive, the deaths from all causes were 107 officers and 2,803 enlisted men, being an aggregate of 2,910 out of a total force of 274,717, but a little over one per cent. PREPARATIONS FOR FUTURE WARS. One of the lessons taught by the war is that the country should hereafter be in a better state of preparation for war. Testimony has been taken on this subject, and suggestions have been made that large supplies of all the material not liable to deterioration should be kept on hand, to be continuously issued and renewed, so that in any emer- gency they might be available. Especially should this be the case with such supplies, equipment, and ordnance stores as are not in general use in the United States and which can not be rapidly obtained in open market. THE AID SOCIETIES. It is gratifying to report that most valuable assistance to our soldier^ during the war was rendered by various voluntary relief associations the 115 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. more conspicuous of which were the American National Red Cross, the National Relief Commission, the Daughters of the American Revo- lution, the Army and Navy League, and the Young Men's Christian Association. Representatives of these and other societies worked in cooperation with many good men and women in all the States and were present in the camp, the hospital, and on the field of battle. To these societies and those who cooperated with them the country owes a debt of gratitude. There were many individual instances of personal devotion to the interest of the soldiers. We do not name these beneficent laborers here, but they will not be forgotten. * AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY. For many years the divided authority and responsibility in the War Department has produced friction, for which, in the interest of the service, a remedy, if possible, should be applied. The Constitution makes the President the Commander in Chief of the Army, and he can not transfer that authority to any other person. The President selects his Secretary of War, who has his confidence, and who is his confidential adviser. The commanding general is assigned to duty as such by the President, and under the Military Laws of the United States his duties are defined as follows: The command exercised by the commanding general of the Army, not having been made the subject of statutory regulation, is determined by the order of assignment. It has been habitually composed of the aggregate of the several territorial commands that have been or may be created by the President. The military establishment is under orders of the commanding general of the Army in that which pertains to its discipline and military control. The fiscal affairs of the Army are conducted by the Secretary of War through the several staff depart- ments. (Par. 187, A. R., 1895.) All orders and instructions from the President or Secretary of War relating to military operations or affecting the military control and discipline of the Army will be promulgated through the commanding general. (Par. 188, A. R., 1895.) Lieutenaut-Geueral Schofield, who has probably had as much experience and given the question as much thought and study as any one in our country, says in substance: Recent experience has served to confirm all the results of my lifelong study and large experience that the proper position for the senior officer of the Army on duty at Washington is not that of commanding general, a position which is practically impossible, but that of general in chief, which means in fact chief of staff to the President. The title of general in chief was a permanent one during the entire history of the country up to the time when General Grant became Lieutenant- General. When I became the commanding general I addressed to the President a letter, in which I pointed out to him what had been the result of my study and experience, and saying that the only way was to abandon entirely, which I did during my seven years of service, all pretense of being the commanding general and to content myself with acting as the chief of staff of the Army under the Secretary of War and the President. The result was that perfect harmony prevailed during my time, and I 116 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. did exercise a legitimate influence in command of the Army, this because I did not claim to exercise anything which the law did not give me. The President must have the same power of selection of his general in chief as he has of his Secretary of War; without this there can be no guaranty that he will give, or that the Secretary of War will place in the general in chief, that confidence which is necessary to perfect harmony. .Neither the President nor the Secretary of War should have in the command of the Army an officer who is not working in har- Inony with him. THE SECRETARY OF WAR. The records of the War Department, which have been laid before us, show that the Secretary of War extended to all chiefs of bureaus cor- dial and full support, and promptly responded to every proper demand made upon him by commanding officers. No testimony has been presented showing intentional neglect of duty nor any attempt to serve personal interests. The charges made that the Secretary of War was pecuniarily interested in contracts, purchases, and other transactions of the War Department have been thoroughly examined and found baseless. In the judgment of the commission there was lacking in the general administration of the War Department during the continuance of the war with Spain that complete grasp of the situation which was essen- tial to the highest efficiency and discipline of the Army. The commission has refrained from criticizing certain of the heads of bureaus for not having acted with foresight in preparing their various departments for active war before war was actually declared, because it has appeared that the national defense fund provided by the act of March 9, 1898, was not made available for use, except for the Navy and for coast defenses and the expenditures incident thereto, until after the declaration of war. ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. BRIG. GEN. H. C. CORBIN, ADJUTANT-GENERAL, U. S. A., IN CHARGE. The working force of this department is composed of 6 officers, 105 permanent clerks, and 195 temporary clerks. The Adjutant-General's Department is the bureau of orders and rec- ords of the Army. Orders and instructions emanating from the War Department or Army Headquarters and all general regulations are communicated to troops and individuals in the military service through the Adjutant-General. In his office are the records of the War Depart- ment relating to the personnel of the permanent military establishment and militia in the service of the United States, to the military history of every commissioned officer and soldier thereof, and to all movements and operations of troops. The department is divided into divisions as follows: REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 117 The Military Academy division has charge of the qualifications and manner of appointment of cadets. The graduation of the classes of 1898 and 1899 in advance of the usual time created the impression that there must necessarily be a corresponding increase in the number of cadet appointments, which occasioned a large increase of applications and correspondence in this division. Unlisted branch of the Regular Army.-The work of this division com- prises the appointment of noncommissioned staff officers, transfers, furloughs, discharges, etc. This work up to September 1 was largely increased because of the added charge of the enlisted men of the Vol- unteer Army. Since that date the division has had to do with men of the Regular Army only. The discharges by favor in years before the war were less than 100 per month; since September 1 there have been over 600 per month. The enlisted branch of the Volunteer Army since September 1 has had charge of the enlisted men of the volunteers, and there have passed through the office about 1,500 papers per day. This division also has charge of special orders. It receives the com- munications from soldiers serving with their regiments, soldiers away from their regiments, relatives and friends of soldiers, Members of Congress and other influential people asking for discharges and fur- loughs of volunteers. This correspondence has greatly increased from the fact that regulations and military discipline have often been ignored. Division of orders, books, and blanks.-From May 1 to August 1,1898, the number of special orders issued was 79; the number of special orders distributed was 31,752; number of paragraphs of special orders issued, 5,660; number of paragraphs of special orders distributed, 23,800; general orders issued, 102; general orders distributed, 736,000; circulars issued, 36; circulars distributed, 256,000. During this time 4,000,000 blanks were distributed to the Army from Porto Rico to Manila, and 15,700 packages of blank and record books. Army rolls division.-This division has control of the enlistment papers, descriptive and assignment cards, and death and disability papers pertaining to the enlisted men of the Regular Army. On the muster in of the volunteer organizations all similar records pertaining to them were committed to the care of this division. Before the war the average number of muster rolls received bimonthly was 855. Dur- ing the war this has been increased to 4,000. Appointment, promotion, and commission division.-Ordinarily about 350 appointments and commissions were issued in a year, while since March 1, 1898, in the Regular and Volunteer Army 3,997 commissions have been issued. There have been filed over 30,000 applications for appointment as general and general staff officers of volunteers. Returns division.-This division has charge of receiving, examining, noting, and filing all the various Army returns, keeping record of service of all officers of the Army, movement of troops, establishment of posts, their abandonment, etc. It also has charge of the records of the various 118 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. departments, corps, divisions, brigades, commanders, and staff offi- cers of each command, the movements and operations of the entire Army, as well as that of a single company, actions in which engaged, losses sustained, etc. It is in receipt of thousands of letters and news- papers daily going to regiments and individuals of the Army, which nave to be readdressed and remailed. Since the commencement of the muster out of the volunteers a record is kept of the home addresses of all volunteer officers. Mail and record division.-All mail received in the office of the Adju- tant-General is opened and distributed in this division, requiring the services of three clerks. During the eight months preceding the war with Spain there were received 60,000 pieces of mail, and from May to December, 1898, 400,000. Muster-in division.-This division prepared the regulations for the muster in, the ordinary rolls, and other blanks. There were detailed in each State for mustering duty from one to three officers, to whom was assigned the further duty of arranging for the sheltering, subsist- ing, and clothing of the volunteers. They made physical examinations of 288,000 men, accepting 216,500, and have mustered out to date about 110,000. Telegraph division.-Prior to the war with Spain the business of this branch of the service was 1,000 telegrams per month. With the sinking of the Maine, on February 15, the telegraph business began to steadily increase, so that on April 21, when war was declared, the working force was 8 operators, which number steadily increased to the time of the battle of Santiago, when there were 20 operators, 5 clerks, and 7 messengers. Recruiting division of the Regular and Volunteer Army.-Prior to March, 1898, the monthly rate of enlistment was from 700 to 1,000. Under the stimulus of the war, during the month of May the enlist- ments for the Regular Army reached 9,569, and for the three months May, June, and July they numbered 25,500, accepted from 102,000 applicants. In addition, under the President's second call, over 40,000 volunteers were enlisted individually from 50,000 applicants to recruit the regiments mustered in under the first call. During the months of August, September, and October, the rate of enlistment for the Regular Ar-my was 3,300; since November the monthly rate has been 5,000. Military information division.-TMo. work of this division began a long time before war was declared. Information was collected as to the strength, armament, supplies, and operations of the Spanish troops in Cuba and Porto Rico. Lieutenant Whitney visited Porto Rico and Lieutenant Rowan Cuba, and the result of this labor and personal examination was that when war was declared the War Department was in possession of information showing the probable amount of resistance to be met with at any given point. Plans of the forts around Havana and other fortified points and the trochas were obtained. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 119 Military maps and military notes of Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philip- pines were published, and illustrated pamphlets of the Spanish navy prepared for the purpose of informing the commanding officers of seacoast forts of the character of the ships they might have to cope with. In conjunction with the Navy Department a confidential code of signals between our ships and the forts was drawn up. It also sent and received all the confidential telegrams of the War Department. There were submitted to the commission by the Adjutant-General detailed statements respecting the Regular Army, the volunteers, and militia, and correspondence and telegrams in relation to the three dif- ferent campaigns. For information on these subjects reference is made to reports appended. This department, which was organized and trained to take care of a small regular army, was required to rapidly provide for organizing and mustering in 250,000 soldiers, and within six months to muster out 100,000. The Adjutant-General's Department of the Army having full knowledge of the condition of the Army when the declaration of war was made, it could not be surprised by the inability of the departments to immediately respond to the demands. The economy of previous years, by which nearly every article of equipment not immediately needed by the Army was disposed of and no provision made for emergencies, rendered immediate effective expansion of the Army impossible. In the organization of the Army for active duty provision was made for eight corps, seven of which were fully equipped and placed in the field. The suggestion has been made, and opinion given, that it would have been better to have organized the Army and equipped the troops in each of their States before they were concentrated and mobilized into bri- gades, divisions, and corps, but the War Department had not the offi- cers to send to each State to organize, muster, feed, and equip them, nor had it officers of sufficient rank to command, drill, and discipline the troops while in State camps. Early removal of regiments from State camps has the advantage of avoiding the disturbing influences of home locality. During the organization and equipment of the Army a daily report by telegraph from each camp was received, showing what supplies they had and what was needed, and a copy of this report was furnished each staff department. Where important deficiencies were reported, the Sec- retary of War called attention to the fact, and in most cases it was found that such deficiencies were due to the nonexistence of the arti- cles. There were about 250 regiments, batteries, and separate organizations in the Army, from only 25 of which came complaints, aside from those affecting the Medical Department. Investigation has shown that the most of these complaints were because of lack of supplies not obtainable at first or were due to the inexperience of officers in command, not, so far 120 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. as we can discover, from any intentional neglect. Prompt action seems to have been taken in most cases to remedy them, but they were what occur naturally from new experiences, new conditions, unexpected and emergency movements, and in fact from the entirely new life, discipline, and training. In the staff departments about 400 regular officers, on the strength of their efficiency records, were taken to fill the more responsible posi- tions. Then it was found necessary to go outside and appoint from civil life, the selections being frequently made from officers who had had experience in the National Guard, graduates from military colleges and schools, and citizens whose business or professions fitted them for the positions for which they were selected. The testimony shows that they were honest and manifested a desire to become efficient in their duties. Not one has been court-martialed and but few dropped as incompetent. In the Inspector-General's Department every appointee except one had had experience. In the Medical Department the President did not appoint unless the Surgeon-General had examined the application and recommended the applicant. The Adjutant-General testified that there had not been a deficiency of one dollar reported on the part of a volunteer staff officer, and that he wished to make it a matter of record that in the distribution of many millions of dollars during this war there was yet to be made the first charge of defalcation against an army officer, regular or volunteer. The testimony shows that it was the custom of the Secretary of War, when any large or emergency movement was contemplated, to call in consultation the heads of the different departments that related to the movement. It also shows that the heads of departments consulted the Secretary of War frequently, at times daily, upon matters relating to their departments, and were given prompt and ample support in their various duties. The military colleges of the United States should be encouraged, especially those that have a system of education and drill similar to West Point, and their graduates should be given preference, after West Point, in the appointment to the grade of second lieutenant in the Army over other civilians. It is a simple and effective way for the United States to induce young men who have a taste for military life to fit themselves for it, and creates a reserve force that always in times of war seeks service and performs efficient and valuable duties. From the day war was declared until this hour the office of the Adju- tant-General has not been closed. The heads of the departments were frequently called in the night for consultation and to furnish supplies in emergencies. The Adjutant-General was in his office almost the entire time, often spending the night there, and the greater part of the force worked Sundays and holidays and at all hours when the emergency required it. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 121 There have been very few complaints against this department. The records and testimony show that it has been prompt in its work, and has added greatly to the efficiency of the Army. Lack of proper leg- islation and strict construction of laws and regulations made officers hesitate in assuming responsibilities and meeting emergencies by going outside the regulations and laws. However, most officers, seeing the necessity and appreciating the emergency, obtained by purchase and in other ways all needed supplies, being sustained in their action by the Secretary of War and chiefs of bureaus. This, however, will not relieve them of their personal liabilities, which can be removed only by act of Congress. Under the law no contract or actual expenditure preparatory for war could be made until appropriations were available. The different staff departments were called upon to obtain information and to make such preparation as was possible under the law and ex- isting conditions. INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. BRIG-. GEN. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE, INSPECTOR-GENERAL, U. S. A., IN CHARGE. DUTIES. The Inspector-General's Department has no power to order inspec- tions except as directed so to do by the Secretary of War or the Major- General Commanding the Army, and has no control over inspectors- general assigned to department, corps or division headquarters. Its duties are prescribed partly by the statute law and partly by Army Regulations and General Orders. Those prescribed by statute are: First. Inspections or surveys of unserviceable stores, act of March 3, 1825. Second. Frequent inspections of disbursements of appropriations made by officers of the Army, act April 20, 1874. Third. Annual inspection of the Soldiers' Home at Washington, D. C., act March 3, 1883. Fourth. Annual inspection of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, act August 18, 1894. Army Regulations and General Orders prescribe that the sphere of inquiry of an inspector includes every branch of military affairs, except when limited in orders or by the Army Regulations. General Order 81 of 1898 prescribes that inspectors will be assigned by the War Department to the headquarters of geographical depart- ments, and to the headquarters of armies and army corps in the field, and by the commanding generals thereof to divisions. Inspectors thus assigned are under the orders of their commanding officers, and make such inspections as are directed. An inspector, of himself, has not the authority to inspect when and where he pleases. 122 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. It is directed in general order 81 of 1898 that he make known his orders or instructions to commanding or other officers whose troops and affairs he is directed to inspect, and an attempt to inspect without such orders would meet with a prompt and proper refusal to be inspected. Ordinarily an inspector is given wide latitude by his immediate com- manding officer and becomes a confidential staff officer. Frequently he is empowered to give orders in the name of the commanding officer to correct irregularities, or meet the deficiencies exposed by inspections, but this is in the discretion of the commanding officer and applies usually to troops only. The heads of the other staff departments, being staff officers of the commanding officer, their departments are inspected only by order. REPORTS. Inspectors-general report in person to the Commanding General and by letter to the Adjutant-General of the Army. They report monthly to the Adjutant-General of the Army the inspections and investiga^ tions made by them during the month. Their reports are made to their immediate commanding officer, who forwards them to the Adjutant- General of the Army for transmittal to the Inspector-General of the Army. They will not give orders unless specially authorized to do so, and then only in the name of the superior giving such authority. In active service, many of the reports of inspecting officers are made verbally. With new troops especially, commanding officers do not desire to have written reports of all inspections made. It is recognized that many errors, irregularities, and deficiencies are the results of inex- perience, and it is not thought desirable to make a record of all these matters which may soon be corrected, but which, put on record, would be a source of mortification to the troops afterwards. This feature, together with the immense amount of work to be done and the want of clerical assistance and appliances in the field, explains the lack of complete reports on file in the office of the Inspector- General in Washington. PERSONNEL. REGULAR ESTABLISHMENT. At the beginning of the war the Department had a force of one brigadier-general, two colonels, two lieutenant-colonels, and two majors. The act of Congress approved July 7, 1898, made a tem- porary increase of one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, and one major during the war. The largest number of officers in the regular Department during the war was ten, which number was reached in August, when those newly appointed reported for duty. Of these, four were appointed general officers of the volunteers by the President of the United States and assigned to duty on their volunteer rank. The other six were on duty with troops or in the office of the Inspector-General in Washington. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 123 Five line officers were performing the duties of acting inspectors- general at geographical departments, detailed by the War Department for such duties on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of the Army. As indicative of the class of men so selected, it may be noted that the division commanders in the battle of July 1, in front of Santiago-Kent, Sumner, Lawton, and Chaffee-had all been acting inspectors-general. The Inspector-General of the Army, Maj. Gen. J. C. Breckinridge, while inspecting Camp George H. Thomas, under orders issued from headquarters of the Army, under authority from the Secretary of War, was ordered by the Major-General Commanding the Army to Tampa, Fla., and, discontinuing his inspection, he reported to the major- general commanding there June 5. At General Shafter's request, approved by the Secretary of War, he was ordered to embark with the Fifth Corps for Cuba, was present at the operations which resulted in the surrender of the city of Santiago and the Spanish army, and as Inspector-General of the Army reported upon these operations. The following table shows the stations of inspectors-general, regular and volunteer, during July, 1898: Stations. Regular. V olun- teers. Total. Command of troops. Special. Inspec- tor's duties with troops. With, army at Santiago 1 1 1 5 8 With army at Porto Kico 1 ] 2 With army at Manila 1 3 4 At Camp Alger 4 4 At Camp Thomas 1 8 9 At Camp Cuba Libre 3 3 At camp at Tampa 4 4 Total 2 1 3 28 34 INSPECTORS-GENERAL OF VOLUNTEERS. The act of Congress approved April 22,1898, authorized the Presi- dent to appoint one inspector-general with the rank of lieutenant- colonel for each army corps and one with the rank of major for each division organized. Under this authority there were appointed nine inspectors-general with the rank of lieutenant-colonel and twenty-three with the rank of major. Of the nine lieutenant-colonels so appointed, six were from the .Regular Army and three from the National Guard. Of the twenty- three majors, sixteen were appointed from the Regular Army and seven from civil life, the latter, with one exception, having had experi- ence with the National Guard. 124 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The Adjutant-General of the Army testifies that the officers appointed inspectors-general from the Regular Army were selected on their efficiency records. There is before the commission no evidence nor statements that the individual officers of the Inspector-General's Department, either Regu- lar or Volunteer, with one exception, were not fitted for and did not properly perform their duties. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. The commission find that the Inspector-General's Department was not as efficient as it ought to have been. There seems to have been question as to the authority by which inspections were to be ordered. On at least one occasion, May 17, the Secretary of War instructed the Major-General Commanding the Army to inspect certain camps, viz, those at Chickamauga, Atlanta, New Orleans, Mobile, Tampa, Miami, and Key West. The Major-General did not act upon such instructions, stating it to be his place to order inspection. Further, the commission find that although several of the officers of this department were assigned to duty in command of troops in the field, still competent officers were left in charge of the depart- ment in Washington to perform such duties as were assigned to them. The organization in the field was ample, and the inspectors made reports to the commanding officers to whom they had been assigned. Those reports were often not acted upon and were not forwarded to the War Department. For this important branch of the Army a better system could be adopted. It is recommended: 1. That it should be the duty of the Inspector-General to submit to the Secretary of War, at stated intervals, plans for the inspection of camps and troops. 2. The corps of inspectors-general should be sufficiently large to fully perform its duties, and inspections should be frequently made. 3. Reports of such inspection should be promptly forwarded by the Inspector-General's Department to the Secretary of War for his information. JUDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. BRIG-. GEN. G. N. LIEBER, JUDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERAL, U. S. A., IN CHARGE. The Judge-Advocate-General's Department consists of eight officers, and is the bureau of military justice. The Judge-Advocate-General is the custodian of the records of all general courts-martial, courts of inquiry, and military commissions, and of all papers relating to the title of lands under the control of the War Department, except the Washington Aqueduct and the public buildings and grounds in the District of Columbia. The officers of this department render opinions REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 125 upon legal questions when called upon by proper authority. The only addition made to the department during the war was judge-advocates for corps. The Judge-Advocate-General considered that such officers for divisions should also have been appointed, but did not think that the failure to so appoint was detrimental to the best interests of the service. For the twelve months ending September 1, 1898, the trials by gen- eral court-martial were: Commissioned officers: Regulars 3 Volunteers 12 Enlisted men: Regulars (convicted 1,148, acquitted 94) 1,242 Volunteers (convicted 497, acquitted 126) 623 Total 1,880 The superior class of men that has been recruited for the Regular Army is shown by the less number, of courts-martial in 1898 as com- pared with 1897, which was 139; also in the decrease of desertions, which for 1894 were 518, for 1897, 244, and for 1898, 176. The total number of convictions for desertion in 1898 was, regulars 176, and volunteers 18. About one-half of the time of this office was occupied in civil matters, such as preparing contracts, examining titles, etc. No complaint has been received by the commission in relation to the office or any member of its corps, therefore the commission concludes that it has performed its duties with efficiency and to the benefit of the service. THE QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY. BRIG. GEN. M. I. LUDINGTON, QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL, U. S. -A., IN CHARGE. The duties devolving upon the Quartermaster's Department under the Secretary of War during peace and war, as required by law and regulations, are as follows: To provide the Army with military stores and supplies requisite for its use, such as clothing and equipage, tents, band instruments, tableware and mess furniture, equipments for bakeries, fuel, forage, stationery, lumber, straw for bedding for men and animals, all materials for camp and for shelter of troops and stores, furniture for barracks, heating and cooking stoves for use in barracks and quarters, tools for mechanics and laborers in Quartermaster's Department, furniture, books, etc., for post schools, reading matter for post libraries, wagons, ambulances, carts, saddles, harness, water supply, sewerage, plumbing, illuminating supplies, and heating for all military posts and buildings. The department is also charged with the duty of transporting, by land and water, troops, munitions of war, equipments, and all articles of military supplies from the place of purchase to the several armies, garrisons, posts, and recruiting places. 126 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. It also supplies quartermaster's stores, clothing, and equipage to the militia of the States and Territories, furnishing transportation therefor as well as for ordnance and ordnance stores issued by the General Government to States and Territories. It prepares the plans and constructs the barracks, quarters, store- houses, hospitals, etc., builds the wharves, constructs the roads, builds bridges at military posts, provides, by hire or purchase, grounds for military encampments and buildings, contracts for all horses for cavalry, artillery, Indian scouts, etc., and pays all incidental expenses of the military service which are not provided by other branches. On March 1, 1898, with the possibility of war with Spain, the Quar- termaster's Department found itself charged with the varied, numerous, and important duties indicated in the foregoing, its appropriation small, and facing the probability of a large army being soon organized for field service. The department consisted of fifty-seven officers. It was provided with all necessary clothing, camp and garrison equipage, for the Reg- ular Army of 25,000 men; was prepared to equip and move an army at least double that size under peace conditions, but was suddenly called upon to furnish within a short period all that was required to fit out an army of 275,000 men for probable operations in an enemy's country. The department, up to March 1, 1898, found itself confronted with the following statutes, the legality of which is unquestioned and which apply to all departments of the Army: Sec. 3679 (Revised Statutes). No department of the Government shall expend in any one fiscal year any sum in excess of appropriations made by Congress for that fiscal year or involve the Government in any contract for the future payment of money in excess of such appropriations. Sec. 3732. No contract or purchase on behalf of the United States shall be made unless the same is authorized by law or is under an appropriation adequate to its fulfillment, except in the War and Navy Departments, for clothing, subsistence, forage, fuel, quarters, or transportation, which, however, shall not exceed the necessities of the current year. Sec. 3709. All purchases and contracts for supplies or services in any of the departments of the Government, except for personal services, shall be made by advertising a sufficient time previously for proposals respecting the same, when the public exigencies do not require the immediate delivery of the articles or perform- ance of the service. When immediate delivery or performance is required by public exigency, the articles or service required may be procured by open purchase or contract at the places and in the manner in which such articles are usually bought and sold or such services engaged between individuals. It will thus be observed that the declaration of war threw upon the Quartermaster's Department an amount of labor and responsibility for which it was neither physically nor financially prepared. Under the acts of Congress approved April 22 and July 7, 1898, 121 volunteer officers were appointed to the Quartermaster's Department, of whom 23 qualified in May, 49 in June, 31 in July, 14 in August, and 4 in September. Of this number 22 were regular officers who received higher rank in the volunteer service. One of the officers of the regular estab- 127 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. lishment was temporarily transferred to duty in the Judge-Advocate- General's Department, so that during the period of hostilities the Quar- termaster's Department had at its command the services in all of 155 officers of the regular and volunteer establishments. FUNDS AVAILABLE. By the act of March 9, 1898, Congress appropriated the sum of $50,000,000 for national defense, a portion of which was allotted to the Quartermaster's Department. The available funds during the war were as follows: At the command of the Quartermaster's Department April 1,1898, available for war expenditure $2, 657,456. 87 Allotments to the department from the appropriation for national defense 1, 500, 000. 00 Appropriated by the act of March 15,1898 6,555, 000. 00 Appropriated by the deficiency act of May 4,1898 19, 550, 000. 00 Appropriated by the deficiency act of July 7,1898 103, 200, 000.00 Appropriated by the act of J uly 8,1898 200, 000.00 Making in all 133, 662, 456. 87 It will thus be seen that however handicapped the Quartermaster's Department might have been for lack of funds before war was declared, Congress freely placed immense sums at its disposal so soon as it was believed that a determined struggle seemed inevitable. In order that the subject may be more systematically discussed, it is deemed best to take up, seriatim, the various branches of this impor- tant division, both during peace and war, of the supply departments of the Army. 1. CLOTHING, CAMP AND GARRISON EQUIPAGE. The department has reported that on April 1, 1898, it was amply provided with all necessary clothing and equipage supplies for three months for the Army as then organized and for probably 10,000 addi- tional troops; that on April 23 it was confronted with the problem of clothing and equipping an army of 125,000 men; that on April 26 the Regular Army was increased to 61,000 men, and on May 25 the second call for 75,000 volunteers was issued. Adding to these the 10 regiments of immunes, the 3 regiments of cavalry, the 3 regiments of volunteer engineers, and the Signal Corps, it appears that within a few weeks it became necessary to provide for clothing and equipping an army of more than a quarter of a million of men. So soon as funds were available, so soon as war was inevitable, so soon as law permitted, the Quartermaster's Department undertook this enormous work; probably its chief had foreseen the great emergency in advance; possibly someone else would have gone into the market earlier, anticipating approval of his acts in case war was declared and the Army increased tenfold; that the Quartermaster-General threw the energy of his department into this work when funds were available 128 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. seems evident, and that his officers labored faithfully in their efforts to aid him is plain to those who have carefully studied their work. To clothe and equip 275,000 soldiers was a massive undertaking; kerseys and flannels of required quality were not in the market; arti- cles were procured conforming as nearly as practicable to the army standard, but difficulties were encountered everywhere; some of the material so rapidly obtained failed to retain its color, other portions proved to be of defective quality, soon wearing out, and the blame of course fell upon the Quartermaster's Department, few realizing the demands upon it and the struggles and anxieties of its officers. The troops concentrating in the South and coming from the North and West were supplied with clothing required for the climate in which they had been serving; that on hand April 1 was not suitable for trop- ical climates. To meet the call for such clothing the department pro- cured a supply of twilled and plain duck for issue to troops in Cuba and Porto Rico, but this was not available until after the surrender of Santiago. It seems unnecessary to enumerate the many articles furnished by this department, but it may be said that on April 1, there were on hand at the depots at Philadelphia, Jeffersonville, and San Francisco and due under contract, about 69,000 blankets, 28,000 blouses, 53,000 forage caps, 98,000 canton-flannel drawers, 28,000 campaign hats, 12,000 cork helmets, 23,000 overcoats, 12,000 ponchos, 47,000 dark blue flannel shirts, 62,000 pairs of shoes, 305,000 pairs cotton socks, 167,000 pairs woolen socks, 35,000 pairs foot soldiers' trousers, 23,000 pairs mounted soldiers' trousers, 170,000 cotton undershirts, 83,000 woolen undershirts, besides other necessary articles of apparel for the soldiers' use, together with 210,000 yards of blouse flannel, 114,000 yards of shirt flannel, and 137,000 yards of kersey. Of camp equipage there was available about 6,750 common tents, 1,450 conical wall tents, 730 hospital tents, 38,000 halves of shelter tents, 2,750 wall tents, 400,000 yards of duck canvas, and a tolerably good supply for the existing army of the many articles needed for use in camp and on the march. In March the Quartermaster-General directed the officers at the Government manufacturing depots to push manufactures in certain lines, and authorized the purchase of additional material for tentage and clothing, not, however, on an extensive scale. He also instructed the depot officers to ascertain and report the number of tents of every size that could be purchased and how rapidly they could be manufactured. Some purchases were made early in April, and about the middle of that month correspondence was opened with manufacturers of blankets, blouse and shirting flannels, kersey, shoes, leggings, and other neces- saries for the purpose of ascertaining prices and in what quantities and how rapidly the articles could be obtained. On April 20 and 25 proposals were invited, under a few days' notice, for large quantities of clothing materials, for blankets, forage caps, REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 129 ponchos, shoes, summer underclothing, and in fact all classes of mate- rials for clothing, camp and garrison equipage. During April and May arrangements were made for purchases in vari- ous large cities of our country amounting in value to about $3,000,000. Among the articles issued by the department between May 1 and August 15 were about 546,300 blankets, 390,800 blouses, 523,200 pairs trousers, 476,700 campaign hats, 153,170 canvas field uniforms, 782,300 pairs shoes, 588,800 pairs leggings, 622,200 dark blue flannel shirts, 1,257,000 undershirts, 1,210,680 pairs drawers, 65,000 tents, exclusive of shelter tents, 372,400 halves of shelter tents, 39,000 axes, 34,300 camp kettles, 58,600 mess pans, besides a multitude of minor articles. It is understood that the department, after having once started with its plans, adopted every possible expedient to obtain supplies, but met with many difficulties. There was but very little standard duck canvas in the market of this country, and the production of tents was governed entirely by the ability of the mills to turn out proper material. To meet the immediate demands of the troops, all the tentage that could be obtained in the various cities, which seemed of fair quality, was purchased. Much of this proved short lived, and the troops during the rainy season suffered discomfort accordingly. The same trouble occurred with some of the articles of clothjng, par- ticularly in the article of sky-blue trousers, where the wool had to be dyed out of which to manufacture the cloth. It became necessary to provide dark-blue material, which was available, but which did not come up to the standard of the sky blue, being lighter and not satisfac- tory on account of color. The Quartermaster-General states that these articles were shipped in bulk to the various camps as soon as obtained, without waiting for requisitions or requests of any sort, and the depot quartermasters were ■urged to inform the department as the supply of any article ran low. In spite of every effort there were occasions where troops suffered from poor tentage or from lack of tentage and absence of straw for bedding, where clothing was scarce and troops suffered discomfort for lack of shoes, shirts, and other articles of apparel. This was noticed even as late as October in the camps at Anniston, Huntsville, and Lexington, while at Huntsville, Ala., and Fort Monroe, Va., in spite of the cool nights, there was a lack of stoves in the hospitals, and at Huntsville the supply of wood was short. With some of the troops sent from San Francisco to Manila the deficiency in shoes of proper size continued even up to August 31. At Santiago the deficiency at the front appears to have been caused rather from lack of transportation from the coast than from lack of clothing and tentage, a supply of which was on the transports. The question of the character of clothing for troops in a tropical country is one for serious consideration of experts, and this commission 7833-vol. 1 9 130 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. is gratified to learn that the matter is receiving the thoughtful attention of the War Department. 2. PUBLIC ANIMALS FOR WAGONS, ETC., WAGONS, HARNESS, AMBU- LANCES-HORSES FOR CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY. On April 1, 1898, the department had at its command 6,701 horses, 1,188 wagons, and 4,963 sets of harness. Between July 1, 1897, and March 31, 1898, the average cost of animals was as follows: Cavalry horses $126.15 Artillery horses 137.79 Draft horses 148.11 Draft mules 99. 84 Pack mules 72.93 Between April 1 and August 31, 1898, there were purchased at prices indicated the following: Average cost. 10,743 cavalry horses $100.42 2,551 artillery horses 130.85 1,137 draft horses 125. 38 2,115 riding horses (including 1,500 small horses for Cuban service) 77. 70 32 hell horses 49. 84 40 pack horses 30. 00 17,515 draft mules 110. 05 2,667 pack mules 83.15 The wagons, ambulances, harness, etc., procured between July 1, 1897, and March 31,1898, and between April 1 and August 31,1898, were as follows: Peace period, from July 1, 1897, to Mar. 31, 1898 (9 months). War period, from Apr. 1,1898, to Aug. 31, 1898 (5 months). Num- ber. Total cost. Average cost. Num- ber. Total cost. Average cost. Anny wagons 604 109 3, 605 70 8 500 59 224 $61, 467. 00 8,584. 75 238, 942. 75 18, 218. 00 1, 540. 60 122, 950. 00 13,259. 50 13,148. 50 $101.77 78. 76 66. 28 260. 26 192. 58 245. 90 224. 74 58.70 Escort wagons Farm wagons Spring wagons 8 4 $2,295. 00 944.00 $286.87 236. 00 Wagonettes Ambulances: Rucker Red Cross Miscellaneous wagons Total 12 30 3,239. 00 900. 00 5,179 28, 012 478, 111. 10 358,449.18 Harness, sets, single 30.00 Horses for cavalry were purchased, so far as was practicable and economical, in the States from which the regiments came by boards of officers appointed for the purpose. The mules and a portion of the horses were purchased by officers of the Quartermaster's Department after a call for figures. Before war was declared the Quartermaster-General called upon prominent wagon and harness manufacturers of the country for infor- mation in reference to their ability to promptly supply wagons and 131 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. harness suitable for army use in case of emergency and. to what extent their factories could be relied upon to supply the needs of the Army. These inquiries also secured information as to the stock of wagons and harness on hand and enabled the department when the emergency did arise to place wagons and harness at convenient points for issue to the troops in the field. The following animals, wagons, and ambulances were purchased and issued by August 31: Purchased: Horses 16,618 Mules 20,182 Total 36,800 Wagons 4,620 Ambulances 559 Issued: Horses 16,483 Mules - 19, 550 Total 36,033 Wagons and ambulances 4, 891 Great complaint was made of lack of transportation facilities at the camp at Montauk Point, N. Y., and Col. W. H. Forwood, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, chief surgeon of the camp, testifies as follows: "The trouble was, we did not get ambulances and wagons as fast as we needed them;" and further states, "when ambu- lances came they were sometimes incomplete." Col. C. P. Miller, of the Quartermaster's Department, states that it was decided to use Montauk as a camp on August 2, and that trans- portation was shipped to that locality between August 3 and Septem- ber 7, as follows: Date. From whence. Mules. Horses. Wagons. Ambu- lances. 1898. Aug. 3 Governors Island 8 6 St. Asaphs 96 ..... 20 7 St. Asaphs 4 8 4 1 9 Tampa, with Sixth Cavalry 150 25 10 St. Asaphs 60 ........ 25 ........ 11 do 101 13 Chickamauga 120 9 13 Tampa, with Ninth Cavalry 20 14 Camp Alger.z 100 25 14 Tampa, with Third Cavalry 107 20 7 15 Van Aken Company 50 25 ........ 16 St. Asaphs 60 25 18 do 97 128 24 19 New York 62 ........ 19 Tampa, with First Cavalry 286 ........ 44 ........ 19 Lakeland, with Tenth Cavalry 218 36 28 St. Asaphs 179 44 Sept. 3 Toledo, Ohio 5 4 St. Asaphs 18 5 do 15 7 do 36 Total 1,578 232 396 a48 a In addition to the 48 ambulances there was a number brought from Tampa and Lakeland with troops. 132 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. 3. TRANSPORTATION BY LAND AND WATER. RAILROADS. No arrangements were made for the movements of regiments by rail- road for field duty previous to April 1. On May 8 the Quartermaster-General, in anticipation of the trans- fer of large bodies of troops, notified the officers of his department of the proposed movements, and directed them to make proper arrange- ments with the railroad officials, so that the troops might be moved with comfort and celerity. These officers appear to have acted with zeal in obtaining rates, in many cases very advantageous to the Gov- ernment. When extended journeys covering night travel were to be made, tourists' cars were obtained wherever possible, and when these could not be obtained the contracts provided that each soldier should have a double seat. The Quartermaster-General reports that in making these movements the rates generally did not exceed cents per mile for passengers in many cases being less. There were transported by rail between April 1 and the breaking up of Camp Wikoff, early in November, 17,863 officers and 435,569 enlisted men. Many complaints were made in reference to unnecessary delays and lack of promptness on the part of the Quartermaster's Department in moving regiments and in the care of sick and convalescents returning home either with their regiments or alone. Col. H. L. Turner, of the .First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, states that his experience was terrible when he removed his regiment from Mon- tauk to Chicago, the suffering of the sick having been intense, greatly owing to the delay of one railroad company in having proper cars ready for his command. In explanation of this delay it is stated that a mistake was made by the commanding general of the camp at Montauk in ordering the regi- ment to be in readiness to embark twenty-four hours in advance of the time indicated by the chief quartermaster in New York City. Vast quantities of freight were handled and sent to the camps at Chickamauga, Jacksonville, Fernandina, Miami; Dunn-Loring, Va. (Camp Alger); Camp Meade, Pennsylvania; Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, and to the camps at Anniston, Huntsville, Knoxville, Lexington, Tampa, and other localities throughout the South. Great complaint was made of the railroad congestion at Tampa and the absolute lack of ability to bring order out of chaos at that place during the early part of the period of its occupancy by troops. The Major-General Commanding has stated that supplies for 70,000 men for 90 days were ordered there, and the confusion on the railroad when he reached Tampa was very great, 1,000 cars being sidetracked, some of them as far back as Columbia, S. C. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 133 It is stated that in the hurry and rush attending the commencement of this work the contents of cars were unknown at Tampa; that bills of lading were not forwarded, and that it seemed impossible for a time to determine where absolutely necessary articles were located. Colonel Bird, of the Quartermaster's Department, testifies that this was corrected later on, when the contents of cars were clearly marked upon them and bills of lading promptly forwarded. The condition of the railroad congestion during the early portion of the time Tampa was occupied by troops seems unparalleled, showing an almost inexcusable lack of excutive ability on the part of those charged with the loading, unloading, and handling of the trains. Colonel Bird and General Humphrey testify that there were very poor facilities for transferring troops and supplies arriving at Tampa via the Florida Central Railroad to the Plant System leading direct to Port Tampa. Order was finally brought out of chaos, the cars unloaded, the con- gestion overcome, and a vast amount of supplies of every character delivered at this immense encampment. Congestion also occurred at Chickamauga Park, probably with not so serious results as at Tampa, but complaint was made that materials of different classes, belonging to different departments, were frequently packed in the same car, rendering it necessary to remove large packages of quartermaster's or commissary stores in order to obtain the smaller packages of medicines and medical supplies. There was also congestion and confusion in connection with therailroad facilities between the 5th and 15th of August at Camp Wikoff, caused by the side tracks being in such condition that they could not be used. Cars in switching would get off the track and cause blockades for hours; troops and animals came by rail from Long Island City more rapidly than they could be unloaded and cared for at Montauk. By the middle of August the side tracks were in order and necessary storehouses made available for supplies. The railroad between Montauk and Long Island City was evidently worked to its maximum capacity. WATER TRANSPORTATION. For more than half a century it had not been necessary for the United States to send large bodies of troops by sea for the invasion of a foreign country, but in May, 1898, the Quartermaster's Department was sud- denly called upon to prepare for work of this important character. The Quartermaster-General reports that the needs of his department for the transportation of troops and supplies by sea were canvassed prior to April 1, 1898, and measures taken to ascertain the best method for providing such transportation. On March 24, the Quartermaster-General directed the depot quarter- master in New York to report at once all available vessels of the coast- line steamship companies that could be obtained by charter, and to state their capacity, etc. The reply reached him on March 29, furnishing 134 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the desired information, but adding that a member of the board on aux- iliary cruisers had stated t hat the Navy had absolute option on all boats of the most prominent steamship companies. The testimony before the commission shows that between April 1 and August 31, 44 steamships were chartered and 14 purchased for service on the Atlantic and Gulf waters; that 17 were chartered and 2 pur- chased for service on the Pacific Ocean, and that all were fitted up, to a certain extent, for the transportation of troops, animals, and supplies. While complaints have been made as to the character of the equip- ment of the vessels used on the Atlantic, the reports from those on the Pacific show them to have been arranged as satisfactorily as was possible. The steamship John Englis was also purchased, at a cost of $450,000, for the use of the Medical Department, and after some delay was refitted as a hospital ship, ata cost of $136,851.11, and renamed the Relief. The total tonnage of the ships used as transports on the Atlantic coast was 166,987 tons, and the Quartermaster-General reports that they were fitted up for the accommodation of 40,723 officers and men. The total tonnage of the ships on the Pacific coast was 61,287 tons, and they were reported as having been arranged so as to accommodate 18,120 officers and men. The records of the Quartermaster's Department show that troops and civilian employees were transported by sea between April 1 and Sep- tember 15, 1898, as follows: Men. To Cuba 28,195 To Porto Rico .... 17,460 To Manila 16, 405 To Honolulu 629 Returned from Cuba 21,686 Returned from Porto Rico 5, 541 Civilian employees transported 2,920 Total .' 92,836 The testimony shows that the first call upon the Quartermaster's Department was for ships to transport 5,000 men to Cuba, and that soon after the call was increased and demand made for steamers to transport 25,000. The fleet of transports concentrated at Port Tampa, Fla., for trans- portation of these 25,000 men to Cuba consisted of 38 vessels, and included 2 water boats, 3 steam lighters, 1 collier, 1 tug, and 2 decked barges. Upon loading these vessels it was found that their capacity had been largely overrated, and it was impossible to carry upon them, without great discomfort and danger, more than 16,000 men, with their equipments, artillery, ammunition, subsistence, medical supplies, and 2,295 animals, for a voyage of 1,000 miles. Even with this reduction the vessels appear to have been crowded. In spite of the efforts of the Quartermaster's Department many of these vessels were poorly equipped with sleeping accommodations; the REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 135 sinks in many instances were inconvenient and insufficient, and some of the vessels were badly ventilated and filled with disagreeable odors. It has been stated that had the fleet encountered a severe storm while en route for Cuba the discomfort would have been intense and there might have been loss of life. The Quartermaster's Department ought to have been able to more thoroughly equip these vessels, and surely it should have been more certain of their carrying capacity. A sufficient number of vessels for transporting 25,000 men, with the required lighters for their disembarkation, should have been promptly fur- nished, even had such action rendered necessary the seizure of every steamer on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts sailing under the American flag. Testimony shows that the vessels were not loaded systematically. A battery with its guns and horses would be placed on one vessel and its ammunition on another. The Second, Seventh, and Seventeenth Regular Infantry were each divided up and portions in each case sent on three different vessels. The Quartermaster-General reports that pontoons were taken for use in landing in coves and in still water when possible; that urgent but unavailing efforts were made to procure lighters for purposes of dis- embarkation; that three steam lighters were chartered at Galveston and one ocean tug at Mobile and sent to Port Tampa to accompany the Santiago expedition, and that two decked barges were purchased at Tampa for the same purpose. A seagoing tug with three barges started from Mobile for Cuba; another with two barges started from New Orleans for the same des- tination, but all of these barges, except one, were lost, and only one of the tugs reached Santiago. One tug was reported as having broken down or left the fleet while en route for Santiago. The fleet of transports arrived safely at Daiquiri, but the failure to provide a full and sufficient number of lighters for disembarkation of troops, supplies, and artillery caused delay, anxiety, annoyance, and danger, and had there been serious storms, or had the landing been opposed by a vigilant and well-trained force of the enemy, the result might have been far different. Finally, the Quartermaster's Department entered into contract with a New York firm to fit out an expedition with a large force of mechanics and laborers, with necessary materials, machinery, pile drivers, and implements for construction of docks and railways. The Quartermaster- General reports that this outfit proceeded to Santiago, Cuba, and thence to Ponce, Porto Rico, where its services were of much assistance to the Army. The testimony shows that in the transportation of the Spanish pris- oners from Santiago to Spain the interests of the General Government received the most ample protection; that proposals were invited; that every effort was made to procure proper vessels, to provide for the care and comfort of the men, and that the cost of transportation by the 136 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Spanish Trans-Atlantic Company was at the rate of $55 each for officers and $20 each for enlisted men. The first proposal of the company was at the rate of $60 and $30, respectively, but they finally reduced their demands, so that the total price paid was over $200,000 less than the original offer. The contract required that at the price named the company should furnish subsistence and medical attendance and practically care for these prisoners from the time of their embarkation until landed in Spain. The total number of persons transported was 22,864, at a cost of $513,860. The purchase of transports by the department showed an equal effort to guard the interests of the General Government, and the testimony is to the effect that the purchase of these vessels was made direct either with the owners or their agents; that the prices were reasonable, and neither fees nor allowances were granted by the Government officials or paid by the Government to so-called middlemen. The following vessels were purchased for use on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts: Name of vessel. Tonnage. Cost. Class. Carrying capacity. Officers. Men. Animals. Panama, No. 1.... 2, 085 $41, 000 Freighter 10 400 Port Victor, No. 2 .. 2,' 792 175, 000 do 25 400 Rita, No. 3 2, 194 125j000 do 15 700 Mohawk, No. 20 5', 658 660', 000 Combination 80 1, 000 1,000 Mobile, No. 21 5' 780 660'000 do 80 1, 000 1' 000 Massachusetts, No. 22 5^ 673 660, 000 do 80 1' 000 1' 000 Manitoba, No. 23 5^ 673 660, 000 do 80 1, 000 1'000 Minnewaska, No. 24... 5' 796 660^ 000 do 100 1, 200 1,' 000 Mississippi, No. 25.... 3^ 732 350^ 000 do 40 ' 800 ' 800 Michigan, No. 26 3' 722 350j000 do 40 800 800 Roumanian, No. 27. 4,126 240' 000 do 45 1,100 50 Obdam, No. 30 3^ 656 250^ 000 Troop ship 50 1, 300 100 Berlin, No. 31 5^ 641 400j 000 do 1 75 2; 000 Chester, No. 32 4; 770 200', 000 do Total 61, 298 5,431, 000 720 12,700 6,750 Eight of these vessels were provided, with refrigerators for the trans- portation of fresh meat, seven of them having a capacity of 1,000 tons each. Two, the Panama and the Rita, were captured by the Navy, and were purchased by the Quartermaster's Department after having been condemned as prizes by the proper courts and offered for sale. All of these were merchant vessels, and were temporarily fitted up as army transports to meet the urgent demands of the service, for which purpose an expenditure of $178,018.37 was made. For use in the Pacific Ocean the following steamships were pur- chased : Name of vessel. Tonnage. Cost. Carrying capacity (men). Scandia.. 4, 253 5, 000 $200,000 600, 000 1, 500 1,700 Ari^onn. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 137 The Scandia was fitted out as a hospital ship and the Arizona for the transportation of troops and supplies to Honolulu and Manila. Seri- ous complaints were made in reference to the condition of the Chester, upon which the First United States Volunteer Engineers were trans- ported to Porto Rico, and of the Berlin when it was loaded at New Orleans with the First United States Volunteer immunes. It was stated that when the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers were taken to Porto Rico on the United States naval vessel Yale they were subjected to discomfort and abuse. The testimony before the commission does not sustain this charge, but shows that the discomforts were no greater than might have been anticipated for any troops mak- ing such a trip under similar circumstances. TRANSPORTS FOR PORTO RICO. The first troops for the Porto Rican campaign sailed on the war vessel Yale from Guantanamo, Cuba, under the Commanding General of the Army, on July 21, and landed at Guanica, Porto Rico, July 25; from that date until August 26 forty transports arrived at the island, loaded with troops, munitions of war, and supplies. In addition to these, the Gypsum King arrived August 10, towing three large lighters or barges consigned to Messrs. Van Aiken & Co., con- tractors, and loaded with lumber, bridge timber, railroad iron, coal, and other supplies, and a steam tug. The latter was transferred to the Quartermaster's Department, and was of great assistance in towing lighters to and from the transports to shallow water, in which they could be pulled to the docks. The loading of some of these transports exhibited carelessness, and in several instances important supplies intended for the army of Gen- eral Shafter were found upon them. Thirty-six vessels arrived at Porto Rico without invoices to show their contents, causing much confusion and requiring the overhauling of the entire cargo in order to learn the contents of the ship. The first invoice was received with cargo No. 37, that of the Alamo, which left Newport News, Va., on August 9 and reached Ponce on August 16. After that date regular invoices accompanied each vessel. The first steam launch supplied by the Quartermaster's Department arrived on the Rita, which sailed from Tampa August 15, and reached Ponce August 23. Gen. James H. Wilson, United States Volunteers, testifies that his command, while en route for Porto Rico, was delayed two weeks in Charleston, S. C., by failure of the transports to arrive, and that when he reached Ponce the disembarkation of the troops and materials was delayed by lack of landing facilities, so that ten days were required for a work that should have been accomplished in two days had there been proper steam tugs, launches, etc., available. 138 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. THE MANILA EXPEDITION. Major-General Merritt testifies that the transports used on the Pacific Ocean for conveying troops to Manila were carefully inspected by the Quartermaster's Department; that every possible change that was necessary was made, and that the vessels reached their destination without severe sickness among the troops or serious annoyance of any kind. The first expedition for Manila sailed from San Francisco, Cal., on May 25, under command of General Anderson, with 2,491 officers and men, upon three steamships, City of Sydney, Australia, and City of Peking. The second expedition, under command of General Greene, with 3,586 officers and men, sailed on June 15 on the steamships China, Colon, and Zealandia. The third expedition, under command of General Merritt, with the command of General MacArthur, consisting of 4,847 officers and men, sailed on June 25, 27, 28, and 29 on the steamships Senator, Morgan City, City of Para, Indiana, Ohio, Valencia, and Newport. The fourth expedition, under command of Gen. Elwell S. Otis, with 1,682 officers and men, sailed July 15 on the steamships Peru and City of Puebla, followed on July 19 by the steamship Pennsylvania, with 1,348 officers and men. The last expedition, under command of Gen. H. G. Otis, sailed on July 23 and 29 on the steamships City of Rio de Janeiro and St. Paul, with 1,735 officers and men. These vessels arrived safely at Manila, and the reports show that as a rule the health of the men was maintained during the long voyage of over 7,000 miles. The sailing ship Tacoma, with 30 enlisted men, 19 civilian teamsters, 210 horses and mules, 44 wagons and ambulances, and six months' sup- ply of subsistence and forage, sailed from San Francisco on August 6. On August 21 the steamship Arizona, with 490 officers and men and 4 women nurses on board, sailed from San Francisco, and on August 29 the steamship Scandia sailed with troops for Honolulu and 173 offi- cers and men for Manila. The entire movements show that transportation was furnished from San Francisco to Manila for 16,405 persons, with their equipments and supplies. CONTRACTS. Contracts covering millions of dollars were made by the Quarter- master's Department during the period between April 1 and October 1, and although indefinite charges have from time to time been made of fraud and collusion, no evidence has been produced before the commis- sion to substantiate these charges, although the parties making them have been invited to appear. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 139 The commission has made every effort to reach witnesses who might be supposed to have any knowledge upon this subject. Under date of November 1, the New York World telegraphed the president of the commission that it had collected mauy facts of alleged influences exerted to affect the awarding of war contracts by the Gov- ernment and offered to present to the commission "legal documents, contracts, articles of retainer, affidavits," etc., bearing directly upon contracts and efforts to influence their award, together with the names of persons that could be called as witnesses in relation to the facts in the World's possession. The World requested the commission to give the matter immediate attention and added that if this could be done its representative would at once be sent to Washington to present the facts. On November 2, the commission through its vice-president notified the World that when it arrived in New York it would be very happy to hear any witnesses that might be produced by the World or by any person. When the commission reached New York under date of November 19, it notified the World that it was prepared to investigate any con- tract that had been made by the Government, where fraud was charged against any officer of the War Department, and would be pleased to hear any evidence bearing upon such cases. Under date of November 29, after the commission had left New York City, the following reply was received: [The World. Morning Edition. Editorial Department, Pulitzer Building, Park Row, N. Y.] New York, November 29,1898. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President of the Commission appointed by the President to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department in the War with Spain. Dear Sir: The World received in due course your courteous note of November 19, stating that "The commission is prepared to investigate any contract that has been made by the Government where fraud is charged or undue influence against any officer of the War Department/' and adding that "If the World has any evi- dence bearing upon such cases, the commission would be pleased to hear it." Knowing the great difficulty often experienced in establishing facts by legal proof, even in a court of justice, the World carefully considered and took counsel on your offer during the nearly three weeks that elapsed between the making of the proposition and the meeting of your commission in this city. It observed the pro- ceedings of the commission from day to day, and could not fail to perceive the pub- lic knowledge of the fact that your commission had neither the power to com- pel the attendance of witnesses nor to protect those who had volunteered their testimony. The witnesses to the facts discovered by the World in relation to a trade in army contracts were unwilling to submit to an ex parte examination in these circum- stances. As their attendance could not be compelled, the World deems it best to await the Congressional investigation which it hopes will be ordered and conducted with a determined purpose and adequate authority to bring to light all the facts relative to the "conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain." Repectfully, yours, The New York World. 140 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. At a later date the statement was made that a Mr. W. H. Ryan had intimated that there had been fraud or rascality in the matter of con- tracts. The only Mr. W. H. Ryan known to the commission was a Representa- tive-elect from the State of Rew York. He was courteously invited to appear before the commission, but under date of December 12 tele- graphed from Buffalo, N. Y., as follows: I have made no complaint personally or in writing concerning war investigation; any use of my name verbally is unauthorized, in writing is a forgery. Representative Ryan did not appear before the commission, and the parties making the statement in reference to a Mr. Ryan failed to fur- nish his address when requested. Under date of November 21, 1898, Mr. E. M. Knox, of New York, a prominent merchant engaged in the hat business, wrote to the commis- sion, charging that the quartermaster's department in Philadelphia was rotten and corrupt, and stating that he had made earnest and unavail- ing efforts to have the Quartermaster-General investigate the subject; that the latter was holding the evidence he had submitted, and urging the commission to aid him in obtaining the papers he had left with the Quartermaster-General, and then to grant him a hearing. Under date of November 22 the commission offered to hear Mr. Knox on the 23d of November, and added that if he preferred to await the return of his papers it would be gratified to hear him in Wash- ington. The commission brought the subject to the attention of the Quarter- master's Department, and requested the return to Mr. Knox of his papers. In the meantime it was learned that the matter in which Mr. Knox was interested was a large contract for hats, which contract, it is under- stood, he claimed should have been awarded to him. The subject was carefully investigated by Col. James M. Moore, assist- ant quartermaster-general, United States Army, who, in his testimony before this commission, fully demonstrated that the award of the con- tract as made was a proper one and perfectly free from the very slightest taint of fraud. Upon the return of the commission to Washington, and after Colonel Moore's report had been made, it again invited Mr. Knox before it, but he declined, on the ground that the Quartermaster-General had not returned to him all the evidence he had left with him, and he was, therefore, not ready to testify. The foregoing were the only specific cases submitted to the commis- sion, and in each instance, as will be observed, the parties presenting them failed to appear and substantiate their statements. From all the facts before the commission there is no reason whatever even to suspect that any officer or agent of the Quartermaster's Depart- ment has been actuated by other than the purest motives in making REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 141 contracts for supplies and transportation, and that in every instance they had in view the best interests of the great Government they had sworn to support. Comment has been made in reference to the contract with the Long Island Railroad in regard to traffic between the camp at Montauk Point and New York City. This contract provided for the transportation of all persons connected with the military service of the United States at the rate of 1 cent per mile and freight at a discount of 25 per cent oil the regular published tariff freight rates of the railroad company; it also required that the company should construct additional side tracks where necessary and provide free switching of cars to secure prompt loading and unloading. The proviso which caused invidious comment was as follows: And in consideration thereof the military authorities in charge of said camp will not contract with or employ any other carrier for transportation facilities for troops or freight between said camp and New York or points on Long Island, and that no ves- sel owned or controlled by private individuals or corporations shall be permitted to land at or use the present or any future docks on Montauk Point for passengers or freight traffic between said camp and New York or points on Long Island without the permission of the railroad company. It is agreed, however, that any Govern- ment transport or vessel may discharge and load troops or supplies at such dock or docks, and that vessels may take or discharge passengers thereat from or to other points than those hereinabove excepted, with the permission of the military authorities. It was claimed that this contract gave the railroad company complete control of the entire transportation from all points to Montauk Point. The last portion of the part quoted shows that the Government reserved the right to use its transports and vessels as it pleased between New York and elsewhere and Montauk Point, and that from all locali- ties except New York City and points on Long Island any vessels might take or discharge passengers with permission of the military authorities. Testimony before the commission shows that the proviso prohibiting vessels owned or controlled by private individuals or corporations from landing at the docks for passenger or freight traffic between New York and Montauk Point was especially inserted by the distinguished officer, since dead, who signed the contract, for the purpose of preventing the landing of excursion parties or of improper articles at Camp Wikoff. TRANSPORTATION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND OF SICK AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS. It is somewhat difficult to follow up the transportation of medical supplies. Large quantities were purchased by the surgeons in charge of the medical depots in New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco, carefully boxed, and transferred to the Quartermaster's Department for trans- portation to the various camps and to the armies in the field at Santiago, Porto Rico, and Manila. So far as railroad transportation was concerned, the usual stepsappear 142 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. to have been taken. The supplies were sent as freight, and the great delay in delivery at Tampa and Chickamauga was mainly due to the congestion of the railroads at those places, to which reference has been made in the foregoing. The supplies were sometimes sent by express, thus insuring their more prompt delivery. It would have been prefer- able in every large shipment by railroad had an agent of either the Quartermaster's or Medical Department accompanied the supplies to their destination. The delay in some instances in receiving medical supplies at Santiago seems to have been partially due to carelessness in loading them on the transports. This is shown in the cases of the steamship La Grande Duchesse, which left Charleston, S. C., July 20; upon unloading the vessel at Ponce, on July 28, a large supply of medical stores were found upon her destined for General Shafter's army at Santiago. The vessel was ordered to Santiago July 31. When the Mobile, which left Charleston July 22, was being unloaded, on August 5, at Ponce, five tons of ice and a large supply of medical and hospital stores, intended for the army at Santiago, were found on board. The Mobile was ordered to Santiago August 7. Attention is invited to the fact that General Shafter's telegram to the Secretary of War, reporting scarcity of medicines at Santiago, is dated August 4,1898. Under date of July 30, Colonel Greenleaf telegraphed the Surgeon- General that there was a large sick report at Ponce, Porto Pico; that tentage, medical supplies, and doctors were lacking, and urging that hospital ships should be sent there promptly. A special outfit was provided, under orders of the Secretary of War, to be used by the Surgeon-General as a hospital train. This train was made up of ten tourist sleepers, two kitchen and dining cars, and a combined passenger and baggage car. It was furnished by the Medical Department, supplied with trained nurses, and kept exclusively for the purpose of carrying sick and wounded to points designated by the proper medical officers. For the transportation of the sick and wounded by sea the steamship John Dnglis was purchased, thoroughly refitted, after some delay, with all modern appliances and conveniences as a hospital ship, and trans- ferred to the Medical Department. On July 1 Mr. B. N. Baker, president of the Atlantic Transport Line, Baltimore, Md., generously placed at the disposal of the Government the steamship Missouri, with its captain and crew, for use as a hospital ship. Mr. Baker's offer was promptly accepted, and on July 15 the Quartermaster's Department was requested to fit the vessel for the pur- pose of transporting six or seven hundred sick or wounded men; that department stated that its officer in charge of such work in New York reported that the necessary improvements could be made within two weeks, but it was not until August 23 that the ship was ready to sail. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 143 The steamship Olivette was selected by Lieutenant-Colonel Pope, of the Medical Department, for a hospital ship, to accompany the army to Santiago. The steamers Seneca and Concho were used as hospital ships for the return of sick and wounded from Santiago in July. Their conditions for this purpose were very unsuitable. An officer who was on the Seneca reports: The water supply aboard the vessel was beyond description. It smelled badly and was filled with something that looked like iron rust, but which I was told was rotten wood, and was of such a character that I absolutely could not drink it. A witness testifies that on the steamer Concho^ during the trans- portation of the sick, the water was offensive to the sight, taste, and smell, and that the sleeping accommodations consisted of rough board bunks, without mattresses, pillows, or blankets. Another witness testifies that, by consent of the medical authorities, she went on board the Seneca on July 13, the day before the vessel started north with sick and wounded, and acted in capacity of nurse during the voyage. She states that the captain of the ship informed her that his vessel was not clean, not fit for a hospital ship, and that not a soul had examined or inspected it for hospital purposes. She adds that the ship was overcrowded; the staterooms on starting were occu- pied by passengers to the exclusion of the sick; that the two surgeons, one of whom was ill nearly all the time, had no surgical instruments, and that, with the exception of a few supplies she obtained from the Red Cross Association, there was no food on board for the sick and wounded other than the regular army ration; the staterooms were vacated after starting and given up to the sick and wounded. The condition of the transports and the treatment on board of the sick and wounded are discussed elsewhere in the report of the commission. The following statement shows the sailing of army transports between July 12 and November 22,1898, from Cuba and Porto Rico with troops, dates of sailing, destination, date of arrival, and number of sick and convalescents on board so far as shown by the records of the Quarter- master-General's Office: Name of vessel. Port sailed from. Date of sailing. Destination. Date of arrival. Troops on board. Number of sick and conva- lescents. Vigilancia Do Orizaba Santiago Do Seguranga Do Saratoga Do Santiago.. do .... do .... do .... do .... do .... do .... do .... do.... 1898. Aug. 8 Sept. 6 Aug. 26 July 24 Aug. 19 July 30 Sept. 15 July 30 Sept. 8 Montauk Point. do do Tampa Montauk Point. Tampa and New York. New York Tampa New York 1898. Aug. 14 Sept. 8 Sept. 2 July 30 Aug. 26 Aug. 13 Sept. 21 Aug. 6 Sept. 14 6th Infantry Stragglers Paymasters and clerks. Half 34th Michigan. 331 50 Convales- cent. 255 144 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Name of vessel. Port sailed from. Date of sailing. Destination. Date of arrival. Troops on board. Number of sick and conva- lescents. Seneca Siboney .. Santiago.. do .... 1898. July 12 Aug. 13 July 28 Aug. 19 Sept. 22 Aug. 28 Sept. 14 July 22 Sept. 8 July 23 Aug. 17 July 28 July 22 Aug. 13 July 28 July 22 Sept. 8 Aug. 2 July 31 Aug. 13 Aug. 8 do Eort Monroe.... Montauk Point. Tampa 1898. July 18 Aug. 18 Aug. 1 Aug. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 1 Sept. 22 July 28 Sept. 15 July 27 Aug. 22 Aug. 3 July 28 Aug. 20 Aug. 3 July 27 Sept. 16 Aug. 10 Aug. 5 Aug. 18 Aug. 14 Sick and wound- ed. 150 Convales- cent. Sick and wound- ed. Sick and wound- ed. 105 Sick and wounded. 80 Sick. Convales- cent. 350 Convales- cent. 203 41 410 Convales- cent. Sick and wounded. Do Yucatan Do do Montauk Point. New York Montauk Point. New York Half 7th Infantry.. 7 officers; 46 dis- charged men. Do do City of Washing- ton Manteo do do Concho do Fort Monroe.... New York Fort Monroe.... Montauk Point. Tampa Do Ponce .... Santiago.. do .... 4 batteries and 1 company of the Provisional Engi- near Battalion. Leona Do 2 troops 9th Cav- alry, 3 companies 12th Infantry, 2 companies 34th Michigan. San Marcos do Rio Grande do Fort Monroe.... Montauk Point. Tampa Do _ do 9th and 10th Cav- alry. Comal do Alamo do Fort Monroe.... New York do Do Ponce .... .... do .... 3 companies 2d Wis- consin ; Company A. 1st 11 lin ois; Company H, Dis- trict of Columbia; Battery C, Penn- sylvania Volun- teer Artillery. Came up in ballast. No report of what was carried. 25th Infantry. 1st Cavalry and Bat- tery H, 4th Artil- lery. Cherokee Iroquois Santiago.. do do Comanche Montauk Point. do Mattea wan ..... do Miami do .. . do Breakwater do Aug. 14 July 21 Aug. 19 July 20 Aug. 25 July 28 Aug. 24 Aug. 15 Aug. 14 Aug. 7 Aug. 17 Aug. 2 July 30 July 21 Aug. 19 Aug. 25 do Aug. 20 July 27 Aug. 26 July 25 Sept. 1 Aug. 6 Aug. 31 Aug. 19 Aug. 23 Aug. 21 Aug. 14 Aug. 26 Aug. 7 Aug. 6 July 25 Aug. 26 Aug. 30 2 battalions 12th In- fantry. Aransas Playa del Este. Santiago.. do Tampa D. H. Miller Berkshire Montauk Point. New York Montauk Point. Tampa 1st Infantry, except Company F. 11 companies 1st Hlinois. Do do Allegheny do Do do .... Montauk Point. Fort Monroe.... Montauk Point. Boston Part of 9th Massa- chusetts. Olivette do City of Macon ... do Montauk Point. do Gate City do Troops of 3d and 6th Cavalry. Catania do .... do Louisiana do ... New York Tampa 10 officers, 32 men. Knickerbocker .. do .... Hudson Playa del Este. Santiago.. do .... Fort Monroe.... Montauk Point. do Do 1st and 2d battalions of 1st District of Columbia. 4 batteries of artil- lery. Specialist REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 145 Name of vessel. Port sailed from. Date of sailing. Destination. Date of arrival. Troops on hoard. Number of sick and conva- lescents. Unionist Santiago.. - do ... 1898. Aug. 26 Aug. 17 Aug. 26 July 23 Aug. 2 Aug. 9 Aug. 13 Sept. 1 Oct. 3 Oct. 22 Nov. 22 Sept. 4 Sept. 29 Oct. 23 Aug. 19 Aug. 22 Aug. 11 Sept. 4 Sept. 30 Sept. 11 Aug. 18 Aug. 12 Sept. 7 Oct. 21 Aug. 25 Oct. 11 Sept. 3 Oct. 22 Aug. 28 July 31 Sept. 1 Oct. 6 Aug. 25 Oct. 5 Sept. 11 Oct. 12 July 27 Sept. 1 Oct. 29 Oct. 12 Aug. 25 July 31 Montauk Point. do 1898. Sept. 1 Aug. 23 Sept. 2 July 29 Aug. 8 .Aug. 15 Aug. 19 Sept. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 25 Nov. 26 Sept. 10 Oct. 5 Oct. 31 Aug. 23 Aug. 25 Aug. 15 Sept. 10 Oct. 5 Sept. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 19 Sept. 13 Oct. 26 Aug. 29 Oct. 17 Sept. 10 Oct. 27 Sept. 4 Aug. 5 Sept. 7 Oct. 11 Aug. 30 Oct. 10 Sept. 18 Oct. 19 Aug. 3 Sept. 6 Nov. 3 Oct. 21 Sept. 1 Aug. 4 1 company 1st Illi- nois. Battery E 1st and Battery F 2d Ar- tillery. 1 battalion 24th In- fantry, detach- mentlst Illinois. Sick. 246 262 255 175 Sick. 400 191 252 Sick and wounded. Nueces do .... do .. do Tampa W^anderer do do No report of what was on board. 17th Infantry, 2 bat- talions 71st New York. La Grande Du- chesse. do .... Porto Rico Santiago.. Ponce .... do Montauk Point. New York Do Philadelphia.... Fort Monroe.... Philadelphia.... Fort Monroe.... Montauk Point. Fort Monroe.... New York Do Do Do do Santiago.. Ponce .... Arroyo ... Santiago.. do Do Do Yale Montauk Point. do 3d and 20th Infantry Half of 33d Michigan 2d Infantry and 4 companies 71st New York. St Paul do do Ponce .... do . Fort Monroe.... do Do Fort Mon- roe. Santiago.. do New York Montauk Point. do 8th Ohio Mobile 2d and 8th Infantry, 2d Massachusetts. 6th Illinois Manitoba. Ponce .... .... .do ... New York Do do 2 battalions 3d Wis- consin. 2 companies 33d Michigan, 2 com- panies 1st District of Columbia, part 2d Cavalry. 16th Pennsylvania.. Troops A and C New York Cavalry, Sheridan and Gov- ernor's Troop Penn sy 1 vania Cav- alry. 6th Massachusetts.. 2 companies 9th Massachusetts. Minnewaska Do Santiago.. Ponce .... do .... San Juan . Santiago.'. Ponce .... .....do .... Montauk Point. New York Mississippi Do do Boston Roumanian Montauk Point. Newport News . New York Obdam . Do 9 companies 2d Wis- consin. Do . Santiago.. do do Berlin Montauk Point. New York 1st Illinois Do do .... Mail service Michigan do do Miscellaneous cargo General Lawton and stragglers. No report of what was carried. 4th Pennsylvania... 4th Ohio Do do do Rita Chester Ponce .... .... do .... Tampa New York Do San Juan . Santiago.. do do Montero Mexico Montauk Point. do 21st Infantry Troop M, 10th Cav- alry. Ponce .... Newport News . a Hospital ship. In addition to the foregoing, shown by the records of the Quarter- master-General, Brig. Gen. C. F. Humphrey, United States Volunteers, 7833-vol. 1 10 146 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR. WITH SPAIN. chief quartermaster of General Shafter's expedition, under date of September 15, 1898, reports the following vessels as having left Cuba between June 30 and July 12, 1898: Name of vessel. Date of depar- ture. Troops or civilians returning. Destination. Breakwater Cherokee City of Washington D. tl. Miller Gussie Iroquois Morgan Olivette Stillwater Whitney July 9 July 5 July 8 June 30 ....do ... July 2 July 3 July 10 July 3 June 30 Wounded Sick and wounded do Civilian employees, sick and dis- charged soldiers. do Sick and wounded Civilian employees, sick and dis- charged soldiers. Sick and wounded do Civilian employees, sick and dis- charged soldiers. Fort Monroe. Key West. Port Tampa. Do. Do. Key West. Port Tampa. Fort Monroe. Port Tampa. Do. LAND TRANSPORTATION OF THE COMMAND DURING THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN. Owiug to the lack of necessary transports, the means of land trans- portation during the Santiago campaign was painfully deficient. The testimony shows that the entire number of animals, wagons, and ambulances shipped with the expedition from Tampa and Mobile was as follows: Government horses 578 Private horses 381 Pack and draft mules 1, 336 Wagons from Tampa 114 Ambulances from Tampa and Mobile 7 Wagons from Mobile 84 General Shafter testifies that he could carry no more on his transports from Tampa; that he realized that he would have very few ambulances, but that wagons could be used for transportation both of the wounded and of supplies, while ambulances could be employed only for one pur- pose. General Humphrey testifies that no more land transportation was taken simply because the vessels were fully loaded. Lieut. J. M. Kennedy, assistant surgeon, appeared at the front near Santiago July 2 with ten ambulances, which had been brought over on the Louisiana. There were eight pack trains, consisting in all of 580 mules, and the value of their services in carrying provisions and ammunition to the front was simply inestimable. The testimony shows that the transports arrived off the south coast of Cuba near Santiago on June 21; that the pack trains were landed on June 22; that the first wagons were landed on June 25, and that the landing of the latter was continued more rapidly than they could be set up on shore, and that in fact some of those that were landed were never set up at all. General Chaffee testifies that on July 1, at the battle of El Caney, ten days after the arrival of the fleet, there were no ambulances or REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 147 wagons available, and that the roads were so horrible that they could not reach the front. He adds that only litters could have been used for the wounded, but even these were not on hand, as owing to oversight none had been landed. It is plainly evident that this army of 17,000 men disembarked in the face of an enemy in a hostile country, and, rapidly thrown forward against a well-armed force, was painfully deficient in land transpor- tation, but in spite of the absence of this almost absolutely necessary portion of the equipment of a well-trained command, it drove the enemy before it, captured their outposts, pushed them behind their main de- fenses, drove their fleet from Santiago Bay to absolute destruction as it faced the Navy of our country, and finally, after most gallant fight- ing under a tropical sun, amidst most adverse conditions, captured a strongly fortified city, and received as prisoners of war over 23,000 Spanish soldiers. In addition to its military operations, it performed a work which neither its commander nor others ever imagined would devolve upon it-that of feeding, at least to a limited degree, the vast host of men, women, and children who fled from Santiago on account of the fear of its bombardment, and, passing through our lines, sought refuge in El Caney; for days nearly as many rations were issued to these refugees as to the army itself, thus taxing the land transportation to its utmost limit. The conclusions drawn from the foregoing are as follows: 1. The Quartermaster's Department, a month before war was declared, was neither physically nor financially prepared for the tremendous labor of suddenly equipping and transporting an army over ten times the size of the Regular Army of the United States. 2. That the department devoted the ability, zeal, and industry of its officers to accomplish the herculean task before it so soon as funds were made available and war was declared. 3. That it deserves credit for the great work accomplished, for the immense quantity of materials obtained and issued within so short a period, and for its earnest efforts in reference to railroad transporta- tion and in protecting the great interests of the General Government committed to its charge. Its officers, especially those at the headquar- ters of the department and at its depots, worked earnestly and labori- ously day and night, sparing themselves in no possible way. 4. There appears to have been a lack of system, whereby, even as late as October, troops in camps and in the field were lacking in some arti- cles of clothing, camp and garrison equipage; and hospitals, at least at two important localities in the South-Fort Monroe, Va., and Hunts- ville, Ala.-lacked stoves, while at Huntsville fuel was wanting. 5. There appears to have been lack of executive or administrative ability, either on the part of the Quartermaster's Department or the railroad officials, in preventing the great congestion of cars at Tampa 148 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. and Chickamauga when these camps were first established, which con- gestion caused delay, annoyance, and discomfort to the large bodies of troops concentrating at those places. 6. There appears to have been a lack of foresight in preparing and promptly having available at some central locality on the seacoast the necessary fleet of transports which it seemed evident would be required for the movement of troops to a foreign shore, and, finally, when the call came suddenly and the emergency was supreme, the department appears not to have fully comprehended the capacity of the fleet under its command; not to have supplied it with a complete outfit of light- ers for the immediate disembarkation of troops and supplies; to have accepted without full investigation the statement that the vessels were capable of transporting 25,000 men, while really they could not and did not transport more than 17,000 with their artillery, equipments, ammunition, and supplies, and lacked sufficient storage room for the necessary amount of wagon transportation-that very important ele- ment in the movement of an army in the face of an enemy. 7. The Quartermaster's Department should maintain on hand at all times a complete supply for at least four months for an army of 100,000 men of all articles of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and other quartermaster's supplies which will not deteriorate by storage or which can not at once be obtained in open market. Finally. In the opinion of this commission, there should be a division of the labor now devolving upon the Quartermaster's Department. Whether there should be one great department of supply, covering the Quartermaster's Department except transportation, the Subsistence Department, and the Pay Department, and another covering the important problem of transportation, including the movement of armies by land and by sea and the supply of animals, wagons, ambulances, and harness, is a subject for the serious consideration of a board of officers whose experience in peace and war, at home and in an enemy's country, would render them most competent to make an exhaustive investigation and to present a complete report upon this important subject. SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT. BRIG. GEN. CHARLES P. EAGAN, COMMISSARY-GENERAL U. S. A., IN CHARGE. The Subsistence Department is charged with the purchasing, issu- ing, and preservation of subsistence supplies; also, with the distribu- tion, selling, and accountability therefor. During the past thirty-five years the number of officers of the Subsistence Department has been so reduced that when war with Spain was declared it had only 22 officers, viz, the Commissary-General, 2 colonels, 3 lieutenant-colonels, 8 majors, and 8 captains. This number was barely sufficient to per- form subsistence duties for the Army of about 26,000 officers and enlisted men. The number was not large enough to allow officers of REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 149 the department to serve with troops in the field. Soon after the first call 5 officers of the Subsistence Department were appointed commis- saries of volunteers, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Four of these were assigned as chief commissaries of corps. The remaining officers of the department were engaged in purchasing supplies and in caring for various State camps at which the volunteers were first con- centrated for muster. The subsistence officers with the troops in the field were, with the exception of the 4 above noted, either volunteers or line officers detailed for subsistence duties, many of whom, however zealous, lacked the knowledge which only experience can give. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION. Prior to the war with Spain each geographical department had a chief commissary. To him the post commissaries submitted requisi- tions for needed subsistence supplies; in turn he requested purchasing commissaries stationed in the large centers of trade to have shipped the articles called for. It was the duty of the purchasing commissaries to examine, test, and inspect the supplies and to determine whether or not they were pure and up to the required standard. Owing to the small number of officers, purchasing commissaries were given, in some cases, more than one geographical department to supply. During the war, instead of supplying 26,000 men, they supplied approximately 275,000. As soon as the volunteers were concentrated in the large camps, most of the chief commissaries were assigned to depot and other duty The depots were under the immediate control of the Commissary- General, and from them there was a report of rations on hand. The greatest latitude was given commissaries with troops to enable them to avoid difficulties that arose from unforeseen conditions. Supplies were available, and it was the duty of the commissaries to see that they were issued, although they had no control over them from the time they were shipped from the depots until delivered to the troops. THE RATION. The ration is fixed by law. Additions have been made to it from time to time, so that at the beginning of the war with Spain it was liberal and capable of giving great variety. Its proportions were such that the proper percentages of proteids and carbohydrates could be obtained, giving the variety in diet necessary to a well-balanced ration. We give below tables showing the several rations issued by the Sub- sistence Department. . 150 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Table I.-The "garrison" ration, with the usual proportions of fresh and salt meats and vegetables. 1,000 complete rations. Net weight. Approxi- mate gross weight. Meat: Pounds. Pounds. Pork, one tenth 75 125 Bacon, two-ten ths 150 177 Fresh beef, seven-tenths, 875 pounds, or fresh beef, 750 pounds, and canned salmon, 100 pounds 875 885 Flour ...? 1,125 1, 507 Vegetables: Dry beans or pease 75 81 Or rice or hominy 50 54 Fresh potatoes, 800 pounds, onions, 200 pounds, or potatoes, 700 pounds, 1 800 808 canned tomatoes, 300 pounds f 300 350 Coffee, green 100 122 Sugar .. 150 161 Vinegar 80 97 Candles 15 17 Soap 40 44 Salt 40 44 Pepper, black 2.5 3 1,000 rations 3,877. 5 3.88 4, 475 4. 88 1 ration ... Table II.-The "field" ration. 1,000 complete rations. Net weight. Approxi- mate gross weight. Pounds. Pounds. Bacon 750 883 Hard bread 1,000 150 1,125 Beans ' 162 Potatoes, onions, and canned tomatoes, when possible 1,000 80 1,158 92 Coffee, roasted Sugar 150 161 Vinegar 80 97 Candles 15 17 Soap 40 44 Salt 40 44 Pepper, black 2.5 3 1,000 rations - . 3, 307.5 3.31 3,786 3.79 1 ration When flour is issued instead of hard bread, 40 pounds of baking powder or dry yeast. Table III.-The "travel" ration used on journeys by railroads, stages, or steamboats. 1,000 complete rations. Net weight. Approxi- mate gross weight. (For first four days.) Pounds. Pounds. Hard bread . 1, 000 1,125 Beef, canned 750 875 Beans, baked, 3-lb. cans 450 520 Coffee, roasted 80 92 Sugar 150 161 1,000 rations 2,430 2, 773 1 ration 2.43 2.77 (After fourth day add) Tomatoes (gallon cans) 1, 000 1,360 1,000 rations 3,430 4,133 1 ration 3.43 4.13 151 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. Table IV.-The "travel" ration for journeys when liquid coffee is furnished. 1,000 complete rations. Net weight. Approxi- mate gross weight. Pounds. Pounds. Hard bread 1,000 750 1,125 875 Beef, canned. . . .. ....... .... Beans, baked, 3-lb. cans 450 520 1,000 rations . 2,200 2.2 2, 520 1 ration 2.52 Twenty-one cents per ration are allowed for purchase of liquid coffee. Table V.-The "emergency" ration, as authorized by General Orders, No. 49, Head- quarters of the Army, A. G. O., series of 1896. 1,000 complete rations. Net weight. Approxi- mate gross weight. Pounds. Pounds. Hard bread 1 000 1 000 Bacon 625 625 Pea meal 250 250 Coffee, roasted and ground 125 125 Saccharin .58 .58 Salt 40 40 Pepper, black 2.5 2.5 Tobacco, plug.- . 31. 25 31.25 Bags, wrappers, etc 100 1,000 rations 2, 074. 33 2. 07 2,174.33 2.17 1 ration Our investigation showed that rations as above indicated were issued, and always on hand in abundance. The department exercised great vigilance in the inspection of all articles, and obtained, as far as we can ascertain, the best quality for the price paid. In addition to the regular ration, the Subsistence Department had for sale to officers and enlisted men many articles in the nature of personal convenience and food delicacies. The troops not using all the ration had what is known as "company savings." These the department purchased, or they could be disposed of anywhere, money thus obtained being added to the company fund. From this fund, which is administered by the company commander under regulations of the War Department, purchases for the exclusive benefit of the enlisted men are made, thus giving a greater variety to the ration. From reports received from officers serving in the tropics, it is thought that the ration would be improved by adding more sugar and rice and some dried fruits. With these additions it is believed that it in all respects will be suitable for any climate. The cost of the garrison ration, based on New York prices, during the winter preceding the breaking out of the Spanish war, was 13.68 cents, and the cost toward the end of the war was 15.17 cents. There were sent to Cuba when the Fifth Corps sailed, on June 14, approximately 2,000,000 rations, being about four months' supplies for 16,000 men. When reenforcements were sent on June 22 about 500,000 152 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. additional rations were shipped, seventy-five days' supplies for 6,400 men, and in addition, a large supply of sales articles, all from Tampa. During June and July large quantities of the various components of the ration, as also sales articles, were shipped from New York and Chicago. A cargo of refrigerated beef was sent to Santiago and arrived on July 21, 1898, the day after the port was opened. Approximately 2,000,000 rations (together with refrigerated beef) were sent to Porto Rico, being about four months' supplies for 16,000 troops. The Hawaiian and Philippine islands were kept fully supplied. In the Hawaiian Islands beef was purchased from the native butchers. This, judging from reports, was not as satisfactory as the American refrigerated beef which the various transports carried. The troops in the Philippines were furnished frozen beef from Australia. The Navy had a refrigerator ship laden with it, and an arrangement was made whereby the troops were to purchase from the Navy until its supply was exhausted, at which time the Subsistence Department expected a cargo of frozen beef to be in Manila and the Navy was then to obtain supply therefrom. The Commission has carefully investigated the subject of the condi- tion, quality, and quantity of the food supplied to the Army. Almost without exception it has been shown by the testimony taken that wherever the troops were ordered, whether to the various camps in the United States, or in Porto Rico, Cuba, and Manila, the rations prescribed by law were on the transports and at the camps with the soldiers. So far as we have been able to ascertain there was but one occasion, that of a day, in front of Santiago, when the troops were seriously short of rations; these had been supplied but thrown aside when the men went into action; the condition of roads and lack of transporta- tion prevented prompt reissue. At times the vegetable ration was not of good quality, the potatoes and onions being spoiled. Condemned by a board of survey such vegetables were destroyed and an equivalent part of the ration issued. Some trouble occurred because such vegeta- bles and other damaged food were disposed of by the company without the warrant of a board of survey. This was done through ignorance, their officers not knowing what was necessary to be done. All the inspectors of the Army, who were examined touching the quan- tity and quality of food, testified that it was not only abundant but of unusually good quality, one of them stating that " the troops at Chicka- mauga were constantly kept supplied with vegetables, fresh bread, and fresh meat. Each company and each command was supplied with ample cooking arrangements, the Buzzacott stove being used. There was no lack of fuel for cooking, and if deficiency or irregularity obtained in properly rationing or feeding the soldiers it was due to the ignorance and inefficiency of company and regimental officers." This language was also embodied in the annual report made by the Inspector-General REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 153 to the General of the Army, bearing date of November 1, 1898. The inspection reports quoted in this annual report state in substance the same thing about the meat and other food furnished, and the Inspector- General, on page 47, says: "The Commissary Department has conducted its business, so far as I have been able to observe, in a most satisfactory manner in this war;" and, on page 56, "The quality of the food fur- nished is generally reported excellent and there has been no complaint as to the quantity." The Commission investigated personally the quality of the food issued at Jacksonville, Anniston, Huntsville, Knoxville, Lexington, and Camp Meade, interrogating large numbers of soldiers, and hear- ing few complaints as to the quality or quantity of rations issued. Some complaint was made about the manner of preparing the rations, but no one testified that the rations prescribed by law were not issued regularly, and if any part thereof was spoiled they stated that the same was supplied on application to the subsistence department, pro- vided proper condemnation of the decayed food was made, as pre- scribed by law. Officers and enlisted men testified that when camps were moved the proper ration was issued. RECOMMENDATIONS. At each State camp of instruction an officer of the Subsistence Department should be detailed for the purpose of instructing officers and men in the method of making requisitions, the use of the ration, and the care of subsistence supplies. Instead of a caterer furnishing meals, the men should do their own cooking, using the regular ration and such articles as are for sale by the commissary. Each regiment should have an officer to act as regimental commissary, and also a regimental commissary-sergeant. All cooking and eating utensils should be furnished by the Subsist- ence Department. Under the present system utensils are furnished by each of three departments, thereby producing confusion. So important to the welfare of a company is a good cook that it is of the utmost importance that some method be devised whereby he may be obtained. Probably the best method would be to increase the pay to $25 a month and establish cooking schools, where on enlistment men could be sent and taught the best methods of army cooking. Company cooks should in turn instruct each member of the company. The army cookbook contains in detail description of the methods of garrison and field cooking. It was liberally distributed, but the troops did not, as a rule, avail themselves of the information to be found in it. REFRIGERATED BEEF. This commission was organized the 24th day of September last. Up to the 21st day of December its members had taken testimony in seventeen different towns and cities and nine camps. It had also received many hundred letters, communications, and newspaper clip- 154 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. pings from persons living in all parts of the country. Examination of numerous officers and enlisted men had been made as to the quality and condition of the meat issued to the troops. The testimony, with some exceptions, showed that the refrigerated beef issued was pure, sound, and wholesome. The question now is not whether, under all circumstances and con- ditions, this beef can be kept sound. It is liable to decay if kept too long or exposed for a time to the effects of heat and moisture. The question is whether chemically treated meat has been issued to the soldier. The subject of such meat seems to have been first called to the atten- tion of officers of the Army by Mr. Alex B. Powell, in a letter dated May 25, 1898, copies of which were sent to General Miles, General Eagan, and Hon. Amos Cummings, in which he incloses the following statement: In conversation with Mr. H. O. Armour, of the Kansas City Packing Company, he tells me the Government anticipates shipping fresh beef, pork, mutton, etc., to Cuba. As I have had long experience in shipping meats to Florida at all times of the year by my process, I beg to suggest that in the climate of Cuba meats exposed after being taken from the ice boxes will only stand up a very short time. I have a process which I have been using for several years shipping meats to Florida. It so purifies the meats that they will stand any climate for from four to ten days after leaving the ice house. I shipped all the meats used at the Ponce de Leon and the Alcazar, of St. Augus- tine, Fla., from the time they opened up to 1894, under the management of Mr. O. D. Seavey, at present manager of the Hotel Champlain, Clinton County, N. Y., who knows all about my process, if you will kindly inquire of him the results. I also shipped all the meats used by the Tampa Bay Hotel during the management of J. H. King; also the St. James Hotel, Jacksonville, Fla., and many others up to the time the Chicago people commenced to ship refrigerator cars to their agency there. In fact, I shipped one-half the meat that went into Florida via the Clyde Steamship Line previous to their having broad-gauge railroads running into the State. Of this the agents of the Clyde Line will bear me evidence. My mode of shipping was in common barrels, with a simple bag covering. In many cases it was ten days on the trip, and I never lost 100 pounds by spoiling. I also will refer you to Count De Barry, agent for Mumm's Champagne, New York, who has a residence in central Florida, who has for the past ten years up to the present time used no meats that did not come from me by my process. My proposition to the Government would be to process all their fresh meats in the cars at Tampa, or any other place where the cars could reach. I can process 10 car- loads, or 100,000 pounds, in four hours, at my own expense, and put the meats in a condition to be hungup in any part of the ship, which will keep in perfect condition for from four to ten days. I simply so purify the germs of the meats that they will stand the destroying elements of any climate. My price for doing it would be one- half cent per pound. Kindly send this to the proper party and have them investi- gate. I shall be pleased to go to Washington to confer with any party you suggest. May 27 this communication was referred by the Major-General com- manding the Army to the Commissary-General of Subsistence. The copy of Mr. Powell's letter sent had evidently been previously referred to General Eagan, for on the 26th of May he wrote him as follows: Your letter of the 20th instant to the President of the United States upon the subject of preservation and shipment of fresh beef, pork, mutton, etc., to Cuba has REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 155 been referred to this office. In reply have to say that the subject of furnishing fresh beef in Cuba is now being considered. This department is not engaging any one with methods to cure meats. If it purchases meat it will be from someone who will furnish meat and guarantee its good condition on arrival and for seventy-two hours thereafter, or who will slaughter and deliver as required, wherever the troops may be. This correspondence shows doubtless how the idea that processed or treated meats were being used in the Army originated, and also that the Commissary-General of Subsistence did not entertain the propo- sition of Mr. Powell. On the 21st day of December last Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, upon the written request of the president of this commission, appeared before it. He refused to be sworn, as all other witnesses had been except one, who affirmed, stating that he would make his statements without being sworn, and was responsible for what he said. He pro- ceeded, and for the first time in the history of this investigation the allegation was made that refrigerated beef issued to the troops had been chemically treated. In the statement, revised by himself, General Miles said: There was sent to Porto Rico 337 tons of what is known as so-called refrigerated beef, which you might call embalmed beef. * * * He proceeded to read a communication from Dr. W. H. Daly, major and chief surgeon, United States Volunteers, on his staff, bearing date of September 21,1898, wherein Dr. Daly stated that- In the several inspections I made in the various camps and troopships at Tampa, Jacksonville, Chickamauga, and Porto Rico I found the fresh beef to be apparently preserved with secret chemicals which destroy its natural flavor, and which I also believe to be detrimental to the health of the troops. The entire report is as follows: Washington, D. C., September 21,1898. The Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C.: Sir : I have the honor to report, in the interest of the service, that in the several inspections I made in the various camps and troopships at Tampa, Jacksonville, Chickamauga, and Porto Rico, that I found the fresh beef to be apparently preserved with secret chemicals, which destroys its natural flavor, and which I also believe to be detrimental to the health of the troops. While on duty at headquarters of the army at Tampa at the time of the embarka- tion of the ''Shafter expedition," Colonel Weston, the efficient chief commissary, showed me a quarter of beef that had already, as a test, been sixty hours in the sun without being perceptibly tainted, so far as the sense of smell could detect. It is impossible to keep fresh beef so long untainted in the sun in that climate without the use of deleterious preservatives, such as boric acid, salicylic acid, or nitrate potash, injected into it in quantities liable to be hurtful to the health of the consumer. At Ponce, Porto Rico, much of the beef I examined arriving on the transports from the United States was also of the same character, being apparently preserved by injecting chemicals to aid deficient cold storage. "Where efficient cold storage is impossible transporting beef alive is the method that should receive the fullest consideration by the Government as being 156 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. safest for the health of the consumer. When detailed to take charge of the trans- port Panama, for conveying convalescents to the United States, I obtained 2,000 pounds of fresh beef from the commissary at Ponce. It looked well, but had an odor similar to that of a dead human body after being injected with preservatives, and it tasted when first cooked like decomposed boric acid, while after standing a day for further inspection it became so bitter, nauseous, and unpalatable as to be quite impossible for use. I was therefore obliged, owing to its condition, and the just complaints of the sick about it, and the disgustingly sickening odor it emitted when being cooked, and its mawkish, flat taste when served, and the safety of my patients-255 convalescent soldiers on board-to organize a board of survey, con- demn and throw 1,500 pounds, all we had, overboard; consequently the convales- cents were entirely without much-needed fresh beef, making the duty of bringing the men to the United States in an improved condition a very difficult matter. In my inspection of the Fourth United States Volunteer Infantry at Jacksonville recently I observed the same odor and taste upon the fresh beef, but not so marked, and at camp of Sixth United States Volunteer Infantry at Chickamauga I also, at severally inspections, observed it markedly. I there inspected a lot of beef just issued to that regiment, and, while it looked well, was of a sickening odor, like a human body dead of disease and injected with preservatives, and when cooked was quite unpalatable, consequently likely to prove an efficient cause of ill health. The men complained of its insipid and mawkish flavor that high seasoning could not conceal. Believing that the Commissary Department has been imposed upon by the misdi- rected commercial spirit of persons furnishing beef, I respectfully recommend that the matter be investigated by experts making a quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis of the several preservatives suspected to be used by getting samples of beef furnished for export to Cuba and Porto Rico. If the question arises that a report should have been made by me earlier, I beg to say that I have endeavored, with all my opportunities, to first inform myself, by observation, of the conditions above noted sufficiently to warrant my drawing the attention of the Adjutant-General at Headquarters of the Army to the matter. Very respectfully, W. H. Daly, Major and Chief Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers. General Miles further said: I do not think that beef such as was sent to Cuba or Porto Rico would be good in any country in the stomach of any man. If I was furnished for any expedition in this country, or any other, with such stuff, I would prohibit the men from taking it. ******* I do not know what may have been injected into it. ******* The understanding is that this is a secret process of preserving beef. This last was in answer to a question whether Dr. Daly made a chem- ical analysis of refrigerated beef. He further said: "It may be that they are still sending the stuff down there," meaning Porto Pico. From these quotations it is apparent that General Miles distinctly and unqualifiedly stated that the refrigerated beef furnished to the troops had been chemically treated, or was " embalmed beef." Of the witnesses examined by this commission, General Miles and Dr. Daly are the only ones who make this charge. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 157 General Miles did not state that he personally inspected any refriger- ated meat. He did not refer us to any witness who would testify that the beef issued to the troops was embalmed beef, unless his reading of the report made by Dr. Daly to him, the true date of which Dr. Daly stated should have been October 21, 1898, may be considered such a reference. Although Dr. Daly swears that he informed General Miles about the 1st of August, 1898, that he suspected that the refrigerated beef was chemically treated, it does not appear that the General informed you or the War Department that an officer of his staff had made this dis- covery, nor does it appear that he at the time ordered any of the officers under his command to probe to the bottom an allegation which, if true, concerned the health of 275,000 soldiers of the United States. It appears from the report of Dr. Daly, which he handed to General Miles October 21 last, that he then specifically stated that the refriger- ated beef furnished to the troops was "apparently" chemically treated. It does not appear that when this charge was made, October 21, it having been already made to him in August, 1898, that General Miles communicated to you, or the Secretary of War, or to the Commissary- General, the belief or suspicion entertained by him that refrigerated meat, dangerous to health, was issued every day to the troops, in fail- ure to do which there was dereliction of duty. It is true that on September 20 he had directed that an order should be issued asking for reports relative to meats issued, but the order specifically mentions "canned fresh roast beef" and nothing else, and it was the reports received in answer to this that were presented in abstract by the General at the time of his appearance before the commission and since. In his report Dr. Daly does not make the all-important statement that he had already chemically analyzed any meat, although he sug- gests that such analysis should be made. He does state that in the several inspections made by him at Tampa, Jacksonville, Chickamauga, and Porto Rico he "found the fresh beef to be apparently preserved with secret chemicals." He says that at Ponce the beef he examined "was also of the same character, being apparently preserved by injected chemicals." For months, as it appears, Dr. Daly concealed the knowledge of the commission of a crime affecting men under his charge, whom, as an officer and a physician, he was bound to protect. On the 20th day of January he appeared as a witness. He was duly sworn, and testified that he commanded the steam transport Panama on her voyage from Ponce, Porto Rico, to Fort Monroe, Va. She sailed about September 4 last with 150 convalescent soldiers on board. The day previous she received about 1,500 pounds of refriger- ated beef. There was no refrigerator aboard, but there was a quantity of ice, and the beef was put on it. The meat did not keep. It was used until September 7, and on that day, what remained, 963 pounds, 158 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. was thrown overboard, being decayed, and putrid. A board of survey had condemned it, but neither the board, nor any member thereof, nor Dr. Daly, at that time suggested or intimated that this beef had been chemically treated. Dr. Daly testified that previous to the con- demnation of the beef he took from a kettle, in which some of it was being boiled, two bottles of the broth, and having corked but not sealed the bottles, placed them in his portmanteau for safe-keeping. One of the bottles was broken and the contents lost. He preserved the fluid contained in the other bottle and on or about September 15, at his home in Pittsburg, analyzed it, obtaining a residuum which exhibited the characteristics of boric and salicylic acid. Dr. Daly when he testified had in his possession a brownish powder, which he said was the residuum from the broth above mentioned. He consented that Professor Clarke, chief chemist of the United States Geological Survey, should analyze the substance. It was so analyzed, and Professor Clarke testified that traces of boric and salicylic acid were found. The meat sent aboard the Panama had been kept ashore some time out of a refrigerator. It was handled by several persons and exposed to deterioration at Ponce and aboard the Panama. It is to be further noted that Dr. Daly afterwards saw other beef at Chickamauga and Jacksonville which he suspected to have been chem- ically treated, but he did not take samples of the beef, nor analyze it, nor did he at the time report his suspicions to any person, so far as is known to the commission. Dr. Daly states that the injected meat "tasted when first cooked like decomposed boric acid." The proof before us is that boric acid in meat does not decompose and that it has no taste. He speaks of the odor emitted by the meat, but the proof is that boric acid has no odor. After being delivered from the refrigerator ship this meat was on shore under a shed. The commissary received it as good meat and issued it as such, but there was no refrigerator at Ponce. The meat was exposed to the elements and to the handling of many persons. Little attention need be paid to the statement made by Dr. Daly touching the question of beef shown him by Colonel (now General) Weston that had already, as a test, been sixty hours in the sun with- out being perceptibly tainted, so far as the sense of smell could detect, for Dr. Daly says that he has implicit confidence in General Weston, and that whatever the latter may say about it is true. We insert here a copy of General Weston's testimony, which abso- lutely disposes of the charge that the beef seen by Dr. Daly at Tampa was beef that was furnished by the contractors, or issued to the troops. Question 1. As stated (in testimony of Colonel Osgood), four quarters of beef, said to have been prepared by meat process, were allowed to be hung up on the deck of a transport sailing from Tampa that the preservation power of the process might be tested. Please state fully all you know about this matter. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 159 Reply. About June 8,1898, the Comal, on which I sailed to Cuba, lay at Port Tampa, where I received from Mr. Edwards and Mr. Powell a few cattle to test by exposure to the sun, the object being to find out how long the beef would last before decomposition would set in. The beeves were cut up, and some, if not all, covered with burlap. Mr. Edwards said that the beef had been treated in a closed car at Port Tampa, by a Mr. Powell of New York city. Mr. Powell was present. I talked to him as to the manner of treatment; asked him if it was gaseous or liquid. He said it was a simple and harmless process, and if the beef stood the test and his bid was accepted that he would submit the process to us, and if not satisfactory, we needn't take it. I took the beef to test it, and asked Mr. Edwards to send some of it to a few regiments. I know some was sent to Colonel Wood's regiment (Rough Riders), and to some other ships where the Third and Sixth Regiments of Cavalry were, and to explain that we wanted the beef tested by exposure to the sun. At this time the troops were subsisting on the travel ration, the meat portion of which was canned beef, so that there appeared no probability of the few regiments I sent the quarters to, to get it mixed up with fresh beef for issue, nor could it be taken for an issue, as all of the three beeves I had received, the bulk of which I kept on the Comal, wouldn't have been more than enough for one day's ration for one regi- ment of 1,200 men. The test aboard the Comal was certainly satisfactory, as the beef, covered with burlap, held out eighty hours, and I so informed the Commissary-General of Sub- sistence under date of June 11, 1898; also Mr. Powell, who was present. This beef was at no time the property of the United States, nor was any of it issued to United States troops. During the process I examined the beef frequently, sometimes every two or three hours, accompanied by the surgeon-general of the Swedish or Norwegian army, by the doctor on board the ship, and others; indeed, I was so enthusiastic over my work I showed the beef to almost every passer-by. Among others to whom I showed the beef, was Major Daly, surgeon, whom I had observed with General Miles standing on the bridge of the ship, to whom I explained everything I knew about it, namely, that it was beef treated by Mr. Powell, and that we were experimenting with it, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Powell having furnished it for that purpose. Question 2. Was any specially prepared, i. e., chemically treated beef received by you, and if any such was received, was any issued to troops; and if so, to what extent, at what place, and to what troops? Reply. No. No specially prepared beef was received by me in an official sense. The beef referred to in reply to question No. 1 was received by me for the purpose of testing it after the manner indicated in the same reply. Question 3. Did you ever know of any beef being supplied to the Army which had been treated by any process intended to delay decomposition through the action of any chemical substance other than salt and saltpeter? Reply. No. Question 4. Were you at any time, either before or during the war with Spain, asked or ordered to receive, for issue to troops, any so-called fresh beef which had been treated chemically for preservation reasons? Reply. No. Question 5. If you were so asked or ordered, state when, where, and by whom you were so asked or ordered. Reply. No. It may be well briefly to describe the inspection of the beef by the officers of the Government of the United States. Inspection of refrig- erated beef is provided for by the act of Congress approved March 3, 1891. 160 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. By the third section of this act the Secretary of Agriculture shall cause to be inspected, prior to their slaughter, all cattle which are sub- jects of interstate commerce, and which are about to be slaughtered at slaughterhouses in any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, the carcasses of which are to be transported to, or sold in, any other State or Territory or the District of Columbia, and he may also make a post-mortem examination of the carcasses of such cattle. The exam- ination is to be made according to rules adopted by the Secretary of Agriculture, and after such examination the carcasses which are found to be free of disease, and wholesome, soundj and fit for human food, shall be marked, stamped, or labeled for identification, as may be pro- vided by said rules and regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture. It is made a criminal offense to forge, counterfeit, or knowingly and wrongfully alter, deface, or destroy any of the marks, stamps, or other devices provided for in the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture of any such carcasses. It is unlawful to transport from one State or Territory or the District of Columbia into another State or Territory or the District of Columbia, or for any person to deliver to another for transportation, as above stated, the carcasses which have been exam- ined in accordance with the provisions of sections 3 and 4 of the act, and which on said examination have been declared by the inspector making the same to be unsound or diseased. Inspectors are author- ized to give official certificates of the sound and wholesome condition of the cattle, their carcasses, and products, and one copy of every cer- tificate shall be filed in the Department of Agriculture, another copy shall be delivered to the owner or shipper, and when the cattle or their carcasses and products are sent abroad a third copy shall be 'delivered to the chief officer of the vessel on which the shipment shall be made. Under this act rules and regulations have been enacted by the Bureau of Animal Industry, and will be found in Bulletin No. 9, issued by that bureau. Dr. D. E. Salmon is chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry. We can not quote in full the complete regulations adopted by the Bureau of Animal Industry. It is sufficient to say that proprietors of slaughterhouses must make application to the Secretary of Agricul- ture for inspection of cattle and their products. This application must be in writing, and the applicant must agree to conform strictly with all lawful regulations or orders that may be made by the Secretary of Agriculture. An official number is given to every slaughtering establishment. The Secretary of Agriculture designates an inspector to take charge of the examination and inspection of animals and their products for each establishment which has been officially numbered, and details to such inspector such assistants or other employees as may be necessary to carry on the work of inspection. The inspector and all employees under his direction have full and free access to all parts of the build- ing used in the slaughtering of animals and the conversion of their carcasses into food products. Each employee must wear a badge. An REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 161 antemortem examination of all animals arriving at the stock yard for slaughter shall be made when they are weighed. Any animal found to be diseased or unfit for human food is marked by placing in the ear a metal tag bearing "U. S. Condemned" and a serial number. Such animals are placed in pens and removed by a numbered permit, signed by the inspector, to the abattoir or rendering works, designated by the said inspector, where they shall be killed under the supervision of an employee of the Bureau of Animal Industry, and rendered in such manner that their products will be unfit for human food. All animals must be inspected before they are slaughtered, and no animal shall be allowed to pass the slaughtering room until it has been inspected. After the animal is slaughtered each carcass is inspected. The head of each animal shall be held until the inspection of the carcass is com- pleted, in order that it may be identified in case of condemnation of the carcass. Should any carcass on the postmortem examination be found to be diseased and unfit for human food, it shall be marked with a metal condemnation tag, and shall be removed to tanks on the premises and deposited therein, and rendered in such a manner as to prevent its withdrawal as a food product. Any person who removes any tags may be prosecuted under the acts of Congress of March 3,1891, and March 2, 1895. Carcasses designed for interstate or export trade will be tagged by the inspector or an employee designated by him with a num- bered tag issued by the Department of Agriculture, and a record of the same is sent to the Department at Washington. This reference to the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Animal Industry will sufficiently show how perfect and complete is the super- vision of the Government over the meat products of the country. It is of course barely possible that in spite of this active and thorough supervision the meat may be tampered with, but it is improbable that any chemical substances can be applied to it while it is still in the packing establishment. When this inspected and tagged meat leaves the establishment of the packer for its destination it is put in a car which is prepared for refrigerating purposes, and this car is sealed with two seals, one affixed by the packer and one by the railroad com- pany. If intended for exportation, the meat is delivered from the car to the ship, on board of which there is a refrigerator under the charge of men employed by the packers. It can not be said that it is impos- sible that the meat while on a car or ship may be tampered with, but it is highly improbable that such a thing would happen. The system of cold storage has been for many years largely used in all parts of the world, and without the use of chemicals it has been found sufficient to preserve slaughtered meats. In the contracts made by the Commissary-General of Subsistence for the furnishing »of meat at points on the seacoast of the island of Porto Rico occupied by the army of the United States it is provided that refrigerators are to be supplied to all ships on which such meat is to be transported. It is also provided that the contractors shall have 7833-vol. 1 11 162 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. and operate refrigerating buildings at such points in the island of Porto Rico occupied by the army of the United States as may be neces- sary for carrying out the purpose of their contract. The beef to be furnished by the contractors is to be of uniform good quality, from fat steers, United States Government inspected, weighing not less than 600 pounds dressed weight per carcass, and shall be refrigerated, chilled, or frozen in quantities according as it shall be called for by the Commissary-General of Subsistence of the United States Army. A copy of this contract is attached to the testimony of Brigadier- General Eagan, and a reference to it will show that the beef was to be of the best quality. By the terms of the contract it was to be perfectly good and fit for use seventy-two hours after being issued from the ship's refrigerator, or twenty-four after being issued from the refrigerator buildings to the proper officer of the Government. This commission has made earnest efforts to arrive at the truth of the charge that the meat furnished by the contractors to the troops was chemically treated. We have hereinbefore detailed at length the testimony of the single witness who, from his own declared knowledge, advances the charge. On the other side there is a mass of proof that there is no truth in the charge. We have taken the testimony of many witnesses who, from their opportunities to know the truth, were able to testify as to the character and condition of the meat issued to the troops. The Navy uses when practicable refrigerator beef; some of its officers have testified to its soundness and excellence. Many officers, Govern- ment inspectors, noncommissioned officers, cooks, and privates, have given similar testimony. It is an established fact that beef kept for a long time in cold storage gathers upon its exterior a mold known as the "beard" or "whiskers," which gradually affects the meat to a depth varying with the length of time the growth has been forming. Removal of the affected outer por- tion usually shows the meat below to be sound and fit for consumption. By the evidence presented to the commission the meat has been traced from the animal on the hoof to the commissaries, who received it from the contractors and issued it to the troops, all of which seems to negative the idea that it had been chemically treated. The commission has not confined itself to merely verbal or written proof. Immediately upon hearing the testimony of Dr. Daly, on the 20th of January telegrams were sent to all issuing commissaries in Cuba, Porto Rico, and at the various home camps occupied by troops, asking that samples of refrigerated beef be at once taken, placed in glass jars, securely sealed, and forwarded to the commission. These samples were to be of 1 pound weight from the outside and 1 pound weight from the inside of a quarter. In response to this request many samples have been received and later sent to the chemists of the Agricultural and Interior Departments for careful chemical examina- tion. The result of analysis has been reported to us in 29 cases, and, REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 163 as will be seen by the reports appended, in no specimen examined has either boric or salycilic acid or other deleterious chemicals been found. In view of the facts above set forth, the commission is of the opinion that no refrigerated beef furnished by contractors and issued to the troops during the war with Spain was subjected to or treated with any chemicals by the contractors or those in their employ. t CANNED MEATS. In considering questions concerning canned meats it is not the duty of the commission to inquire into the character, kind, or condition of all the canned meats that may be in use in this country. Our specific duty is to give an opinion as to the quality of those furnished the sol- diers during the recent war with Spain. There has been neither allegation nor proof before us that boric, or salicylic, or any other acid has been used in the canned meats furnished to the troops, but such meats have nevertheless been greatly criticised, and they have, for that reason, been tested by us and have been analyzed under our direction, and we have taken a great deal of testimony as to the mode of their preparation. The canned meat is ordinarily taken from the forequarters of beeves. Under the regulations of the Agricultural Department, each article of food product made from inspected carcasses must bear a label con- taining the official number of the establishment from which said product came and also contain a statement that the same has been inspected under the provisions of the act of March 3, 1891. A copy of said label must be filed at the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. G., and, after filing, said label will become the mark of identification, showing that the products to which it has been attached have been inspected, as provided by these rules and regulations; and any person who shall forge, counterfeit, alter, or deface said label will be prosecuted under the penalty clause of section 4 of the act of March 3, 1891, as amended in the act of March 2,1895. Each package to be shipped from said estab- lishment to any foreign country must have printed or stenciled on the side or on the top by the packer or exporter the following: FOR EXPORT. (a) Official number of establishment. (&) Number of pieces or pounds. (c) Trade-mark. Iii case said package is for transportation to some other State or Territory or to the District of Columbia, in place of the words "for export" the words " Interstate trade" shall be substituted. The inspector of the Department of Agriculture in charge of the establishment at which the meat was prepared being satisfied that the articles in said packages came from animals inspected by him, and that they are wholesome, sound, and fit for human food, shall paste upon such packages meat-inspection stamps bearing serial numbers. 164 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. In order that the stamps may be protected and to insure uniformity in affixing, inspectors will require of the proprietors of abattoirs and packing establishments the adoption of cases suitable for one of the two methods mentioned below. The stamp may be affixed in a grooved space let into the box of sufficient size to admit it, similar to that required by the Internal-Revenue Bureau for the stamping of packages of plug tobacco. Stamps may be placed on either end of the package, provided that the sides are made to project at least half an inch to afford the necessary protection from abrasion. The stamp having been affixed, it must be immediately canceled. Great care is taken in the securement of these stamps. They are not allowed to remain loose about the office or the abattoir and strin- gent rules in this regard are made for the government of the inspector. Whenever any package of meat products bearing the inspection stamp shall have been opened and its contents removed for sale, the stamp on said package must be obliterated. Reports of the work of inspection carried on in every establishment shall be daily forwarded to the Department by the inspector in charge on such blank forms and in such manner as are specified by the Department. We take the following description of the preparation of this meat from a paper issued by the Agricultural Department: In preparing the meat for canning, large pieces are put in vats of boiling water and thus cooked. This softens the meat, makes it more tender, and facilitates the separation of bone and gristle. After these are removed, the meat is cut into pieces of proper size for the can. The top is then soldered on the can, but a small hole is left, through which air and steam escape in the heating of the can which follows. This heating also kills the bacteria. The hole is then closed by a drop of melted solder, and the can is hermetically sealed. The cans are then tested to see whether this handling has been done so as to protect the meat from deterioration. To this end they are kept in a warm room for a number of days. If the bacteria have not been killed, the meat will decompose, gases will be produced, and the cans will swell. The number of caus that swell and thus indicate imperfect handling is said to average about one-fourth of 1 per cent. The meat in them is thrown into the waste heap with the intestines and other refuse and made into fertilizers. This statement corresponds with oral testimony taken by us. As appears from the testimony of Dr. W. O. Atwater, professor of chem- istry at Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., it is impossible, by the process described, to remove from the meat which goes into the cans any considerable part of the actual nutriment. The difference between the meat as prepared in this way and that ordinarily cooked in the household is that the canned meat does not contain the bone and gristle, which are not edible. According to analyses the per- centage of protein in boiled beef is 24 per cent, and canned 26 per cent. The proportion of fat in the canned meats analyzed was relatively smaller, doubtless because leaner meat was used for canning. The value of meat, as of other foods for nourishment, depends upon its digestibility; that is, upon the proportion of nutritive material that is absorbed from the digestive tract during its passage through the body. Numerous tests have been made of the digestibility of fresh meats as REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 165 ordinarily cooked for eating. The number of experiments made with canned meats is smaller, but there is no reason to assume any consider- able difference between the two. Nearly all the protein of beef, as it is ordinarily eaten, is digested and assimilated by the system. The high nutritive value of properly cooked canned meat is therefore well settled by accurate experiment. In the great stock yards in Chicago, Kansas City, and elsewhere, where nearly all of the canned meat is put up, all the meat is inspected ou the hoof and at the time of slaughtering by Government experts, who are on the ground all the time, and without whose examination not an ani- mal is killed : and no shipment of meat can be made without inspection without violation of Government regulations. This furnishes a guar- anty for the quality of the canned meat. In treating of refrigerated beef we have minutely explained the process of inspection as to refrig- erated meats, and the same applies as to canned meat. Dr. Atwater has been conducting an extended investigation of the nutritive value of food. The food problem has also been very carefully studied in Europe. Distinguished scientists in France, Germany, Rus- sia, and other European countries have been engaged in this investi- gation. The value of different foods for men engaged in ordinary occu- pations, for soldiers in time of peace and war, and persons in various other conditions of life has been studied. In treating of these ques- tions Dr. Atwater has said that in the cooking and canning, which is in the nature of boiling rather than roasting, water is expelled, but the amount of nutritive material removed is very small indeed, so that a pound of ordinary canned meat has, on the average, much more nutri- ment than the same weight of the fresh meat from which it is prepared. The removal of the bone and part of the water, while so little nutri- ment is taken away, leaves the meat in a less bulky and more concen- trated form, so that pound for pound the canned meat has a higher nutritive value than the fresh meat. In a large number of analyses of fresh and canned meats, collected at Chicago during the World's Fair, and in other parts of the country before and since that time, and analyzed under the direction of Dr. Atwater, these proportions of the nutritive ingredients in the canned meats have been found to be larger than in the ordinary fresh meats. This is especially true of the protein compounds, which are used by the body to build up its nitrogenous materials, as blood, muscle, and bone. Among the analyses made by him some of the largest proportions of protein were found in the boiled meats. He greatly commends such prepared meats. The use of canned meats, according to the proof before us, is very general. It has been a part of the ration in our military service since August 1, 1878, as appears by order hereinafter quoted, confirmed by General Order, No. 8, February 8, 1888, also quoted. It is issued as a ration every ten days in our Navy. We have had before us a number of abstracts of reports made by ofiicers, reciting that the tinned meat 166 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. issued to the troops is unpalatable, that it is stringy, that it is coarse, flat, and tasteless. On the other hand, other officers and enlisted men and citizens with equal opportunities for having knowledge have testi- fied before us that the tinned roast beef is pure, sound, and palatable. This difference of opinion must to some extent be accounted for by diver- sity in taste. We ourselves have tasted the contents of several cans of the meat, some of which had been issued to troops in Porto Rico and brought back by them, some of which were furnished to us by the Com- manding General; three cases bearing the brand of different packers were sent at our request by Captain Groome, of the First city troop of Philadelphia, and some we purchased at random. Specimens of all these samples were furnished to expert chemists in Washington for analysis. The reports of these analyses are appended hereto, marked Exhibit P. In connection with them will be found a report from Capt. A. E. Hunt, of the Pennsylvania Artillery, in which he transmits the result of an analysis of a can of fresh roast beef, taken by him from a case which had been issued to his battery in Porto Rico, and brought home. There is no doubt that when issued to soldiers in Cuba and Porto Rico, where it was exposed to the heat, and where they did not have the proper means of treating the cans, as directed on the labels, and could not properly cook it, the meat was unpalatable, especially to those suffering from malaria, or convalescent. The result of our own testing and of all the analyses made at our instance, as also the analysis made by Mr. James O. Handy, chief chemist, Pittsburg testing laboratory (specimen referred to by Captain Hunt), is that the canned meat which has been brought to our attention is pure, sound, and nutritive. It has not been found to contain any acids or any deleterious substance, but to be unadulterated meat. The testimony before us is that the canned meat is not, in general, intended to be issued to troops except as an emergency ration. The preponderance of the proof is that meat on the hoof and the refrigerated beef are more acceptable. A number of officers and others have testi- fied that the meat is unpalatable. Its palatability greatly depends upon the mode in which it is cooked. In a tropical climate, carried on the march, exposed to heat, the meat so changes in appearance as to become repulsive. In the Navy, where the meat is properly cared for, there has been no complaint, so far as has appeared in evidence before us. After careful consideration we find that canned meat, as issued to the troops, was generally of good quality, was properly prepared, and contained no deleterious substance. At times probably material of poor quality is issued; in one of the cans sent to us and examined by the chemist a large amount of gristle was found. That it was not issued "under pretense of an experiment" is indi- cated by the fact that it has been in use in the Army for more than REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 167 twenty years, as shown by the following extract from general orders from the Headquarters of the Army of the United States: General Orders, ) Headquarters of the Army, V Adjutant-General's Office, No. 59. ) Washington, August 1, 1878. By direction of the Secretary of War the following order is published to the Army: I. The following issues may be made to troops traveling upon cars or transports, or in the field, when it is impracticable to cook their rations, viz: Seventy-five pounds of canned fresh or corned beef, and sixteen 3-pound cans or six 1-gallon cans of baked beans, or 15 pounds of cheese per hundred rations-the issues of canned beef to be in lieu of the meat, and the beans and cheese in lieu of the vegetable ration authorized by existing regulations and orders. None of the above-mentioned articles will be sold by companies or detachments as savings. » * • * * * * By command of General Sherman: E. D. Townsend, Adjutant-General. General Orders, ) ■ Headquarters of the Army, \ Adjutant-General's Office, No. 8. ) Washington, February 8, 1888. By direction of the Secretary of War, paragraph 2150 of the regulations is amended to read as follows: 2150. A ration is the established daily allowance of food for one person. For the United States Army it is now composed as follows: 12 ounces of pork or bacon or canned beef (fresh or corned), or 1 pound and 4 ounces of fresh beef, or 22 ounces of salt beef; 18 ounces of soft bread or flour, or 16 ounces of hard bread, or 1 pound and 4 ounces of corn meal. To every 100 rations, 15 pounds of beans or peas, or 10 pounds of rice or hominy, 10 pounds of green coffee, or 8 pounds of roasted (or roasted and ground) coffee or 2 pounds of tea, 15 pounds of sugar; 4 quarts of vine- gar, 1 pound and 8 ounces of adamantine or star candles, 4 pounds of soap, 4 pounds of salt, 4 ounces of pepper; and to troops in the field, when necessary, 4 pounds of yeast-powder to the 100 rations of flour. By command of Lieutenant-General Sheridan: R. C. Drum, Adjutant- General. Official. Assistant Adjutant-General. As respects the quality of canned meats in general as used in the Army, the following communication is indicative of what the opinion has been of those best informed charged with the duty of examining and reporting in relation thereto: War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, October 19,1897. Mr. W. Clarke Marshall, Produce Exchange, 6646 Wentworth avenue, Chicago, III. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 19th ultimo, to the Secretary of War, giving information regarding the proper food to be taken to the sufferers in Alaska, and also for the subsistence of the troops there, and ascribing the sickness in that locality to the use of salt meats, and in reply thereto the Secretary of War desires me to call attention to the following remarks of the Medical Department of the Army, in which the Major-General Com- manding the Army concurs: "Canned meats put up by reputable firms are wholesome and have the full nutri- tive value of the meat contents, and in the absence of fresh meat are to be preferred 168 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. to any of the three substitutes suggested by the writer. Meat when salted loses a certain proportion of its albuminoids and extractives, but what remains is valuable as food and has no specific influence in the production of scurvy. With hard bread, bacon, pea meal, and an occasional issue of fresh beef, or in its absence canned meat, a dietary of a satisfactory force value can be provided. To these there should be added, for the prevention of scurvy, occasional issues of potatoes, onions, or canned vegetables, or in their unavoidable absence desiccated vegetables and dried fruit." Very respectfully, (Signed) W. H. Carter, Assistant Adjutant-General. Mailed October 19,1897. All the above in quotation is the indorsement upon the letter of Mr. Marshall, signed by C. Smart, Deputy Surgeon-General, U. S. A. The iudorsement of the major-general commanding is in the following words: Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., October 18, 1897. The major-general commanding concurs in the remarks of the deputy surgeon- general, 4th indorsement. (Signed) J. C. Gilmore, Assistant Adjutant-General. Reference has been made to reports received from Army officers and transmitted to the commission by the Major-General Commanding the Army. These reports were made in compliance with the following general order, issued in accordance with memorandum * submitted by him: Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, D. C., September 20,1898. Commanding General, Department of the East, Governor's Island, New York: Major-General Commanding directs that each regiment of regular troops in active service in Cuba and Porto Rico be called upon for report as to results obtained from use of canned fresh roast beef during campaigns in those countries. (Signed) H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. (Signed) ' H. 0. S. H. (Same to commanding general, Department of Santiago, Santiago, Cuba; command- ing general, U. S. Troops, Porto Rico; commanding general, Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, N. Y.; commanding general, Department of Gulf, Atlanta, Ga.; commanding general, Department Lakes, Chicago, Hl.; commanding general, Department of California, San Francisco, Cal.; commanding general, Department Colorado, Denver, Colo.; commanding general, Department Missouri, Fort Omaha, Nebr.; command- ing general, Department Dakota, Fort Snelling, Minn.) * Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., September 20, 1898. MEMORANDUM FOR THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL. The Major-General Commanding directs that the commanding officer of each regi- ment of regular troops that were in active service in Cuba and Porto Rico be called upon for a report as to the results obtained from the use of canned fresh roast beef during the campaigns in those two countries. When all these regiments have been heard from the reports will be sent to these headquarters for the necessary action. (Signed) J. C. Gilmore, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 169 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. BRIG. GEN. GEORGE M. STERNBERG, SURGEON-GENERAL, U. S. A., IN CHARGE. By paragraph 1392 of the Regulations of the Army, " the Medical Department, under the direction of the Secretary of War, is charged with the duty of investigating the sanitary condition of the Army, and making recommendations in reference thereto, with the duty of caring for the sick and wounded, making physical examinations of officers and enlisted men, and furnishing all medical and hospital supplies, except for public animals." Prior to the declaration of war (April 21) no preparation for the approaching conflict had been made by the Medical Department. The number of officers was as it had been in time of peace. Many of the older surgeons were on bureau and administrative duty; several of the corps were not in physical condition to take the field. Under the Revised Statutes of the United States (Sec. 1259) retired officers could not be called upon for active service, and for want of appropriations by Congress it became impossible, after July 15, 1892, to employ civilian physicians under contract. Seven hundred and ninety-one men were in the Hospital Corps on the 1st of May, only 74 more than on the 1st of January preceding, and of these, under existing laws, not to exceed 100 could be hospital stewards. The privates had become more or less skilled in litter bearing and first aid work, but had received only a limited amount of training as nurses. The medical supplies on hand were only what remained at the posts of the semiannual issue of the preceding January, the several purvey- ing depots at New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco not having as yet received any of the medicines and stores contracted for in antici- pation of the regular issue of the coming July. Models of improved medical and hospital chests had been determined upon, but no contracts for such chests had been given out, nor was it thought that bids for them could be legally asked for. The need of a hospital ship had been made known to the Secretary of War, but no steps had been taken to secure such vessel. Only $20,000 had been given to the Department out of the $50,000,000 emer- gency fund, and the Secretary of War had directed the Surgeon-Gen- eral to make no purchases until the question of whether or not there was to be war had been definitely settled. More than a week before the President's proclamation of April 23 was issued the regular regiments were moving or under orders to move. By that proclamation the National Guard to the number of 125,000 was called out, and thirty days later there was a call for 75,000 more. MEDICAL OFFICERS. Each regular regiment had a medical officer and each volunteer regiment a surgeon and two assistants. These medical officers of the 170 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. volunteer force were, with few exceptions, unacquainted with the mili- tary duties that would necessarily devolve upon them in the field, how- ever well fitted they might be to care for the sick and wounded. The act of Cqngress of April 22 directed that a chief surgeon should be on the staff of a commander of a corps, on that of a division com- mander, and on that of the brigade commander. A liberal construction of this provision of the act led to the appointment by the President during the war of seventy-seven surgeons from civil life, and he also commissioned a surgeon and two assistant surgeons for each of the regi- ments of United States volunteer infantry, cavalry, and engineers, as it was organized. By act of May 12 fifteen additional assistant surgeons of the United States Army were authorized, as also the employ- ment under contract of civilian physicians, the total number thus employed being between 600 and 700. None of the medical men from civil life commissioned by the Presi- dent underwent any examination, nor did any of the contract surgeons until after October 21. No rank and but very moderate pay being given to the contract doctors, few men of wide experience and matured judg- ment were found among them; though among the civilians commis- sioned by the President as corps, division, and brigade surgeons, were some of the ablest men in the medical profession of our country. The testimony shows that, as a rule having few exceptions, the medical offi- cers of the Army were faithful, earnest workers, and to their unremit- ting efforts to properly and skillfully care for the sick and wounded, often in the midst of adverse conditions, is in large measure due the unusually low mortality rate indicated in the returns. At Camp Thomas after the 1st of July, in some degree at Montauk, and especially in Cuba, there was a scarcity of medical officers, due to the unexpectedly large number of sick and of wounded, and the break- ing down of those on duty. It is to be regretted that due provision by law was not made for the commissioning of surgeons and assistant sur- geons, United States Volunteers, on the general staff of the army as are the medical officers of the regular establishment. There would have been thus obtained competent men in full number and the best interests of the sick beyond question subserved. NURSES AND NURSING-. As already stated, there were in the Hospital Corps of the Regular Army on the 1st of May a little less than 800 men-99 hospital stew- ards, 100 acting stewards, and 592 privates. By the act of Congress of June 2, permission was granted to increase the number of hospital stewards to 200, and such increase was rapidly made. In the act establishing the volunteer force (passed April 26), a hospital steward was authorized for each battalion, but no provision was made for a hos- pital corps, though such corps to number 25 privates for each regiment and 50 additional for each division had been asked for. The failure to REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 171 provide for a volunteer hospital corps on the part of Congress is much to be regretted, since it necessitated the disbanding of the Hospital Corps in connection with the regiments of the National Guard. Not a few of these had been fairly well organized and some were quite thor- oughly trained. Many of the men of these corps enlisted as privates in the regiments, but many did not, and of those so enlisting only a limited number, some by transfer to the Hospital Corps of the Regular Army, and still fewer by detail, were later of service as hospital orderlies and nurses. In many cases it was found that former members of the Hospital Corps of regiments of the National Guard, while willing to care for the regimental sick, would not enter the regular service for a term of years, and of those who did so enter, among whom were a few physicians, some druggists, and quite a large number of medical students and for- mer hospital attendants, much discontent prevailed as soon as the peace protocol was signed and applications for discharge became numerous. The great majority of the Hospital Corps men secured by enlistment and transfer had little or no proper training as nurses, and as a conse- quence were largely inefficient. As hospitals were established and the sick became numerous, attendants had to be secured by detail from regiments, some of the men assigned to such duty being of good char- acter and anxious to serve, but the large proportion in every respect unfit for nurses. As the regiments were moved the men belonging to them who had been detailed for hospital duty were called in, with resulting derangement of hospital organization and greater or less interference with the proper care of the sick. The system of securing so-called nurses by detail is a bad one and should be abolished. If the nursing in semipermanent camps and hospitals other than regi- mental is to be done by men, there should be maintained in time of peace a hospital corps of size proportionate to any reasonably to be expected emergency demand; a corps trained to properly care for the sick as well as to dress and remove the wounded. In the last twenty years the value, the efficiency, and the availability of well-trained women nurses has been demonstrated, and it is much to be regretted that this fact was not fully realized by the medical officers of the Army when the war commenced. It is to be remembered though that in military hospitals in the field women had been employed as nurses, if at all, only to a very limited extent, and there was good reason for questioning whether a field hospital, with a moving army, was any place for a woman. Our recent experience may justly be held to have shown that female nurses, properly trained and properly selected, can be duly cared for and are of the greatest value. Those who have been serving under contract in our military hospitals, and there have been about 1,500 of them, have with scarcely an exception done excellent work, and it is to the high credit of the American soldier that not a single complaint has been made by any nurse of personal discourtesy. 172 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. These women nurses, with the exception of those belonging to the religious orders, and certain immunes, chiefly colored women sent to Santiago about the middle of July, were selected by the Daughters of the American Revolution, under the official direction of Mrs. Dr. McGee, of Washington, for several months past an acting assistant surgeon, United States Army, on duty in the Surgeon-General's Office. Of the members of religious orders, a few over 200 were Sisters of Charity, 12 Sisters of Mercy, 14 Sisters of the Holy Cross, 12 Sisters of St. Joseph, 5 Congregated American Sisters (Indian women from South Dakota), quite a number of St. Barnabas Guild, and 2 Sisters of St. Margaret, the two organizations last mentioned being Protestant. No nurses were furnished by the Red Cross Society proper, except the few taken by Miss Barton to Cuba. Of the female nurses it is reported that they were much overworked, especially at Montauk, and 13 of them died. As early as the 27th of April Mrs. Dr. McGee officially asked the Surgeon-General if he would accept the services of female nurses, at which time the Daughters of the American Revolution had several hundred applications from women duly trained. On the 13th of May four nurses were sent to the general hospital at Key West, but as the Surgeon-General was unwilling to send women nurses, except when they were asked for by surgeons in charge of hospitals, few were placed under contract before the 1st of July-less than 50-and not more than 100 before the 15th of July, at which date between 2,000 and 3,000 had been examined and approved by the Daughters of the American Revolution and were subject to contract. MEDICAL SUPPLIES. At the commencement of hostilities the Medical Department had few medicines and practically no hospital furniture. The economy with which it had for years been administered, due to lack of appropriations by Congress, except for annual needs of the Army, had prevented the accumulation of any reserve stores. No contracts, even provisional, had been made during the months of March and April to provide proper furniture and food stuffs, funds not being available. If such contracts could have been made, if in open market supplies in large amounts could have been purchased and stored ready for prompt shipment as needed, much of the complaints and wants of the sick and the surgeons would have been prevented. As the regular regiments were mobilized, the medical officers with them were ordered to take for immediate use such medicines and hospital stores as were at the various posts at which they had been stationed, an order not obeyed in all cases, some of the regiments as they arrived at the places of rendezvous being found to be practically unsupplied. The several supply depots having but little material on hand, the Surgeon-General on the 3d of May telegraphed the governors of the various States asking that their troops might take with them the 173 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. medical and hospital supplies belonging to them as national guard organizations. Sixteen of the States were found to be without such supplies and a large number of the others had them in but limited quantities, so that most of the volunteer regiments on arrival at Camp Thomas or Camp Alger had neither medicines nor hospital stores. As no part of the national defense fund could be used prior to the declaration of war for purposes other than coast defense, to secure in advance meant direct violation of rules and regulations, the result of which might be, under the existing system of accountability, official or financial ruin or both. By the 1st of May a contract had been made for the medical and sur- gical field chests, the patterns of which had been previously determined upon. Delivery of these chests was to begin in a couple of weeks, but in fact it was the last of the month before any were ready, the issue of the various articles to be packed in such cases being correspondingly delayed. To meet immediate wants, on May 12 a few medicines, stores, articles of hospital furniture, bedding, etc., were ordered to be placed in common chests and sent forward as an advance outfit for regiments, twenty-five of which were ready at the New York depot on the 16th of May and five at St. Louis on the 21st. Authority to purchase nec- essary medicines was promptly given to officers in the field, and such purchases were made in small quantities and at irregular intervals. To provide for the wants of the large number of regiments assembled at Camp Thomas, a special supply depot was established May 23 at Lytle, Ga., to which supplies were sent from the St. Louis depot, the first shipment in any amount not reaching its destination until late in May. Local depots were opened at Tampa, Jacksonville, and other places convenient to large camps; but, though there were these sec- ondary distributing centers which received and issued in the aggregate a great amount of medicines and hospital supplies, there was very widespread and persistent complaints of lack of what was needed or was thought to be. A large number of regimental officers and hospital surgeons have testified to existing deficiencies. Commanding officers, inspectors, and special boards called attention again and again to the needs of the sick. As a rule, with comparatively few exceptions, the most important and most necessary drugs were to be had, though at times in limited quantities, or could be secured by purchase at some place near by. What were the reasons for the existence of these wants'? In the first place, the almost absolute lack of any supplies in store when the war broke out. Medicines could be purchased in any quantity and without delay, as could bedding and certain articles of hospital furniture, but other articles of adopted pattern, as surgical instruments or cots of special design, could not. Time was lost in having manufactured standard chests of various kinds to contain drugs, stores, dressings, furniture, etc., and the making of these articles never kept up with the demand for them. 174 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Next, the too restricted supply table, which might very properly have had upon it a number of drugs in common use in civil life, the issue of which had not been authorized by the Medical Department of the Army. Next, the lack of knowledge on the part of untrained medical officers how to get what they needed when it was on hand and ready for issue. Next, the unwise restrictions put upon medical officers by chief sur- geons, notably at Camp Thomas, as respects the form of requisitions and the articles that might be called for. Next, the taking away of regimental supplies to fit up division hos- pitals, and the issue of medicines to regiments only through such hospitals. Next, the actual want of supplies at local depots or the difficulty of getting them out of such depots on approved requisitions. Next, the necessary draining of scantily supplied depots to fit out troops about to move. Many times the scarcity was apparent, not real, articles being wanted that could not readily and safely be transported, and therefore were not for issue, or were of questionable value, or were preparations the place of which could be supplied by articles already on hand of like or essentially the same therapeutic character. The reasons stated are those which concern the Medical Department, for which it may properly be interrogated. But no small part of the troubles consequent upon lack of supplies was due to the slowness with which such supplies were transported and the failure to properly deliver them, the responsibility for which rests upon the Quartermaster's Department. In the earlier weeks this department objected very strongly to ship- ping by express, because of the expense, and again and again trans- portation by so-called fast freight occupied many days, at times weeks, e. g., to cite but one out of the many cases stated in evidence, supplies sent from the St. Louis depot to Chickamauga May 17 were not received by the end of the month. The stores were often sent in comparatively small quantities, much less than a carload; the railway lines were blocked for miles with unloaded cars, and in the absence of cards on the outside indicating the kind of freight within, medical stores could be found only by the opening of many cars and the overhauling of what they held. In a number of instances medical supplies, once even to the extent of a complete outfit of a 200-bed hospital, were lost for weeks; in a few cases to be found only upon the cleaning out of aban- doned warehouses. Bad as the conditions were on land, they were worse when the transportation was across the sea. Medicines, stores, and hospital furniture were often put in the holds of transports for Cuba and Porto Rico under all sorts of freight. At Siboney and Daiquiri, because of the lack of proper landing facilities, and the difficulties of finding ships and getting at their contents, perhaps a full third of the supplies taken aboard at Tampa early in June were not put on shore until the middle of July, after the surrender of Santiago REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 175 and the opening of its harbor, and some of these stores were carried north to be later brought back undisturbed. On the transport Grande Duchesse, sailing from Charleston on the 20th of July, and on the Mobile, sailing from the same port on the 21st of July, were large quantities of medicines and hospital stores for the Fifth Corps in Cuba, which were carried to Porto Rico, where the vessels were detained for seven and ten days, respectively, and did not reach Santiago, the Grande Duchesse until August 2 and the Mobile August 10. Had these medi- cines and hospital stores for the troops in Cuba been sent direct instead of by way of Porto Rico they would have been received and in the hands of those requiring them days before the 4th of August, when General Shafter reported by telegram the extreme shortness existing and declared it to be a " chronic condition." The supplies on the Concho for the troops in Porto Rico were so stored in the hold that they were not gotten at until after the ship had gone to Arroyo, partially unloaded, and returned to Ponce a week later. The loading, shipping, and unloading of medical stores are not done under the orders of the Medical but of the Quartermaster's Depart- ment, and the Medical Department is not responsible therefor. The blame for so much of the lack of medical supplies as was the result of slow transportation and failure to deliver, and it is no small portion thereof, must rest upon the Quartermaster's Department, the system it follows, and the officers belonging to it. The lack of supplies in Cuba for six weeks after the landing of the expeditionary force was so great, and its results at times so threatening, that it should be noticed somewhat in detail. Just on the eve of embarkation at Tampa there was put upon the transports the outfit of one division hospital and a part of another, and an amount of medicines and dressings deemed sufficient for the needs of the force expected to be able to capture the city of Santiago without serious loss, open up the harbor, and get away to some other place, in Porto Rico or Cuba. Only seven ambulances were taken, and this by order of General Shaf- ter, who has accepted the responsibility and frankly acknowledged that it would have been better had more been carried along. Even of these seven, only three were at the disposal of the medical officers on July 1. Arrived on the Cuban coast, the division hospital outfit was landed, but without tents, and as no transportation of any kind, save the horses of medical officers, was furnished for this hospital until after its estab- lishment toward the front on the third day, only such supplies were carried forward as could be taken on the horses just mentioned and in the hands of the men of the Hospital Corps. The fragmentary outfit of the cavalry division was also landed and moved forward in much the same way. Of the regimental outfits but few were unloaded, and those taken ashore were, for want of transportation, almost without exception left behind when the troops moved to the front, While there were 176 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. surgical dressings enough for a first treatment of the large number of wounded from the fights of July 1 and 2, there was no food for the men other than such soup as could be made out of the commissary canned,meat and vegetables, supplemented, and largely so, by the more proper gruel, milk, cocoa, and rice furnished by the Red Cross organization, and prepared and distributed by Miss Barton and the nurses accompanying her. The base hospital at Siboney, in working order July 1, was quickly overcrowded with wounded, and had scarcely enough medicines and stores for immediate use. The hospital steamer Olivette was fairly equipped as a floating division hospital, but could only to a very limited extent furnish medicines to the troops on shore. By the end of the first week in July the medical supplies were almost entirely exhausted, but large amounts of medicines and stores were about this time brought by the Relief and later by the Olivette. These supplies, in turn, were so quickly expended that on the 4th of August the chief surgeon of the First Division reported that for eleven days the only medicines he had on hand for distribution were quinine, epsom salts, and castor oil. An emergency purchase in open market in Santiago was ordered and made. Fortunately for the sick, at various times and in many places private charity came to the rescue and a large amount of milk and ice, of deli- cacies, of even lacking medicines, instruments, and articles of hospital furniture were supplied by the National Relief Commission, auxiliary Red Cross organizations, State and local aid societies, and individuals. Without doubt, at times undue advantage was taken of the opportunity thus afforded surgeons to get what they wanted; since no responsibility attached to the receipt and expenditure of articles thus obtained as there would have been had they been drawn on requisition from the Medical Department. It was a fact and one to be regretted, one that should not have existed, that again and again agents of private organ- izations had on hand and ready for issue an abundance of necessary and needed supplies, when officers of the Government, whose duty it was to furnish them, did not have them and therefore could not give them out. From the very limited information furnished the commission, it would appear that the troops sent to Manila were fairly well supplied with medicines, dressings, and hospital stores for use en route and after arrival in the Philippines. SICKNESS AND MORTALITY. During the early weeks of the occupation of the various camps of instruction (Alger, Thomas, and Tampa being the large ones), notwith- standing the want of shelter, of proper sanitation, of well-trained regi- mental officers, of competent cooks, of any knowledge on the part of the men as to how to take care of themselves, there was very little sick- ness, except of a comparatively unimportant character, as intestinal troubles of moderate severity, venereal affections, the effects of recent REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 177 vaccination, a small amount of measles, etc. A few regiments had already had in their State camps some typhoid fever. In the Fifteenth Minnesota, at St. Paul and Fort Snelling, there were, in August, 260 cases out of a total strength of 1,323. A very few cases of the disease appeared in some of the regiments soon after arrival at Chickamauga and Camj) Alger. Malarial diseases quickly began to prevail, but were controlled in ordinary degree. Of a little over 150,000 men, during the month of May, though about 6f per cent were reported sick, the deaths were only 70, i. e., less than 1 in 2,000 of the men enrolled. In J une sickness was twice as great, but the deaths were still few, hardly 1 in 1,500 of the main strength. lu July the sick were one- third more numerous than in the preceding month, the death rate was three times as great. In August the sickness was nearly one- half greater than in July, with a mortality nearly double. In Sep- tember the sickness had diminished nearly one-third and the death rate about 40 per cent. Sixty per cent of the sickness in July, August, and September was malarial, typhoid, and diarrheal; and 40 per cent of all deaths were from typhoid fever. The mortality from diseases of all kinds during five months would, from the returns received, appear to be less than 1 per cent of those taken up on sick report. Of the 60,909 volun- teers at Camp Thomas, first and last, only 354 died before leaving Chick- amauga (0.58 per cent), and only 995 (1.63 per cent) up to the 2d of De- cember, as appears from the returns tabulated by Brigadier-General Boynton. The malarial fever, which so generally affected the troops in front of Santiago and produced such intense debility and prolonged ill health, can hardly be attributed to want of shelter, food, drugs, or medical attention, though there were all these wants, since, according to the statement made by Major-General Wood, himself a physician, it was as largely prevalent among the troops stationed in the locality after the return of the Fifth Army Corps, though they were properly sheltered and cared for, and many of them were supposed to be immune. Of typhoid fever* at Camp Alger, Camp Thomas, Camp Meade, Camp Wikoff, Tampa, Jacksonville, Santiago, and Porto Rico, there were reported 13,770 cases, with 906 deaths, a trifle less than 7 per cent, an unusually low mortality rate. . Camp or district. Regimental hos- pitals. Field hospitals. General hospitals. Admis- sions. Deaths. Admis- sions. Deaths. Admis- sions. Deaths. Camp Wikoff 85 1 24 552 105 Camp Meade 956 43 1 347 31 Camp Alger 653 11 80 450 57 Camp Thomas 1,380 79 1, 094 74 952 113 Camp Tampa, Fla 55 1 212 18 I 1 193 65 Camp Jacksonville, Fla 1,742 13 1,825 227 Camp Santiago, Cuba 58 2 116 3 68 Porto Rico..?. 204 4 343 25 381 34 Total 5,133 154 5,041 378 3,596 374 * Statistics of typhoid fever in certain camps and districts. 7833-vol. 1--12 178 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. From testimony presented, it is probable that the number of cases was decidedly greater than reported, since there is good reason for believ- ing that at Camp Alger, and especially at Camp Thomas and in Florida, many cases diagnosticated and treated as malarial were really typhoid. The error of diagnosis was not made by all surgeons, but the opinions of those holding that the prevalent disease was not malarial were often received with scant favor by the medical officers highest in authority at the camps. In one instance, to which attention has been called, the surgeon in chief at Chickamauga, under a threat of court-martial, com- pelled a surgeon to retract his statement that typhoid fever was epi- demic, though in point of fact it was epidemic. The outbreak aud prevalence of this disease may properly be attrib- uted to the combined operation of many causes. Large bodies of men who are not soldiers, under officers who have had little or no military training, can not be brought together and held for many weeks in camp and remain healthy. If the water supply is not abundant or is not good; if the thoroughly well-established rules of sanitation are not observed; if the discipline of the camp puts little restriction on drunk- enness and immorality; if the soldier does not know how to live and his officers do not watch him and teach him; if his food is poorly cared for and badly cooked, and he is permitted to eat and drink anything and everything that he can find, sickness certainly will prevail. If, as at Camp. Thomas, a regiment can go for ten days without digging sinks; if the sinks dug are not used or they quickly overflow and pollute the ground; if practically no protection is afforded against the liquor sellers and prostitutes of neighboring places; if commands are crowded together and tents are seldom struck, or even never during the occu- pation of the camp; if no one is called to account for repeated violation of sanitary orders, it can not but be that typhoid fever once introduced will spread, rapidly, widely. How much may be accomplished by intelligent and watchful super- vision on the part of surgeons and regimental officers and the observ- ance of the well-established rules of camp sanitation is shown by the record of the Eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry at Camp Thomas. This regiment was for many weeks very healthy, while much sickness was occurring in regiments near by, though the conditions of camp site, of water, and of drill were practically the same. The responsibility for the conditions at Chickamauga rests upon those who assembled over 60,000 raw levies and kept the great mass of them together for weeks, and upon those whose duty it was to inspect, ^dvise, and order-officers, medical and military, regimental, brigade, division, corps, and of the camp, and the higher the authority the greater the responsibility. Yellow fever, as it prevailed in Cuba, was of mild type and its mor- tality rate low. That its outbreak might have been prevented by the burning of all houses at Siboney, and by more complete isolation of the Cuban and Spanish refugees is a question, but certainly the chances of 179 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. avoiding the anticipated and much dreaded disease would have been increased had such measures been adopted. That it was kept out of our coast cities is due to the watchfulness of national and local quaran- tine officers and to the establishment and maintenance of a detention camp at Montauk. The wounded were comparatively few-1,581. How many of these died has not as yet been ascertained, but all reports show that the per- centage of recovery was extraordinarily high, due to the combined influ- ences of small-caliber bullets, first-aid dressings, and skillful aseptic and antiseptic treatment. Major operations were seldom required, the whole number of amputations, excisions, ligations, laparotomies, and trephinings reported being but 51.* Praise should be given to * Major surgical operations, United States Army, May to December, 1898. [The correct number of gunshot and shell wound, incurred during the Spanish-American war is 1,581, as reported by the Adjutant-General of the Army.] Total major operations 98 Amputations 34 Hip j oint 3 Thigh 5 Leg 10 Foot 2 Arm 12 Arm (reamputated) 1 Forearm 1 Hernia (Bassini's 17) 18 Appendicitis 15 Laparotomy 9 Bullet wound 4 Intestinal obstruction 1 Abdominal drainage 1 Not stated 3 Urethrotomy 3 Trephining 7 Resection bones 3 Resection veins . 1 Neurorrhaphy (tibial nerves) 1 Ligation, femoral 1 Ligation, subclavian (aneurism) 1 Floating cartilage 1 Skin grafting 1 Tracheotomy 1 Exsection, middle third of humerus 1 Bullet removed from wall of bladder .. 1 It must be noted that the number of operations reported as having been done dur- ing the advance against Santiago is undoubtedly considerably underestimated, since, in the press of work, record of the surgical work then being performed was often impracticable. While the report of the field hospital, Fifth Army Corps, shows that 516 men were received in that hospital direct from the firing line, only seven of the cases so received are noted as having required operative surgical inter- ference. It would seem probable, therefore, that in several instances only such operations as were of special professional interest were made matters of record, although the necessity for active operative treatment was largely abrogated by the humane character of the wounds and the maintenance of careful antisepsis. 180 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the well-trained, faithful, hard-working, and overworked surgeons, who, on the fighting line and in the hospitals, thoroughly discharged their duty, and who, as General Young has said, "deserve the thanks of the American people for their splendid work." The charge of neglect of the wounded, based upon the infrequent dressing of their wounds, has had no good basis, as it is an established rule of modern treatment that inspection and redressing are to be post- poned until there is observed either staining of the dressings or rise of temperature. Stated generally, the less it is disturbed the mom quickly and kindly a wound heals. HOSPITALS. Each volunteer regiment as it came out had its hospital, as a rule, it is true, poorly equipped. By Circular No. 3, Surgeon-General's Office, May 18, such hospital was done away with, and in its place there was directed to be established one of maximum capacity of 200 beds for each division, to which should be sent all sick requiring treatment other than that which might be needed for slight injuries or such ail- ments as permitted of the continuance of full or at least partial duty. All regimental outfits were ordered turned in and used in the equip- ment of the hospital, medicines and dressings for minor affections treated in camp to be obtained from the hospital on requisition approved by the division surgeon. As a brigade or division moved, a corresponding part or the whole of the hospital was to go with it; and, to insure ready mobility, no case that was very serious or likely to require prolonged treatment was to be kept in a division hospital, but sent to a general hospital. In theory the plan was a good one, as it permitted of more perfect classification of the sick, better attendance upon them with fewer doctors, and a more economical administration; as carried out it worked badly. Because of the scarcity of medical officers unconnected with regiments those so connected had to be detailed for hospital duty. Regimental pride was touched and strong opposition was at once made. Medical officers protested, commanding officers objected, and State authorities and the War Department were appealed to. The sick would not go to hospital as long as they could avoid it; the regimental surgeon would keep them as long as possible. The single medical officer on camp duty often found in the amount of work imposed reason for doing no more than was absolutely necessary. Field and company officers largely made the excuse for neglect of sanitation that it was the medical officer's business to look after that and two-thirds of their doctors had been taken away from them. Brigade or regimental surgeons were put in charge of the hospitals as they were organized, who, as a rule, knew nothing of their duties at first and many could not or would not learn. Those assigned to ward duty often felt that such service was unbecoming the dignity of their REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 181 rank. Of trained hospital stewards there were very few; rarely did an attendant have any familiarity with the work of a nurse. Medicines, stores, tents, cots, and hospital furniture in general, were for a time obtained with difficulty and in insufficient quantities; in Camp Thomas this was largely true up to the last. Ultimately in most of the division hospitals a fair degree of order prevailed; a few were excellently admin- istered. As the imperfections of the system became apparent and the hospitals overcrowded the reestablishment of regimental hospitals was permitted. That the division-hospital plan may succeed there must be enough well-trained surgeons to till the positions of officers in charge and executive officers, and a full number of competent medical men to discharge ward duties, and this without depleting the regiments. Nowhere else were the evils of the system and the unfortunate results of its application as strongly evidenced as at Camp Thomas, especially in the hospitals of the First Division of the First Corps and the Second Division of the Third Corps. These were almost always overcrowded; their officers in charge were frequently changed; their nurses were limited in number, and, generally, indifferent; their discipline was lax and their police bad. A large share of the responsibility for the exist- ing conditions rested upon the chief surgeons of camp and corps and the general officers in command of the same. These officers, medical and military, knew or should have known of the state of affairs, and knowing should have compelled a change. In the case of the hospital of the First Division of the First Corps, General Brooke did order the chief surgeon of the camp to personally take charge and put it in proper running order. Had well-trained surgeons of the regular estab- lishment been placed in charge of the Chickamauga hospitals, even but for the time required to organize and set them going, the after history would have been different. Unfortunately it was thought that such surgeons could not be spared for the duty, though they could not have been better employed during the months of June and July. Further, it would appear that for want of medical inspectors and of due reports from the corps surgeons, the Surgeon General was for a long time una- ware of the prevailing confusion and distress. General hospitals were established as became necessary at Key West, Fort McPherson, Fort Thomas, Fort Monroe, Chickamauga, and Wash- ington, and the post hospitals in New York Harbor, at the Presidio at San Francisco, and at Vancouver Barracks were so enlarged as to become, practically, general ones. Organized and administered by regu- lar officers, these hospitals were in large measure free from the troubles of the division hospitals. Comparatively few complaints were made of them, though some were for a time overcrowded, and up to the middle of July the nursing, mainly or wholly done by men of the hospital corps, was far from satisfactory. Large numbers of sick, after July 15, were sent to civil hospitals, chiefly in New York and Philadelphia, with resulting relief of pres- 182 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. sure upon the army hospitals and advantage to the sick, though in many cases the condition of the patients transferred was such as should have prevented removal. The hospitals in New York also received many men on furlough from Montauk and elsewhere, who, on reaching that city, proved to be physically unable to travel farther. So great was the number of furloughs granted in the earlier weeks after the signing of the protocol to sick and convalescents who were not fit to leave the hospitals, that orders were issued establishing boards of medical officers, whose duty it was to carefully examine each and every applicant for furlough. Even then the evil was but partially corrected, for frequently men who seemed to be strong enough to safely leave, quickly broke down on the way to their homes. The sick at Montauk were so many, practically all the army that in August and September came back from Cuba, that the hospitals at that place must be specially considered. The establishment of a receiving camp, with necessary hospital accommodations, was determined upon late in July and the eastern end of Long Island was selected as its site, because of isolation and healthfulness. In the first week of August measures were taken to prepare the camp. Before a hospital tent was up troops began to come in from Tampa and other places in the South, bringing a few sick with them. To send these men, over 4,000 in number, to a camp intended as one of recuperation for a large force almost completely broken down, was, medically considered, a mistake, as they would be unnecessarily ex- posed to any infectious diseases that might exist in camp. From an administrative point of view it was none the less so, since it increased the number of those who had to be provided with shelter and food. To make matters worse, several thousand horses and mules were -sent at the same time, the supplying of which with forage added greatly to the transportation difficulties on the railroad and at the station. The transports from Cuba began coming in less than a week and the hospi- tals were not ready for the men. Though an enormous amount of work was done and the energies of all in charge strained to the utmost, it was for weeks a constant struggle to provide shelter for the sick, the number of whom was vastly in excess of that anticipated. Hospital tents were put up as fast as they were received from the Quartermaster's Department, and that department, by the 16th of August, had at Mon- tauk 701 of them ready for issue, sufficient to shelter 4,000 men. Yet they did not actually reach the ground and were not put up fast enough, and many times it happened that the sick were at the hospital hours before tents were ready for them. Supplies were on hand in large quantities, furnished by the Govern- ment, by charitable organizations, and by private individuals. Women nurses were present before any preparations had been made for their care, and they kept coming in rapidly. Doctors, commissioned and contract, were on duty, if not as early as they were needed, soon enough to prevent any serious neglect of the sick. The limited kitchen REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 183 facilities of the early days were by the 21st of August supplemented by the establishment of a diet kitchen by ladies of the Red Cross Auxiliary and representatives of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. No laundry was in operation for a month and large quan- tities of soiled bedding, sheets, etc., were piled up, to be later burned. The sanitation was not that of a well-managed city hospital, but with all its defects it was not bad. Ward work was much interfered with by the crowds of visitors that were daily at the camp. Discipline was lax and there was no proper and efficient hospital guard. Record keeping was imperfectly done and much trouble was caused both medical officers and friends of patients by the efforts, often fruitless, to find particular soldiers known to be, or supposed to be, in the hospital. • The time of the officer in charge and that of the executive officer was largely taken up in attending to those who were asking, begging, demanding furloughs or discharges, and in preparing the necessary papers. Much delay, in some cases actual suffering and positive risk to life, were consequent upon the methods adopted to put into the hand of the furloughed man his transportation order and ration money. Had these been furnished by a properly detailed line officer at the hos- pital, instead of at the railroad station, it would have been much better for those whose enfeebled condition made it hard for them to stand and wait. The history of these Montauk hospitals is the history not of careful, thorough preparation and smooth administration, but of hurried adap- tation to extraordinary demands. In less than sixty days after the time when the site of Camp Wikoff was a waste, over 10,000 sick had gone through the hospitals-general, detention, and division-over 4,000 more had been examined, if not treated, at their regimental hospitals, and neither typhoid nor yellow fever had become epidemic in the camp. The hospitals established at a number of places after the middle of August were well supplied and properly administered, and, so far as has been seen and heard, there were no good grounds for any complaints respecting the care of the sick in them. FEEDING THE SICK. Under regulations in force up to the 10th of August, special food sup- ply for the sick other than the condensed milk, beef extract, and tea, included among the hospital stores, could be secured only by purchase with the money of the hospital fund. As a consequence, as long as there was no fund, because of recent establishment of a hospital or fault in its management, very necessary articles of diet for the sick, includ- ing milk, as also ice, were obtained only by contribution or with money donated. Organized and individual charity furnished very liberally the articles required, but there were many complaints, and well-founded ones, too, that the sick were not receiving such food and in such quau- 184 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. tity as their condition demanded. Again and again it was charged that there was actual starvation, but all testimony given, and it is in abundance, proves the charge unfounded. Typhoid cases, even up to the time of almost complete recovery, were kept, and properly so, on restricted diet, largely fluid, and it was chiefly from these patients and non-medical persons seeing them that the complaints came. In a lim- ited proportion of the severe malarial cases, food, if taken and retained, was imperfectly assimilated and emaciation necessarily followed. Men no longer under hospital treatment, but returned to their commands, who, though convalescent, were far from well (and this was the case with the vast majority of those brought north from Cuba), had to live on the army ration, except so far as company funds made possible the purchase of other supplies or they were furnished by those outside of the Army. To remedy the well-recognized defects in number and variety of articles on the diet list for the sick, measures, at first local, then gen eral, were adopted to create a fund for the purchase of what might be needed. The Key West general hospital was on the 17th of May allowed 60 cents a day per man; a like allowance was on the 16th of June made for those on the hospital train, and on the 2d of August for the sick at Pablo Beach, Fla. In the early part of August 75 cents a day was allowed at Santiago. On the 10th of August, by General Orders, No. 116, Adjutant-General's Office, it was directed that at Montauk, at Pablo Beach, Fla., and at general hospitals, as also on hospital trains and on hospital transports, up to 60 cents per patient should be allowed in commutation of ration, to constitute a special fund, from which should be purchased the entire diet of the enlisted men while undergoing med- ical treatment. By General Orders, No. 136, Adjutant-General's Office, of September 3, a similar allowance was made to those sick in post and field hospitals, and the letters and telegrams of the Commissary-Gen- eral show that it was the intention that every sick man, wherever he might be, in hospital or in quarters, should have the money allowance of the ration. There was some delay in putting the new plan in operation, conse- quent in part upon nonreceipt of orders, in part upon the reluctance with which some medical officers, chiefly regimental, assumed increased pecuniary responsibilities, with associated vouchers and returns. As soon as this delay was over there was no more trouble about supplying the sick with proper diet and in full quantity. Indeed the fund created by the commutation of rations at the maximum amount allowed-60 cents-was not seldom found to be unnecessarily large. That the food supplied might be so prepared as to meet the wants of the various classes of sick, in addition to the regular kitchens, special diet ones were established in the general and later in the division hos- pitals, at Montauk even in the regiments, such kitchens being often under charge and supervision of ladies belonging to relief and aid societies in the vicinity. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 185 TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED. Recognizing the fact that if there should be a war with Spain mili- tary operations would be carried on in Cuba, and consequently sick and wounded brought back by sea, the Surgeon-General, early in April, urged the fitting up of a hospital ship; but no action was taken at the time. Very soon after the declaration of war each of several ves- sels was inspected with reference to its fitness for use as a hospital transport. As no one could be secured under charter, the steamer John Rnglis was purchased ou the 18th of May. Plans for her fitting up were submitted, but for ten days or more held under consideration by the Quartermaster-General, the estimated cost being considered too great. It was not until the 4th of June that the work of preparing her was actually begun, under the supervision of Naval Constructor Bowles. Every effort was made to get the ship ready as quickly as possible, but it was the 2d of July before, as the hospital ship Relief, she was able to leave New York for Cuba, carrying the regular supplies for twenty regiments for a half year and in addition a quantity of the more impor- tant medicines, stores, dressings, etc.; in all, an equipment of a 750-bed hospital for six months. Her outfit was most complete, more than $130,000 being spent upon it. Arriving at Siboney July 7, she dis- charged her cargo of over 700 tons weight, and on the 19th of July left with 135 wounded on board, who were in due time landed at New York. From this time on she has been in constant use, carrying sick and transporting medical supplies. As during the time in July that she was at Siboney sick and con- valescents were being shipped away on ordinary transports, not properly prepared for use as hospital vessels, and as when she left there was a large number of sick to be sent north as quickly as possi- ble, much complaint has been made that, though she could properly carry and care for 250, scarcely more than half that number of men were taken. Apparently a just complaint, in fact it was not such. Yellow fever was prevailing, and had the Relief taken cases of this disease and become infected, as probably she would have been, her usefulness as a hospital ship, for a considerable time at least, would have been at an end. To prevent such a condition occurring the sur- geon in charge decided, and wisely, too, that in view of an existing uncertainty of diagnosis he would not take any cases of fever of any kind, and therefore sailed with only a limited number of patients, all wounded. During the two months-July 15 to September 15-the Relief transported 1,234 sick, of whom 49 died, and 251 wounded, of whom 16 died. When the Fifth Corps left Tampa for Cuba the transport Olivette was set apart as a floating hospital, being supplied with the outfit of a division hospital. Taking up the sick from the transports en route, after arrival at Siboney the wounded from the engagement of the 24th 186 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. of June, and later patients from the shore hospital, the Olivette sailed for New York on the 9th of July with 279 wounded. Returning to Santiago with a considerable quantity of medical supplies, she sailed again on the 15th of August with 203 sick and convalescents, who were carried to Boston. On the 31st of August she sank at the wharf at Fernandina, Fla. A third steamer, the Missouri, tendered to the Government on the 1st of July by Mr. B. N. Baker, was properly fitted up and late in August sent to Cuba, returning to Montauk with 256 sick. She is still in service. By the liberality of the citizens of Boston and its vicinity the Massa- chusetts Volunteer Aid Association was enabled to well equip a hospital ship, the Bay State, which proved to be of great value in transporting a large amount of medicines and stores furnished by the society, and in bringing back sick from Santiago and Porto Rico, 336 in number, of whom only 4 died. This vessel, for which the Massachusetts Vol- unteer Aid Association paid $50,000 purchase price, and $113,000 for outfit, was employed to the great advantage of the sick, as well as of the Medical Department of the Army, until November 15, when she was sold to the Government. TRANSPORTS. The unexpectedly large number of wounded, the severe sickness that rapidly developed, and the fear of and actual outbreak of yellow fever, made it necessary in Cuba to early and frequently send off hospital patients and convalescents, the large proportion of them on ordinary transports. Much and at times very serious complaint was made of the unfitness of the vessels, of their lack of cleanliness and sanitary provision, the bad quality of the water supplied, and the want of doc- tors, nurses, medicines, and hospital stores. From evidence submitted, the conclusion must be reached that many of the complaints were well founded. Inspection of ships at Siboney and Santiago prior to the establishment of a board on August 4 was imperfectly made, if made at all. Overcrowding there was, at times not because of putting on board too large a number of sick, but because convalescents and supposedly well men while in transit fell sick in unexpectedly large proportion. On some of the ships numbers of civilians were either permitted to take passage or managed to get on board shortly before the sailing, their presence, unprovided for, adding largely to the difficulties of caring for the sick. Doctors and nurses were few, but there was only a small number of them that could be spared from service on shore. Much of the time in the earlier weeks there was great scarcity of medicines and stores with the troops; as a consequence little could be supplied to those on shipboard. Further, and most important, it was believed by all in authority, military and medical, that in view of expected engagements, later of the 187 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. danger of yellow fever, and all the while of the extreme debility of the men, it was highly desirable that every sick or wounded soldier should be sent away as soon as possible, even at the cost of a few days' incon- venience, or it might be actual privation. So far as related to the fitting up of the 24 transport vessels employed in this transfer of sick and wounded from Cuba, their cleanliness and water supply, the responsibility for any existing deficiencies rested upon the Quartermaster's Department; while upon the Medical Depart- ment was the responsibility for want of food supplies and medicines, for lack of doctors or nurses, and for any avoidable failures to properly care for the sick. Both departments have found excuse in the conditions prevailing at Tampa and in Cuba. But these conditions could not excuse every- thing, e. g., the not having fresh sweet water, or sending men on board without proper clothing and without knives, forks, spoons, and plates. To two transports in particular, the Seneca and the Concho, general attention was strongly drawn by reports published soon after the arri- val of the vessels at New York. The facts were as stated-the ships had too many sick, and the sick had not enough doctors and nurses; medicines and supplies were in insufficient amount; beds and bedding neither in quantity nor quality were such as the sick should have had; the water supply was not pure and fresh. But it must be remembered that a large number of those on board were at the time of leaving Cuba thought to be able to care for themselves and not to need any medical attention, and all such men were by law entitled to only the ordinary ration. Again, it is in evidence that there were many more passengers on these vessels, officers, civilians, employees, etc., than were put on board by medical officers to be provided for by the Medical Department. RAILROAD AMBULANCE TRAIN. On the 16th of June a well-appointed hospital train of Pullman-later tourist-sleepers and service cars was put on the road, and remained in constant use thereafter. Its full carrying capacity was 270, and under careful management it proved of great value in transferring sick from camps and division hospitals to various general hospitals. In two and a half months it had carried nearly 2,000 patients, with but 4 deaths eu route. AMBULANCES. As far as can be determined, full regulation supply of ambulances was not provided, certainly not for many weeks after the troops were assembled in camps. At most places no serious consequences resulted, as there were enough to answer the requirements. At Montauk, where in time there were 48, only about half of them, perhaps, in good working order, more would have been of service and should have been on hand; but in Cuba, where they were really 188 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR W'ITH SPAIN. needed, ambulances were almost wholly wanting. When the Fifth Corps was ready to leave Tampa, the Medical Department had a fully equipped train of 40. By command of Major-General Shafter it was left behind, and the expedition landed with only 3 ambulances, 10 more being received some days later, after the fights of the 1st and 2d of July. The result was that at first transportation was lacking for what supplies were gotten on shore, the medical wants of the troops were not as well satisfied as the material on hand would have per- mitted, and a large number of wounded were subjected to unnecessary hardship and suffering. It should be remembered, however, that the roads between the fighting line and the base hospitals were such that the moving of wounded in ambulances would have been hardly less trying and painful than it was in wagons. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. To sum up, in brief, the evidence submitted shows: 1. That at the outbreak of the war the Medical Department was, in men and materials, altogether unprepared to meet the necessities of the army called out. 2. That as a result of the action through a generation of contracted and contracting methods of administration, it was impossible for the Department to operate largely, freely, and without undue regard to cost. 3. That in the absence of a special corps of inspectors, and the apparent infrequency of inspections by chief surgeons, and of official reports of the state of things in camps and hospitals, there was not such investigation of the sanitary conditions of the army as is the first duty imposed upon the Department by the regulations. 4. That the nursing force during the months of May, June, and July was neither ample nor efficient, reasons for which may be found in the lack of a proper volunteer hospital corps, due to the failure of Congress to authorize its establishment, and to the nonrecognition in the begin- ning of the value of women nurses and the extent to which their services could be secured. 5. That the demand made upon the resources of the Department in the care of sick and wounded was very much greater than had been anticipated, and consequently, in like proportion, these demands were imperfectly met. 6. That powerless as the Department was to have supplies trans- ferred from point to point, except through the intermediation of the Quartermaster's Department, it was seriously crippled in its efforts to fulfill the regulation duty of "furnishing all medical and hospital supplies." 7. That the shortcomings in administration and operation may justly be attributed, in large measure, to the hurry and confusion incident to the assembling of an army of untrained officers and men, ten times REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 189 larger than before, for which no preparations in advance had been or could be made because of existing rules and regulations. 8. That notwithstanding all the manifest errors, of omission rather than of commission, a vast deal of good work was done by medical offi- cers, high and low, regular and volunteer, and there were unusually few deaths among the wounded and the sick. What is needed by the medical department in the future is- 1. A larger force of commissioned medical officers. 2. Authority to establish in time of war a proper volunteer hospital corps. 3. A reserve corps of selected trained women nurses, ready to serve when necessity shall arise, but, under ordinary circumstances,, owing no duty to the War Department, except to report residence at deter- mined intervals. 4. A year's supply for an army of at least four times the actual strength, of all such medicines, hospital furniture, and stores as are not materially damaged by keeping, to be held constantly on hand in the medical supply depots. 5. The charge of transportation to such extent as will secure prompt shipment and ready delivery of all medical supplies. 6. The simplification of administrative "paper work," so that medical officers may be able to more thoroughly discharge their sanitary and strictly medical duties. 7. The securing of such legislation as will authorize all surgeons in medical charge of troops, hospitals, transports, trains, and independent commands to draw from the Subsistence Department funds for the pur- chase of such articles of diet as may be necessary to the proper treat- ment of soldiers too sick to use the army ration. This to take the place of all commutation of rations of the sick now authorized. Convalescent soldiers traveling on furlough should be furnished transportation, sleeping berths or staterooms, and $1.50 per diem for subsistence in lieu of rations, the soldier not to be held accountable or chargeable for this amount. PAY DEPARTMENT. BRIG. GEN. T. H. STANTON, PAYMASTER-GENERAL, U. S. A., IN CHARGE. The Pay Department has charge of the supply and distribution of and accounting for funds for the payment of the Army, and such other financial duties as are especially assigned to it. Previous to the declaration of war, payments were made to the Army by check and in currency sent by express. After the organization of the volunteer force it was not found practicable to pay by this method, consequently all payments in the field were made by paymasters in person, in cash, which has required an immense amount of work, as the troops have been scattered over two hemispheres. The corps of paymasters was increased by seventy-two, and these 190 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. officers and their clerks entered the service with little or no knowledge of army accounts. A school of instruction was organized, in which each was made familiar with the necessary forms to be used in pay- ments, and the principles of making and rendering accounts; and as a result each officer entered upon his duties with a fair knowledge of the business before him. This preparation has enabled the troops to be paid promptly and intelligently, resulting in fewer errors than would otherwise have occurred. The principal delay in the payment of troops was in Cuba and Porto Rico. In Cuba the colonels of some of the regiments did not desire their regiments paid there, and Major-General Shafter, commanding the army there, approved their requests. The Pay Department had in Cuba 11 paymasters and $1,500,000, and paid about one-third of the United States forces on that island, the other two-thirds being paid after their arrival at Montauk. There has been complaint made as to the payment of the army in Porto Rico. Ten paymasters, with $1,500,000, were sent there. They were stopped at Santiago, and Major- General Miles, Commanding the Army, telegraphed not to have them sent to Porto Rico, as the money might be infected, although it had never been landed from the vessels. In view of this request it was decided not to send these funds to Porto Rico, and new paymasters and new money were sent from New York to make the payments to troops there; this caused the delay of which complaint was made. Except as above, there have been no complaints presented to the commission against this department, and it is evident that for the nonpayment of troops it was not in any instance primarily responsible. The Paymaster-General testified that there was no time during the continuance of the war at which he did not have the money and the officers ready and willing to pay in accordance with law and the customs of the service. So far as the commission can ascertain, all the officers of the Pay Department have performed their duties promptly and efficiently. THE ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, AND CORPS OF ENGINEERS. BRIG. GEN. JOHN M. WILSON, CHIEF OF ENGINEERS U. S. A., IN CHARGE. The Corps of Engineers is charged with the improvement of rivers and harbors; construction, care, and operation of canals; construction and maintenance of works of defense, including the operation of sub- marine mines; the construction and repair of light-houses, and numer- ous other special and minor duties. At the outbreak of the war the Corps of Engineers consisted of 109 officers and a battalion of engineer soldiers organized into four com- panies, with a maximum authorized strength of 500 enlisted men, although the maximum legal strength was 752, organized into live companies. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 191 GUN AND MORTAR BATTERIES. The possibility of war impressed itself so fully upon the chief of this corps that ou January 25, 1898, all officers having charge of the con- struction of seacoast defenses were directed to mount, as rapidly as possible, all guns and carriages then on hand or received later, even if it should be at the disadvantage of incomplete work, the object being to have the guns available for service. The carrying out of these instructions entailed considerable hardships and inconveniences in the North Atlantic forts, where snow to a great depth covered the ground. Every effort was made during the ensuing two months to get in place every possible piece of ordnance that could be obtained for the batter- ies at that time under construction. The first allotment for coast-defense purposes from the appropria- tion for national defense was made March 17, 1898, and amounted to $2,975,000, of which all but $250,000 was devoted to the construction of additional gun batteries. Telegraphic orders for the construction of these works were issued the same day, and in several instances ground was broken the day following. Additional allotments were made from time to time from the appropriation for national defense for the construction of additional gun batteries, both permanent and temporary. A summary of the work accomplished in the construction of gun and mortar batteries during the period of the war is as follows, the first table giving the condition of the permanent seacoast armament prior to the outbreak of hostilities, the second the condition August 1, 1898: I. 12-inch. 10-inch, 8-inch. Mortars. Rapid- fire. Armament in place 10 44 9 88 o Ready for armament 5 32 22 72 5 Under construction 9 6 o 72 4 Total 24 82 33 232 9 IL Armament in place 16 27 37 70 28 19 35 7 22 144 64 104 26 16 37 Ready for armament Under construction Total 80 117 64 312 79 Iii addition to the permanent armament, temporary batteries for old- type rifled and smoothbore seacoast guns and for modern siege guns and for modern 8-inch B. L. rifles on improvised carriages were erected at various points either wholly defenseless or deficient in armament. Seventy-five emplacements of this character were built and armed dur- ing the war at 21 different harbors. 192 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. SUBMARINE-MINE DEFENSES. On March 28 the following instructions to all officers of the Corps of Engineers in charge of torpedo defenses were issued: Office of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, Washington, March 28,1898. Sir: I have the honor to request that you will endeavor to organize a corps of about 120, more or less, patriotic citizens, who, without promise of pay, will be ready to give you their services in case of a sudden emergency under which immediate action may be demanded. These citizens should consist of expert electricians, civil engineers, machinists, telegraph and telephone experts, steam fitters, cable men, in fact men who are will- ing to aid in an emergency, and whose youth, brains, and mechanical ingenuity will be of great help to you in a crisis. This corps should be organized into convenient divisions, according to the class of work to be performed, such as land telegraph or telephone work, submarine-mine work, expert electrical work, etc. The divisions should be further organized into convenient squads with regard to further classification of work. The divisions and squads should be assigned to the charge of the most expert and capable men as commanders. A scheme of this kind already put in operation covers four divisions of four squads, each classified according to the nature of the work, and embracing all branches of electrical and steam engineering work and of signal work. You are also requested to endeavor to have this organization, at its own expense, equip itself with tools ready for an emergency, everything boxed for a sudden move- ment, and you are also requested to find out just where you can place your hands upon all materials necessary for equipping and working the mines now under your control, and assisting in the defense of the various harbors in the engineering dis- trict under your charge. Arrangements of this character have been made for one or two of the most important districts, and it is hoped that you may be able to accomplish something of the same character. Far more is now expected of the Corps of Engineers than ever before, and even with the very limited funds and materials at its command I am satisfied that it will be able to accomplish important results when the crisis comes. Upon receipt of a telegram from me to go ahead, you will be authorized to make purchases of materials required and to employ such persons as are necessary, and I will endeavor to get an allotment for payments. Your rolls should fully cover the name, character of employment, rate of pay, and time of all persons who may aid you when called upon. Very respectfully, John M. Wilson, Brigadier-General, Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army. At the outbreak of the war there was on hand at various harbors a fairly sufficient number of mine cases and of operating casemates, but practically no cable, explosives, operating apparatus, search lights, or any of the multitude of minor articles necessary for successfully plant- ing and operating the mines. An allotment of $250,000 from the appropriation for national defense, made March 17, 1898, was applied at once, under telegraphic orders, to the purchase and distribution 193 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. of the most necessary articles of torpedo material, especially cable. Pending the acquisition of sufficient standard material, the following instructions, under date of April 3, were issued for torpedo harbor defenses. Headquarters Corps or Engineers, United States Army, Washington, April 3, 1898. Sir : The emergency which has been anticipated appears to be almost upon us. I received yesterday an allotment of funds for torpedo service, and at once ordered by telegraph the purchase of materials; it will probably take three months to obtain what will be needed for one-fourth of our coast line. In the meantime you must make the best possible torpedo defense for the harbors in your charge, with the materials in hand and such temporary expedients as you can devise. You can telegraph Major Knight * asking when he can furnish what is absolutely necessary to complete the system, so far as the mines you have available are con- cerned; and if his reply does not indicate that you can get them in a week or ten days then you are authorized to purchase whatever is absolutely necessary in open market wherever you can obtain it, reporting purchases and cost to this office. You are requested to commence, on receipt of this letter, preparations for planting mines and to go as far as possible in your work without interfering immediately with main channels; you are authorized to employ all necessary help, to adopt tem- porary expedients of any kind deemed proper by you, and to understand that all necessary power and responsibility, so far as law and regulations will admit, are now committed to you. Be as economical as possible, and remember that there are numerous harbors besides those in your charge, in regard to which similar orders will be sent. It is not the fault of the Corps of Engineers that we are not fully prepared, but it will be its fault and that of each district officer in case we do not at once take advantage of the limited means now at our command. I requested yesterday that orders be sent to Willets Point to send to you noncom- missioned officer and privates to aid you in your torpedo work. I would gladly send more, but already over one-third of the battalion has been named for these details. Use every effort in this emergency; arrange for boats; set up operating apparatus in casemates; arrange mooring anchors; lay your cables and junction boxes; pre- pare your compound plugs; get your mines ready; purchase what is absolutely necessary for the mines you now have that you can not procure at once from Major Knight; extemporize temporary mines, employ all the help you want, but go ahead and show what the Corps of Engineers can do when an emergency arises for which our country is unprepared. Very respectfully, John M. Wilson, Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army. It was the foresight indicated by these letters that enabled the corps so promptly to protect our principal harbors with proper torpedo defense, which had great effect in satisfying the commercial interests of the country that they were safe from successful attack. April 21 the order to plant mines was given, and by the close of the month practically nearly every harbor of importance was defended by at least a preliminary line of mines, the material of which, in part, had to be improvised from local sources. The purchase and shipment of standard submarine-mine apparatus * The officer in charge of the torpedo depot at Willets Point, N. Y. 7833-vol,. 1 13 194 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. of all kinds were pushed with the greatest possible energy, and the tor- pedo lines at each harbor were constantly extended, improved, and maintained. The conditions under which some of this work was carried on, particularly in the early stages, were most trying, unusually stormy and cold weather prevailing and rendering work on the water disagree- able and hazardous. In connection with the submarine-mine defenses it was necessary to prescribe special regulations for the navigation of friendly vessels and to maintain a fleet of patrol boats to enforce them. Owing to the deficiency in a trained personnel, it was practicable to assign only a few engineer soldiers to each harbor, the total number distributed to some 25 harbors being 156. Reliance was largely placed upon civilian electricians, mechanics, and laborers. This civilian force was organized in part from volunteers prior to the time when funds became available. Among the principal items of torpedo material purchased during the war may be named 44 search lights, 150 tons explosives, 400 miles cable, 1,650 mine cases, 1,500 compound plugs, 17 sets operating appa- ratus, besides a vast multitude of minor miscellaneous articles, weighing in the aggregate many hundred tons. In consequence of the destruction of the Spanish fleet under Admiral Cervera and the signing of the protocol, the work of clearing harbors and channels of the mines was commenced early in August and restric- tions upon commerce removed as rapidly as possible. EQUIPMENT OF ENGINEER TROOPS. On April 16 orders were sent to prepare all available pontoon material for a sudden call, and on April 29 the entire available equipment at Willets Point and West Point embarked for Florida with Company E, battalion of engineers. All available intrenching tools were sent at the same time. For many years, for want of funds, the pontoons and intrenching material at the engineer depot had been steadily deterio- rating, so that the amount available on the first call was barely equal to the demand. Allotments of $10,000 and $3,000 from appropriation for national defense were made April 20 and May 4 and at once applied to increasing the stock of pontoon material and intrenching tools. The various deficiency acts subsequently passed rendered available addi- tional funds for equipment of engineer troops, and the Department was at all times able to respond promptly to every requisition for sup- plies. An additional bridge train was sent to Tampa for use of the expeditionary force, and a large assortment of intrenching tools, special tools, drawing and surveying instruments and materials were issued during the period of the war. ENGINEER BATTALION. As stated above, the authorized enlisted strength of the Engineer Battalion prior to hostilities was 500 men, organized into four com- REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 195 panies. Owing to the diplomatic situation it was deemed prudent to represent the advisability of increasing the strength of the battalion to its maximum legal strength, viz, 750, and application was accord- ingly made March 21. Under date of April 4 the Secretary of War authorized the enlistment of 202 additional men and one additional company, making the strength of the battalion 702. Subsequently the act of Congress for increasing the Regular Army in time of war brought the strength of the battalion to 752. Two companies, of 100 men each, accompanied the expedition to Cuba and rendered valuable service with the Army. One company of about 125 men was dispatched to Manila, P. I. The remainder were employed on the torpedo defenses and at the engineer depot, Willets Point, assisting in the shipment of the torpedo material and material for equipment of engineer troops. Wherever officers of this corps have been assigned to duty the testi- mony shows that they have acted with great promptness and to the great benefit of the service. The testimony of commanding officers of campaigns, troops, and camps has been in high praise of the services of the Corps of Engineers. This commendation has been because of the efficient preparations made before the beginning of the war with Spain for any emergency, the energy displayed by the officers of the Department and the esprit de corps that permeates the entire force. ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. BRIG. GEN. D. W. FLAGLER, CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, U. S. A., IN CHARGE. The duties of the Ordnance Department are, procuring, by purchase or manufacture, and distributing the necessary ordnance and ordnance supjilies for the Government, and the establishment and maintenance of arsenals and depots for their manufacture and safe-keeping. At the beginning of the war the Ordnance Corps consisted of 1 brig- adier general, 3 colonels, 4 lieutenant-colonels, 10 majors, 22 captains, 14 first lieutenants, 1 ordnance storekeeper with rank of major, 1 ord- nance storekeeper with rank of captain, 104 ordnance sergeants and 488 enlisted men. The act of Congress approved July 8, 1898, added to the regular establishment 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 2 captains, and 6 first lieutenants, and authorized the appointment of a chief ordnance officer with the rank of lieutenant-colonel for each army corps, and a chief ordnance officer with the rank of major for each division organized. This increase was not large enough to furnish the officers needed by the Department for the discharge of the greatly increased duties. It must be borne in mind that the efficient ordnance officer is a specialist who must be trained by experience and can not be improvised. The work of the department was, of course, greatly increased by the war with Spain. W en it was seen that war was probable the necessity of a rapid completion of the system of coast defenses was at 196 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. once appreciated. The Ordnance Department, in connection with the Engineer Department, made strenuous efforts to provide for defenses needed, the first steps being taken in February before any appropria- tion was available. From the 9th of March the work of completing the armament for the coast defenses was pushed with all possible dispatch, night shifts being employed, the force increased at the gun factory, and the completion of guns and forgings hastened. Not much could be done to hasten the deliveries of the larger seacoast guns, the time required for manufacturing the forgings and the finish- ing and assembling of the guns being too great. Attempts were made to induce the manufacturers who had contracts for mortars to expedite their work. Five additional 10-inch guns were obtained from the Beth- lehem Iron Company under their contract. The manufacture of carriages could be hastened and proper steps were taken to complete those necessary for the guns on hand and in process of manufacture. With rapid-fire guns it was possible to accomplish more, and they were purchased as fast as satisfactory offers to furnish them could be obtained from American and foreign manufacturers. When war seemed imminent the supply of powder and projectiles on hand for coast defense was inadequate. Manufacturers of these were conferred with and the necessities of the nation explained to them, the result being that they increased their plants, and in some cases employed outside establishments, thus multiplying their capacity. The results of all these attemps to rush the completion of the coas defenses, in its various ordnance branches, was, as had been foreseen, inadequate. The making of heavy guns, mortars, carriages for the same, and the projectiles necessary for their use requires plants whose instal- lation is a matter of time. These once installed and in working order, the time required for the necessary work is so long and the difficulties inherent in the manufacture so great that a large increase in the out- put can not suddenly be made. The experience of the late war supports what has been so often said by the ordnance specialists, that the coast defense of the country must be provided for before an emergency arises. The details as to the supplies of ordnance and ordnance stores on hand at the beginning of the war are given in the replies of the Chief of Ordnance to the inquiries of the commission. SMALL ARMS. On April 1, 1898, the small arms with which the Army was provided was the ritie and carbine, caliber .30, and revolver, caliber .38. There were on hand April 1: Rifles, caliber .30 53, 508 Carbines, caliber .30 14, 875 Revolvers, caliber .38 4,517 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 197 There were received up to September 1: Riflea, caliber .30 26, 728 Carbines, caliber .30 1,140 Revolvers, caliber .38 5,850 And there were issued to troops up to September 1: Rifles, caliber .30 53, 571 Remaining on band 27, 665 Carbines, caliber .30 11, 715 Remaining on hand 4, 300 Revolvers, caliber .38 9, 515 Remaining on hand 852 The National Guard was armed largely with the S. B. L. rifle and carbine, caliber .45, and revolver, caliber .45. Of these there were on hand, received, and issued up to September 1 as follows: On hand Apr. 1. Received. Issued. On hand Sept. 1. Rifles, caliber .45 265, 895 3,526 84, 391 185, 030 Carbines, caliber .45 7, 983 3, 276 4,705 Revolvers, caliber .45 1, 645 16, 300 13, 363 4,582 The volunteers were, with few exceptions, provided with the Spring- field B. L. rifle and carbine, caliber .45, and the caliber .45 revolver, as the Department did not have on hand enough caliber .30 arms for the purpose j nor could it manufacture them fast enough to supply the demand. The manufacture was hastened, and as the arms were fur- nished the volunteers were supplied with them, there being put in their hands up to December 8,110,000 rifles and carbines, caliber .30. The putting of the caliber .45 rifle in the hands of troops has been much criticised during and since the war. It was done because there was need of immediately arming them, and as the country did not pos- sess the requisite number of the caliber .30 rifles the weapons on hand had to be used. Further, in the opinion of certain general officers, the caliber .45 rifle, with smokeless powder, was more destructive than the caliber .30 arm, and was a simpler, less complicated weapon. At the beginning of the war the Regular Army was furnished with small-arms ammunition in which the smokeless powder was used, all the caliber .30 ammunition being of this character. The Ordnance Department had been for two or three years experimenting on powder for the caliber .45 cartridge and had succeeded in finding what it wanted, but as the capacity for making such powder in this country is limited, the first efforts were directed toward supplying a sufficient amount of it for the ammunition for the caliber .30 arm. The Chief of Ordnance testifies that in about two months he was able to get it for the .45-caliber cartridge from private manufacturers, and after this time it was used iu the making of nearly all the caliber .45 ammunition. 198 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The troops armed with the caliber .45 rifle at the time of the engage- ments at Santiago had black powder, as also had those in Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands. In the fights about Santiago the use of black powder was severely condemned by the officers in command. The smoke located the position of the troops. The men armed with the caliber .45 rifle and using the black powder were withdrawn from the actions on the 1st and 2d of July. The light batteries at Santiago also had black powder at the engagements of July 1 and 2, and it was found that the smoke of the discharges made an excellent mark for the enemy's artillery fire. The advantages of smokeless powder were fully understood by the Ordnance Department, and the initial steps were taken for its use with both small arms and artillery. The ammunition for field guns in the hands of troops and in store at the beginning of the war was black powder, because it was on hand and economy required that it should be used for peace purposes. When the war came the Department was unable to at once furnish smokeless powder for the field guns, but the manufacture of it was promptly begun, and in a short time a supply of it was available. For the troops armed with the caliber .45 rifle-and these were, as has been stated, practically all the volunteers-so little ammunition was supplied up to the middle of July that not even ten black-powder cartridges per man could be issued for target practice. EQUIPMENT. The Department did not have on hand at the beginning of the war any large supply of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and horse equipments. The buildings for a plant for their manufacture had been erected at Rock Island Arsenal, but the plant itself had not been installed through fail- ure to obtain the necessary appropriation. In the first issues of equipments to troops there was some delay caused by the lack of proper plant for their manufacture, and as they were not on the market as articles of commerce they could not be pur- chased at once. Steps were immediately taken to correct the evil; the plant was installed at Rock Island Arsenal, and the number of employees there increased from 400 on April 13 to 2,900 on August 31. At this latter date the Department was turning out 6,000 sets of infantry equip- ments per day. An element in the production of delay at first in issuing equipment to the volunteer troops was the fact that many sets of such equipments had been issued to the National Guard of the several States. These were reported as serviceable, and when the National Guard was called out as volunteers it was presumed they would be properly equipped from the stores in the hands of the State authorities. It was found, however, that a large proportion of these stores were not in fit condi- REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 199 tion for field service, and they had to be replaced, thus making an unexpected call upon the resources of the Department. The greatest difficulty and confusion in the supply of equipment to the troops was experienced at Camp Thomas. The chief of ord- nance had recommended the establishment of a depot at that place, but his recommendation was not complied with, the general commanding the camp not concurring because of the proximity of the arsenal at Columbia. Tenn., which arsenal, however, was soon used for other pur- poses. Had such depot been established the confusion and delays in the matter of equipment of the troops there would undoubtedly have been much lessened. SUMMARY. The testimony before the commission shows that the Ordnance Depart- ment was untiring in its work both before and during the war, and that every effort was made by its officers to properly arm and equip the troops. The delays that occurred were none of them of serious import, and it was beyond the power of the Department to prevent them. The great work of this department must be done in times of peace before war comes. Guns, mortars, carriages, small arms, ammunition, and equipments must be decided upon in advance, the plants for their production established, and a supply accumulated sufficent for the probable needs of the country. There is no time after war is declared in which to make this provision. It is a great work, requiring careful study and investigation' on the part of the officers, a wide compre- hension as to the probable needs of the country, and the disbursing of large sums of money. The work of preparing for war can be done no faster than appropriations will permit, and a very important duty of the Chief of Ordnance is submitting to Congress the proper recommen- dations and estimates for appropriations to carry on the work of his department in the best manner. The testimony before the commission shows that the Ordnance Department had in the past fully appreciated the situation; that it had so far as lay in its power provided for the contingency of war; that its chief had placed before Congress the necessary data to enable that body to judge knowingly of the needs of the department to do its appointed work; that he had in his recommendations as to the dis- tribution of money appropriated anticipated the conditions which war would bring, had urged that the making of guns and carriages might take precedence of that of other articles which require less time to manufacture, and that the necessary plants might be established to meet the demands that would immediately follow a declaration of war. RECOMMENDATIONS. The commission would urge that- 1. Au amount of arms, ammunition, and equipments should be kept 200 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. constantly in store to secure the prompt outfitting of any force that may reasonably be expected to be suddenly called out. 2. That the shops at the various arsenals, especially those at Bock Island, should be thoroughly equipped for any work that they may be required to do, and maintained in a condition of complete preparation. THE SIGNAL CORPS. BRIG. GEN. A. W. GREELY, CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, U. S. A., IN CHARGE. The Chief Signal Officer is charged, under the Secretary of War, with the direction of the Signal Bureau; with the control of the officers, enlisted men, and employees attached thereto; with the construction, repair, and operation of military telegraph lines; with the supervision of such instruction in military signaling and telegraphy as may be prescribed in orders from the War Department; with the procurement, preservation, and distribution of the necessary supplies for the corps. He has charge of all military signal duties, and of books, papers, and devices connected therewith, including telegraph and telephone appara- tus and the necessary instruments for target ranges and other military uses; of collecting and transmitting information for the Army, by tele- graph or otherwise, and all other duties pertaining to military signaling. Ou account of the very meager appropriation to this branch of the service prior to the commencement of hostilities, this corps was not in condition for war. General Greely says that "the approach of the war found eight available officers and fifty men of the Signal Corps widely scattered-from Oregon to Texas on the south and New York on the east. There were not more than two men at any station, and only $800 was available for war expenses." For the amount of work to be done, and done promptly, there was no department in the Army so utterly helpless as the Signal Corps. This condition of affairs was not its fault. The facts stated in the last annual report of the Chief Signal Officer will show that he did all that he could to have the corps in better shape, and urged that much of the work be done in peace that was required in an emergency. The long line of Atlantic coast, the Gulf coast, and the Pacific coast, with their many harbors and harbor defenses, were not supplied with proper telegraph cables for electrical interconnection between adjacent fortifications. General Greely says: These harbor defenses, save two or three experimental stations, had no electrical installation for the fire-control system, an absolutely necessary adjunct of disap- pearing grtns. Under this system the range officers, located a long distance from the batteries, determine every minute or less the position of the enemy's ships and communicate this information to the officer who controls the firing. The control officer plots the positions and at a suitable instant causes, through the firing officers, the mortars to be discharged or one or all the guns to rise, deliver their fire, and then disappear in their pits. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 201 All our modern fortifications were, with, the exceptions named, with- out this connection between the range, the control, and the firing officers. To establish this communication was the work to be done, and to be done at ogee. In addition to this the volunteer and regular troops that had been called out and mobilized had to have their camps equipped with tele- graph or telephone lines, connecting the brigade, division, and corps headquarters. The permanent military telegraph lines along the Mex- ican frontier, or running to the heart of the great Indian reservations, aggregating 900 miles, had to be regularly operated by the corps. These duties confronted the Signal Corps before there was a gun fired. The chief signal officer and the officers and men under his com- mand were equal to every emergency, and the work was so quickly and successfully done that there has not been a complaint filed from any source before this commission. The officers who have testified before us about the workings of this corps have, without a single exception, complimented in the highest terms the skill, efficiency, energy, and courage of the corps. What the corps did we will briefly state. It is due these gallant men that we should go into more extended detail, but we refer those who want to examine this work more fully to the testimony and to the various reports of the officers of the Signal Corps. On April 5 the Secretary of War allotted from the national-defense fund $23,700 for New York Harbor. Other important harbors were subsequently pro- vided for from the same fund. Cables were immediately laid to con- nect adjacent fortifications in many of the most important harbors. Electrical installation was provided for all the important modern bat- teries. Skilled men to operate these various appliances were provided. The force was supplemented by the addition of 45 trained sergeants and about 50 detailed men, partly instructed. The Volunteer Signal Corps was organized under acts of Congress approved May 18 and July 7. There were mustered into service under these acts 115 officers and about 1,000 men. One provision of the acts of Congress was of great advantage in securing the best men for this service, to wit, that two-thirds of the officers and enlisted men should be skilled electricians or telegraphers. Highly trained officers in the prime of life were secured, and the remarkable fact is reported that not one of them was either invalided or obliged to quit his duties during the war, though they served at Santiago, in Porto Rico, and at Manila. This Volunteer Signal Corps built and equipped over 250 miles of telephone and telegraph lines in the different camps in the United States, bringing all the various headquarters in close communication. When war commenced and the fleets started for Cuba and the trans- ports to Manila, the Signal Corps was on hand. The men of this corps 202 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. cut the cables, often displaying great courage in doing their work under the enemy's guns. At Santiago they located Cervera and the Spanish lines. They landed with the troops, laid their telegraph lines, following the line of battle as it advanced, kept up communication with the base of operation almost from the firing line, and when the two days' fighting that resulted in the capture of Santiago occurred General Shafter said he had telegraphic communication with all his division commanders from his headquarters to the firing line. After the capture of Santiago and before the news of the surrender had reached all parts of the United States this corps had coupled the broken cable, and the President of the United States was able to learn promptly the details of the surrender at Santiago. The same suc- cessful work was accomplished at Porto Rico, and also at Manila, except the cable. The total amount of money available for the Signal Corps for eighteen months, ending December 31, 1898, aggregated $609,000. In addition this corps was charged with the censorship of all dis- patches passing over the cable lines, the delicate and responsible duties connected with which were faithfully discharged. During the past twenty-five years, owing to the rapid development of artillery and small arms, great changes have taken place in modern warfare, whereby lines of battle of opposing forces are formed at such great distances apart, the movements of assaulting columns have be- come so much more dangerous, the determinations by scouts or armed reconnoissances of the position and strength of an enemy have been rendered so difficult, that the services of the Signal Corps during time of war have become of inestimable value. The work accomplished by the Signal Corps was of great aid to the army in the field and very efficient in maintaining communication in all of the camps. CAMPS AND THEIR SANITATION. GAMP GEORGE IT. THOMAS. On April 15, 1898, by direction of the Secretary of War, a part of the Regular Army was ordered to rendezvous at Chickamauga Park, selected by the Commanding General of the Army as a place for the assembling of a portion of the troops intended for use in the anticipated war with Spain. On the 23d of the same month the encampment was designated as Camp George H. Thomas. Chickamauga Park, as is well knowu, is situated about 9 miles from the city of Chattanooga, Tenn., in the State of Georgia, and is the property of the United States. When this property was purchased as a reservation to commemorate the great three days' battle of 1863, fought thereon, it was contemplated that it might be used as a place for assembling troops in case of war. The means of communication REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 203 between Chattanooga and the park were and are a good macadam turn- pike and the Chattanooga, Rome and Southern Railway Company, which has a single track only. The Southern Railway runs along near the western boundary of the park, and some troops were unloaded and loaded at Rossville, a station about 3 miles distant. Other troops were brought upon the Atlantic and Western Railway to Ringgold, about 6 miles away. The park contains about 7,000 acres, two-thirds of which is wooded largely with oak trees, the balance being cleared or open land. The wooded portion had been thoroughly cleaned of underbrush, and the trees are a sufficient distance apart and the surface is sufficiently smooth so that loaded wagons can be driven over nearly every part of it, and is so open that the sun can shine upon the ground almost every- where at some hour of the day. The surface of the park is gently rolling and is effectively drained in nearly every part. The height of the different portions above the sea level varies from 720 to 940 feet. It has no very rough or precipitous places, and the ground occupied by the troops was easy of access and sufficiently level for comfort and convenience. It is traversed in various directions by about 24 miles of good macadam roads, making transportation unusually easy. The soil is of a clay loam upon a foundation of limestone, which comes near the surface in most places and quite so over a large part of the wooded portion. The strata of this limestone rock run at all angles from per- pendicular to horizontal and are loosely connected with each other. The climate was reputed to be dry and not excessively or uncom- fortably hot in summer, and the locality free from typhoid fever and other infectious diseases and generally healthful. As soon as it was decided to use the park, preparations were commenced for the reception and care of the troops. Storehouses for quartermaster's and commis- sary's stores and corrals for animals were rapidly constructed. The terminal facilities at Battlefield Station, which is situated at Lytle, on the southern border of the park, at that time were very limited; but the railroad people showed commendable activity in putting in addi- tional sidings for the largely increased traffic which was to come. The railroad facilities, although in time fairly sufficient, were never as ample as was desirable. This lack was not so great as to be serious or to materially affect the desirability of the park for a camp site. Ten store- houses, 20 by 100 feet, for the commissary stores and a sufficient num- ber for quartermaster's supplies were rapidly constructed. The park commissioners immediately commenced the sinking of wells, and the work was rapidly pushed forward until forty-five in all were ready for use. The needs of the coming forces appeared to be appre- hended by all the departments to which were committed the duty of preparation. Enough tentage for the troops was furnished except to the hospitals, where the supply was sometimes very inadequate. Transportation was usually sufficient. 204 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Rations were good in quality and abundant in quantity. Medicines and medical supplies were at times deficient. Laundry work for the hospital was done at Chattanooga. An adequate and satisfactory refrigerating plant for the reception and preservation of fresh beef was erected by the beef contractors. A large bakery with a capacity of 60,000 loaves per day was built, and in a reasonable time after the establishment of the camp it was in operation and furnished excellent bread. Most of the regular troops were encamped on the open ground and most of the volunteers in the woods heretofore described. Regiments and brigades were usually placed quite close together-closer than was desirable or necessary, as there was ample space. The reasons assigned for placing the troops in the woods were that in hot weather the shade would be grateful and the open ground would be left for drilling and tactical maneuvers. MOVEMENT OE TROOPS. The first regiment of the Regular Army arrived about the middle of April and the others followed in rapid succession until 7,283 officers and men were in the park. The first volunteer troops arrived about the middle of May and were quickly followed by others, until by May 31 there were 44,227 present. Some days as many as five or six regi- ments arrived, taxing the railroads and camp transportation to the utmost. When the Chattanooga, Rome and Southern Railway was unable to handle all the troops arriving they were unloaded at Rossville and some of the artillery and cavalry at Chattanooga and all marched into camp. On June 30 there were 58,548 troops in camp; on July 31 43,823 troops; on August 31 there were 13,161 troops; total number of troops that arrived at Camp Thomas was 69,459 volunteers and 7,283 regulars. The average number in camp during May, June, and July was 46,947. On May 7 the First Army Corps was constituted and May 16 Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke was placed in command of it, being already in command of the camp. The Third Army Corps was constituted the same date, and May 16 placed under the command of Maj. Gen. James F. Wade. All the regular troops left for Tampa in the early part of May. Ernst's Brigade, of Wilson's Division, left Camp Thomas July 8 for Porto Rico; the balance of the First Division, First Corps, with General Brooke in command, left July 23 for the same place. During the latter part of August quite a large number of troops were ordered to their several States and subsequently mustered out. Those remaining were disposed of as follows, viz, on August 21 and 22, the Second and Third Divisions of the First Corps were sent to Lexington, Ky., and Knoxville, Tenn., respectively. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 205 Early in September what was left of the Third Corps was transferred to Anniston, Ala., and subsequently made part of the Fourth Corps. At the end of September there was but a small detachment of troops left in camp. Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke commanded the camp from April 20 to July 23; Maj. Gen. James F. Wade from July 23 to August 2, and Maj. Gen. J. C. Breckinridge from August 2 until its practical abandonment. WATER SUPPLY. At the time the first troops arrived at the park there were nine deep- drilled wells, besides several wells at farmhouses and a number of cold springs which had been considered pure. These springs and wells were cleaned out and the wells provided with pumps by the park commissioners before the water was used. These wells and those subsequently sunk were piped to the bottom with six-inch iron tubing, which projected two or three feet above the surface of the ground. The pipes above the ground were protected by stone laid in cement for the purpose of preventing surface drainage getting into the wells. The principal springs outside the park are Crawfish Springs, capacity, say, 15,000,000 gallons per day, distance miles; Blue Springs, dis- tance, 3 miles; Ellis Springs, distance, 4 miles. All furnished good and abundant water. The water supplied the camp was obtained from the springs above mentioned, hauled in barrels furnished by the Quartermaster's Departmen to the different regimental organizations from the nine wells in existence in the park before the arrival of the troops, and thirty-six more that were rapidly sunk in convenient localities, and from Chickamauga Creek. The wells furnished one barrel per minute by vigorous pumping. The use of Crawfish Springs was discontinued about July 1 on account of disagreement with the owner as to compensation, and the direct supply from that source was cut off. The park commissioners put in a water system at Chickamauga Creek, where it touches the park on its northern and eastern corner. An intake was constructed at that point, a power house erected and furnished with steam pumping machinery, with a capacity of 1,300,000 gallons per day, and a reservoir with a capacity of 17,000 gallons was erected some distance from the pump house upon an elevation suffi- ciently high so that the water could be distributed through the various portions of the park by gravity. The water-pipe line was about 10 miles in length and extended to the camps of numerous regiments. Chickamauga Creek has its source some 20 miles distant from the park, in the highlands, and is fed by numerous springs, the most important of which are Pond, Gowdy, Owen, Lee, and Crawfish. The anxiety to furnish the water to the troops at the earliest possible 206 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. moment prevented putting the pipes into the ground at first, but as soon as possible and as far as practicable this was done. In the meantime the heating of the pipes by the sun's rays made the water very warm and unpalatable. The water supply was a cause of much anxiety and comment by officers and men during the entire occu- pancy of the camp, and much testimony has been taken respecting it. We visited the park October 28 and examined the source ofsupply at Chickamauga Creek; also the wells and some of the springs. The banks of the Creek are composed of a reddish loam, readily soluble, which makes its waters always usually more or less roily, and after heavy rains quite muddy. Cave Creek, which drains a large portion of the camp occupied by the troops, naturally ran into Chickamauga Creek at a point near the intake pipe of the water system. Before any water was pumped a ditch was cut from Cave Creek at a point about 60 feet above where it entered Chickamauga Creek to a point in said creek 60 feet below where the intake pipe was placed. A dam was constructed across the natural channel of Cave Creek, thus diverting its water into the ditch. It appears from the testimony that the top of the dam washed off once or twice during the heavy rains, but that no water was pumped at those times. We do not think that the water supply was con- taminated by the drainage through Cave Creek. A careful examination of the camp sites and general formation of the ground leads to the conclusion that the waters of Chickamauga Creek at the intake were not contaminated from the park. All the chemical and bacteriological examinations made of this water of which we have knowledge show that it was not a source of infection and might have been used with safety. The fact remains, however, that the water was quite unsatisfactory and repugnant to most of the troops. Many of them refused to drink it, and at last its use was inter- dicted unless boiled. Boiling as a rule was found to be impracticable, or, at least, was not generally adopted and soon ceased almost entirely. The hot weather made the water very warm and the heavy rains made it muddy and unpalatable. Filters were used to a limited extent, but their use amounted to but little, as they soon clogged with the large amount of solid substances which were held in suspension in the water. At first all the wells in the camp furnished cool and pure water, but later some of them became contaminated and their use was discontinued. Whether any of those which were not discontinued were contaminated may be a mooted question, but the evidence before us does not warrant the statement that such was the fact. A very considerable quantity of the water used for drinking during July and August was drawn from the springs above mentioned, which were located outside of the park, the procuring of which was at times a serious inconvenience. There were but few bathing houses, soldiers generally bathing below the intake in Chickamauga Creek. The troops washed their clothing in REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 207 water obtained from the pipe system, from the wells and springs, and in Chickamauga Creek. The water supply at Camp Thomas was at times insufficient for com- fort, especially when-the largest number of troops were there. At these times of shortness of water considerable inconvenience and dis- comfort were caused, but it did not amount to distress. It is very difficult to determine from the evidence to what extent impure water contributed to the production of sickness, but it is probable that it did to a considerable degree. The men would drink any clear water with- out much thought as to its source, and it appears that they used water which was known to be impure and which was forbidden. In some cases this practice was induced no doubt by disinclination to drink the roily water from Chickamauga Creek. SANITATION. Many causes conspired to make the sanitary condition of Camp Thomas very imperfect and at times decidedly bad. In the woods where most of the troops were located the soil was very shallow, so that sinks could not generally be dug on an average of more than 3 or 4 feet, which was not over one-half of the regulation depth, before rock would be struck. When the heavy rains came in July the sinks, owing to the character of the soil, which would not allow seepage of liquids through it and the rock underneath, filled with water and overflowed, carrying the fecal matter over the surface of the ground to a greater or less dis- tance. The earth was only slightly absorbent, and when thrown into the sinks, as some was supposed to be many times during the day, it would absorb but little of the liquid contents and do but little if any good. At first but a small quantity of disinfectants were used in or about the sinks, as the regulations prescribed that they should not be furnished, and the necessity for their use did not seem to be fully appreciated. Even after their use became urgent great difficulty in procuring them was experienced, and it was not until August that lime and other dis- infectants were furnished in sufficient quantities. It is much to be regretted that so much delay occurred in this important matter. Another potent cause of the insanitary condition of the camp was fur- nished by the men defecating in the woods in close proximity to their tents. The pollution varied in different localities, but was at first quite general, and, with the sinks, was no doubt a prolific soure of infection. Vigorous efforts were made to put a stop to such an unsoldierly and dangerous practice, but, although materially lessened, it was never wholly suppressed. The camping places proper of the various, regiments were, with few exceptions, well policed and kept in good sanitary condition, excepting the sinks, which were very often too near the quarters of the men, and 208 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. were not inclosed for some time after the establishment of the camp. Much of the refuse of the camps and corrals was drawn to various places more or less remote and burned, and it does not appear that any neglect to do this was a serious cause of unhealthfulness of the troops. Some of the regiments burned their kitchen refuse in their kitchen fires. During the existence of the camp as many as 600 licenses to hucksters were granted. A system of inspection of what they had for sale was adopted, and all articles supposed to be deleterious to the men were excluded; but there can not be much doubt that the large quantities of pies, cakes, fruits, etc., eaten were the cause of much sickness, especially intestinal disorders. Many of the regiments maintained can- teens, from which were sold large quantities of beer, quantities so large that the health of the men must necessarily have been injuriously affected. Passes to Chattanooga were allowed to from two to six men per day per company. That place offered full facilities for indulgence of appetite in many directions, and the dissipation of the men who visited that city, with or without permission, worked much injury to the command. The weather was extremely hot up to July 1, and after that very rainy, which was unexpected and unprecedented, and caused great discomfort to all and suffering and sickness to some. The rapid decomposition of kitchen and other refuse contributed materially to the development of disease. When the insanitary condition of the camps became known, the troops should have been moved into the open ground, and if neces- sary the places for drilling and tactical manoeuvers sacrificed. In not doing this the various commanders of the camp were in error. In excuse it may be said that it was daily expected by the various commanders up to August 15 that a large portion of the troops would be ordered away from the Park to Cuba or Porto Rico. The evidence shows that the various commanding officers of the camp promulgated proper orders for sanitation, and that daily inspections were made, and it is equally in evidence that these orders were not obeyed, and that these inspections failed of securing their proper result, and the insani- tary conditions continued to an unusual extent. One of the great causes of insanitation was the inexperience of the men, who, not regard- ing the restrictions imposed upon them as reasonable or necessary, paid little attention to the sanitary orders issued. Making due allowance for the stated causes of insanitation, the responsibility for the failure to materially lessen the evils which existed must rest upon the several commanders and chief medical officers of the camp and corps. Myriads of flies, rapidly propagated by the favorable conditions of heat, moisture, kitchen and other garbage and the excreta of men and animals, infested the camp in all its parts and caused great annoyance REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 209 and discomfort to man and beast, and was one of the assigned causes of the spread of typhoid fever. The instruction in company and regimental drill and brigade and division movements was carried on as the weather and the health of the command permitted. On the whole, the camp was unsatisfactory by reason of the existence of conditions which we have enumerated. In August, when it was apparent that no more troops would be needed for active service, the men became discontented, and the order for breaking it up was hailed with great satisfaction. The better condition of the camps that succeeded Camp Thomas and the other early ones was the result of dearly bought and consequently appreciated experience. Considering the area of the open spaces and the rocky formation of the ground in the wooded portions, and considering the water supply, we are of opinion that Chickamauga Park can not comfortably accom- modate more than 20,000 troops at once for any great length of time. As bearing upon the healthfulness of this locality, it may be stated that Surgeon Hepburn, of the Eighth United States Volunteer Infantry, at present post surgeon at Camp Thomas, under date of January 28, 1899, reports that, from October 8, 1898, to January 20, 1899, there were 1,150 troops there; that there had been during that time 111 separate cases treated in the hospital and not a death had occurred from disease, nor a case of typhoid fever developed. CAMP ALGER. Camp Alger was established May 18, after a report to the Quarter- master-General dated May 8, as to its suitableness, by Capt. M. C. Martin, assistant quartermaster, United States Army, concurred in by Captain Seyburn, on duty at the headquarters of the Army. The report says: I have the honor to report that a tract of land, containing upward of 1,400 acres- meadow, pasture, and woodland-can be obtained for camping purposes at a distance of about 2 miles from Falls Church, Va. This tract is owned by Mr. C. L. Campbell, is well watered, and, I think, contains enough cleared land for the camping of an army corps. It is about 300 feet higher than Washington and is the only large tract which I have been able to find in one body and within reasonable distance of this city. It lies between 1 aud 3 miles of three different stations on a branch of the South- ern Railway, which will put in the necessary sidings and provide free of cost the necessary land on its right of way for storehouses, etc. On May 8 the recommendations were approved by the Quarter- master-General and by the Secretary of War. Camp Alger was about miles from Dunn Loring, a station on a branch of the Southern Railway, as above stated, and 7 miles from Washington, and about 5 miles distant from Fort Myer. The surface of this tract is rolling, partly wooded, with cultivated clearings and 7833-vol. 1 14 210 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. with good drainage. The soil is of clay and sand and nearly impervious to water. Immediately after the selectiou of this camp preparations were made for the reception of troops by the erection of storehouses at Dunn Loring, where the Southern Railway put in extra sidings to accommodate the increased traffic. The Second Army Corps was constituted May 7, and May 16 Maj. Gen. W. M. Graham was assigned to the command, and the troops which were to compose the corps were ordered to this camp. General Graham arrived May 19 and assumed command, which he exercised during the existence of the camp. This corps was composed wholly of volunteers. The troops commenced arriving the 18th of May, and by the last of that month there were 18,309 officers and men in camp. On the last day of June there were 23,511 officers and men, on the last day of July there were 22,180, on the last day of August the troops present at this camp and Camp Meade were 21,456. Total number of troops that went to Camp Alger 31,195. August 2 one division of the corps marched to Thoroughfare Gap, 80 miles distant, and remained in camp there for about one month. Duffield's brigade left camp June 15 and Garretson's brigade July 5, both for Santiago. Early in September the remainder of the corps was transferred to Camp Meade, near Middletown, Pa. The supply of transportation for this corps was somewhat limited at first but subsequently was abundant. The water supply was also quite limited and never was sufficient for other uses than cooking and drinking, and not that until about the 25th of June, when about forty wells had been sunk. There were no adequate bathing facilities nearer than tine Potomac River, which was 7 miles distant. The troops were encamped both in the open and wooded portions. Those in the latter did not seem to suffer on account of their position. The sinks were generally properly policed, of the regulation depth, and were very soon inclosed. The woods were quite badly polluted by the excreta of the men; but the commanding officer issued stringent sanitary regulations and used great efforts to see that they were obeyed. His efforts were fairly suc- cessful. The troops were well supplied with tentage. The camps of the different regiments were well policed, and the refuse properly dis- posed of by burning. The rations were abundant in quantity and good in quality. Field bakeries were established in the camp and at Dunn Loring on August 2, from which the corps was supplied with excellent bread. As heretofore stated, on the 1st of August it was decided to reduce the number of troops, one division being sent to Thorough- fare Gap, and about two weeks later it was decided to move the whole corps. Early in September that was accomplished. During the existence of this camp the weather was exceedingly hot and some por- tion of the time very rainy, both of which conditions, with myriads of REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 211 flies which infested the camp, were the causes of much discomfort to the men. The health of this locality is reputed to be as good as any in the section of country about Washington. The number of deaths from May 18 to October 11 was 71, and at Thoroughfare Gap 34. This death rate is not abnormal, and, judging from it, the locality can not be considered unhealthful. The Seventh Illinois Regiment, which was encamped there during the whole time, lost but one man up to the 14th day of December, a record probably not equaled by any other regiment in the service. The establishment of Camp Alger is justifiable upon the report as to the suitableness of the site, but considering the scarcity of water and the want of facilities for bathing, we are of opinion that it was very undesirable, and was not abandoned too soon. CAMP CUBA LIBRE, JACKSONVILLE, FLA. Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee selected this camp and established it May 29. Its abandonment was begun October 23, the corps being trans- ferred to Savannah, Ga. This camp was located from 2 to 4 miles from the business portion of Jacksonville, near the banks of the St. Johns River, upon a sandy plain, sparsely covered with pine trees. The ground is generally level and the soil of such a character that sinks could be dug to the required depth and the liquid portion of the contents absorbed. There was one division of about 10,000 men encamped immediately upon the banks of the St. Johns River, the balance of the command being in the interior. This division con- structed a system of troughs for sinks, through which water was pumped and the excrement carried into the river and thence by the tide to the sea, an admirable and convenient sanitary arrangement. One division of the Seventh Corps, formerly Schwan's division, Fourth Corps, was for a time at Miami, but was brought to Jacksonville as soon as the unhealthful situation of Miami was definitely ascertained. The strength of the Seventh Corps, June 30, was 19,156 officers and enlisted men; July 31, 24,102; August 31, 28,842. The total number of troops which went to Camp Cuba Libre was 28,842, all volunteers. Number of deaths from May 26 to September 30, 246. This camp and Jacksonville were visited October 17 to 20 and carefully inspected. The camp was clean and the officers and men mostly cheerful and well contented, although anxious to move either to Cuba or home. Many of the regiments made low houses of boards from 4 to 6 feet in height, upon which were mounted their tents, making practically a two-story tent. The lower story was very con- venient for storage, and added much to the comfort and health of the men. The water supply, which was abundant and good, was fur- nished from the city waterworks of Jacksonville, and was carried by pipes to the camps of the various regiments. Bathing houses were 212 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. erected, aud tbeir use contributed much to the comfort and healthful- ness of the men. The sanitary arrangements were excellent, and were so from nearly the first establishment of the camp. The hospital arrangements were ample and good, the rations good in quality and sufficient in quantity. The discomfort from heat during the months of August and September was considerable. It was wise to move the corps to Savannah at the time it was done, for reasons hereinbefore stated in regard to camping troops too long in one place, and also for the morale and contentment of the men. A camp for convalescents was established at Pablo Beach, about 12 miles from Jacksonville, where about 1,400 men were treated. While there are many favorable things that may be said about the camp at Jacksonville, that it would be much better not to encamp troops in the State of Florida during the summer months, except as a military necessity to do so. CAMP AT FERNANDINA, FLA. Two members of the commission were detailed to examine the aban- doned camp site at Fernandina and report whan facts they could ascer- tain in regard to it. Charges of corruption in connection with the selection of the site of this camp had been made; investigation proved them to be unfounded. This camp was occupied by the Third Divi- sion of the Fourth Corps, under command of Brig. Gen. L. H. Carpenter, from July 3 to about the middle of August, when this division was moved to Huntsville, Ala. The report, which expresses our views of this camp, is as follows: In compliance with the instructions of the commission, we have the honor to report that we visited Fernandina, Fla., on the 18th instant, and made a careful and critical inspection of the site occupied as a camp by the troops lately stationed at that town, and found the conditions to be as follows: The Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad, leading into Fernandina, is a well- equipped one-track road, with sidings at the town amounting in all to about two miles. Its facilities for receiving and delivering troops appear to be very good. The facilities for embarking and disembarking troops by water are also very good, there being a dock front over a half mile long, with a minimum low-water depth over the bar at the mouth of the harbor of not less than 17 feet and a rise of tide of 6 feet. The location of the camp is excellent, probably quite equal to any site for the purpose that could have been selected on the Florida coast. The ground is rolling, its maximum elevation about 60 feet above the level of the sea, with no swamp except a tidal salt marsh beyond the highest ground. The sea-bathing facilities are excellent. We visited and walked over a large portion of the area occupied by the troops, and although there had been a severe storm the night before our arrival, the ground was practically dry. We carefully examined the site of the camp of the Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, which it has been reported was a tropical jungle, worthless land until cleared, and upon which the troops worked like slaves to clear it until it was fit for camping. While your committee can not state the condition of this land when the troops arrived, it found no appearance of a tropical jungle here or in the vicinity. There were no evidences of there having been serious work in preparing the camps, REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 213 although, as is usual, there were small bushes, vines, low palms, etc., scattered here and there over the camp site and the adjacent land. Altogether the committee was most favorably impressed with the character of the site selected. We were informed that it had been occupied by about 16,000 troops. We visited and obtained from the county clerk of Nassau County, Fla., Mr. George E. Wolif, a map showing the lands occupied by the troops, and his official certificate as to the ownership of the land. This certificate states that the greater part of the lands occupied reverted to the State of Florida in June, 1897, by reason of unpaid taxes, and that no one by the name of Alger ever controlled any lands in the county of Nassau, as shown by the records, and that the land occupied by the Third Penn- sylvania Volunteers at Fernandina as a camp was at the time the property of the State of Florida. The distance of the site of the camp from town is from 1 to 1| miles. The water was piped without expenditure to the camp from Fernandina, being from an arte- sian well about GOO feet deep. The supply was unlimited. The water had a slight sulphur taste, which it is said some of the troops disliked, and occasionally used surface water. The locations of the hospitals as pointed out to us were on high ground, well drained, and apparently well selected. The time the site was occupied by the troops was from July 21 to August 15, in all about three weeks. The mayor of Fernandina informed us that Major Hendley, the surgeon in charge of the camp, had stated to him just before the troops left that the number of sick was 540. Your committee therefore has the honor to report that, in its opinion, the camp was well selected; that probably the site was equal in all respects to any other that could have been found on the Florida coast; that from the information they obtained and what they saw it was far from being a tropical jungle, and that the certificate of the county clerk indicates that no Government official was interested in the land; that the amount of work done in clearing the underbrush was no greater than might have been expected at almost any locality in the South selected for camping purposes; that the site was well drained, the water for drink- ing and cooking purposes good, and the bathing facilities at the sea beach excellent. Appended to the report was the certificate in footnote below: State of Florida, County of Nassau: I, George E. Wolff, clerk circuit court and custodian of public records in and for Nassau County, Fla., hereby certify that I have carefully searched the public records of said county, and find that R. A. Alger does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any land on the island of Amelia, Nassau County, Fla. I further cer- tify that the records show that fee simple title to the lands lately occupied by the military camps at Fernandina, as indicated by maps hereto attached and made a part of this certificate (red lines of said map indicating water pipes of said camp), are vested in the several persons and corporations as follows: Fernandina Development Company, Florida Town Improvement Company, S. A. Swann, S. D. Swann, Fred. W. Haward, A. T. Williams, M. B. Self, W. H. Hendricks, Mrs. D. M. Hammond, W. C. Yulee, P. Edwards. That I further certify that the greater part of said lands, as indicated by green coloring on said map, reverted to the State of Florida, June, 1897, by reason of unpaid State and county taxes for the years 1895, 1896. I further certify that no one by the name of Alger ever owned or controlled any lands in said county of Nassau, and further that the lands occupied by the Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment at Fernandina as camp was at the time property of the State of Florida, having reverted to the State for unpaid taxes previous to its occupation as such camp. Witness my hand and official seal this 18th day of October, 1898. George E. Wolff, Cleric Circuit Court, Nassau County, Fla. 214 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. CAMP AT MIAMI, FLA. In the early part of June, Miami was selected for a camp by the Major- General Commanding the Army, upon the recommendation of a board of officers consisting of Assistant Surgeon-General Greenleaf, Maj. G. H. Hopkins, and Maj. Walter Reed, the first two of whom testified before us that they did not expect it to be used as a permanent camp, but only as a camp of isolation. Ou June 20 a division of the Fourth Corps under the command of General Schwan was sent there, and on June 28 was designated as the First Division of the Seventh Corps. July 31 this camp was abandoned and the troops transferred to Jack- sonville, because it was found in all respects unsuitable. This place has been severely criticised, but the Commanding General of the Army said of it in a communication to the Secretary of War, dated June 14, " It has been cleared for 5,000 troops, and additional ground will be cleared for any number. Its advantages are the cool ocean breezes, nearness to the Gulf Stream and Cuba, and perfect isola- tion from yellow fever, which is the principal objection to Savannah, Jacksonville, and Mobile," and, "I think it of the highest importance that the tioops be placed in the three healthful camps of instruction- Chickamauga, Fernandina, and Miami." CAMP AT TAMPA, FLA. The Seventh Army Corps, Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee commanding, was organized May 16 at Tampa. This corps was removed to Jacksonville May 31, with the exception of the First Division, which remained at Tampa. On the same date, May 16, the Fifth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. William R. Shafter commanding, was organized, with headquarters at Tampa. On the 30th day of May this corps comprised 16,426 men. On June 7 it embarked on transports for Santiago de Cuba, leaving in the camp parts of several organizations, with a large number of horses and mules. The camp was established May 2, and was not intended for a permanent one, but merely as a rendezvous for troops pending shipment from Port Tampa. Port Tampa had good facilities in the way of extensive wharfage, which would accommodate from fifteen to twenty vessels at a time, enabling troops and supplies to be loaded with reasonable dispatch. This is more especially true of troops, as the narrowness of the wharves tended to confusion in handling stores, teams, and artillery. Most of the men were encamped in healthful locations, but some of them upon ground so low that when the rainy season commenced much discomfort was experienced. The water supply was ample and good, being obtained from the works of the Plant system, which was extended into the camps of the various organizations. The railroad transportation facilities were the Plant system and the Florida Central 215 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. and Peninsula Railway. The excessive heat of the summer caused considerable discomfort to the troops and live stock, and the order for transfer to Montauk Point the first part of August was very welcome. The whole number of troops that went to Tampa during the existence of the camp was 20,470 volunteers and 27,602 regulars, a total of 48,072. There were present on June 20,19,322 troops, and on July 20, 25,306. The number of deaths from disease and accident from May 2 to September 30 was 56. CAMPS MERRIAM AND MERRITT, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. These camps were instituted for the mobilization of troops intended for the Philippine Islands. Camp Merriam was first located on the Presidio reservation, near the Lombard street entrance. About 10,000 men were encamped there. The area of the camp was quite limited and the troops were somewhat crowded. The water supply was good. As soon as it was understood that the force was to be increased Camp Merritt was established near the northern boundary of the Golden Gate Park and the troops from Camp Merriam moved to that place. Eighteen thousand men were encamped iu Camp Merritt, occupying it only until the fleet upon which they embarked was assembled and fitted for their reception. There was considerable sickness, especially measles. Some typhoid fever appeared. Camp Merriam was commanded by Maj. Gen. Henry C. Merriam, and Camp Merritt by Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt. The camps at New Orleans and Mobile were only temporary. The Fourth Corps was organized at Mobile the 1st of June and immedi- ately commenced moving to Tampa. The whole number of troops at Mobile were 9,534, under command of Maj. Gen. John J. Coppinger. CAMP WIKOFF. Named in honor of the colonel of the Twenty-second United States Infantry, killed at San Juan July 1, Camp Wikoff was at Montauk Point, 125 miles distant from New York, 45 from Newport, R. I., and 28 from New London, Conn. The " Point " is surrounded by water and has a good harbor on the Sound side which affords shelter from the Atlantic storms. It is a United States quarantine station, and has one good wharf, but the water is not of sufficient depth to allow heavy draft ocean steamers to lie alongside of it. The surface of the ground is rolling, nearly bare of trees; the soil of loam, clay, and gravel, with a solid turf aud good covering of grass. The place is healthful and during the summer cool and comfortable. About 15,000 acres were available for camp purposes-ample space for 50,000 men. The site had been favorably considered by a board of officers that had carefully examined it on the 3d of June preceding, which board, as 216 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. stated by a member, General Frank, was looking for a place " where we can take the troops from the Santiago campaign, rest them, recuper- ate them, and cake them in the fall for the Havana campaign." Provisional arrangements for the use of the land were made with the owners of the property through the president of the Long Island Rail- road, Mr. Baldwin, he insisting upon one thing as a prerequisite to any contract, that at least two weeks' notice should be given before the ground was occupied by troops, so that the Montauk end of the railroad might be put in proper condition. The surrender of the Spanish forces at Santiago and the subsequent rapid increase of sickness in the regiments of the Fifth Corps led the War Department to consider the advisability of withdrawal of the corps from Cuba, the absolute and immediate necessity for which was recognized on receipt (August 4) of a telegram from Major-General Shafter, transmitting the following letters of commanding officers and chief surgeons: Maj. Gen. W. R. Shafter, Commanding United States forces in Cuba: We, the undersigned general officers commanding various brigades, divisions, etc., of the United States Army of occupation in Cuba, are of the unanimous opinion that this army must be at once taken out of the island of Cuba and sent to some point on the northern seacoast of the United States; that this can be done without danger to the people of the United States; that there is no epidemic of yellow fever in the army at present-only a few sporadic cases; that the army is disabled by malarial fever to such an extent that its efficiency is destroyed and it is in a condition to be practically entirely destroyed by the epidemic of yellow fever sure to come in the near future. We know from reports from competent officers and from personal observations that the army is unable to move to the interior, and that there are no facilities for such move, if attempted, and will not be until too late. Moreover, the best medi- cal authorities in the island say that with our present equipment we could not live in the interior during the rainy season without losses from malarial fever almost as bad as from yellow fever. This army must be moved at once or it will perish. As an army it can be safely moved now. Persons responsible for preventing such a move will be responsible for the unnecessary loss of many thousands of lives. Our opinions are the result of careful personal observations and are also based upon the unanimous opinion of our medical officers who are with the army and understand the situation absolutely. (Signed) Jos. Wheeler, major-general volunteers; Samuel S. Sumner, command- ing Cavalry Brigade; William Ludlow, brigadier-general United States Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, Second Division; Adelbert Ames, brigadier-general United States Volunteers, com- manding Third Brigade, First Division; Leonard Wood, brigadier- general United States Volunteers, commanding city of Santiago; Theodore Roosevelt, colonel, commanding Second Cavalry Brigade; J. Ford Kent, major-general volunteers, commanding First Division, Fifth Corps ; J. C. Bates, major-general volunteers, commanding Provisional Division, Fifth Corps; H. W. Lawton, major-general volunteers, commanding Second Division, Fifth Corps; C. McKibbin, brigadier-general Uniteil States Volunteers, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 217 The Adjutant-General Fifth Army Corps. Sir : The chief surgeon of the Fifth Army Corps and the chief surgeons of divisions consider it to be their imperative duty, after mature deliberation, to express their unanimous opinion that this army is now in a very critical condition. They believe that the prevalent malarial fever will doubtless continue its ravages and that its mortality will soon increase; that there is imminent danger that the yellow fever, now sporadic and of a mild type, may any day assume a virulent type and become epidemic. They unanimously recommend that the only course to pursue to save the lives of thousands of our soldiers is to transport the whole army to the United States as quickly as possible. Such transport they consider practicable and reasonably free from danger. The proposed move to the plateau of San Luis they believe dan- gerous and impracticable. Very respectfully, V. Havard, Major and Surgeon, U. S. Army, Chief Surgeon. H. S. Kilbourne, Major and Surgeon, Chief Surgeon Second Division, Fifth Corps. M. W. Wood, Major and Chief Surgeon First Division, Fifth Corps. Frank J. Ives, Major and Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Chief Surgeon Provisional Division. H. S. T. Harris, Major and Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Chief Surgeon Cavalry Division. Montauk Point had already been decided upon as the site for the proposed camp, it being accessible by water, thus obviating the neces- sity of transshipment from transports to cars, and so isolated as that the communication of yellow fever to places outside the camp could almost certainly be prevented. On August 2 an agreement had been entered into by Colonel Gillis, U. S. A., representing the Government, and Mr. W. H. Baldwin, jr., representing the owners of the land, and on August 4 contracts were made by the Quartermaster's Department for lumber, pumps, piping, tanks, etc., which were at once shipped to Montauk. On the 6th the sinking of a well was started; lumber began to arrive the same day, and the building of commissary and quartermaster's storehouses was commenced. Maj. Gen. S. B. M. Young having arrived August 5, with orders to establish the camp, great activity was shown in preparing for the troops expected from Santiago. As rapidly as possible the railroad company put down about 4£ miles of side tracks capable of holding 380 cars, but for a while there was difficulty in so getting at these tracks as to permit of quick unloading. Work was pushed on the ordered five detention camps for 1,000 men each, with their hospital accommodations for 500, for through these camps had to pass all the men coming from Cuba. A general camp of new tents intended to shelter from 9,000 to 10,000 men was ready for occu- pancy before a transport came in. The general hospital was prepared for patients as fast as was permitted by the limited number of workmen and the delays in getting tents and lumber on the ground. 218 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. When the work of preparing the camp had hardly commenced, before a single tent was pitched on Montauk Point, on the 7th of August troops began to come in from Tampa and other places in the Southern States, and within forty-eight hours there were, of these recruits and men left behind when the Fifth Corps sailed for Cuba, a force number- ing 4,293, and with it seven or eight thousand horses and mules. The first of these troops arrived without tents or equipment of any kind and with only travel rations, which General Young testified gave rise to "a great deal of scandal," though there was no occasion therefor, as the men did not suffer, and within twenty-four hours the baggage trains came in. As Camp Wikoff was to be a place of rest and recuperation for the sick army expected from Cuba, and at the same time a quarantine station for the protection of the country, it would certainly, for every reason, have been better if these thousands of men and animals had not been ordered to Montauk. Their arrival and presence increased the confusion and added to the burdens of all officials, military and railroad. It was about two weeks before the camp was in tolerable running order, and during this time troops kept coming in, all in a "pitiable condition." Major-General Wheeler, who had arrived on August 15, was on the 18th placed in command, and remained so until the latter part of September. Under orders from the President and the Secretary of War to have the men at Montauk cared for "without considering expense," General Wheeler, upon assuming command, ordered by telegraph a large quan- tity of supplies,* which were soon received and " given to the soldiers in addition to their regular rations." In addition to the food stuffs furnished by the Government and those purchased under orders from the general in command of the cam]), an immense quantity of necessaries and luxuries, of food and clothing, was distributed by representatives of various aid societies; and no small amounts were brought in by visitors, who in crowds daily came to the hospitals and regimental camps, doing much good, but adding largely to the prevailing confusion, and at times, by their indiscriminate generosity, increasing the ill health of many of those convalescing from fever, whose condition necessitated very careful attention to diet. *Two thousand one hundred pounds of halibut, 47,900 (in round numbers 48,000) pounds of lima beans, about 400,000 pounds of ice, 21,000 pounds of evaporated apricots, 21,000 pounds of butter, 14,000 cans of green corn, 1,000 pounds of cocoa, 4,000 pounds of crackers, 21,000 pounds of sugar-cured hams, 29,000 cans of evapo- rated cream, 23,000 pounds of oatmeal, 15,000 pounds of peaches, 18,000 pounds of evaporated peaches, 12,000 pounds of canned pears, 14,000 pounds of canned pease, 10,000 pounds of prunes, 20,000 cans of soup, 5,000 cans of pickles, 300 boxes of oranges, 53,000 dozen eggs, 250 pounds of tea, 28,000 gallons of fresh milk. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 219 Disinfection of men and clothing was duly effected at quarantine and in the detention camp. The water supply seems to have been ample and of good quality, and there has not been presented any satisfactory evidence that the wells were polluted with surface drainage. A large well 50 feet deep, with a capacity of 300,000 gallons per day, was early dug, and there were other wells from which perhaps 200,000 gallons more could be drawn. About 12 miles of pipe were laid from these wells, and the water carried to each regiment, where there was one faucet or more from which it could be drawn. From one million and a half to two million feet of lumber were used in the camps for the construction of storehouses and other buildings, and for flooring the tents, which at the general hospital were all floored before being used, though those at the detention and general camps were not so for some time after the troops arrived. Transportation at the camp was insufficient, and as a consequence supplies were not delivered as promptly as was desirable, and the trans- fer of sick and convalescents from the vessels to the detention camp was at times slower and more trying than it should have been. Much com- plaint was made, and justly so, of delays in getting furloughed men away, but the- train service of the railway was enormously taxed. It was much to the credit of the Long Island Bailroad Company, that, notwithstanding the great crowd of passengers carried to and from Montauk during the existence of Camp Wikofi, not a life was lost and not a person injured. The sanitation of the camps and hospitals while far from perfect was perhaps as good as might reasonably have been expected. There should have been more general and free use of disinfectants in and about the sinks, the location and protection of which were according to rule. There was no epidemic of yellow or typhoid fever, though it was both feared and predicted that there would be. A camp bakery was established August 27, of sufficient capacity to furnish all the troops with good wholesome bread, and a laundry was early contracted for, but it was not ready for use for a number of weeks. A morgue for the reception and preparation of the dead was constructed, but proper care of the bodies was not always taken. The Y. M. C. A. had large tents in the different camps, in which religious services were held, and conveniences for writing, etc., were furnished. The total number of troops which arrived from Cuba was 17,577, with those from Tampa and other places, 21,870. The number in camp August 20 was 7,686; September 1,14,863; September 10,14,444; Sep- tember 30, 3,187. The number of deaths to September 30 was 257. The camp was practically abandoned early in November and the general hospital closed November 16. On the whole it may be said that Montauk Point was an ideal place 220 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. for the isolation of troops who had been exposed to or had yellow fever, and for the recuperation of those greatly debilitated by malarial attacks of marked severity. The time allotted for preparation was altogether too short, and as a consequence the camp was occupied long before it was ready. Because of this, and because of the great number of sick and convalescents and of those on the ground who were unconnected with the Army, there was much confusion, some lack of proper atten- tion to matters of sanitation and to the sick, and without doubt cases of distress, it may be neglect. But after all there was much exagger- ation in what was written and said about the conditions at Camp Wikoff, exaggeration at times intentional, generally the result of unfamiliarity with the life of the soldier and with the appearance of a large number of sick and broken-down men brought together in a limited space. CAMP SHIPP, ANNISTON, ALA. Camp Shipp was instituted September 3, and the remainder of the Third Corps was transferred from Camp Thomas to this place and placed under the command of Brig. Gen. Royal T. Frank. This camp was visited October 21-25, and the testimony of a large number of officers and men taken concerning their experience and observation during their term of service at the different camps where they had been sta- tioned. An inspection was made of the camp and troops, and they were found in excellent condition and comfortably located upon spa- cious and suitable grounds. The sinks were of the regulation depth and at a proper distance from the quarters of the men, and were duly inclosed and disinfected. The division and regimental hospitals were of sufficient capacity, and well equipped and conducted. Bathing houses for officers and men had been established and were in use. The command was supplied with pure and cool water from the city water system, which had been extended to every organization. This remnant of the Third Corps had been merged into the Second Division of the Fourth Corps, and was fully equipped and ready for service. The number of deaths to Sep- tember 30 was 12. CAMP WHEELER, HUNTSVILLE, ALA. This camp was visited October 26 and 27 and much testimony taken. It was instituted August 23, and was under the command of Brig. Gen. L. EL. Carpenter. The troops encamped were the First Division, Fourth Corps, and the First Cavalry Brigade and Light Artillery Battalion of the same corps. The headquarters of the corps were at this place. The same conditions as to water, hospitals, sanitation and equipment, camping space, etc., existed here as at Camp Shipp. These troops came largely from Camp Wikoff and from Tampa, Fla. Number of deaths to September 30 was 35. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 221 CAMP POLAND, KNOXVILLE, TENN. This camp was visited October 30 and 31, and the troops and grounds inspected. The same conditions as to supply of water, space for troops, hospitals, sanitation, etc., existed here as in the last two camps. The testimony of a number of officers and men was taken. This camp was instituted August 21 and was the headquarters of the Second Division of tbe First Corps, and was commanded by Col. J. A. Keurt of the Second Ohio. Number of deaths to September 30 was 23. These troops were transferred from Camp Thomas. CAMP HAMILTON, LEXINGTON, KY. This camp was instituted August 23, and was visited October 31 and November 1, and the camp and troops inspected and the testimony of many officers and men taken. It was the headquarters of the First Army Corps, Maj. Gen. J. H. Wilson commanding, the First Division of which was stationed there. As to situation, spaciousness, hospitals, water supply, sanitation, etc., it compared favorably with the other three camps heretofore described. The number of deaths to September 30 was 29. These troops were transferred from Camp Thomas. CAMP MEADE (NEAR MIDDLETOWN), PA. This camp was instituted August 24, and soon thereafter was occu- pied by the Second Army Corps of about 22,000 men, under command of Maj. Gen. William M. Graham, which had been moved from Camp Alger. It was visited November 3 and 4, and found to be spacious and well laid out. The water supply was obtained from artesian wells, and was piped to every organization. It was both good and abundant. The hospitals were commodious, and well equipped and conducted. The bathing facilities for the men were ample. The sanitary and other conditions were of high order, and the camp as a whole was open to but little criticism. The testimony of a number of officers and men was taken, and the troops and camp inspected. In November this camp was discontinued and the troops-not mustered out-distributed to the various camps in the South. The number of deaths to October 11 was 64. The condition of these five camps illustrates the value of the expe- rience obtained in those in which the troops had formerly been. It shows conclusively that only time and experience, and both are essen- tial, are needed to teach officers and men the best methods for caring for themselves. In conclusion it may be said that it is impossible to bring together a regiment of 1,300 men whose lives and habits have all been different and place them in camp, subject them to its discipline, diet, and duties, 222 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. without much complaint. They must become acclimated and accus- tomed to camp life before sickness can be prevented; and until the individual soldier appreciates the necessity of complying fully with the regulations and confines himself to the regular food-and this the sol- dier never does until experience teaches him the necessity-he will drink polluted water, eat noxious food that disturbs his digestive organs, and will not take care of himself, and no discipline or watching will prevent it. The imprudent acts of the soldiers are the first and greatest cause of sickness in camps. Another great cause of complaint was the inexperience of officers and surgeons as to proper sanitation, necessity of daily exercise, the camping too long in one place, lack of exercise by marches and other methods to take up the soldier's thoughts. This occurs to all volunteers. It has been much less so in this war than in others, and there has been far less sickness and fewer deaths. The troops are now acclimated, their health is excellent, their discipline and camp sanitation showing that officers and men have all made won- derful progress because of experieuce. It would seem that little can be added to the camps as now organized to make them healthier. They are models of arrangement and cleanliness, and it is greatly to the credit of officers and men that they have made such progress in so short a time. No complaints come from them, and the Army as now constituted, except as to marksmanship, is almost as well prepared to enter campaigns as the Regular Army was at the beginning of the war. INDIVIDUAL CASES. A large number of complaints of neglect affecting individuals have been brought to the attention of the commission, respecting which evi- dence has been taken either by affidavit or personal examination. These cases are submitted in abstract (appended), together with the facts and conclusions arrived at by the commission. SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN. In accordance with the written request of the Major-General Com- manding the Army, Brig. Gen. (now Maj. Gen.) William R. Shafter was, on the 29th day of April, 1898, directed, upon his arrival at Tampa, Fla., to assume command of all troops there assembled. This assignment practically determined the command of the Fifth Corps and of the expedition to the southern part of Cuba, which resulted in driving Cervera's fleet to its destruction by the navy and the final capture of the city of Santiago, with all of the Spanish forces in the province of Santiago de Cuba. The circumstance which determined the campaign was the reported presence of Cervera's fleet in the harbor of Santiago. At 2.30 a. m. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 223 May 31, 1898, instructions were sent to General Shafter, by telegraph, as follows: With the approval of the Secretary of War, you are directed to take your com- mand ou transports, proceed under convoy of the Navy to the vicinity of San- tiago de Cuba, land your force at such place east or west of that point as your judgment may dictate, under the protection of the Navy, and move it onto the high grounds and bluffs overlooking the harbor or into the interior, as shall best enable you to capture or destroy the garrison there, and cover the Navy as it sends its men in small boats to remove torpedoes; or, with the aid of the Navy, capture or destroy the Spanish fleet now reported to be in Santiago harbor. The Major-General Commanding the Army immediately repaired to Tampa, and telegraphed the Secretary of War June 1, 2.35 p. m.: Everything is being pushed as rapidly as possible to embark troops at Tampa and Mobile, and a small number will be embarked at New Orleans ou the Orizabo. Men are working day and night. On the 7th of June, at 7.30 p. m., by direction of the President, infor- mation received from Admiral Sampson was telegraphed General Shafter as follows: If 10,000 men were here the city and fleet would be ours within forty-eight hours. Every consideration demands immediate army movement. If delayed, city will be defended more strongly by guns taken from fleet. On the same day, in a telegram received at the Executive Mansion at 10.15 p. m., General Shafter wired: I expect to have 834 officers, 16,154 men, on transports by daylight, and will sail at that hour. Before sailing, however, he was directed to wait for further orders, which were subsequently communicated, based upon the reported pres- ence of a Spanish armed cruiser and torpedo-boat destroyer in St. Nicholas Channel. The alleged presence of these vessels delayed the departure of the expedition nearly a week, and it did not sail until June 13 and 14. The transports furnished General Shafter for his expedition were supposed to have a capacity sufficient for 25,000 men, with quarter- master, subsistence, ordnance, and medical stores and supplies for sev- eral months. It was found on a careful inspection of the transports, however, that their capacity had been greatly overrated, and that General Shafter would be unable to embark the force at his command without uncomfortably crowding. He realized the necessity for sailing with all the troops available, and assumed the risk of the elements rather than land upon a hostile foreign shore with insufficient force. The dilemma which presented itself was clearly defined, and he deliber- ately assumed the risk and at the same time the responsibility.therefor. The risk was undoubtedly well taken. The crowding of the transports could in any event result only in discomfort to the men and animals on board, or, at the worst, in the loss of a comparatively few by close con- finement on crowded vessels. The effects of a failure of the campaign 224 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. by reason of an insufficient force would have been disastrous, if not fatal. The Navy Department, on the 31st of May, 1898, sent the following communication to the honorable the Secretary of War: This Department begs leave to inquire what means are to be employed by the War Department for landing the troops, artillery, horses, siege guns, mortars, and other heavy objects when the pending military expedition arrives on the Cuban coast near Santiago. While the Navy will be prepared to furnish all the assistance that may be in its power, it is obvious that the crews of the armored ships and of such others as will be called upon to remove the Spanish mines and to meet the Spanish fleet in action can not be spared for other purposes, and ought not to be fatigued by the work incident to landing of the troops and stores, etc. This information, so far as can be ascertained, was never communi- cated to either General Miles or General Shafter; the expedition there- fore left Tampa with no facilities for landing other than were afforded by the boats of the several transports conveying the expedition, with the exception of several lighters and steam tugs of light draft, such as could be hastily secured. The Major-General Commanding the Army, who was present during the entire time in which the expedi- tion was being loaded, and the commander of the expedition, both relied upon the hearty cooperation of the Navy, which had been prom- ised them by its representative on the ground, with whom they were in communication. The means for landing an expedition of 17,900 men on a foreign and hostile shore in the face of an enemy whose presence was to be expected were undoubtedly insufficient. Here, again, the commander of the expedition assumed the risks. His orders were peremptory. The exi- gency of the movement admitted of no delay. He would not have been justified in postponing the departure of the expedition even if no means of disembarkation had been available except the boats of the trans- ports themselves. He assumed the risk of their sufficiency, and, as in the case of the crowding of the vessels, he was justified in assuming these risks, as the results show. War in the main is based upon risks assumed. If no army moved until everything was in perfect readiness for the movement and success was certain, few battles would be fought and fewer victories won. A commander who assumes risks not alto- gether unreasonable in themselves and succeeds is justified by his suc- cess, and is not to be held accountable for what might have been. The expedition reached a point off Santiago about noon of the 20th of June. A conference between General Shafter, Admiral Sampson, and General Garcia was held at "General Rabi's place," at which the plan of campaign was outlined by General Shafter and approved by Admiral Sampson and General Garcia. A feint was to be made by 3,000 or 4,000 men at some point west of Santiago, and the expedition to be landed at Daiquiri to march on Santiago; General Castillo was to have 1,000 men at Daiquiri to capture the escaping Spaniards while the REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 225 Navy bombarded: the Navy to bombard on the morning of the 22d Daiquiri, Aguadores, Siboney, and Cabanas as a feint, and the whole expedition to land at the place first named. In accordance with this plan the Navy bombarded the places mentioned on the morning of the 22d, and the landing was made at Daiquiri. The expedition as it arrived off the southern coast of Cuba consisted of the Fifth Army Corps, composed of two divisions of infantry, com- manded by General Kent and General Lawton, respectively; a division of dismounted cavalry, commanded by General Wheeler; a battalion of light artillery, consisting of batteries E and K of the First and A and F of the Second United States Artillery, and a siege artillery train, consisting of batteries G and H of the Fourth United States Artillery. The entire corps disembarked on the 22d and 23d of June, practically unopposed by the enemy and in the same condition as to numbers as it had embarked at Tampa, less two men drowned during the landing. Later, about the 27th of June, a brigade of volunteer infantry, com- manded by General Duffield, consisting of the Thirty-third and Thirty- fourth Michigan and Ninth Massachusetts regiments, about 2,500 strong, joined General Shafter's command. The infantry division of General Lawton was first disembarked, fol- lowed by the cavalry division of General Wheeler. The Second Brigade of General Wheeler's division, eommanded by General Young, disem- barked on the evening of the 22d and on the morning of the 23d. During the afternoon of the 23d, in order to find good camping ground and water, a march of several miles was made, and finally Siboney, where General Wheeler had his headquarters, was reached. A slight skirmish had taken place on the evening of the 23d. The desirable camping gi ound in the neighborhood of Siboney was all occupied by other troops, and General Young requested permission of General Wheeler to move out in the morning and drive a force of Spaniards said to be in the neighborhood from elevated ground, which he regarded as desirable for camping purposes. Permission was given, and in this way the affair of Las Guasimas was brought on. It was widely heralded at the time as an ambuscade, and has been later characterized as a disobedience of orders. It was neither. As to the former charge, it was absolutely foundationless, and the latter rests upon no sufficient evidence. Although not part of the plan of campaign, and a mere incident in it, it was deliberately planned and authorized by General Wheeler, who undoubtedly had authority to do so. Notwithstanding the fact, as stated by himself, "I was especially and repeatedly enjoined not to make any forward movement which would bring on an engagement until the entire command reached the front," he was undoubtedly sat- isfied, as the result showed that this was a detached outpost, and that no general engagement would be brought on by attacking it. A careful reconnoissance revealed the enemy in an intrenched posi- tion in line of battle on elevated ground. General Young's brigade 7833-vol. 1 15 226 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. consisted of nine troops of the First United States Cavalry, eight troops of the Tenth United States Cavalry, and the First United States Volunteer Cavalry. The latter, under command of Colonel (now Major- General) Wood, advanced by one road, accompanied by two staff offi- cers of General Young; the latter accompanied the other wing, com- posed of the First and Tenth United States Cavalry and three Hotchkiss guns by another road, the two wings being about equal in number. The plan of attack was discussed in advance and fully understood by Colonel Wood. A regular deployment was made of both wings, and the interval between the two was carefully guarded. The attack was opened by our own forces; there was no surprise, no ambuscade, no lack of definiteness as to plan, and no uncertainty as to purpose. The Spaniards, as already remarked, were on elevated ground, in an intrenched position in line of battle. General Young's brigade had been carefully deployed, the position of the enemy was thoroughly understood, and the only uncertainty existing in the minds of the officers in command of the troops was as to whether or not the troops occupying the intrenched position were Spaniards or Cubans. Gen- eral Wheeler says: We did not attack immediately. I was afraid. There was some doubt about their being Spaniards, and I examined their line with my glasses for about twenty-five minutes before giving orders to fire. I realized it would have been a terrible thing to fire into our own Cuban friends; but after half an hour I became satisfied they were Spaniards, and I directed a shot from a Hotchkiss gun, and the Spaniards replied, opening fire from a line nearly a mile long. I ordered the line to advance, and no soldiers could have gone forward more handsomely than our regulars did. They advanced and fired with wonderful accuracy. The firing was very different from what I had seen years before. Thirty-three years ago we fought at short range; but here we commenced at seven or eight hundred yards. We could see no smoke of the enemy, and we could see the fire of our men was having its effect upon the enemy. The Spaniards fired in volley; but when our men reached the foot of the hill upon which the Spaniards Avere stationed, they retreated toward Santiago. The result of this affair was a loss of 16 killed-8 in the volunteer regiment and an equal number among the regular troops-and 52 wounded. As a part of the campaign for the reduction of Santiago this skirmish was unimportant, but its incidental results were both important and, on the whole, beneficial. The volunteers were tried and were not found wanting; the enemy had been driven from an intrenched position with comparatively little loss; our own soldiers were elated and those of the enemy correspondingly depressed; and the moral effect was good. General Young secured the camping ground which he desired for his troops, who encamped at the point reached by them after an exciting chase of the Spaniards for several miles. The objective points of the campaign were the city of Santiago, the troops garrisoning the same, and Cervera's fleet assembled in its harbor In order to gain the desired results the complete investment of the city was necessary, and was the prime object to be attained. In order to REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 227 accomplish this it was considered necessary to reduce a small outlying fortified post at El Caney, 5 miles to the northeast of the city, which might have been flanked, but was an element of danger in the rear of the army. The time intervening between the 24th and the 30th of June was occupied in landing supplies and in ascertaining the position of the enemy. On the 30th of June, General Shafter testifies, "we were against their pickets in front of Santiago." In the absence of topo- graphical maps, careful observations as to roads and practicable trails and routes of march were made by engineers and other young intelli- gent officers, and reconnoissances made to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy and the practicability of the reduction of El Caney. As a result of the examination of the latter, General Lawton and General Chaffee reported that they could capture it before 9 o'clock in the morning. General Shafter, therefore, wisely planned a movement which, while if carried out, would place his troops in a favorable posi- tion around the city of Santiago, would at the same time reduce El Caney and eliminate that as a factor in the problem to be solved. The plan involved the division of the army into two distinct wings. To General Lawton was assigned the duty of reducing El Caney, and after its reduction joining the other two divisions of the corps to which had been assigned the duty of securing a position which would command the fortified lines of the enemy surrounding the city. General Shafter had his headquarters at a point from which he could conveniently communicate with both wings of his army. He was in close touch with them by telegraphic and telephonic communication. During the battle which followed he was able to witness the movements of both wings from an elevated position which commanded the entire field of operations. To guard against any possible interruption of electrical communication, Colonel Miley, as chief of staff, who was thor- oughly conversant with his plans, was sent to the left wing of the army, operating under Generals Wheeler and Kent, with a number of order- lies to be used in case of an emergency for carrying dispatches. Rely- ing upon the ability of Lawton to reduce El Caney by 9 o'clock in the morning as he expected, Wheeler's and Kent's divisions were directed to advance across the San Juan River and capture the San Juan hill at 10 o'clock, the presumption being that Lawton by that time would join the right of Wheeler's division and would be able to move with the balance of the corps in its advance upon the enemy. The plan of battle was followed by both wings of the army. General Lawton was occupied, however, until after 3 o'clock in capturing El Caney, and in moving to his assigned position in the line in front of Santiago encountered a force the strength of which, he was unable to ascertain. In the meantime Generals Kent and Wheeler had advanced their positions, had carried the in trench ments occupied by the enemy upon San Juan hill, and were in plain sight of the city. Lawton was 228 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. directed by General Shafter, instead of moving directly forward, to return during the night by the road upon which he had advanced the day previous, and by moving in the rear of the divisions already in position to take his assigned place on the right of General Wheeler's division the next morning. This was successfully accomplished by the morning of the 2d of July, and by noon of that day " the last musketry firing was over." The plan of campaign had been successfully carried out, and the city of Santiago was practically invested. While these movements were taking place on the east and northeast of Santiago General Garcia with a force of about 5,000 men was oper- ating on the northwest of the city with a view of intercepting any reenforcements which might attempt to find their way into the city from the north, considerable bodies of Spanish troops being known to be at Holguin, Guantanamo, and other points. Although not entirely successful in his efforts to prevent the arrival of reenforcements, his force served to distract the enemy and aid in the complete investment of the city. Following the movements of the army on the 1st and 2d of July, which resulted in the establishment of a continuous fortified line around the city, Admiral Cervera on the morning of the 3d of July, and as a result of the operations of the army, withdrew his entire fleet from the harbor of Santiago and met the crushing blow at the hands of our Navy which sealed the fate of every vessel composing his fleet. By the 4th or 5th of July the city of Santiago was well surrounded and the avenues of escape by the Spanish army practically closed. From this time forward until the day of final surrender, on the 17th of July, the contest was one rather of diplomacy than of arms. On the 3d of July a demand for the surrender of the city was made and refused, and on the same day, at the request of the consular officers of foreign governments in the city, information was given to the Spanish com- mander that the bombardment of the city would be suspended until the 5th. The truce thus established was continued from time to time until the negotiations for surrender had resulted in the complete capitulation of the city and of all the Spanish forces within the province of Santiago de Cuba, numbering between 23,000 and 24,000. The result of the campaign was the complete realization of the several objects contemplated: The capture of the city with its forti- fications and munitions of war, together with immense supplies ot food stuffs and ammunition (the former estimated by General Wood at 1,200,000 rations); the surrender of the entire province of Santiago de Cuba, with all the troops garrisoning the same (amounting, as already stated, to between 23,000 and 24,000); the destruction by the Navy of Admiral Cervera's fleet after its departure from the harbor, and the general demoralization of the Spanish forces and the discomfiture of the Spanish Government and people, leading almost immediately to overtures for peace by Spain. All this was accomplished without the REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 229 loss of a prisoner, a gun, or a color, and with a list of casualties aggregating in killed less than 250 and in wounded less than 1,400- losses which, in comparison with results, are less than have ever here- tofore occurred in modern warfare. The cooperation of officers and men in this campaign is to be noted. The commander of the expedition was as hearty and cordial in his com- mendation of all who were under his command as they were in their devotion to the service which was demanded of them; and, as was said by him in his testimony- From the day that the Fifth Army Corps was organized until its disbandment there was never an unkind word between the general officers, not an officer was brought to trial, and, so far as I know, not a soldier was tried. THE CAMPAIGN IN PORTO RICO. During the time when the expedition intended for operations in Cuba was being fitted out at Tampa a second expedition was in contempla- tion, and, in a preliminary way, in preparation. It was intended for the assistance of the forces operating against Santiago in case rein- forcement was needed, and for the capture of the island of Porto Rico in case such heli) was unnecessary or after the help was rendered. It was part of the plan also that the force under General Shafter should, after the accomplishment of its work at Santiago, reinforce or supple- ment this expedition. It was under the immediate command of the Major-General Commanding the Army, Gen. Nelson A. Miles, and con- sisted for the most part of volunteer troops, with artillery and cavalry from the Regular Army, drawn from the camp at Chickamauga and other points. Some of the troops composing the expedition were landed at Santiago before its surrender, and assisted in maintaining the lines around the city. Although subjected to very little fighting, the moral effect of their presence was wholesome and stimulating. After the fall of Santiago yellow fever became epidemic among the troops operating there, and it was therefore considered undesirable to use any of the forces which originally composed the expedition com- manded by General Shafter or those which had landed at Santiago to assist in its reduction. In consequence of this determination, wisely reached, General Miles left Santiago on the 21st of July with about 3,400 men who had not disembarked. The original plan of campaign involved a landing at the northeast corner of the island, near a place called Point Fajardo, and a move- ment thence toward San Juan. Two considerations induced General Miles to abandon the intention of landing at Point Fajardo, and to land instead at the harbor of Guanica, on the southern coast of the island. The first consideration was the fact that the intention to land at Point Fajardo had in some way been made public, and was antici- pated by the Spaniards; and the second, that the intended point of disembarkation was an open roadstead, and that he had inadequate 230 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. facilities for the purpose of landing there. The harbor of Guanica was protected, and had deep water so near the shore that by the construc- tion of a pontoon bridge from one of the transports men and animals were easily and quickly disembarked. From that point, after the disembarkation, the troops commenced a movement east and north, although the expeditionary force at that time numbered less than 3,300 officers and men fit for duty, and the island was supposed to contain in all about 17,000 Spanish troops. Within three days after the first landing, Major-General Wilson, com- manding a portion of the First Corps, arrived and disembarked at Ponce, to the east of Guanica. Major-General Brooke arrived later with other troops of the First Corps and disembarked farther east, at Arroyo, and thence moved to Guayama. The arrival of these reen- forcements made the aggregate of the forces available for the expedi- tion approximately 10,000 men, which were later further reenforced by additions making the entire force, officers and men, on the date of the cessation of hostilities, 14,365. In moving from Guanica toward Ponce General Garre ttson had a skirmish with the Spanish troops near that place and an engagement near Yauco, moving thence with General Henry's command to Ponce. General Wilson having in the meantime disembarked at the latter place, the force was regarded as sufficient for active operations. Ponce is the principal city on the southern side of the island, and is connected by a good military road with San Juan, the island's capital, on the northern side. The Spaniards, supposing that General Miles would move his forces by this road, intrenched themselves at Coama and Aibonito. General Wilson, instead of moving directly upon Coama, flanked the position and coming in upon its rear captured the garrison. In the meantime, General Brooke moved to the east and north by a cir- cuitous route, in order to turn the position of the Spaniards at Aibonito and reach their rear. General Schwan was sent to clear the western portion of the island of Spanish troops. He had a sharp engagement at Hormigueros and captured the town of Mayaguez, which contained a population of about 20,000. He then moved with his command north and east and had another engagement at Las Marias, and was in pur- suit of the Spaniards, who were in retreat, when stopped by orders suspending hostilities. The general plan of campaign was to avoid a direct attack upon Aibo- nito, which was a supposedly strong position in the mountains; and to move General Schwan around the mountains westward to the north of the island. While he was making this movement, a trail over the mountains between Ajuntas and Uchuado was discovered by Gen. Roy Stone, who repaired the road and made it available for the march of troops. Garrettson's brigade was moved over this trail, reaching the REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 231 northern side of the mountain before the Spaniards were aware of it, they having neglected to either fortify or guard the pass. It was intended that this force should form a junction at Arecibo with General Schwan's brigade, forming a division which, under General Henry, was expected to move from Arecibo, which was to serve as a base, using the line of railroad running thence to San Juan for the transportation of stores. General Wilson threatening the Spanish troops in their front at Aibonito, arranged to move a brigade through the mountains so as to attack them in the rear. General Brooke also was expected to move to Cayey, which would block the line of retreat from Aibonito to San Juan. These dispositions, successfully made, completely flanked the position of the Spaniards at Aibonito, and must necessarily have resulted in its evacuation as soon as the movements of the forces under General Miles were discovered. Completely outma- neuvered, the Spaniards would have been compelled to abandon Aibo- nito. If the contemplated movements of our troops had been carried out their retreat to San Juan would have been cut off. At this juncture of affairs, however, notice of the signing of the protocol, and the consequent cessation of hostilities, was received, and hostile operations were suspended. Four days more would have concentrated General Miles's forces at or near San Juan, prepared for the investment of that place. The suspension of hostilities occurred on the 13th of August, about twenty days after the advance guard of General Miles's expedition landed upon the island. In the different movements in this campaign about 6,000 of our troops were under fire. There were six different actions of greater or less severity, in all of which our forces were successful. The total casualties of the campaign were 3 enlisted men killed and 4 officers and 36 enlisted men wounded. THE EXPEDITION TO MANILA. The forces intended for operations in the Philippine Islands left San Francisco, at various times during the months of May, June, and July, and when assembled around the city of Manila aggregated about 15,000, 13,000 of whom were volunteers and the remainder troops from the Regular Army. Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt was in command of these troops. Having landed at Cavite, on the island of Luzon, July 25, 1898, he found the city already invested by the troops of the United States and the insurgent forces under General Aguinaldo. The insur- gents occupied a line of intrenchments on the land side of tlie city, our troops, under General Greene, occupying another line in their rear. After carefully reconnoitering the position General Merritt concluded that the attack must necessarily be made from the water side of the city. Preparations were made for this attack about the first week in August. The Spanish forces consisted of from 10,000 to 15,000 troops. 232 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Negotiations for a surrender proved fruitless, and on the 13th of August an attack in force was made. Waiting for low tide, the troops were deployed along the beach, and after a spirited engagement lasting for about two hours charged and captured the enemy's intrenchments and speedily reduced the city. The troops behaved with great gallantry and accomplished the result aimed at with comparatively little loss, the casualties aggregating 17 killed and 9 officers and 96 enlisted men wounded. In this as in all the other campaigns of the war with Spain the Army had the active and efficient cooperation of the Navy. The military expedition to Manila was made necessary by the destruc- tion of the Spanish fleet and the capture of the harbor of Manila by Admiral Dewey in the early part of the war; and in all military oper- ations around the city General Merritt and Admiral Dewey cooperated in the most hearty and cordial manner. In the engagement which resulted in the capture of Manila, the navy bombarded the city, some of its light-draft vessels going close to shore and shelling the intrench- ments, preparatory to the charge made by the troops. The cordial rela- tions which existed between the Army and the Navy in their joint operations against Manila are specially to be commended. Not only during active hostilities, but in the furnishing of supplies and in other ways, these arms of the service, owing allegiance to the same flag, cooperated in a way which is most gratifying to record. The several campaigns herein very briefly and imperfectly sketched reflect great credit upon the soldierly qualities of the officers and men of the several commands engaged in them. They were conducted under new and trying conditions; they were carried on for the welfare and uplifting of peoples foreign to our blood, but bound to us by the ties of a common humanity; they brought honor to our flag, and in their remarkable results are the wonder of the world. It is with profound, regret that the commission reports that during its later sessions Gol. James A. Sexton was prevented by sickness from being present, and on the 4th day of February our loved colleague closed an honored and active life. REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. 233 In concluding its labors it is with much pleasure that the commission reports that notwithstanding the haste with which the nation entered upon the war with Spain, the resulting and almost inevitable confusion in bureau and camp, the many difficulties of arming, assembling, and transporting large bodies of hitherto untrained men, the carrying on of active operations in two hemispheres, the people of the United States should ever be proud of its soldiers, who, cooperating with its sailors, in less than three months put an end to Spanish colonial power, enfran- chised oppressed people, and taught the world at large the strength and the nobility of a great Republic. Respectfully submitted. Grenville M. Dodge. Charles Denby. A. McD. McCook. John M. Wilson. James A. Beaver. Urban A. Woodbury. Phineas S. Conner. Evan P. Howell. APPENDICES A TO M, INCLUSIVE. 235 CORRESPONDENCE. A. War Department. Washington, September 8, 1898. The President: I have the honor to ask that a board, consisting of from five to seven members, of the most distinguished soldiers and civilians that can be selected, be appointed by you, with full power to investigate thoroughly every bureau of the War Department in connection with the mustering, clothing, supplying, and arming of troops, transportation, the letting of contracts, and chartering vessels, and all expenditures of every kind, as well as of orders issued by this Department- indeed, that everything connected with the Army be thoroughly investigated for your information. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. B. To the commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain. Gentlemen : Before suggesting the matters which shall come before you for investigation, I desire to express my appreciation to each of you for your willing- ness to accept the patriotic service to which you have been invited. You are to perform one of the highest public duties that can fall to a citizen, and your unselfishness in undertaking it makes me profoundly grateful. There has been in many quarters severe criticism of the conduct of the war with Spain. Charges of criminal neglect of the soldiers in camp and field and hospital, and in transports, have been so persistent that, whether true or false, they have made a deep impression upon the country. It is my earnest desire that you shall thoroughly investigate these charges and make the fullest examination of the administration of the War Department in all of its branches, with the view to establishing the truth or falsity of these accusations. I put upon you no limit to the scope of your investigation. Of all Departments connected with the Army I invite the closest scrutiny and examination, and shall afford every facility for the most searching inquiry. The records of the War Department and the assistance of its officers shall be subject to your call. I can not impress upon you too strongly my wish that your investigation shall be so thorough and complete that your report, when made, will fix the responsi- bility for any failure or fault by reason of neglect, incompetency, or maladminis- tration upon the officers and bureaus responsible therefor, if it be found that the evils complained of have existed. The people of the country are entitled to know whether or not the citizens who so promptly responded to the call of duty have been neglected or misused or mal- treated by the Government to which they so willingly gave their services. If there have been wrongs committed, the wrongdoers must not escape conviction and punishment. William McKinley. 237 238 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. C. EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES OF COMMISSION. Washington, D. C., September 27,1898. On motion, duly seconded, it was determined to allow one representative of each of the press associations to be present during the examination of witnesses by this commission. Washington, D. C., October 3, 1898. A communication was read from the press, requesting permission to allow stenographers admission before the commission when taking testimony. It was thereupon moved, seconded, and carried, that the press be allowed to have present at the sittings of this board during the examination of witnesses three stenographers, two being representatives of out of town papers and one rep- resenting the city papers. D. EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF COMMISSION. Washington, D. C., September 27,1898. Resolved, first, That the Secretary of War, the Adjutant-General, the Quarter- master-General, the Commissary-General, and the Surgeon-General be requested to transmit to this commission all complaints that have been received by them since April 1, 1898, touching the conduct of the war. E. EXTRACT FROM MINUTES OF COMMISSION. Washington, D. C., September 27, 1898. Resolved, second, That this commission invites and is ready and willing to receive and consider any complaints about the management of any of the various branches of the War Department from any person or persons. That we respect- fully request that such complaints be made in writing, stating facts that the party may know of its own knowledge, plainly and in detail, giving names of any officers or enlisted men who may be charged with misconduct or incompe- tency, addressed to the secretary of the commission at Washington, D. C. Upon being duly seconded this motion was carried. This was given to the press, and it was requested that it be given widespread publicity. F. Office of Commission Appointed by the President to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department in the War with Spain, Washington, , 189-. Dear Sir: Referring to your communication of , the commission requests that, upon receipt of this, you will forward a written statement, giving in as specific and complete a form as may be practicable all facts, based upon your CORRESPONDENCE. 239 own personal experience and knowledge, that will aid. the pending investigation. This statement will be for the information of the commission only. Very respectfully, , Secretary. * G. Washington, D. C., September 26, 1898. The Secretary of War. Sir: Pursuant to authority conferred upon us by the President, we have the honor to request that you direct the Adjutant-General, the Quartermaster- General, the Commissary-General, the Surgeon-General, the Chief of Ordnance, and the Chief of Engineers to furnish us as soon as practicable information as to the condition of their several departments at the time of the declaration of war with Spain and the operations of those departments from that time until the present. We desire the information to include the following, viz: First. The times and places of the mobilization of the regular and volunteer troops. Second. The organization of those troops into the various subdivisions of the Army, and the personnel of the brigade, division, corps, and army commanders, and of their staffs, whether appointed from the permanent establishment, from the National Guard, or from civil life. Third. The amount and kind of camp and garrison equipage and other supplies that were on hand at the beginning of the war, the amount subsequently pur- chased, when and where purchased, when and where delivered to your Depart- ment, and when and where actually issued to the troops. Fourth. Similar information in regard to furnishing the troops with arms and accouterments. Fifth. Which of the volunteers were armed and equipped in the various State camps, and which in the general camp. Sixth. Upon whose recommendation or judgment the various general rendez- vous were selected, and the reason for such selection. Seventh. Full particulars relative to the transportation of troops by sea, giv- ing an account of the provisions made for the accommodation and care of the sick and wounded. Eighth. An account of the quantity, quality, and kind of food furnished the troops, and in case any of them failed of being plentifully and seasonably sup- plied, state the reasons therefor. Ninth. As to the proper tentage, beds, linen, medicine, food, and all other nec- essary equipment and supplies for the use of the Hospital Corps of the Army. If there was any lack of these things at any time state the reasons therefor. Tenth. Whether the medical staff was efficient and sufficient at all times for the proper care of the sick and wounded; and if not, state the reasons therefor. Eleventh. Such information relative to the conditions and operations of the Ord- nance and Engineering departments as will be of value to us in our investigation. We have outlined briefly a portion only of the information that we trust you will be able to give us. It will be satisfactory to have it communicated to us in writing or by the chiefs of the several bureaus in person, with the submission of such records confirming their statements as they may be pleased to hand us. 240 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. To aid you in complying with this request there is submitted herewith a list of special questions, to which, so far as is possible, answers are desired. Very respectfully, Grenville M. Dodge, President. INFORMATION DESIRED FROM SECRETARY OF WAR. 1. Plan of campaign proposed immediately after the declaration of war; was it intended to move at once on Havana or that the campaign should be postponed until the autumn? 2. When was the Santiago campaign determined upon? 3. Why was Tampa selected as the base of operations? 4. Why were summer camps organized at Fernandina, Jacksonville, and Tampa? 5. When was the Porto Rico campaign determined upon? 6. Why were the troops held on transports after embarkation at Tampa and not permitted to sail for several days? 'INFORMATION DESIRED FROM ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 1. Number of troops available for duty just before war was declared. 2. Number of men enlisted in Regular Army under authority of the law author- izing placing it upon a war footing. 3. Number of volunteer regiments mustered in. number of officers appointed, and number of men enlisted under the first call of the President. 4. Number of volunteer regiments mustered in, number of officers appointed, and number of men enlisted under the second call of the President. 5. Maximum number of officers and enlisted men in the regular and volunteer forces during the war. 6. Number of officers appointed in the volunteer service in each staff depart- ment during the war. 7. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers, with maximum number of troops, operating in Cuba in the Santiago campaign, with the organization of the command; its commanding general; corps, division, and brigade commanders; the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. 8. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers, with maximum number of troops, operating in Porto Rico, with the organization of the command; its commanding general; corps, division, and brigade commanders; the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. 9. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers, with maximum number of troops, operating in the Philippine Islands, with the organization of the com- mands; its commanding general; corps, division, and brigade commanders; the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. 10. Location of camps in the United States; by whom selected; number of regiments and number of officers and enlisted men of regulars and of volunteers at each camp; organization of camps; names of commanding generals, together with names of division and brigade commanders; length of time each camp was main- tained; and number of deaths by disease at each camp. 11. Finally, all reports of officers in the Inspector-General's Department. CORRESPONDENCE. 241 INFORMATION DESIRED FROM QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 1. Upon the declaration of war, was the organization and were the regulations of the Department of such a character as to admit of the prompt equipment and movement of troops ? 2. How many officers belonged to the Department when war was declared, and how many (with their rank) have been appointed in the volunteer service since that time ? 3. For an army of what size was the Department prepared to fully supply all necessary clothing and camp and garrison equipage on April 1, 1898? 4. Was the clothing on hand and ready for issue to troops and that previously issued of a character suitable for use in a tropical climate ? 5. What amount of tentage was available, and were the troops sent from gar- rison life to the field at once furnished with necessary tentage and other quar- termaster supplies necessary for use in camp life ? 6. What steps were taken for fully supplying an army of 250,000 men with suitable clothing and camp and garrison equipage, and what amount of material of each kind had been obtained and what amount issued up to August 31, 1898? 7. How many public animals and how many wagons with harness were avail- able April 1,1898 ? 8. What steps were taken for obtaining animals, wagons, and harness; how were they obtained, and what number had been purchased and issued by August 31, 1898? 9. What arrangements had been made previous to April 1, 1898, for the rapid movement of troops by land and by water ? 10. What arrangements were made and how many troops were actually moved by railroad and by vessel between April 1 and August 31, 1898? 11. Were full and complete arrangements made for supplying the troops oper- ating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines with suitable clothing and with camp and garrison equipage and quartermaster's stores for armies operating in the field ? 12. How many and what vessels were purchased or chartered for transportation of troops ? What was the capacity of each vessel ? Was it properly arranged for the comfort of the troops, so far as possible? Was there a full supply of water for use of troops arranged in every case, and was each and every vessel carefully inspected by an officer or agent of the Department and pronounced satisfactory before troops were permitted to embark ? 13. What arrangements were made for the disembarkation of troops when there was a possibility of it being done outside of a harbor ? 14. When so-called permanent camps were located for a large force, what arrangements were made for a full and complete supply of potable water for use of troops? Were tent floors furnished in any cases other than for hospitals? If so, where and to whom ? 15. When troops were moved by rail for long distances were there any arrange- ments made for a supply of water? Were there any unnecessary delays in the movements of troops from the camps established on the return of the army from Cuba ? 16. What, if any, complaints, in writing, have been received by the Quarter- master-General in reference to the prompt compliance with proper requisitions, or complaints of any character in reference to the operations of the Department in connection with the movement of troops, the issuing of proper and necessary supplies, or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Quartermaster's Department ? 17. What funds were at the command of the Department April 1,1898, and what additional funds were available by August 31, 1898, under general or special legislation ? 7833-vol. 1 16 242 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. INFORMATION DESIRED FROM ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. 1. What was the organization of the Department on April 1, 1898? 2. How many arsenals were there where ordnance materials were being manu - factured, and what was their daily capacity? 3. On April 1, 1898, what were the conditions in reference to the following: How many modern, high-power, heavy breech-loading rifle guns were available, and what were their calibers ? How many gun carriages of each class were available ? How many 12-inch B. L. rifled mortars were available? How many 12-inch B. L. rifled-mortar carriages were available? How many rapid-fire guns and of what caliber, together with their mounts, were available ? How much black powder for heavy and rapid-fire guns was available ? How much smokeless powder for heavy and rapid-fire guns was available ? How many projectiles for each class of H. P. guns, rifled mortars, and rapid- fire guns were available ? How many rifled siege guns, howitzers, and mortars, and of what caliber, with their carriages, were available, and what ammunition was ready for them? Was the powder black or smokeless ? How many rifled field guns, and of what caliber, with their carriages, neces- sary harness, etc., were available, and what ammunition was ready for them? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many machine guns, with their mounts, were available, and what ammu- nition was ready for them? Was the powder black or smokeless ? How many rifles and of what caliber were ready for issue to troops, and what amount of ammunition was ready? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many carbines, how many pistols, and how many sabers, with belts, etc., were ready for issue, and what amount of ammunition for the carbines and pistols was ready? Was the powder black or smokeless? How many sets of horse equipments for cavalry and light artillery were ready ? How many knapsacks, haversacks, meat cans, tin cups, knives, forks, and spoons were ready ? An army of what size was the Ordnance Department prepared to completely equip in every respect ready for field service, with necessary artillery, small arms, ammunition, and all articles furnished by that department on April 1, 1898? 4. By August 31, what of the articles mentioned in addition to those on hand April 1 had been obtained, how obtained, and how much had been issued? 5. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Chief of Ordnance in reference to the prompt compliance with proper requisitions, or com- plaints of any character in reference to the operations of the Ordnance Depart- ment in connection with furnishing necessary armament for permanent defenses or seige and field artillery, rifles, equipments for infantry, artillery, and cavalry, and ammunition of all kinds ? 6. What funds were under the control of the Department April 1, 1898, and what additional funds were available by August 31, under general or special legislation ? INFORMATION DESIRED FROM THE SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT. 1. What was the organization of the Subsistence Department April 1,1898, the number and rank of officers, and number of commissary sergeants? 2. What additions in number and rank of regular officers and what number of volunteer officers were appointed in the Subsistence Department between April 1 and August 31? 243 CORRESPONDENCE. 3. On April 1, 1898, an army of what size was the Subsistence Department pre- pared to fully supply with officers and the necessary field rations, and of what does that ration consist? 4. Between April 1, 1898, and August 31 what arrangements were made for fully supplying with food an army of 250,000 men serving in the field and in camp; what was the field ration, and what was the ration in camp? 5. What arrangements were made for supplying the army in Cuba, the army in Porto Rico, and the army in the Philippines, and of what did the ration actually consist in each camp? 6. Were the troops in the field and those in camps fully supplied at all times with proper food? If not, why not? 7. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Commissary- General in reference to the prompt compliance with requisitions, the lack of food, poor character of food, or complaints of any character whatever in reference to furnishing supplies, or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Subsist- ence Department? 8. What funds were under the command of the department on April 1, and what additional funds were available by August 31 under general or special legis- lation? INFORMATION DESIRED FROM MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 1. What was the organization of the Medical Department on April 1, 1898? How many officers with their rank, how many hospital stewards, and what was the size of the hospital corps? 2. How many ambulances and litters were available? 3. An army of what size was the department able to completely fit out with medical officers, stewards, and hospital corps and necessary surgical instruments, and supplies of every character? 4. Between April 1 and August 31, 1898, what steps were taken for fully sup- plying an army of 250,000 men with all necessary surgeons, stewards, hospital corps, ambulances, litters, surgical instruments, and medical supplies of all and every character? 5. How many general hospitals were organized, where located, how equipped and managed, number of patients, and number of deaths in each case, between April 1 and August 31, 1898? 6. How many hospitals were established at various camps, what were the arrangements for the care and comfort of the sick and wounded, how many sick were cared for at each camp hospital, and how many deaths occurred? 7. What, if any, railroad ambulance trains were established, where were they located and used? 8. How many hospital ships were obtained, how were they equipped, how man- aged, and what work did they perform. What arrangements were made and how were the armies operating in Cuba. Porto Rico, and the Philippines supplied with medical officers, medical supplies, and food for the sick and wounded? 9. What number of surgeons of volunteers, hospital stewards, nurses, attend- ants, etc., were employed between April 1 and August 31, in addition to those in the service of the United States on April 1, 1898? 10. Were all vessels used in transporting sick and wounded thoroughly inspected by a medical officer before troops were permitted to embark, and were they fully supplied with surgeons, surgical instruments, medical supplies of every charac- ter, potable water, and proper food for sick and convalescents? 11. Were the armies operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines fully supplied with efficient surgeons, stewards, and hospital corps, and with ambu- 244 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. lances, litters, surgical instruments, medical supplies of all kinds, and proper food for the sick and wounded? 12. Were the chief surgeons in the various camps instructed to carefully watch their sanitary condition, to look after their cleanliness, to demand the proper supply of water, to test the water as to its character, to look into the cooking arrangements, and to locate the sinks and to see to their proper care? 13. Why were regimental hospitals in camps abolished and division hospitals substituted? Were the results satisfactory?' 14. How were the surgeons employed in the field, in tents, and in general hospi- tals selected? Was there any regular examination required, and as a rule have they proved efficient and faithful? 15. How were the hospital stewards, nurses, and attendants selected? 16. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Surgeon- General in reference to the prompt compliance with requisitions, the lack of proper medical attendance, the lack of surgical instruments, the lack of proper care, food and water for the sick and wounded with armies in the field, or with troops in camp or men in general hospitals and field hospitals, or on railroad trains or transports at sea; in fact, what, if any, complaints have been made in writing in reference to the issuing of proper supplies or performance of any duty appertaining to the Medical Department of the Army? 17. What funds were at the command of the Department on April 1, and what additional funds were available by August 31, under general or special legislation? H. War Department, Washington, October 6, 1898. Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President Commission appointed by the President 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 Sec- retary of War, as referred to in your letter of September 27, 1898. Very respectfully, R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. INFORMATION DESIRED FROM SECRETARY OF WAR. 1. Plan of campaign proposed immediately after the declaration of war; was it intended 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 President's proclamation. 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 the use of land forces necessary or desirable. Early in May a plan was partially matured to land a force at Mariel, a point about 26 miles west of Havana, reports having been received that in its immediate vicinity were high grounds, well watered and suitable for camping troops pre- paratory for a 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 set in. Orders were issued to that effect on May 9, but subsequently plans were changed on account of further information that there would be great danger to the health of the troops in that vicinity, and also on account of the uncertainty of the movements of the enemy's fleet. It was 245 CORRESPONDENCE then determined to keep the forces in the United States at points as near Cuba as possible for immediate embarkation should an emergency demand it. The Santiago campaign proved to be that emergency. It should be added further that it was believed, after consultation with medical authorities, that troops camping in Southern States during the summer would become somewhat acclimated for their services in Cuba. 2. When was the Santiago campaign determined upon? Answer. The Santiago campaign was made necessary by the presence of Ad- miral Cervera's 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 locations in eastern Cuba. The immediate destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet was necessary; and, to enable the Navy to accomplish this, the military force, under Major-General Shafter, U. S. Volunteers, 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 7, stating that he had bombarded forts at San- tiago June 6 and silenced works quickly; and if 10,000 men were there, city and fleet could be captured within forty-eight hours. (See copies of telegrams herewith attached, marked "A," " B," C," " D," " E," "F," "G," "H.") It is proper to state that after the date of this message the Spanish garrison was largely reenforced. The opinion of Admiral Sampson was doubtless correct at the time. The troops sailed from Tampa on June 14, 1898, with 16,988 officers and men. 3. Why was Tampa selected as the base of operations? Answer. On account of the shipping facilities 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 condition might require. 4. Why were summer camps organized at Fernandina, Jacksonville, and Tampa? Answer. All of the early camps in the South were selected with special regard for the health of the troops and their convenience for prompt movement by rail and water. The camp at Fernandina was organized on the recommendation of the Major-General Commanding the Army. The camp at Jacksonville was selected on the recommendation of Major-General Lee, U. S. Volunteers, commanding Seventh Army Corps (copy of telegram herewith attached marked "I"). A permanent camp was never contemplated at Tampa. Troops were sent there preparatory for embarkation, and were kept there to be ready for any emergency, and, later, to embark for Porto Rico; and upon the signing of the protocol the troops, being no longer required at Tampa, were sent to Huntsville, Ala., a camp selected by officers detailed to ascertain best camping site, having in view health and comfort of the soldiers. 5. When was the Porto Rico campaign determined upon? Answer. The Porto Rico campaign had been long under consideration, and the orders to carry it out were issued June 26, 1898. (See copy of letter herewith, marked "J," to Major-General Miles, U. S. Army.) 6. Why were the troops held on transports after embarkation at Tampa and not permitted to sail for several days? Answer. Troops were held on transports after embarkation at Tampa on account of the advice received from Commodore Remey that " Spanish cruiser, second class, and Spanish torpedo-boat destroyer seen by Eagle, Nicholas Chan- nel, Cuba; destroy convoy." (See copies of telegrams from the Navy Department herewith marked "K," "L,""M.") > 246 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. A. War Department, Washington, May 30, 1898. (Sent in cipher May 31, 1898, 2.30 a. m.) Maj. Gen. William R. Shafter, Tampa, Fla.: With the approval of the Secretary of War, you are directed to take your com- mand on transports, proceed under convoy of the navy to the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba, land your force at such place east or west of that point as your judg- ment may dictate, under the protection of the navy, and move it onto the high ground and bluffs overlooking the harbor, or into the interior, as shall best enable you to capture or destroy the garrison there and cover the navy as it sends its men in small boats to remove torpedoes, or, with the aid of the navy, capture or destroy the Spanish fleet now reported to be in Santiago harbor. You will use the utmost energy to accomplish this enterprise, and the Government relies upon your good judgment as to the most judicious use of your command, but desires to impress upon you the importance of accomplishing this object with the least possible delay. You can call to your assistance any of the insurgent forces in that vicinity and make use of such of them as you think advisable to assist you, especially as scouts, guides, etc. You are cautioned against putting too much confidence in any persons outside of your troops. You will take every precaution against ambuscades or surprises or positions that may have been mined or are commanded by the Spanish forces. You will cooperate most earnestly with the naval forces in every way, agreeing beforehand upon a code of signals. Com- municate your instructions to Admiral Sampson and Commodore Schley. On completion of this enterprise, unless you receive other orders or deem it advisable to remain in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, reembark your troops and proceed to the harbor of Pto de Banes, reporting by the most favorable means for further orders and future important service-this with the understanding that your com- mand has not sustained serious loss and that the above harbor is safe for your transports and convoy. When will you sail? By command of Major-General Miles: H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. B. Executive Mansion, Washington, June 7, 1898. General Shafter, Tampa, Fla.: Information from Sampson says he has practically reduced fortifications and only waits your arrival to occupy Santiago. Time is the essence of the situ- ation. Early departure of first importance. By order of the Secretary of War: H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. c. Executive Mansion. Washington, June 7, 1898-7.50 p. m. General Shafter, Tampa, Fla.: That you may know the exact situation, the President directs me to send you the following from Sampson: Bombarded forts at Santiago, 7.30 to 10 a. m. to-day, June 6. Have silenced works quickly without injury of any kind, though stationed 2,000 yards. If 10,000 men were here city and fleet could be ours within forty-eight hours. Every CORRESPONDENCE; 247 consideration demands immediate army movement. If delayed city will be defended more strongly by guns taken from fleet. Sampson. He further says that you will sail as indicated in your telegram, but with not less than 10,000 men. H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-GeneraI. D. [Telegram.] War Department. June 7, 1898. Major-General Shafter, Port Tampa, Fla.: Yon will sail immediately, as yon are needed at destination at once. Answer. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. E. Executive Mansion, Washington, June 7, 1898-8.50 p. m. Major-General Shafter, Port Tampa, Fla.: Since telegraphing you an hour since, the President directs you sail at once with what force you have ready. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. F. Tampa, Fla., June 7, 1898-9 p. m. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: I will sail to-morrow morning. Steam can not be got up earlier. There is loaded to-night 1 division of infantry, 9 regiments, 16 companies of dismounted cavalry, 4 light batteries, 2 siege batteries artillery, 2 companies of engineers, and the troops from Mobile. I will try and get on the rest of the cavalry and another division of regular infantry by morning. I will sail then with whatever I have on board. Shafter, Major-General. G. Adjutant-General:s Office, Washington, June 7, 1898. Major-General Shafter, Tampa, Fla.: The last thing before sailing, telegraph roster of regiments. By order Secretary of War: H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. H. Tampa, Fla., June 7,1898-10.15 p. m. (Received at Executive Mansion, Washington.) Adjutant-General Corbin : I expect to have 834 officers, 16,154 men on transports by daylight and will sail at that hour. Will wire particulars before starting. , Shafter. 248 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. L [Copy of telegram.] Windsor Hotel, Jacksonville, Fla., June 1,1898. Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: Headquarters established at this point; plenty of room here and in vicinity for whole corps. Fine camping ground; plenty of water for all purposes. Great facilities for embarking troops. Eighteen feet of water at city wharves. Only five regiments here, and two of those ordered to be ready to move to Tampa. Please send more regiments as early as possible in order that I may organize corps. Can not the Virginia regiments come at once ? Request that quarter- master and commissary depots be established here immediately. Please order Miller. Corps quartermaster reports need his services badly. Lee, Major-General. J. War Department, Washington, June 26, 1898. Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: By direction of the President an expedition will be organized with the least possible delay, under the immediate command of Major-General Brooke, U. S. Army, consisting of three divisions taken from the troops best equipped in the First and Third Army Corps, and two divisions from the Fourth Army Corps, for movement and operation against the enemy in Cuba and Porto Rico. The command undei' Major-General Shafter, or such part thereof as can be spared from the work now in hand, will join the foregoing expedition, and you will command the forces thus united in person. Transports for this service will be assembled at Tampa with the least possible delay. The naval forces will furnish convoy and cooperate with you in accom- plishing the object in view. You will place yourself in close touch with the senior officer of the Navy in those waters, with the view to harmonious and forceful action. Estimates will be made by you immediately on the several staff departments for the necessary supplies and subsistence; such estimates to be submitted to the Secretary of War. For the information of the President, copies of all orders and instruction given by you from time to time will be forwarded on the day of their issue to the Adjutant-General of the Army. Also daily reports of the state and condition of your command will be made to the Secretary of War direct. It is important that immediate preparation be made for this movement, and, when ready, report to this Department for further instructions. Very respectfully, R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. K. [Copy of telegram.] War Department, Washington, D. C., Junes, 1898. Major-General Shafter, Tampa, Fla.: Wait until you get further orders before you sail. Answer quick. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. CORRESPONDENCE. 249 L. [Copy of telegram.] War Department, Washington. D. C., Junes, 1898. Major-General Miles, Port Tampa, Fla.: I have sent the following telegram to Major-General Shafter: "Wait until you get further orders before you sail. Answer quick." R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. M. [Copy of telegram.] War Department, Washington, D. C., Junes, 1898. Major-General Miles, Tampa, Fla.: The reason for countermanding order you will find in the following. The order was given at the request of the Navy Department, by direction of the President. " Key West, June 8. "Spanish armor cruiser,second class, and Spanish torpedo-boat destroyer seen by Eagle, Nicholas Channel, Cuba. Destroy convoy. Detail follow. " Remey." " Key West, June 8. "Last cipher just came by Resolute, just arrived. Was pursued by two ves- sels, Nicholas Channel, Cuba, last night. Shall I order Indiana and all available cruisers to coast of Cuba ? More detail to follow. " Remey." R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. REPLY OF THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL, U. S. A,, TO INQUIRIES BY THE COMMISSION INVESTIGATING THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT IN THE WAR WITH SPAIN. 251 INFORMATION DESIRED FROM ADJUTANT- GENERAL. 1. Number of troops available for duty just before war was declared. (See page 4.) 2. Number of men enlisted in Regular Army under authority of the law author- izing placing it upon a war footing. (See page 4.) 3. Number of volunteer regiments mustered in, number of officers appointed, and number of men enlisted under the first call of the President. (See page 5.) 4. Number of volunteer regiments mustered in, number of officers appointed, and number of men enlisted under the second call of the President. (See page 6.) 5. Maximum number of officers and enlisted men in the regular and volunteer forces during the war. (See page 4.) 6. Number of officers appointed in the volunteer service in each staff depart- ment during the war. (See page 4.) 7. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers, with maximum number of troops, operating in Cuba in the Santiago campaign, with the organization of the command, its commanding general, corps, division, and brigade commanders, the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. (See pages 10-14.) 8. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers, with maximum number of troops, operating in Porto Rico, with the organization of the command, its commanding general, corps, division, and brigade commanders, the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. (See page 14.) 9. Number of regiments of regulars and of volunteers, with maximum number of troops, operating in the Philippine Islands, with the organization of the com- mand, its commanding general, corps, division, and brigade commanders, the number of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded, and the number who have died from wounds or disease. (See page 15.) 10. Location of camps in the United States, by whom selected; number of regi- ments and number of officers and enlisted men of regulars and of volunteers at each camp; organization of camps, names of commanding generals, together with names of division and brigade commanders, length of time each camp was main- tained, and number of deaths by disease at each camp. (See page 16.) 11. Finally, all reports of officers in the Inspector-General's Department. (Already furnished by the Inspector-General.) 253 254 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Strength of the Regular and Volunteer Forces of the United States April 1, 1898, and at the End of Each Month from May to August, 1898, Inclusive, as Shown by the Latest Returns Received at the Adjutant-General's Office. The strength of the Regular Army April 1, 1898, just before the breaking out of the war, was as follows: Organization. Officers. Enlisted men. General officers and staff corps . 532 2,026 Cavalry .... . _ 437 6^047 Artillery .. 288 4i 486 Infantry .. 886 12,826 Miscellaneous.. 653 Total.. .. 2,143 26,040 In the following months the strength was as follows: Organization. May. June. July. August. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. General officers and staffs.. . 535 2,674 535 5,012 550 6,553 548 7,980 Cavalry 435 7,835 ■130 9.912 419 10.591 419 11,594 Artillery 305 7,560 317 9,065 369 11,308 369 12,454 Infantry 916 15,296 916 17,333 989 18,833 987 22,458 Miscellaneous 8,569 - 8,191 - 6,496 - 1,879 Total 2,191 41,934 2,198 49,513 2,327 53,931 2,232 a 56,365 Enlistments _ 9,569 - 9,311 6,586 - 3.400 STRENGTH OF THE REGULAR ARMY. a Includes 5,365 men of Hospital Corps, which are exclusive of authorized strength. STRENGTH OF THE VOLUNTEER ARMY. Major-generals 11 12 18 21 Brigadier-generals Adjutant-General's Depart- 70 <0 - <1 ment Inspector-General's Depart- 54 98 - 100 - 99 ment Judge-Ad vocate-Gener al ' s 19 30 ---- - 25 - Department 6 - - 8 - 8 - Quartermaster-Ge nerals 82 114 121 Department 31 - Subsistence Department.... 87 106 - - _ 108 Medical Department 19 81 99 113 - Pay Department 12 - 65 - 80 -- - - 86 Corps of Engineers 10 24 28 28 - Ordnance Department 101 897 20 1,089 24 1,173 Signal Corps. 10 112 111 Engineers 5,972 81 i 04: 108 2,458 150 3,286 Cavalry ivO'J 292 6,920 292 7,221 289 7,003 Heavy ar tiller v 83 1,836 83 2,010 93 2,540 92 2,570 Light artillery 69 1.706 81 2,979 120 4,405 120 4.265 Infantry. 5,562 109,066 5,969 139,845 7,238 185,748 7,319 188,947 Total 6,224 118,580 7,169 153,355 8,633 203,461 8,785 207,244 Volunteer Army Regular Army Army of the United States 6,224 2,101 118,580 41,934 7,169 2,198 153,355 49,513 8,633 2,327 203,461 53,931 8,785 2,323 207,244 56,365 8,415 160,514 9,367 202,868 10,960 257,392 11,108 263,609 SUMMARY. The maximum strength of the Army, both regular and volunteer, was attained in August. REPLY OF ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 255 Of the volunteer force in service August 31, the following were also officers of the Regular Army: Major-generals.... 15 Brigadier-generals 45 Assistant adjutants-general... ... 58 Inspectors-general .... 16 Judge-advocates 3 Quartermasters ... 45 Commissaries of Subsistence 21 Medical officers 1 44 Paymaster 1 Engineers 22 Ordinance officers 21 Signal officers _ ... 12 Officers of volunteer regiments... ... 86 Total 387 The following apportionment was made for the several States and Territories and the District of Columbia: FIRST CALL, 125,000 MEN. State or Territory. Infantry. Artillery. Cavalry. Regi- ments. Battal- ions. Light. Heavy. Regi- ment. Troops. Alabama 1 1 1 1 2 4 4 3 3 1 1 4 4 3 2 5 1 1 3 12 2 8 1 15 1 1 3 3 1 Arkansas California 2 4 Colorado Connecticut 1 2 Delaware Florida Georgia 1 2 Illinois 1 Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky .... 2 Louisiana Maine 1 Maryland Massachusetts 1 Michigan Minnesota .. Mississippi Missouri 1 Montana Nebraska New Hampshire Do New York 2 North Carolina Ohio 4 8 Oregon Pennsylvania 3 3 Rhode Island South Carolina 1 1 Tennessee Texas 1 1 Utah 2 V ermont 1 3 1 1 3 Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming 1 District of Columbia 1 North Dakota 2 South Dakota 1 Idaho ... 2 Nevada 1 Arizona New Mexico Oklahoma Indian Territory 256 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. QUOTA OF STATES UNDER SECOND CALL FOR 75,000 VOLUNTEERS, MAY 25. State or Territory. Regi- ment. Bat- talion. Com- panies. Light bat- teries. Heavy bat- teries. Alabama 2 California 1 Colorado 1 Connecticut 1 Georgia _ 1 Illinois 2 Indiana 1 2 Iowa ___ _ 9 Kansas _ _ 2 Kentucky 1 Louisiana _ 3 Maine .. . . . 3 Maryland . 1 Massachusetts 1 Michigan . 1 Minnesota 1 Mississippi _ _ 6 Missouri 1 Nebraska 1 New Jersey 1 New York 3 3 North Carolina _ 7 Ohio 1 9 Oregon . . 2 Pennsylvania... 18 Rhode Island .. South Carolina 2 Tennessee . 1 Texas 1 Utah . 1 Virginia . 2 Washington 1 West Virginia 1 Wisconsin 1 1 Arizona New Mexico 1 1 Indian Territory Nevada ...1 . . 4 Wyoming 1 Total 22 10 46 16 3 Note.-In addition to the two calls for troops, Congress authorized the formation of 3 regi- ments of engineers, 3 regiments of cavalry, and 10 regiments of infantry, raised from at large. Distribution of Troops, Camps, etc. On April 15, 1898, by direction of the Secretary of War, the regiments of the Regular Army, with few exceptions, were ordered to proceed to various points in the South-at Chickamauga, Ga., New Orleans, La., Mobile, Ala., and Tampa, Fla. These regiments came from Washington, Idaho, California, Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and, in fact, from nearly all the posts then occupied, some eighty in number: These troops were formed into brigades and divisions, as directed in General Order 25, Adjutant General's Office, April 23; and, by said order, the encampment in Chickamauga Park was designated as " Camp George H. Thomas.'' On April 23 the President issued his proclamation calling for 100,000 volunteers. Recruiting was immediately commenced in the various States, and central points were selected where troops were to be mustered into the United States service. On May 7, by direction of the President, seven army corps were constituted, comprising both the regular and volunteer forces (General Order 36, Adjutant Gen- eral's Office, May 7). On May 16 the President made the assignment of general officers to take com- mand of the army corps, etc., as follows (General Order 46. Adjutant General's Office, May 16): Department of the Pacific: Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt. REPLY OF ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 257 First Army Corps and Department of the Gulf: Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke, with headquarters at Camp Thomas, Ga. Second Army Corps: Maj. Gen. William M. Graham, with headquarters at Falls Church, Va. Third Army Corps: Maj. Gen. James F. Wade, with headquarters at Camp Thomas, Ga. Fourth Amy Corps: Maj. Gen. John J. Coppinger, with headquarters at Mo- bile, Ala. Fifth Army Corps: Maj. Gen. William R. Shafter, with headquarters at Tampa, Fla. Sixth Army Corps: Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, with headquarters at Camp Thomas, Ga. Seventh Army Corps: Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, with headquarters at Tampa, Fla. Cavalry Division: Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, with headquarters at Tampa, Fla. The First and Third Army Corps were organized at Camp Thomas, Ga. The strength of troops present at Camp Thomas on the last day of each month was as follows: Month. Officers. Enlisted men. April - - 383 6 328 May 2,191 42 036 June.. 2,004 56 544 July 1.563 42 260 August 436 12,725 In July the First Division of the First Corps, under General Wilson, was de ached and sent to Porto Rico. On August 21 and 22 the Second and Third Divisions of the First Corps were sent to Lexington, Ky., and Knoxville, Tenn., respectively. Early in September the Third Army Corps was transferred to Anniston, Ala , and by the end of the month but a small detachment remained at Camp Thomas. The Sixth Army Corps failed of organization, General Wilson being assigned to the command of the First Division of the First Corps. The Second Army Corps was organized at Camp Alger, near Falls Church, Va. The strength of troops present on the last day of each month was as follows: Month. Officers. Enlisted men. May 903 17 406 June. 887 22 6^4 July 802 21 ' 373 August 768 20'633 In the latter part of July it was determined to discontinue Camp Alger; and a new site for a camp, near Middletown, Pa. (called "Camp Meade "), was selected. The Second Division of the Second Army Corps commenced to move about Augpst 2, and early in September the remainder of the corps left Camp Alger. The figures for August include those at Camp Meade. The Fourth Army Corps was organized at Mobile, Ala. The strength present on the last day of each month was as follows: Month. Officers. Enlisted men. May 342 7 456 June.-. _- 763 20 058 July 548 13 485 August 413 q 033 7833-vol. 1 17 258 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. On June 2 the Fourth Army Corps commenced to move from Mobile, Ala., to Tampa, Fla. On July 23 the Third Division of the corps was transferred to Fer- nandina, Fla. On August 11 the movement of the entire corps was commenced to Huntsville, Ala., and by August 31 the only troops of the corps remaining at Tampa were 1 officer and 29 men of the Signal Corps. The Fifth Army Corps was organized at Tampa. Fla. The strength present of the corps on the last day of each month was as follows: Month. Officers. Enlisted men. May ... 769 15,657 June 791 14.915 July ... 840 18.619 August .... 518 14,347 On June 7 the Fifth Army Corps embarked on transports for Santiago, Cuba, sailed June 14, and commenced to disembark June 22. After the surrender of Santiago, and owing to the prevalence of disease which infected the whole army there, it was decided to withdraw the forces that had been operating in Cuba; and accordingly the withdrawal of the troops from that place was commenced about August 7, General Shafter and staff (excepting the sick in hospital) being the last to leave, on August 24. The Seventh Army Corps was organized at Tampa, Fla. The strength present of the corps on the last day of each month was as follows: Month. Officers Enlisted men. May . . - 496 8,847 June. ... .... 781 18,375 July .......... . ... .. . 909 23:193 August .... . 1,025 27i817 On May 29 General Lee was authorized to establish his headquarters at Jack- sonville, Fla., and accordingly removed to that place May 31, with the exception of the First Division of the corps, which remained at Tampa. On June 20 a division of the Fourth Anny Corps, from Mobile, Ala., under the command of General Schwan, was transferred to camp at Miami, Fla., and on June 28 was designated as the First Division of the Seventh Corps. Under orders from corps headquarters, dated July 31, the First Division was trans- ferred from Miami to Jacksonville, Fla. The Department of the Pacific, or Eighth Army Corps, was organized for the purpose of occupying the Philippines. The troops for this purpose were concen- trated at San Francisco, Cal. The first expedition for Manila, under command of Gen. T. M. Anderson, sailed May 25, consisting of the First California Infantry, Second Oregon Infantry, five companies Fourteenth United States Infantry, and a detachment of California artillery-115 officers and 2,386 enlisted men, arriving off Manila June 30. The second expedition, under the command of Gen. F. V. Green, sailed June 15, and consisted of the First Colorado, First Nebraska, Tenth Pennsylvania Infantry, four companies Eighteenth and four companies Twenty-third United States Infantry, two battalions Utah artillery, and detachment of United States Engineers; a total of 158 officers and 3,428 enlisted men, arriving at their destina- tion July 17. The third expedition, under the command of Generals Merritt and MacArthur, sailed June 27 and 29, and consisted of four companies of Eighteenth and four companies of Twenty-third United States Infantry, four batteries of Third United States artillery, one company U nited States Engineers, First Idaho, First W yoming, Thirteenth Minnesota, and First North Dakota Infantry, the Astor Battery, and REPLY OF ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 259 detachments of the Hospital and Signal Corps; a total of 197 officers and 4,650 enlisted men, which arrived at their destination July 25 and 31. The fourth expedition, under command of Gen. E. S. Otis, sailed July 15, and consisted of six troops Fourth United States Cavalry, two batteries Sixth United States Artillery, five companies Fourteenth United States Infantry, and detach- ments of recruits; a total of 42 officers and 1,640 enlisted men, and arrived at its destination August 21. The fifth expedition, under command of Col. H. C. Kessler, of First Montana Infantry, sailed July 19, and consisted of the First Montana Infantry and detach- ment of recruits; a total of 54 officers and 1,294 enlisted men. The sixth expedition, under command of Gen. H. G. Otis, sailed July 23, and consisted of eight companies of the First South Dakota and detachments; a total of 50 officers and 846 enlisted men. The Seventh Expedition, under command of Lieut. Col. Lee Stover, First South Dakota, sailed July 29, and consisted of four companies of First South Dakota and detachment of recruits; a total of 25 officers and 814 enlisted men. The total forces of the seven expeditions made a grand total of 641 officers and 15,058 enlisted men. The number of troops present remaining at San Francisco, after sailing of the expeditions, and who had been designated for the Philippines, was on the last day of each month as follows: Month. Officers. Enlisted men. May - - 523 10,793 June 395 11.660 July 276 7; 478 August - 258 6,988 PORTO RICO. Gen. N. A. Miles sailed from Guantanamo, Cuba. July 21, with a force of 3,554 officers and men, and landed at Guanica, Porto Rico, July 25. The troops sailing with him were the Sixth Massachusetts and Sixth Illinois Infantry, batteries of Regular Artillery, and detachments of recruits, Signal and Hospital corps. By July 31 he was reenforced by General Schwan's brigade, of the Fourth Corps, and by part of General Wilsons division, of the First Corps. The strength present lor July 31 and August 31, was as follows: Date. Officers. Enlisted men. July 31 ...... 377 9.084 August 31 _ 641 16,332 In addition to the camps and forces above enumerated, there were troops at posts and stations in the eight military geographical departments into which the United States was divided, each embracing territorial limits as follows: Department of California.-Maj. Gen. H. C. Merriam, commanding. States of California and Nevada. The Hawaiian Islands were added July 13, 1898. Department of the Colorado.-Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, commanding. States of Wyoming (except so much thereof as is embraced in the Yellowstone National Park), Colorado, and Utah, and the Territories of Arizona and New Mexico. Department of the Columbia.-Maj. Gen. H. C. Merriam, commanding. States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho (except so much of the latter as is embraced in the Yellowstone National Park), and the Territory of Alaska. Department of Dakota.-Brig. Gen. J. M. Bacon, commanding. States of Min- nesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and so much of Wyoming and Idaho as is embraced in the Yellowstone National Park. 260 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Department of the East.-Brig. Gen. G. L. Gillespie, commanding. New Eng- land States, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Department of the Gulf.-Brig. Gen. A. C. M. Pennington, commanding. States of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Department of the Lakes.-Brig. Gen. J. M. Bacon, commanding. States of Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. Department of the Missouri.-Brig. Gen. E. V. Sumner, commanding. States of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas, the Indian Territory, and the Territory of Oklahoma. Delaware, Maryland, District RESUME OF STRENGTH AND DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS. Command. May. June. July. August. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. Offi- cers. Enlisted men. Department of California... 98 2,176 87 1,716 70 1,745 100 2,390 Department of the Colorado. 45 956 39 1.250 41 1,329 40 1,516 Department of the Columbia 21 431 38 997 41 1,256 43 1,416 Department of Dakota 24 662 16 722 67 2,056 32 955 Department of the East 530 12,093 586 15,576 577 17,240 804 23,248 Department of the Gulf 230 4.921 232 5,792 249 7,228 280 7,262 Department of the Lakes ... 16 221 31 597 28 646 20 185 Department of the Missouri. 23 757 20 591 20 598 19 522 First and Third corps 2,191 903 42,036 17,406 7,456 15,657 8,847 13,179 2,004 887 56,544 22,624 20,058 14,945 18,375 1,563 802 42,260 21,378 13,485 18,619 23,193 22,536 9,084 436 12,725 Second Corps - 768 20,688 Fourth Corps 342 763 548 413 9,933 14,347 27,817 Fifth Corps 769 791 890 518 Seventh Corps 496 781 909 1,025 899 Eighth Corps 638 865 22,124 917 22;046 16,332 6,748 Porto Rico 377 641 Department of Santiago 299 At State camps, en route, at recruiting stations, on fur- lough, etc 2,089 33,716 2,227 20,957 3,861 74,739 4,771 95,479 Total 8,415 160,514 9,367 202,868 10,960 257,392 11,108 263,609 Actions. Troops Engaged, and Losses in United States Troops during the War with Spain, April 21 to August 13, 1898. May 12, 1898.-Point Arbolitos, Cuba. Capt. J. H. Dorst, Fourth Cavalry, commanding E and G, First United States Infantry. No casualties. June 22 to July 17, 1898.-Siege and surrender of Santiago, Cuba. Fifth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. W. R. Shafter, commanding. June 24, 1898.-La Quasima, Cuba. Cavalry division, Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, commanding; Second Cavalry Brigade, Brig. Gen. S. B. M. Young. Command. Present for duty, equipped, June 20. Killed. Wounded. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. Division headquarters 14 Brigade headquarters 3 First United States Cavalry (A. B. G, K) 12 260 3 5 Tenth United States Cavalry (A. B,E. I) 14 240 1 10 First United States Volunteer Cavalry (A,B,D.E,F,G.K.L) 31 567 1 7 3 29 Total - 71 1,067 1 15 6 44 261 REPLY OF ADJUTANT-GENERAL. Officers killed and wounded.-Killed: Capt. A. K. Capron, First United States Volunteer Cavalry. Wounded: Majs. J. M. Bell, First United States Cavalry; A. O. Brodie, First United States Volunteer Cavalry; Capts. T. T. Knox, First United States Cavalry; J. H. McClintock, First United States Volunteer Cavalry; First Lieuts. G. L. Byram, First United States Cavalry, and J. R. Thomas, jr., First United States Volunteer Cavalry. July 1 to 12, 1898.-Operations against Santiago, Cuba. Embracing the actions at San Juan, El Caney, and Aguadores, July 1 to 3, and actions around Santiago, Cuba, July 10 to 12, 1898. Command. Present for duty, equipped, June 30. Killed. Wounded. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. CORPS HEADQUARTERS. Maj. Gen. W. R. Shafter and staff Signal Corps 4 58 Hospital Corps 275 United States Engineers (C. E) 8 192 1 Balloon Detachment, Signal Corps Second United States Cavalry (A, C, D F) . 3 23 1 9 257 FIRST DIVISION. Brig Gen. J. F. Kent and staff 13 First Brigade. Brig. Gen. H. S. Hawkins and staff Sixteenth United States Infantry Sixth United States Infantry 6 2 1 24 30 655 483 1 2 13 10 6 8 109 107 Seventy-first New York Infantry ..... 47 922 13 1 59 Total First Brigade 107 2,060 36 16 275 Second Brigade. Col. E.P. Pearson, Fifth Infantry, and staff. Second United States Infantrv 3 20 616 1 7 5 52 Tenth United States Infantrv 22 453 1 4 5 35 Twenty-first United States Infantry.. 24 423 6 1 34 Total Second Brigade 69 1,492 2 17 11 121 Third Brigade. Col. C. A. Wikoff, Twenty-second In- fantry, and staff. Ninth United States Infantry 3 1 21 444 1 7 25 Thirteenth United States Infantry - Twenty-fourth United States Infantry 24 22 441 487 1 16 11 6 6 86 74 Total Third Brigade 70 1,372 5 34 12 185 Total First Division 259 4,924 12 87 39 581 SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. H. W. Lawton and staff 8 First Brigade. Brig. Gen. W. Ludlow and staff .... 3 Eighth United States Infantry (A, B, C. D. E, F, and H). Twenty-second United States Infantry Second Massachusetts Infantry... 19 487 6 1 47 29 467 10 6 38 44 863 1 7 3 38 Total First Brigade 95 1,817 1 23 10 123 Second Brigade. Col. Evan Miles and staff 3 First United States Infantry 14 438 2 Fourth United States Infantry Twenty-fifth United States Infantry.. 21 18 444 509 1 1 7 1 3 36 27 Total Second Brigade 56 1.391 2 ' 14 4 - 65 FIFTH ARMY CORPS. 262 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. FIFTH ARMY CORPS-Continued. Command. Present for duty, equipped, June 30. Killed. Wounded. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. second division-continued. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. A. R. Chaffee and staff Seventh United States Infantry 6 25 891 1 32 4 97 Twelfth United States Infantry 20 564 9 1 34 Seventeenth United States Infantry .. 24 482 - 9 2 36 Total Third Brigade 75 1,937 1 50 7 167 Total Second Division 234 5,145 4 87 21 355 - INDEPENDENT BRIGADE. Brig. Gen. J. C. Bates and staff Third United States Infantry 4 19 460 3 15 Twentieth United States Infantry 24 578 - 1 2 13 Total Independent Brigade 47 1,038 - 4 * 28 DUFFIELD'S BRIGADE. General Duffield and staff. 4 958 2 Thirty-third Michigan Infantry 43 10 Thirty-fourth Michigan Infantry 29 612 Ninth Massachusetts Infantry 43 854 5 Total of Brigade . 119 2,424 - 2 15 CAVALRY DIVISION. Maj. Gen. J. Wheeler and staff 12 - First Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. S. Sumner and staff Third United States Cavalry (B, C, E, 3 - F,G,H,I,K) Sixth United States Cavalry (A, B, C, 23 433 3 6 46 D,E,F,G,K) Ninth United States Cavalry (A. B, C, 16 435 4 4 51 D,E,G,H,K) 12 207 2 2 2 18 Total First Brigade 54 1,075 2 9 12 115 Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. B. M. Young First United States Cavalry (A,B,C, 7 3 3 D,E,G.H,I,K) Tenth United States Cavalry (A, B. C, 20 503 1 12 - 47 D,E,G,H.I) 27 453 2 5 9 65 First United States Volunteer Cavalry (A, B,D,E,F,G,K,L) 26 557 1 14 6 69 Total Second Brigade 80 1,516 4 31 18 181 Total cavalry division 146 2,591 6 40 30 296 LIGHT ARTILLERY BATTALION. Maj. J. W. Dillenback 1 79 E, First United States Artillery 3 K, First United States Artillery. A, Second United States Artillery 2 3 78 79 2 1 8 F, Second United States Artillery 2 77 1 2 Total light arillery 11 313 2 1 11 SIEGE ARTILLERY. G, Fourth United States Artillery 2 53 H, Fourth United States Artillery .... 1 65 Total siege artillery 3 118 - Grand total, Fifth Army Corps.. 858 17,358 22 222 93 1,288 REPLY OF ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 263 The following troops were sent to and landed at Santiago, Cuba, but were not engaged: First District of Columbia Infantry, First Illinois Infantry, Eighth Ohio Infantry, F, Fourth United States Artillery; F, Fifth United States Artillery. Officers killed and wounded.-Killed: Col. C. A. Wikoff, Twenty-second Infan- try; Lieut. Col. J. M. Hamilton, Ninth Cavalry; Maj. A. G. Forse, First Cavalry. Capts. C. W. Rowell, Second Infantry; A. M. Wetherill, Sixth Infantry; John Drum, Tenth Infantry; T. W. Morrison, Sixteenth Infantry, and William O'Neill, First United States Volunteer Cavalry. First Lieuts. W. E. Shipp and W. H. Smith, Tenth Cavalry; J. G. Ord, Sixth Infantry; C. H. Field, Second Massachu- setts Infantry. Second Lieuts. J. J. Bernard, Fourth Infantry; E. N. Benchley, Sixth Infantry; T. A. Wansboro, Seventh Infantry; L.H. Lewis, Ninth Infantry; W. A. Safer, Thirteenth Infantry; D. M. Michie, Seventeenth Infantry; J. A. Gurney and J. N. Augustin, Twenty-fourth Infantry; H. L. McCorkle, Twenty- fifth Infantry, and Acting Asst. Surg. H. W. Danforth, who was on duty with Ninth Cavalry. Wounded: Brig. Gen. H. S. Hawkins; Lieut. Cols. Henry Carroll, Ninth Cav- alry; H. C. Egbert, Sixth Infantry; W. S. Worth, Thirteenth Infantry; J. T. Haskell, Seventeenth Infantry; E. H. Liscum, Twenty-fourth Infantry; J. H. Patterson, Twenty-second Infantry. Majs. H. W. Wessells, Third Cavalry; T. J. Wint, Tenth Cavalry; J. H. Smith, Second Infantry; A. W. Corliss, Seventh Infantry; S. H. Lincoln and R. I. Eskridge, Tenth Infantry; P. H. Ellis, Thir- teenth Infantry, and W. C. Hayes, First Ohio Cavalry. Capts. A. L. Mills, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers (first lieutenant, First Cavalry); G. K. Hunter and G. A. Dodd, Third Cavalry; J. B. Kerr and A. P. Blocksom, Sixth Cavalry; C. W. Taylor, Ninth Cavalry; John Bigelow, jr., Tenth Cavalry; C. D. Parkhurst, Second Artillery; W. J. Turner, Second Infantry; Z. W. Torrey and G. B. Walker, Sixth Infantry; J. B. Jackson, Seventh Infantry; R. C. Van Vleit, Tenth Infantry; James Fornace, J. B. Guthrie, and H. G. Cavanaugh, Thirteenth Infantry; William Lassiter, W. C. McFarland, and T. C. Woodbury, Sixteenth Infantry; H. B. Moon and J. B. Rodman, Twentieth Infantry; F. B. Jones, J. J. Crittenden, and Theodore Mosher, Twenty-second Infantry; A. C. Ducat and J. J. Brereton, Twenty-fourth Infantry; W. S. Warrener, Second Massachusetts Infantry, and M. J. Henry, commissary of subsistence of volunteers. First Lieuts. Arthur Thayer, A. C. Merrillat, and O. B. Meyer, Third Cavalry; W. S. Wood, Ninth Cavalry; R. L. Livermore, E. D. Anderson, and M. H. Barnum, Third Cavalry; W. C. Neary, Fourth Infantry; J. S. Grissard, Seventh Infantry; J. R. Seyburn, Eighth Infantry; Carl Koops, Tenth Infantry; A. B. Scott, Thir- teenth Infantry; S. W. Dunning, Sixteenth Infantry; W. M. Dickinson, Seven- teenth Infantry; G. J. Godfrey, Twenty-second Infantry; H. G. Lyon and J. E. Brett, Twenty-fourth Infantry; R. C. Day and J. A. Carr, First United States Volunteer Cavalry. Second Lieuts. W. C. Short, Sixth Cavalry; F. R. McCoy, T. A. Roberts, H. C. Whitehead, and H. O. Williard, Tenth Cavalry; B. H. Wells and W. J. Lutz, Second Infantry; J. H. Hughes, Fourth Infantry; L. H. Gross, C. N. Purdy, John Robertson, R. S. Turman, and W. H. Simons, Sixth Infantry; H. A. Lafferty, Seventh Infantry; M. C. Saville, Tenth Infantry; W. E. Dove and Clark Churchman, Twelfth Infantry; L. S. Sorley and R. E. Spence, Sixteenth Infantry; B. F. Hardaway, Seventeenth Infantry; F. R. Meade, Twenty- first Infantry; W. H. Wassell, Twenty-second Infantry; Albert Laws, Twenty- fourth Infantry; J. S. Murdock and H. L. Kinnison, Twenty-fifth Infantry; D. J. Moynehan and C. D. Hapgood, Second Massachusetts Infantry; W. E. Trull, Seventy-first New York Infantry; D. J. Leahy and H. K. Devereaux, First United States Volunteer Cavalry, and Acting Second Lieut, (cadet Military Academy) Ernest A. Haskell, First United States Volunteer Cavalry. 264 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Total casualties in Cuba. Casualty. Officers. Enlisted men. Killed 23 99 237 1,332 Wounded . . . July 25 to August 13, 1898-Operations in Porto Rico. Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, commanding. Date. Action. Command. Killed. Wounded. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. 1898. July 26 Guanica, Porto Sixth Illinois Infantry (G). a 1 3 Rico. Sixth Massachusetts In- fantry (A, C, E, G, K, L, M) Total 1 3 Aug. 5 Guayama, Porto Rico. Fourth Ohio Infantry (A, B,C,D,E,F,G,I,K,L). 4 Aug. 8 Four miles north of Guayama, Porto Rico. Fourth Ohio Infantry (A, C). 5 Aug. 9 Near Coamo,Porto Rico. Third United States Artil- lery (F). Fourth United States Ar- tillery (B). Sixteenth Pennsylvania In- fantry. - 6 Total 6 Aug. 10 Hormigueros, Por- to Rico. Brigadier-General Schwan's brigade and staff. &1 Third United States Ar- tillery (C). Fifth United States Ar- tillery (D). Eleventh United States Infantry. Fifth United States Cav- alry (A). - 1 3 12 Total 1 1 15 Aug. 12. Pass near Arbo- nito, Porto Rico. Troops under Maj. Gen. J. H. Wilson: Third United States Artillery (F). Third Wisconsin In fan try (D, F, L, M). 2 c 1 dl 3 Total 2 2 3 Aug. 13. At crossing of the Rio Prieto, near Troops under Brig. Gen. Theodore Schwan: Horm i g u e r o s, Porto Rico. Third United States Artillery (section of C). Fifth United States Artillery (detach- ' ment of A). Eleventh United States Infantry. Total casualties 3 1 36 a Capt. E. J. Gihon. b First Lieut. J. C. Byron, Eighth Cavalry, aid-de-camp to Gen. Theodore Schwan. c Lieut. J. P. Hains. d Capt. F. T. Lee. REPLY OF ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 265 July - to August 13,1898-Operations in Manila, Philippine Islands. Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt, commanding. Date. Action. Command. Killed. Wounded. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. 1898. July 30 to Aug. 5 In trenches before Fourteenth United States 2 3 Manila, P. I. Infantry (A, C, D, E.F). Twenty-third United States Infantry (D,E, F,H). Third United States Artil- 1 2 1 al lery (H,K). Battery B.Utah Artillery.. 1 First California Infantry.. 1 6 2 10 First Colorado Infantry 1 2 Tenth Pennsylvania ' In- fantry. First Nebraska Infantry . 6 c4 25 1 9 Total 13 7 57 Aug. 13 Assault on Manila. Astor Battery 2 8 First California Infantry... 1 2 First Colorado Infantry 3 Twenty-thirdUnited States Infantry. Eighteenth United States Infantry. Thirteenth Minnesota In- 1 7 1 d3 19 fantry. Total 4 3 39 Total casualties 17 9 96 a Capt. C. W. Hobbs. b Capt. Reinhold Richter and First Lieut. E. F. Davis. cCapt. J. A. Loar, First Lieut. R. D. Laird, and Second Lieuts. A. J. Buttermore and G. L. Gordon. d Capts. Oscar Seebach and A. W. Bjornstad and First Lieut. C. G. Bunker. GRAND TOTAL OF CASUALTIES IN KILLED AND WOUNDED DURING THE WAR WITH SPAIN. Where. Killed. Wounded. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. Cuba 23 237 3 17 99 4 10 1,332 36 96 Porto Rico Manila Total ... . 23 257 113 1,464 Deaths from all causes between May 1 and September 30, inclusive, as reported to the Adjutant-General's Office up to date (October 3, 1898) were: Officers. Enlisted men. Killed 23 257 Died of wounds . 4 61 Died of disease 80 2,485 Total 107 2,803 Being an aggregate of 2,910 out of a total force of 274,717 officers and men, or a percentage of 1^^. 266 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Principal Camps of the U. S. Troops, Dates of Establishment, and Num- ber of Deaths by Disease, Accidents, etc., at each to September U), as Reported to the Adjutant-General's Office. Camps. Date of estab- lish- ment. Deaths. Camp Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Georgia .. Apr. 14 425 Camb Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Fla .. Mav 26 246 Tampa, Fla ... May 2 56 Cuba (not including killed or died of wounds) June 22 427 At sea, en route from Cuba to Montauk... (a) 87 Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, New York Aug. 7 257 Manila, P. I June 30 63 Porto Rico .... July 25 137 Camp Alger, near Falls Church, and vicinity ... .. May 18 107 Camps in San Francisco .. .. . . , May 7 139 Camp Poland, Knoxville, Tenn .... Aug. 21 23 Camp Shipp, Anniston, Ala Sept. 3 Camp Meade, near Middletown. Pa Aug. 24 64 Camp Hamilton, Lexington, Ky Aug. 23 29 Camp Wheeler, Huntsville, Ala Aug. 17 35 At posts, minor camps, etc. 378 Total .. ... . .. 2,485 Selection of camp grounds were made on recommendations, as follows: Chickamauga Park, Ga By Major-General Commanding Army. Mobile, Ala Temporary camp. New Orleans .Temporary camp. Fernandina, Fla Major-General Commanding Army. Miami, Fla... ..Major-General Commanding Army. Jacksonville, Fla Major-General Lee, United States Volunteers. Camp Alger, Va Major-General Commanding Army. Knoxville, Tena Board of officers. Tampa, Fla A permanent camp was never contemplated at Tampa, but troops were sent there preparatory for embarka- tion, on recommendation of the Major-General Commanding the Army. Lexington, Ky Board of officers. Middletown, Pa Board of officers. Camp Merritt, Cal Gen. H. C. Merriam. Montauk Point, N.Y .. Board of officers. Huntsville, Ala Board of officers. Anniston, Ala Board of officers. H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. Adjutant-General's Office, October 13, 1898. a August and September. STATISTICAL MATTER FROM THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL, U. S. A. 267 STATISTICAL MATTER FROM THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, U. S. A. War Department, Washington, October 6, 1898. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President Commission Appointed by the President to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department in the War with Spain. Sir: I have the honor to hand you herewith all the reports in the Inspector- General's Department relating to the war with Spain. So many of the officers of the Inspector-General's Department have been absent in command of troops that no general inspection has been made under orders from this office. Frequent inspections have been made by brigade, division, and corps inspectors, and ren- dered to the corps commanders. These have been called for, and when received will be referred to you in accordance with request already made. I have the honor to be, very respectfully. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. War Department, Inspector-General's Office, Washington, October -, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army. Sir: In obedience to the instructions of the Secretary of War, contained in communication from your office of the 3d instant, I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the commission appointed by the President to investigate the con- duct of the War Department in the war with Spain, copies of such reports of officers in the Inspector-General's Department as have been received in this office. In this connection I would remark that the larger portion of the reports of the officers of this department made during the war are made direct to corps and division commanders, and have not reached this office. Very respectfully, Thos. T. Knox, Acting Inspector-General. General Breckinridge refers to scarcity of ordnance equipments at Chickamauga in May. August 20. Report of Lieut. Col. Frank D. Baldwin, assistant inspector-general. August 24. Report of Lieut. Col. C. Guild, jr., assistant inspector-general. 269 270 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Reports of Maj. Philip Reade, assistant inspector-general, reflect on Seventy - first New York Infantry; refers to scarcity of subsistence and medical supplies in Cuba, and makes other reflections. On board the Transport Seguranca, Daiquiri, Cuba, June SO, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following final report of the inspection of the troops at Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga National Park, Ga., made May 21 to June 3, 1898, under instructions from headquarters of the army of May 17, 1898: The course of this inspection probably began in my application for field service and the kindly expression of the desire of the General commanding the Army that I should have a command. While Camp George H. Thomas was occupied prin- cipally by regulars life suggested that the command there should be put to such tests by a combined inspection by the experienced officers of the corps as would demonstrate not only the condition of its subordinate organizations but the instruction, fitness, and readiness of its officers, both mentally and physically, for the exigencies of the coming campaign. And to this end fairly long marches or rides and sudden tests of the individual skill of the officers in the disposition of the troops under their command should be applied in such a way as would show not only their knowledge of the drill book but their endurance and resourceful- ness in handling the forces in their charge. And the essential and practical ques- tions of attack and defense, marching and security, and the suitability of the individuals for the task before them should predominate in this inspection instead of the usual details which are made prominent in garrison life. Before the order for this prqposed inspection was drawn or signed, the prospect of a military expedition, the appointment of volunteer officers, and the change of station of troops modified the original proposition, and the following instructions were received: Headquarters of the Army. Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, May 17, 1898. Maj. Gen. J. C. Breckinridge, U. S. Volunteers, Washington, D. C. Sir: By authority of the Secretary of War, the Major-General commanding the Army directs that, accompanied by Maj. E. A. Garlington, Inspector-General, Lieut. Col. J. J. Astor, Inspector-General of Volunteers, and Lieuts. S. M. Foote, Fourth Artillery, and C. D. Rhodes, Sixth Cavalry, aids-de-camps, you proceed to Chickamauga National Park. Tenn.; Atlanta, Ga.; New Orleans, La.; Mobile, Ala., and Tampa, Miami, and Key West, Fla., and make an inspection of the camps and troops assembled at those places. You are authorized to call on inspectors-general, acting inspectors-general, and other officers at the various points you are to visit for such assistance as you may require. On the completion of this duty you will return to these headquarters and submit your report. The Quartermaster's Department will furnish the necessary transportation for camp and garrison equipage as extra baggage. The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service. Very respectfully, H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-Greneral. Under the authority of this order I requested Gen. J. R. Brooke, commanding Camp George H. Thomas, to direct any inspectors-general on duty there to report 271 to me; and this was done as the inspectors arrived, the first reporting to me after I had been there about five days and the inspection of the First Division, First Corps, had been nearly completed. From the first it was evident that the difference between a regular and an improvised command required a corresponding modification of the method and scheme of inspection, so the following instructions were given the several inspect- ing officers: "The inspection of the Second Division, First Corps, will proceed seriatim by regiments after the review, and begin prior to the general inspection of camps. Major Garlington will conduct the inspection of the First Brigade; Major Davis of the Second Brigade, and Major Slocum of the Third Brigade. The succession of the regiments in each brigade will be determined daily until completed. Each inspector will promptly report such matters as require immediate remedy or attention and separately such as need telegraphic report to the Washington authorities, and will conclude his brigade inspection with a summary report of its salient features. " Where necessary, the senior inspector present will control or settle any mat- ters that may arise, and any questions can be presented to Major Garlington, who is authorized to direct all details of the inspection. " It is desired that each inspector will verbally state each day something of the progress of his work and what still is to be done. The basis of the inspection will be to determine and, if practicable, to improve the condition and quality of the officers, men, equipment, and organizations for effective work in the campaign and battle line." Later the following additional instructions were given the division inspectors of the First Corps: ' • In the information you are now preparing please locate definitely any discom- forts and special excellence discovered, and state the causes, if evident, and proper remedy or commendation for exceptional conditions-as the course pursued by different States, for instance-if it can be done without trenching upon the pre- rogatives or powers of higher authority; and visit the schools as well as the drill grounds and administrative centers, and note in what and where correct princi- ples and instruction and desirable results are shown, or the contrary. Perhaps if the several inspectors of divisions can find from each other what special features, especially those immediately remediable, are common throughout the command or especially deserve the attention of higher authority, they can be so accentu- ated as to attract attention and produce needed effect. " The inspection of so large a command in a transitory state, with troops coming and going daily, was an unprecedented task, and required the combined efforts and constant application of the officers of my party to bring it to a successful close. And under existing conditions it was deemed advisable to correct irregularities on the spot, to furnish corps and division commanders lists of defects and irregu- larities discovered from day to day which seemed to require immediate attention and could be partially or wholly remedied by them, and to inform the authorities at Washington by telegraph as the inspection progresses of such matters as required their attention. At the close of the tour a preliminary report was sub- mitted from Tampa. Copies of the telegrams to the Washington authorities and of the preliminary report are inclosed, marked A 1 to 10, and will, it is believed, give a fail- conception of the conditions existing at the camp and of the earnest- ness and success with which this unprecedented inspection was pushed forward. There was hardly a phase of camp life, whether affecting drills, minor tactics, and other duties, or equipment, clothing, food, and medicines, or paper work, in which instruction or advice was not sought from the inspecting officers by most of the regiments, and it was freely given, with the most beneficial results. INSPECTION REPO NTS. 272 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. But that the proper test for an improvised army must be efficiency on the bat- tle line instead of salutes and ceremonies is clear, so considerable stress was laid upon battle exercises and handling killing weapons. Every division of the First and Third corps was formed and all but one tested; and the formation of a corps suggested, but the commander who ranked me preferred not. The difference between the conduct of each division in these maneuvers, according to the prior experience and familiarity and personal enthusiasm, skill, expertness, and vigor o" the commanding officer and his staff, was, perhaps, as noticeable as that between the regimental organizations founded upon their past opportunities and present qualities. It is believed they did much toward directing general attention to the practical requirements of the battle line. The increased interest and insight such masses give to the knowledge of warlike requirements are easily appreciated. It is believed a new spirit and clearer discernment have inculcated that command. In one exercise, where General Poland's division turned the flank of Colonel Bobleter's (Second and Third divisions, First Corps) to capture Hall's Ford of the Chickamauga, we had about 20,000 men opposed to each other, and the lesson will not be soon forgotten; and when General Grant marched his division (First Division, Third Corps) before me the combination of names seemed striking. When his division was passing in review two other major-generals were observ- ing its performance. And the battle problem was executed after my call to Tampa for the expedition about to start under the following telegram: Tampa. Fla., June 3, 1898. Maj. Gen. Joseph Breckinridge, Chickamauga Park, Ga.: The Major-General Commanding the Army directs that you report to him here as soon as possible. The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service. F. Michler, Assistant Adjutant-General. Our national life and purposes are certainly important to ourselves and to others, and deserve effort and care equal to that given by any other, whether in peace or war. And we should be ready to maintain our national opinions and position by every approved argument both by word and deed. Americans are willing enough to assert themselves, but being willing is hardly being ready. The present military situation demonstrates what apparently none but the wisest statesmen and some professional soldiers would accept last year, that in proper care for our own soldiery at least 260,000 first-class weapons and other materials in proportion, especially transportation, are immediately essential when our duty calls us to arms against even a second-class power. As we can not willingly be classed as contentious against nations one-fifth our size, these preparations we are now so earnestly engaged upon may become, under Providence, a mere schooling, preparing us to respond to our future destiny. Two-thirds of the earth is covered with water, and we have reached the shore upon both seas. What can not be avoided we must meet like men. And the men in our little Regular Army, and in the volunteers that as yet have been called out, equal the best that our country ever called to its colors. The training and physique of the regulars are superb, and are rivaled by regiment after regiment of volunteers as far as their training has gone. The quality of the regular officers is proverbial, and the prob- lem is how to make the most of them while they are so few. It was always the avowed intention to use them as a distributing reservoir of military knowledge in case of war. Everywhere that they are thrown among the volunteers one is doing the work of a dozen, and more are needed. How excessive and admirable has been the work of individual officers wherever scattered deserves the warmest recogni- tion , encouragement, and reenforcement. The zeal of the volunteers and their rare INSPECTION REPORTS. 273 intelligence and adaptability, and the training of many of them in some of the more excellent schools of the National Guard, are evident all along the line. Every advantage should be taken of all the military instruction which our military sys- tem affords, and perhaps full use is not being made of the graduates of our hundred of military colleges, nor of the Army itself as a training school for young officers. Doubtless we could promptly commission several hundred bright young citizens in our regular regiments, and put them into thorough training immediately, and so release and utilize more of the superbly trained regular officers, and have them serve with, and perhaps command, volunteer regiments and brigades-men of the age of Sheridan and Custer when they won their fame-and we could attract many more graduates of our military colleges into places of command; so the whole situation might be benefited and much less discomfort be felt and quicker efficiency for battle be attained. Already there is progress everywhere. The work is devolving upon the better officers, and a general insight as to how and when it is to be done and the best way to do it is spreading rapidly. Perhaps the following copy of general orders-the first issued from headquarters First Divi- sion, First Corps-may serve to illustrate the systematic steps taken to place the troops on an effective war basis and incidentally show the need of brigade inspectors: General Orders, ) Headquarters First Division, First Army Corps, No. 1. \ May 19, 1898. I. Until further orders, in all organizations of this command, reveille will be sounded daily at 5.30 a. m., retreat at sunset, tattoo at 9 p. m., and taps at 9.15 p. m., at which latter hour the inspection provided for in paragraph 383, Army Regulations, will be made. II. Subject to such details as may be prescribed by brigade commanders, theoretical and practical instruction of the officers and enlisted men of their respective commands will be instituted by regimental commanders. Theoretical instruction will be held daily, Sundays excepted, at such hours as will not inter- fere with other duties. Exercises in practical instruction will be held daily, Sundays excepted, from 7 a. m. to 9.30 a. m. and from 3.30 p. m. to 5 p. m.; but field and battle exercises need not be confined to these hours. The time allotted to practical instruction will be divided among the various exercises at the discre- tion of brigade or regimental commanders, having due regard to the principle that short, brisk, spirited drills give the best results, and that not only instruc- tion but condition, discipline, and marksmanship are the ultimate aim. III. Brigade commanders will issue the necessary orders for the thorough police and discipline or camps. IV. Brigade commanders will, with the least practicable delay, inspect all the regiments of their respective brigades, and ascertain the amount on hand and condition of all arms, ammunition, equipments, camp equipage, and transporta- tion, and report the result of their investigations to these headquarters, together with a statement of all that is needed to put the regiments into the field as an effective fighting force. They will also give their opinion as to the length of time it will take to accomplish this result. By command of Major-General Wilson. W. E. Wilder, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General of Volunteers. The intelligent energy displayed is phenomenal and the results commensurate with the labor. And all that was done before the declaration of war is bearing fruit abundantly for the benefit of the nation, and'all that has been done since is directed intensely toward immediate and essential results. It is simply astounding that so much has been accomplished and done so well in so short a space of time, 7833-vol. 1 18 274 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. and the work is still being pressed everywhere with the same impetuosity and earnestness and success. After the incisive scrutiny so earnestly applied to the troops in camp, the first duty imposed upon the inspector is to commend what has been so efficiently done, which gives fair assurance that all will certainly be done as well and as promptly as circumstances, some favorable and some unfavorable, will permit. The con- dition of things is as good as could be expected and is constantly improving, and only the ultimate test of campaign and battle can be expected to furnish the ultimate judgment upon the results for which all are so patriotically working. Attention is invited to the inclosures herewith. Respectfully submitted. J. C. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. LIST OF INCLOSURES. A. Telegraphic and preliminary reports of the inspections: 1. Telegram of May 22 to Commanding General United States Army. 2. Telegram of May 21 to Commanding General United States Army. 3. Telegram of May 29 to Commanding General United States Army. 4. Telegram of June 2 to Secretary of War. 5. Telegram of June 4 to Secretary of War. 6. Telegram of June 4 to General Commanding United States Army. 7. Telegram of June 11 to General Commanding United States Army. 8. Telegram of June 12 to Secretary of War. 9. Telegram of June 12 to Acting Inspector-General. 10. Preliminary report of June 13 to Commanding General United States Army. B. Battle exercises and reviews: 1. Order of commanding general First Division, First Corps. 2. Letter of Inspector-General to commanding general First Division, First Corps, on result of exercises. 3. Orders of commanding general Second Division, First Corps. 4. Orders of commanding general Third Division, First Corps. 5. Statement showing time consumed in passing in review. C. Correspondence concerning a few of the defects developed during the inspection. 1. Scarcity of fresh beef. 2. Lack of medical supplies. 3. Enlistment of colored troops in white regiments. D. Returns and statistical information: 1. Return of troops. 2. Previous service of officers and enlisted men. 3. Arms, equipments, clothing, and other supplies reported on hand, unserviceable, and needed. E. Observation and memoranda during expedition to Cuba: 1. Intrenching tools. 2. Lessons of the expedition, need of strategic staff, etc 3. The present military problem. INSPECTION REPORTS. 275 Inclosure A. TELEGRAPHIC AND PRELIMINARY REPORTS OF THE INSPECTION. 1. Telegram of May 22 to Commanding General United States Army. 2. Telegram of May 24 to Commanding General United States Army. 3. Telegram of May 29 to Commanding General United States Army. 4. Telegram of June 2 to Secretary of War. 5. Telegram of June 4 to Secretary of War. 6. Telegram of June 4 to General Commanding United States Army. 7. Telegram of June 11 to General Commanding United States Army. 8. Telegram of June 12 to Secretary of War. 9. Telegram of June 12 to Acting Inspector-General. 10. Preliminary report of June 13 to Commanding General United States Army. [Telegram.] Chattanooga, Tenn. , May 22,1898-3.50 p. m. General Commanding the Army, Washington, D. C.: * First day's inspection was limited principally to First Division, admirably com- manded by General Wilson, which was composed entirely of Northern regiments, those in each brigade being from different States, and was found in better shape than was anticipated, though quite short of brigadier-generals. We were greatly delayed in beginning the inspection by fatal railroad collision with First Missouri train. My son, Ethelbert, despite the bleeding from contusions received, rendered special and continuous assistance to the desperately injured. The deficiencies arising from organizing and drilling regiments of recruits representing various States, such as men of certain organizations of infantry, artillery, and cavalry, being without arms, horses, or cannon, are doubtless well known, and the med- ical department is said to be without some of the simplest supplies. Though sub- sistence supplies are abundant-filling large warehouses in Chattanooga-perhaps from the inexperience of the colonels some difficulties and delay are experienced in reaching the men. Handier water and experienced subordinate, general, and staff officers-particularly capable inspectors-seem needed. Colonels Bur- ton and Vroom might be ordered to report to me now for this tour and then be assigned for field service. The equipment and instruction, in close order, of the First Division may be considered fairly good, and are spoken of as rather better than the average. This inspection would be expedited and made more effective if we encamped with command. Please order necessary tentage, equipage, tem- porary transportation, and camp guard, if it meets with your approval. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. 276 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Official telegram.] Chattanooga, Tenn. , May 24,1898. General Miles, War Department, Washington, D. C.: In relation to hospital supplies at this camp, some cars are being unpacked. Heretofore some regiments came partially supplied, and some of their supplies are exhausted. A large number came unsupplied. Only one field division hos- pital, because of inferior and inadequate tentage. Only pocket case, and no surgical case such as needed for amputation of upper leg. Five cots and less than a dozen of each kind of hospital furniture, including panniers, for this command of over 30,000 men, and less than a dozen patients in the two hospitals (division and headquarters) inspected, though others now in regimental hospitals would seem more properly in division headquarters. More than a dozen cases are said to be sent to the city hospitals at Chattanooga, some of the cases in divi- sion hospital being appendicitis, measles, pneumonia, purulent opthalmia, and typhoid fever, and some lying on straw. Books and blanks hardly adequate for another month. Surgical dressings and simple accessories for surgical operations necessarily borrowed or purchased. Some hospital water looked milky. The introduction of water and stand pipesis proceeding with remarkable energy, and promises speedy improvements. The medical corps feels the need of larger organization and adequate personnel, both by enlistment in Regular Army Hos- pital Corps and reestablishment of National Guard regimental hospital corps, which were not mustered in. More regular medical officers seem needed. Dr. Hoff has arrived, and others may be expected. The situation changes so rapidly that present status is represented immediately, and the same or greater energy prevails in the medical department as seemed generally displayed here, and some matters deserving immediate remedy receive it. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. [Official telegram.] Chattanooga, Tenn., May 29,1898. General Commanding the Army, Washington, D. C.: Conditions stated in telegram of 22d still hold, approximately. We will stay this week at camp, though an absence of camping facilities was reported when I wrote from Washington. Inspection of First and Second divisions, First Army Corps, nearly completed. Both divisions reviewed and held battle exercises. Noticeably good body of men, but not yet well in hand nor instructed in the first practical requirements of campaign and battle, such as marksmanship or extended order. In some regi- ments guard duty performed in a slovenly manner, and in some regiments manual of arms not taught in conformity with drill regulations. In First Division over 30 per cent are raw recruits, and over 20 per cent more, while not absolutely raw, have seen less than one year's service in militia, and over 50 per cent have had no target practice. Target range and practice seem much needed, and any regular officers belonging to this command, especially line, should join at once. Differ- ence in enlisted strength of regiments varies over 300, and all are 200 or more below the full complement. The economy and efficiency of strong military organizations are so strongly recognized that the advisability of increasing the weak ones of the command to the full complement allowed by law is submitted for consideration of the Department. All of the best commanders to whom I INSPECTION REPORTS. 277 have spoken agree to and earnestly desire this, and it seems practicable under the second call for troops. The First Division, First Corps, comes from the States, and the earlier battalions sometimes are noticeably better equipped; but the worst from some States are better equipped than the best from others, and they are apt to know how to continue to get things. The struggle and delay in supplies is still apparent, and the more inexperienced suffer. Perhaps the centralized system of supplies and the inferior railroad facilities and lack of experienced officers of the several supply departments with subordinate generals may have increased this congested state. In Second Division two regiments without arms, and some other regiments have none for 30 to 40 per cent of men, and guards walk posts with wands. Many rifles, especially older models, even if not already unserviceable, can hardly be expected to last through a campaign. An issuing arsenal and repair shop seem needed. Lack of uniforms, especially undercloth- ing, noted nearly everywhere, and many companies in mixed and some wholly civilian dress, and individuals purchasing stores for public purposes, from sta- tionery and light-weight clothing to provisions and medical supplies, is one phase of the situation here. Regiments have complained that sizes of clothing issued, from hats to leggings, sometimes do not fit, and the quartermaster will not exchange. Many men are overcome by heat. In tropical climate a cheap ven- tilator seems needed for hat under sweat leather. Fresh meat issues have been small, and trouble experienced with present commissary blanks, and return to simpler ones, like those used in the last war, recommended. It is said 1,000,000 pounds of flour is accumulating, but hard bread largely eaten heretofore, and contract for soft bread made at about 5 cents a loaf. As some question of the quality of watei' now piped has been raised, it might be well to test samples in Washington. Can not the European system for military post-offices and delivery be adopted, and men familiar with the organizations accompany them, instead of establishing postal facilities anew at each place the army moves to? My party at Chattanooga has been compelled to go daily to and from camp to conduct inspection, so I directed transportation requests furnished. Is it approved? Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. [Official telegram.] Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 1898. The Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.-. In the arrival and departure of troops from this park and the maneuvers neces- sary for their instruction, crops and fencing of adjacent farms are sometimes slightly damaged. The payment of such damage is in Europe recognized as part of the expenses necessary for the instruction and maintenance of an army. Can not $1,000 dollars of the emergency fund, or of such other appropriation as is available, be placed to the credit of the chief quartermaster of General Brooke's staff for such purpose? Payment and fair settlement of such petty claims will produce a good effect. Breckinridge. Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. 278 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Official telegram.] Macon, Ga., June Ip, 1898. The Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. This inspection of Camp Thomas led to formation for review of all its organ- ized divisions, aggregating nearly 40,000 men, and battle exercises, where one divi- sion held the fords of Chickamauga against another, bringing nearly 20,000 men to the test and opening their eyes to the essential requirements and instruction of the line of battle. No other method is more effective for an improvised army. Just before we left camp three regiments were being critically inspected simul- taneously by the regular officers of my party, and you will appreciate its effect- iveness and the sound principles inculcated and impressed upon these patriotic young soldiers by such carefully concentrated attention by experts. Having done my part through this formative period, may I not now renew my request for a command appropriate to my rank and grade? Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. [Official telegram.) En route to Tampa, Fla., June 4,1898. General Miles, Commanding the Army, Tampa, Fla.: After inspecting over thirty thousand men at Camp Thomas it seems demon- strated that brigade and division commanders, rather under than over 45 (alert, vigorous, and experienced, but not stale) are especially needed for instruction and leading an improvised army to promptly and successfully meet the requirements of the modern battle lines, and well-instructed staff officers for these subordinate commands, even if not so young, are also needed. There are almost none with the brigades. Having brigades and divisions so soon under volunteer colonels make the regiments suffer from absenteeism at the formative period and necessi- tates undue slowness in essential but not showy instruction. Is not the impor- tance recognized of training the individual in such matters as musketry? Whole regiments and parts of regiments arrive unarmed, and yet no rifles are on hand for them when they arrive, and none have had target practice here-not even gallery practice. Similarly the training of the tactical unit, which may be accepted as the battalion under the present legal organization, needs to be spe- cially expedited in an improvised army, which may be on the battle line before being proficient in mere military incidentals. The way Major Parker, of the Twelfth New York (captain of the Fourth Cav- alry) , holds his battalion in hand, and is training it in extended order, is a favor- able illustration; and Colonel Gardiner's training of the Thirty-first Michigan, though unarmed, deserves similar notice. Apparently from the benefits of atten- tion paid by the States to the National Guard, the regiments which represent the States having the best National Guard appear better prepared for present con- tingencies than those from some of the others, even though the requirements of battle line are somewhat ignored. In staff work during such a press, it is evident how papers, property, disbursements, or transport naturally demand the first attention, while the green men must almost take care of themselves, though needing the utmost care, and through their utter inexperience of every relation of military life and administration the men suffer for days for the want of even fresh beef or medical supplies. When no harness came with the mules and wagons it made the shortage of potable water more severely felt. To obtain INSPECTION REPORTS. 279 direct knowledge of the individual soldiers and note their deficiencies and aid their supply are the special duties of the inspectors, but their duties seem to be inadequately provided for and designated. There are no brigade inspectors- general authorized by law, though there should be. It can hardly be considered that the sufferings of the men will be equally well guarded against and their wants equally promptly provided for without the energetic and well-directed and faith- ful assistance of inspectors; but surely there has been a decided deficiency some- where which is now being partially remedied, since the presence of such officers on inspection duty as Majors Thomas and Slocum and of staff officers of other departments joining about the same time. The excessive labor and constant attention required of those in the higher positions in charge of this concentration of troops, especially in the highly centralized method in which it is conducted, deserves favorable notice and considerate attention, and, if possible, some relief both by adding to the staff force employed and possibly by changing the method somewhat as the organization becomes more complete. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. [Official telegram.] Port Tampa, Fla., June 11,1898. General Miles, Commanding the Army, Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa, Fla.: There was probably one at first, but now again there is to be a board of officers, and doubtless your attention has already been given to the carefully- considered opinion of the medical officers as to the present condition and inevit- able results under the delay and slow traveling for consecutive days, which may lead to suffering or the enervation of the troops on what they consider the worse arranged or ill-adapted transports, especially if overcrowding continues, and so militate against landing the force in the best fighting condition. There has been some mention of other ships within reach, and among them some prizes now at Key West, which the public prints say the Government intends to use. The Concho, Miami, San Diego, and Cherokee are among those I have heard men- tioned in this connection as in objectionable condition. Not knowing how fully the matter has already been presented to you, it seemed best to transmit it immediately. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. [Official telegram.] Port Tampa, Fla., June 12, 1898. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: The same congestion already reported and given local relief at Chickamauga is found intensified in the mails here. The only permanent general relief can be given by a military postal system as mobile as the army itself, and definitely attached to it, such as is perfectly exemplified in all its details in several European nations. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. 280 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Official telegram.] Port Tampa, Fla. , June 12,1898. Gen. J. P. Sanger, Acting Inspector-General, War Department, Washington, D. C.: The discomfort, especially of the inexperienced enlisted men, seems enhanced by the unsystematic and unsupervised methods or lack of inspections of volun- teers by capable inspectors hitherto prevailing. Even the preliminary inspec- tion of transports by officers of this department, recognized in General Sacket's Aide Memoire, does not seem to take place, and with results easily anticipated. Please send me a summary of the several inspection duties of both the corps and division inspectors-general (perhaps best if the form of an order) that may bring some good form out of present chaos. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. Tampa, Fla., June 13,1898. The Commanding General United States Army, Tampa, Fla. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of an inspection of troops at Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga National Park, Ga., made May 21 to June 3, 1898, as part of the inspection tour directed by the Major-General Com- manding the Army, in letter dated Headquarters of the Army, Washington, May 17, 1898. This was an inspection of volunteers made by myself and by officers under my direction, with the primary object of ascertaining the status of the troops and outfit with reference to their fitness for the active operations of war; to point out as far as possible their most urgent deficiencies; to indicate the methods to be fol- lowed in order to secure the most rapid improvements, and, in addition, to put in actual operation exercises approximating as near as possible actual battle condi- tions with a view of opening the eyes of officers and men to the end and object of their preparations. To accomplish the ends in view the following plan was adopted: First. To hold a review of each division. Second. To make an inspection of each regiment. The men were formed in their camp streets in light marching order, their packs unfolded and in front of their tents. The regimental inspection included the entire camp and every man in it, from the colonel down-their arms, accouterments, clothing, tents, kitchen sinks, corrals, wagons, hospital, canteen, records, etc. After that the troops were turned out for drill and tested as to proficiency in squad, company, and battalion drills, special attention being paid to extended order maneuvers. Third. • The division commander was then directed to propose a battle exercise and give the necessary orders to his brigades to carry it out. After the battle exercise was over the inspector met the various commanders, umpires, and referees, and with them went over the various plans, dispositions to carry them out, results of the contest, and errors made and to be hereafter avoided. The inspection of the next division was then taken up and continued on the same lines. Each division, brigade, and regiment was furnished a blank field return, which was filled up and returned and is now on file in my office. Each regiment and company was furnished with a blank on which to furnish the data concerning the previous military services of officers and men, amount and condi- tion of arms, clothing, etc., on hand, and the amount necessary to fully equip the organization. These blanks were made as simple as possible and concerned mat- INSPECTION REPORTS. 281 ters which every commander should have at his fingers' ends. As it was antici- pated that there would be a deficiency in clerical assistance, no consolidated returns were required and I took with me several clerks from my Washington office to do this work. To expedite the regimental inspection of each division I called upon officers on duty in the Inspector-General's Department, who were on duty with me at the camp, using my aids-de-camp for such duty where necessary. As the inspection of an improvised army preparing for the field was almost unprecedented and absolutely new to us, our progress in the earlier stages of the inspection was necessarily slow, until the plan above outlined was fully evolved and presented. On those lines an entire division can be inspected in three days, with the aid of three assistant inspector-generals and three clerks. So the details of equipment and practical instruction can be tested and fairly reported upon by experienced officers. Reports were made of any special matters by telegraph from time to time, requiring immediate attention, and also to the general commanding the camp and some of his subordinates. The First Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke, who was also in command of the entire camp, was the first inspected. The First Divi- sion was commanded by Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, U. S. Volunteers, and the brigades were commanded by the following officers: First Brigade, Brig. Gen. A. S. Burt, U. S. Volunteers; Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. C. E. Compton, U. S. Volunteers; Third Brigade, Colonel Hulings, Sixteenth Pennsylvania. When the division was formed for review it was the first time it had ever been formed. The same may be said of every division inspected. The grounds of Chickamauga Park offer a number of open fields large enough for division formations, and, with skillful massing, for the formation of an entire corps. The First Division was formed in two lines, the First and Second brigades in the first line and the Third Brigade in the second line. As the brigades were not formed in lines of masses, they stretched over a greater space than necessary. The battle maneuver of the First Division was based on operations of the civil war. One brigade was told to take and hold McFarland's Gap, and the other two brigades were directed to turn the position. This involved a march of several miles from their camps, a careful selection of routes of march, the use of scouts, flankers, and skirmishers, and a careful observation of time in order to seize important points before the arrival of the enemy. The turning maneuver was successful, and the salient features of the exercise were pointed out and empha- sized by General Wilson to the brigade commanders. The regimental inspection developed the precise needs of each regiment, and led to their being more rapidly and more intelligently supplied. It should be said that our work in this inspection was much facilitated by the fact that about the time of our arrival there the division commander directed his brigade com- manders to make an inspection to determine the equipment necessary to fully equip the various regiments of his command. The Second Division was commanded by Brig. Gen. J. S. Poland; the First Brigade by Colonel Van Duzee, Fourteenth Minnesota; Second Brigade by Colonel Gardener, Thirty-first Michigan, and Third Brigade, Colonel Smith, One hundred and fifty-eighth Indiana. For review the division was formed in two lines of masses. The battle exercises consisted in one brigade taking up a position across a road along which a division, consisting of the other two brigades, was attempting to advance. This required the free use of scouts, the advance and development of formation for attack and advance to the attack. A great many of the troops of this division-some among the best-were without arms or uniforms. 282 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The Third Division had been commanded for a short time by Brig. Gen. S. Snyder, but as he was under orders to go to another command the senior colo- nel of the division was placed in command-Colonel Bobleter, of the Twelfth Minnesota. The First Brigade was commanded by Colonel Burchfield, of the Fifth Pennsylvania; the Second Brigade by Colonel Pew, of the Eighth Massachu- setts, and the Third Brigade by Colonel Dougherty, of the Ninth Pennsylvania. The division was formed for review in two lines of masses. The battle exer- cise of this division consisted in taking up a position to defend the fords of the Chickamauga in a bend of the river, the distance in a straight line between the extreme points being a little over a mile, but following the course of the river over twice that distance. This position was to be attacked by the Second Divi- sion in an attempt to force a crossing. The maneuver was carried out, a strong attack made on one flank, and the line declared forced at that point. Many of the troops of this division were without arms or uniforms. The Third Army Corps was commanded by Maj. Gen. James F. Wade U. S. Volunteers; the First Division by Brig. Gen. F. D. Grant, U. S. Vol- unteers; the First Brigade by Colonel Battdorf, First Missouri; Second Brigade, Colonel Biels, Third Missouri; Third Brigade, Colonel Clark, First Vermont. The division was formed for review in a single line of masses. There were only two regiments to each brigade in the division. Many of the troops were without arms or uniforms. At this stage of the inspection I was summoned by telegraph to join the forces embarking at Tampa for an invasion of the enemy's territory. It may be stated in general, as determined by the inspection, that the volunteer regiments need for an offensive campaign constant drill for at least two months, during which time they should be fully supplied and equipped. All the regiments have from 30 to 70 per cent raw recruits, and those who are not raw have had very little drill in extended-order maneuvers. A large percentage of officers inspected come from the National Guard. They are, as a rule, zealous an 1 fairly competent-some noticeably promising-as far as the limited instruction and experience of the National Guard can carry them; but when all is said, they are as much in need of instruction and experience as the men under them. The most important requirements in the way of drill are target practice and extended-order drill. Giving each man 100 rounds of ammunition, it would be wise economy to expend 10 to 25 in target practice. It was my endeavor to impress these requirements upon men and commanders, and it is believed that the plan of inspection followed tended to bring these necessities home to them in a practical manner. I reported by telegraph from time to time the most salient features of the inspection and those matters requiring immediate attention, and have gathered here only a brief outline of the scope and results of the inspection as far as they refer to the primary object to be attained. Perhaps I can hardly hope now to present the matter so as to win full appre- ciation for the energy and persistence with which the inspection was pressed, and of the intensity of the scrutiny and tests of each individual soldier as he stood armed or unarmed in his company, and also of the organizations as they lived or moved to the battle line. It is equally difficult to recognize the results due to such a united effort of officers, well skilled in their various functions and pulling togethei- faithfully for all they were worth to accomplish results or begin meth- ods that were glaringly needed and it devolved on them to initiate. However unrecognized or unappreciated, the work was well and effectively done as ordered. As the Secretary said orally that he specially desired the report, this is submitted before going to sea. Perhaps no such concentrated effort of an equally efficient party can be expected to again occur, and if it makes no impress upon the men it INSPECTION REPORTS. 283 touched it will be a remarkable illustration of the innate difficulties of the present situation. It deserves every success, even if its destiny accords none, with such officers as Major Garlington, Captains Slocum and Rogers, of the cavalry, and Davis, of the artillery, and Lieutenants Foote and Rhodes, from the Regular Army, performing this duty with definite instructions to make the requirements of the campaign and line of battle the dominant features. All who know these officers must be aware that their united work must tell effectively. Each officer had an experienced clerk helping on the work most beneficially. It might even appear that the functions of the Inspector-General's Department, and the duties of inspectors, individually, were in nearly absolute abeyance when the order was being formulated and the party started from Washington to visit the camp, and the results were patent. Neither the Department nor district sys- tem of assignment of inspectors fully fits the requirements of war, and the law for volunteers assigns them to corps and divisions. The number of inspectors- general is noticeably inadequate; indeed, there are none authorized by law for brigades, though their need has been established by precedent and recognized by those best able to appreciate their aid in every military emergency since the foundation of the Government till now. To deprive the troops and subordinate general officers of the services so essential to their comfort and efficiency seems hardly fair when patriotic citizens are called from their ordinary avocations and have to undergo unwonted hardships and discomforts, which are enhanced into trials and miseries by the absence of an adequate force of inspectors whose duty it is to see each man and find out what is wrong and remedy it. But it is believed that when I started from Washington there was not an inspector-general on duty as such with any brigade, division, or corps of our Volunteer Army, nor did it seem possible to get an adequate and capable force of officers authorized by law in time to meet the first trying experiences of a new life when masses of inexpe- rienced, undisciplined, partially organized men were necessarily herded in camps, ill supplied with even water and transportation. Perhaps this is not scientific soldiering, nor the method of any other nation, but it all comes right in the end. All the supply departments may be well supplied in advance and do their perfect work in their respective offices, but occasionally camps of untrained men might still live like an unkempt orphan asylum. Perhaps whatever foundation exists for the newspaper stories of suffering among the men for food, etc., may be par- tially attributed to a lack all along the line of an early and adequate supply of capable and authorized inspectors; and if that is so perhaps other injuries from the same source must be expected-too manifold and self-evident to be detailed here. General Sackett's Aide Memoire indicates some things that ought to be care- fully scrutinized by inspectors-general, but are now occasionally receiving little or no attention nor supervision from them; for instance, the thorough inspection of transports before acceptance or sailing. The consideration of Congress might possibly be given to the present condition-consideration both for the enlisted man and the Inspector-General's Department; for, of course, more than fairness, indeed, generous treatment, is intended toward both, and the relation of this ques- tion to the contentment and daily life and comfort of the enlisted men may deserve the kindliest appreciation. Perhaps the military system of our country is in fault in nothing more than in the lack of adequate preparation and methods for promptly and properly training and caring for its citizen soldiery, when called out in any large numbers commensu- rate with the wealth and extent of the country or the importance of the cause which drives us into the proverbial horrors of war, which need no intensifying by ignorance, indiscretion, or careless or inadequate preparation. Usually not only the men and regiments, but everything has to be improvised with immense 284 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. energy and labor and considerable discomfort, if not suffering, on the part of individuals, which would otherwise be quite avoidable and without a definite plan of expansion and mobilization and assignment in advance of each individual to the duties about to fall upon him. The best trained military nations hold that it requires a couple of years of campaigns to thoroughly train a finished soldier. We are, therefore, both wise and fortunate to have so many men in this first call for troops who have served for years either in army or national-guard organiza- tions, imbued with military traditions and possessed of military supplies-stand out in self-reliance and capabilities that are most desirable in these earlier stages of the war and have an influence on their less fortunate comrades all around them. As a soldier is an efficient combination of a man and a weapon, it will probably be interesting to learn what is the average longest time it has required our organ- izations to become fully armed and equipped, and what killing knowledge and capacity for attack and defense they have acquired as soldiers; but at present these organizations are far more diligently employed in getting preliminary expe- rience and instruction than giving or collecting data, however useful as a guide to others for military operations. If there are regiments which have had some training in field works or approaches to fortified positions, their reliability for such a possible adventure might as well be recorded. The difference between the first assignment of two untrained regiments to the fighting line might be seriously affected by one being composed of men accustomed from childhood to the use of firearms, and the other largely of men who never pulled a trigger. Such data seem only attainable orally now in many cases, and may therefore be uninten- tionally ignored at times. Of course, there is a difference between sending chil- dren and unskilled men into battle against regulars, but every opportunity to impart and increase the most essential skill in the use of arms does seem impor- tant. Life and success may depend upon it. And nowhere has any fighting practice with the weapons been found under way at the camps visited; not even gallery practice; there may have been some elsewhere, and since my telegrams and urgent conversations some practical steps may have been taken at the points visited as well as elsewhere. Whatever the difficulties and opposition to such essential training for soldiers before sending them to war and battle, they are doubtless understood and located sufficiently clearly to not need remark. Such questions of saving soldiers from suffering and unnecessary death, and imparting due skill in caring for themselves, and so saving lives and increasing efficiency by proper practice of mobilization and embarkation of troops before the time of need, and also the possibility of experts most economically teaching military men to shoot, as illustrated by the National Guard last year near Santa Monica, Cal., have been so urgently and fully set forth in the annual reports of the Inspector- General's Department and so fully appreciated by the honorable Secretary of War and the General Commanding the Army that the indications occasionally of the pitiful lack of such fundamental soldierly knowledge and experience can only be regretted and endured, and, as far as still possible, promptly remedied. There- fore, the need of arms is a crying one. Unarmed regiments are pitiable. A call to arms presupposes arms to issue immediately where the men are assembled. Muskets that can hardly be expected to stand a campaign, and artillery, the parts of which can only be put together with difficulty, place the soldiers under diffi- culties and disadvantages. Respectfully submitted. J. C. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. INSPECTION REPORTS. 285 Inclosure B. BATTLE EXERCISES AND REVIEWS. 1. Orders of commanding general First Division, First Corps. 2. Letter of Inspector-General to commanding general First Division, First Corps, on result of exercises. 3. Orders of commanding general Second Division, First Corps. 4. Orders to commanding general Third Division, First Corps. 5. Statement showing time consumed in passing in review. Headquarters First Division, First Army Corps, Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 2If, 1898. The Commanding Officer First Brigade. Sir: You are directed by the division commander to establish your command in the position indicated verbally by him to-day in order to defend the McFarland Gap road against a force coming from the fords of the Chickamauga. Your com- mand will be in the position at 6.30 a. m. to-morrow, the 25th instant. There will be no firing at closer range than 100 yards and the opposing forces will not approach nearer than 50 yards of each other. Officers will see that no ball cartridges are in the hands of men. By command of General Wilson. W. E. Wilder, Lieutenant-Colonel. Headquarters First Division, First Army Corps, Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 2^, 1898. Commanding Officer Second Brigade. Sir: The division commander directs that your command be in line to-morrow at 6.30 a. m.in the vicinity of its encampments, and that you move at that hour and form for attack so that your extreme right shall rest upon the northern boundary line of this reservation, your line extending in a southerly direction as far as will be necessary. Your object will be to secure the possession of the McFarland Gap road, which is held by a force in the vicinity of Snodgrass Hill. One battalion of your command will be detached to move a demonstration and turn the left flank of the enemy. There will be no firing at closer range than 100 yards and the opposing forces will not approach nearer than 50 yards of each other. Officers will see to it that no ball cartridges are in the hands of the men. The division commander will accompany the Inspector-General, Maj.Gen. J. C. Breckinridge who will be represented upon the field by his chief of staff, Lieut. Col. W. E. Wilder, who will issue such further instructions as may be necessary at the time. By command of General Wilson. W. E. Wilder Lieutenant-Colonel. Headquarters First Division, First Army Corus, Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 2^, 1398. Commanding Officer Third Brigade. Sir: The division commander directs that your command move to-morrow at 6 a.m., and execute, under the guidance of its adjutant, Lieutenant Fullington, 286 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Fourth Ohio, a turning movement upon the left flank of the enemy, holding the McFarland Gap road in the vicinity of Snodgrass Hill. You will carry out the verbal instructions issued to-day. No firing will be allowed at closer range than 100 yards, and the opposing forces will not approach closer than 50 yards of each other. By command of General Wilson. - W. E. Wilder, Lieutenant-Colonel. War Department, Office of the Inspector-General, Chattanooga, Tenn., May 25,1898. Maj. Gen. J. H. Wilson, Commanding First Division, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga Dear General: A remark you and I heard at the exercises this morning pos- sibly indicated that there has been some mixed feelings concerning the methods of the present inspection of the expeditionary army, but such main features as the review and battle exercises of the First Division of the First Army Corps under your command have been completed with careful preparation and excellence, and doubtless some military training and instruction. I hope I may be per- mitted to express my warm appreciation of the soldierly and spirited assistance you have so effectively and heartily given toward the successful performance of .this almost unprecedented inspection; and may I ask you to assist still further, if opportunity offers, by letting the divisions we may have to inspect know and fairly appreciate how to aid us in the performance of this urgent public duty. We can only hope that as far as carried out it may prove beneficial. Yours, very truly, J. C. Breckinridge. General Orders, \ Hdqrs. Second Division, First Army Corps, - Camp George H. Thomas, No. 19. ) Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 2711898. This command will engage in battle exercises to-morrow, the 28th instant. The brigades will be formed and ready to move ont at 6.45 a. m. It will be divided into parts to represent opposing forces, and positions and functions will be indicated and assigned to each. In the execution of these movements the drill regulations, close and extended order, will be conformed to as strictly as practicable, especially the rules for the advance guards, scouts, and skirmishers. No cartridges of any kind will be carried by the men, and each man will be carefully inspected at the formation under arms of their companies. Cartridges in their hands now will be turned in to the first sergeant after breakfast. During the battle exercises opposing forces will not approach each other nearer than 75 yards, nor will the semblance of firing be continued after reaching the specified distance of 75 yards. When the objects described in the order for the several forces have been accom- plished by either of the opposing forces, the signal "cease firing " will be sounded by the direction of the division commander, and instructions will be given to return the troops to their respective camps. The first call will be sounded at 6.15 a. m. and the assembly at 6.30 a. m., at brigade headquarters, and repeated in the regiments. By command of Brigadier-General Poland. Louis V. Caziarc, Assistant Adjutant-General. 287 INSPECTION REPORTS. Strictly confidential.] Headquarters First Division, First Army Corps, Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 37, 1898. Col. Cornelius Gardener, Thirty-first Michigan Volunteers, Commanding First Brigade, Second Division, First Army Corps. Sir: The proposed battle exercises for this command on May 18th are based upon the supposition that information has been received by the division com- mander that a considerable force of the enemy is marching from the Dyer farm west of Lafayette road, eastwardly via Brotherton road, having for its objective point the Alexander Bridge on the Chickamauga River south of your camp. It is desirable that this force be intercepted and, if possible, destroyed. You will have your brigade formed at 6.30 a. m , and move south on road from Jay's Hill to point marked "A'' on the map, herewith, thence west to the point marked "B," and thence northwest till you meet the opposing force. You will take every pre- caution against surprise, and will not expose your troops unnecessarily to view by the enemy. To distinguish your troops from the enemy you will cause your officers, and, as far as possible, your men to wear white bandages about the hat. By command of Brigadier-General Poland. W. C. Wren, First Lieutenant, Seventeenth Infantry, Aid-de-Camp. Strictly confidential.] Headquarters Second Division, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 37,1898. Col. H. D. Smith, 158th Indiana Volunteers, Commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, First Army Corps. Sir: The proposed battle exercises for this command on Saturday, May 28, are based upon the supposition that information has been received that a considerable force of the enemy is marching from the Dyer farm, west of Lafayette road, eastwardly via the Brotherton road, having for its objective point the Alexander Bridge on the Chickamauga River. It is desirable that this force be intercepted and, if possible, destroyed. As eventualities may require the cooperation of your brigade with other troops, you will move promptly at 7 o'clock a. m., Saturday, May 28, to the south of your camp, halt, and report to Col. Cornelius Gardener, Thirty-first Michigan Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, First Army Corps. You will have the officers and men of your command as far as practicable wear white bands on their hats. By command of General Poland. W. C. Wren, First Lieutenant, Seventeenth United States Infantry, A. D. C. Strictly confidential.] Headquarters Second Division, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 37,1898. Col. W. D. Van Duzee, Fourteenth Minnesota Volunteers, Commanding Third Brigade. Sir: The proposed battle exercises for this command on Saturday, May 28, are based upon the supposition that the information has been received by the division commander that a large force is advancing from Jay's mill, on the Brotherton 288 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. road. It is important that you take your brigade and move it to the position indicated by the line A-B on the map herewith inclosed. You will move your brigade at 6.30 a. m. to the ravine west of the field containing the Baldwin monu- ment (west of your camp) and employ them in such manner as will, if possible, prevent the further advance of the enemy. The officers and, as far as possible, the men of the enemy will wear white bandages about their hats. By command of Brigadier-General Poland. W. C. Wren, First Lieutenant, Seventeenth United States Infantry, A. D. C. Headquarters First Army Corps and Department of the Gulf, Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 28. 1898. Commanding General, Third Division, First Corps. Sir: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the Inspector- General will hold an inspection and review of your command, including battle exercises, beginning Monday morning, the 30th instant, time to be given hereafter. In this connection the major-general commanding directs me to inform you that for the protection of private property it is expected your command will exe- cute all these exercises within the limits of the Chickamauga National Park, and that the park regulations, as published in General Orders, No. 6, current series, these headquarters, will be strictly complied with. Very respectfully, M. V. Sheridan, Assistant Adjutant-General. Official copy respectfully furnished Maj. Gen. J. C. Breckinridge for his information. By command of Major-General Brooke. M. V. Sheridan, Assistant Adjutant-General. Date. Regiment. Began passing. Finished passing. a. m. a. m. May 30 1898 12th Minnesota ..................... ... 8. 49 8. 52 5th Pennsylvania 8.52$ 8. 56 12th New York 8. 57 9. 00$ 21st Kansas 9. 02 9.05* 8th Massachusetts 9. 06 9. 09$ 9th Pennsylvania 9.11 9.14$ 2d Missouri ... 9.15 9.18 1st New Hampshire 9.19$ 9.24 June 3,1898 1st Missouri 8. 54 8. 57 14th New York - 8. 58 9. OH 2d Nebraska 9. 02$ 9. 06$ 3d Tennessee 9. 07* 9. 11* 1st Vermont 9.11J 9.15 8th New York . 9.15$ 9.20 Statement showing time consumed by certain regiments in passing in review. Inclosure C. CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING A FEW OF THE DEFECTS DEVELOPED DURING THE INSPECTION. 1. Scarcity of fresh beef. 2. Lack of medical supplies. 3. Enlistment of colored troops in white regiments. INSPECTION REPORTS. 289 [Memorandum for General Wilson.] May 23, 1898. The inspection of the camp of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania developed the fol- lowing deficiencies, which appear to need immediate attention: No fresh beef or dried fish has been issued this regiment since its arrival in camp. The lieutenant-colonel commanding reports that they were issued incomplete rations for ten days, at Mount Gretna, and guaranteed by the issuing commissary that the deficiencies wTould be replaced upon arrival at Chickamauga. They have not been replaced, causing a want of proper amount of food in this regiment. The full ration of vegetables has not been issued, and only one can of tomatoes per company has been issued. E. A. Garlington, Major and Inspector-General. Headquarters First Division, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 23, 1898. The Adjutant-General First Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of an inspection memoran- dum, and request that such action be taken as will supply the deficiencies mentioned therein. Very respectfully, James H. Wilson, Major-General, Commanding. [First indorsement.] Office Chief Commissary, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 2j, 1898. To Chief Commissary: Respectfully returned to the adjutant-general, First Army Corps, with the following report: Upon arrival of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infan- try I visited the command and obtained the report that they had ten days' field rations supplied them for 604 men, and two days' travel rations, and that they were rationed up to include the 26th instant, but were short on the issues of candles and rice. Last night the commissary of the regiment, Lieut. W. H. Corrin, came to my office and asked if it were possible to provide them with some other salt meat, stating that the salt meat on hand made the men sick. I found upon investigation that the regiment had been issued barrel pork and dry salt sides, the latter being an entirely unsuitable article to issue. Lieutenant Corrin stated that the ten days' supply of field rations was put in the car and that he was fur- nished by the issuing officer, Lieut. Edgar W. Howe, at Mount Gretna, with a memorandum of the stores due them, and also stated that a great many of the stores were short. I inquired if he had ascertained that by a board of survey, and ascertained that it was only a surmise on the part of the officers and that no dis- crepancy had been established by an inventory of the stores. The memorandum list furnished by Lieutenant Howe showed that the exact quantity of all the stores required to constitute the ten-days' supply had been turned over, with the exception of baking powder, of which only 25 pounds had been turned over, while the command is entitled to 242 pounds. Lieutenant Corrin also furnished me with ration certificate, received from Lieutenant Howe, stating that the regiment was rationed to include the 28th, and that 217 pounds of baking powder was due the regiment. I instructed him to return the ration certificate to Lieutenant Howe for correction as to the date to which it was rationed, as it was evidently an error and should have read to include the 26th. The command suffered con- siderably from the quality of the salt meat issued, and also from the fact that they had not sufficient baking powder. I authorized Lieutenant Corrin to turn 7833-vol. 1 19 290 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. in 3 barrels of barrel pork and 1,000 pounds of dry salt sides, and instructed the depot commissary to invoice him 1,600 pounds of bacon, 3,000 pounds of hard bread, and 217 pounds of baking powder, so as to make up the shortage, and Lieutenant Corrin stated that this arrangement would be satisfactory. Regard- ing the vegetable component, the memorandum furnished by Lieutenant Howe showed that 916 cans of tomatoes, 604 pounds onions, and 4,520 pounds potatoes were issued the command, which constitutes the full vegetable ration for ten days. Whether or not all or only part of these stores were received, I can not state, and Lieutenant Corrin was unable to state that they were not. Henry G. Sharpe, Major and Commissary of Subsistence U. S. Army, Chief Commissary. On June 3, 1898, the chief commissary, Major Sharpe, made a further report concerning the issue of fresh beef, as follows: " The Adjutant-General First Army Corps, " Department of the Gulf, " Camp George H. Thomas, Ga. " Sir: In compliance with instructions I have the honor to submit the follow- ing report concerning the issue of fresh beef to the Second Brigade, Third Divi- sion, First Corps, which the inspector reports was made but three times in two w'eeks: ' ' The arrangements for providing the command with fresh beef were not per- fected and in operation until May 26. The regiments comprising the brigade were rationed as follows: Eighth Massachusetts to May 29; Twelfth New York to May 29; Twenty-first Kansas to May 30, when they arrived at this camp. " On the 29th of May three days' rations were issued to the first two regiments, and two days' rations to the latter, making them rationed up to and including the 1st of June. On these issues the brigade received 5,301 rations of fresh meat, equivalent to 6,6271 pounds. ' ' Through misunderstanding on the part of the then division commissary the first drawing of fresh beef was made at the rate of 14 pounds of meat for each meal of the day, and the issues were made in that way to the regiments compris- ing the brigade, so that the balance of the allowance of fresh beef had to be apportioned out several days in order not to exceed the total amount of fresh beef allowed for the brigade. The brigade commissary ascertained the error made by the division commissary, and corrected it in the manner described by reducing the quantities issued to each regiment, and skipping a day or two so as to prevent the allowance being exhausted. " Issues were made to the brigade for a period of five days, commencing June 2, and they then received a credit of 9,939 rations of fresh beef, or an allowance of 12,423^ pounds of fresh beef, against which they are now drawing every day, the meat component being issued in the proportion of seven-tenths fresh beef, and three-tenths salt, so that each regiment in the brigade can draw over 1,000 pounds of meat for nearly four days and not exhaust the amount they are entitled to for the period of this issue." [Memorandum for Gen. J. R. Brooke, commanding First Army Corps.] Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 2,1898. Inspector of the Second Brigade, Third Division, reports that fresh meat has been issued but three times in two weeks in that brigade. Inspector of the Third Brigade, Third Division, states that it is reported that in the First New Hampshire Regiment there are over 100 men at sick call every 291 INSPECTION REPORTS. morning; that there are almost no medical supplies on hand, and no instruments, that requisitions for medical supplies have been sent in repeatedly, but have not been filled, so that it has been necessary for the regiment to purchase the neces- sary medicines and instruments from their private funds. J. C. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General. June 2,1898. Maj. Gen. J. C. Breckinridge, Inspector-General United States Army, Camp Thomas. Sir: I have the honor to make the following statements relative to the health and medical requirements of the First New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, of which I am the regimental surgeon: We came into camp here two weeks ago to-day. We have made repeated requi- sitions for medical supplies. My first requisition was made on or about May 21. Another was made two days later, and others have been made since. The sup- plies we received were almost nothing. The medical director told me personally that no hospital furniture would be furnished to regiments, and my requisition for the same was not honored. Since that date the Second Missouri, brigaded with us, has received hospital furniture. We have had from 150 to 300 at sick call each morning. For the most part the trouble has been intestinal. Many have been very ill with " bloody dysentery." We-have twenty-five or more cases now, mostly in quarters. We have not had medicines for their relief, and having become tired of going to Lytle and returning with practically nothing f or our sick men, yesterday I personally went to Chattanooga and bought about $40 worth of medicines, cots, etc., which were urgently needed. These we paid for ourselves. We brought with us a hypodermic syringe, which was broken when we first arrived. We tried to have one issued to us, but failed. The so-called '' emergency case" contains such a syringe, and we made requisition for it. The medical director scratched it out, and said, " The regiments can not have them." I under- stand some have been recently issued, though they were held in the medical sup- ply depot when most needed. The supplies which have been issued to us I will put upon an attached slip. They are as nearly correct as I can figure at this moment. Our men are suffering. Besides that which we have bought, we have practi- cally no medical supplies. We have not a single surgical instrument. We are in extremity now. If we were ordered out, you can well judge of our condition and ability to do the work required of us. We respectfully ask that something be done at once to equip this regiment with medical and surgical supplies. Very respectfully, Robert Burns, Major and Surgeon, First New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. (Inclosure:) Acid, carbolic, 1 bottle; ether, 1 can; spt. seth. nit., 1 bottle; spt. ammon. arom., 1 bottle; bismuth subnit., 1 bottle; argent, nit., small quantity; canth. emp., 1 tin; chloroform, 1 bottle; collodion, 4 bottles; pil. copaibas co., 4 bottles; glycerini, 1 bottle; ol. ricini, 3 bottles; tab. salol., 2 bottles; tab. soda bicarb., 4 bottles; oxide zinc, 1 bottle; whisky, 1 qt.; stationery, 1 pad; cotton, absorbent, 4 packages; plaster, adhesive, 1 roll; muslin, unbleached, 3 yards; syringes, urethral, 12. Headquarters Second Division, Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., June 3,1898. Lieut. S. M. Foote, U. S. Army, A. D. C. Sir: Understanding from our conversation this p. m. that the Inspector-General of the Army desired to know the action taken in reference to the enlistment of 292 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. colored men in the First Maine Infantry Volunteers, I have the honor to forward for his information a copy of a letter this day mailed to the Adjutant-General of the Army referring thereto. Very respectfully, C. E. Compton, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding. [Inclosure.] Headquarters Second Division, Third Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Parle, Ga., June 3, 1898. Adjutant-General United States Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to report that there is at this date the following-named colored men, W. W. Ruby, Company A; James A. Paris, Company L, and Ran- dolph Cushen, Company K, enlisted and serving as privates in the First Maine Infantry Volunteers. I make this report under an interpretation of the law that colored men shall be assigned to colored regiments, and also from the fact that two affairs have come to my knowledge which are likely to grow into detrimental and serious obstacles to the well-being of the service. As far as I am able to learn, the trouble has arisen between the First Maine and the Second Kentucky Infantry Volunteers, in camp contiguously, by reason of, in one instance, a colored soldier of the First Maine running the guard of the Second Kentucky; arrested, and attempted rescue by the men of the First Maine; the other an altercation between one of the colored soldiers of the First Maine and a sentinel of the Second Kentucky. A friction between the two regiments has thus been engendered and is likely to increase rather than subside. I am aware that the War Department, by the mingling of troops from all States of the Union, has done much to allay the prejudices of the former conflicting sections. In this division, now camped together, are regiments from Maine, New York, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi, with none but the most amicable feeling toward each other excepting in the instances and cases here noted. I respectfully recommend that the colored men herein mentioned be discharged from the military service or assigned to one of the colored regiments now in service. I deem this a matter of great importance. Very respectfully, C. E. Compton, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Second Division, Third Corps. Inclosure D. RETURNS AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION. 1. Return of troops. 2. Previous service of officers and enlisted men. 3. Arms, equipments, clothing, and other supplies reported on hand, unserviceable and needed. INSPECTION REPORTS. 293 Return of troops, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 20 to June 1,1898. § Present. Absent. Total present and absent. Command. of C( ies. Enlisted men. fl <D fl By regi- ments. By br'gades. By divi- sions. Number pan Officers. Officers. Enlisted | Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio.. ................. 11 40 568 6 219 46 787 3d Wisconsin 12 50 975 50 975 5th Illinois..................... 12 50 880 94 50 974 146 2,736 Second Brigade: 4th Ohio ............. 12 34 616 16 221 50 837 3d Illinois.. ............ 12 45 836 5 138 ^0 974 4th Pennsylvania .............. 8 27 529 9 75 36 604 136 2,415 Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania ..... 8 32 458 760 4 146 215 36 604 2d Wisconsin 12 34 15 49 50 975 157th Indiana 12 35 706 15 267 973 135 2,552 417 7,703 SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 12 38 788 8 187 142 178 202 46 975 3d Pennsylvania ....... 8 30 460 5 35 602 160tb Indiana .................... 12 44 779 564 6 50 957 131 2,534 Second Brigade: 6th Ohio. 11 38 9 47 766 158th Indiana 12 40 761 10 214 245 50 975 1st West Virginia 12 44 726 765 620 7 51 971 148 2, 712 Third Brigade: 2d Ohio. 11 47 47 765 754 981 1st Pennsylvania 10 36 4 134 3 40 14th Minnesota 12 45 978 5 50 137 2,500 416 7 746 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade. 1st Illinois 12 50 979 50 979 982 603 895 960 976 604 940 962 12th Minnesota 12 38 805 473 648 12 177 50 5th Pennsylvania 8 28 8 130 247 114 249 128 179 175 36 136 2, 564 Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts 12 43 7 50 21st Kansas 12 45 846 727 476 761 787 3 11 48 12th New York 12 36 47 145 2, 831 Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania 8 30 6 36 2d Missouri 12 40 7 47 1st New Hampshire 12 43 4 47 130 2 506 411 7,901 Return of troops, Second Division, Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 20 to June 1, 1898. Command. Number of com- panies. Present. Absent. Total present and absent. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. By regi- ments. By brigades. By divi- sions. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. Officers. Enlisted men. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 12 46 982 46 982 2d Kentucky .. ...... 12 50 927 3 50 50 930 974 984 9th New York 12 50 974 146 2,886 Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 12 45 984 45 5th Missouri 12 45 971 3 5 48 976 970 952 93 1,960 Third Brigade: 1st Maine 12 42 965 4 5 46 1st Mississippi 12 45 944 1 8 46 52d Iowa 12 49 819 1 3 50 822 142 2,744 381 7,590 294 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Statistics of officers and enlisted men, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898. Command. Date of muster. Date of starting for camp. Date of arrival at camp. Officers. From National Guard. From Regular Army. With service in civil war. With previous service m Army. 1 Graduates from | West Point. Graduates from othermilitary [ schools. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio May 6,7 May 14 do ... May 16 46 0 2 0 0 2 3d Wisconsin do 50 0 3 0 0 1 5th Illinois May 7 ... .do do 50 0 2 0 0 2 Second Brigade: 4th Ohio May 9 May 15 May 14 May 15 .do 50 0 0 0 0 0 3d Illinois May 7,10 do .. - 50 0 1 0 0 o 4th Pennsylvania ... Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania May 10 do 35 0 0 0 0 1 do ... .do ... May 17 do 36 0 0 0 0 2d Wisconsin May 12 ... .do ... 49 0 2 0 0 11 157th Indiana May 10 ... .do do 49 1 1 1 3 SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan May 8,10 May 15 do May 17 do 43 1 1 1 1 3 3d Pennsylvania ... 160th Indiana May 9,11 35 0 2 1 0 2 May 12 May 16 May 18 May 19 47 0 4 4 0 6 Second Brigade: 6th Ohio do May 17 May 16 do 46 0 2 1 0 2 158th Indiana May 10 May 18 May 19 47 0 1 0 0 3 1st West Virginia .. Third Brigade: 2d Ohio May 5-14 50 0 0 4 1 8 M ay 10 do May 18 do ... 44 0 0 0 0 1 1st Pennsylvania ... 14th Minnesota May 10,11 ... .do 40 0 1 0 0 0 May 8 do ... May 19 36 0 2 3 2 7 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois.......... 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania ... Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts .. May 11 May 17 May 16 May 19 36 0 2 0 0 1 do May 20 May 19 34 0 0 0 0 3 21st Kansas May 12-14 May 17 14 1 3 3 0 5 12th New York May 13 do ... May 20 do ... 44 0 2 1 0 4 Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania ... 2d Missouri May 11 .. _.do ... 24 1 May 12 May 18 May 17 May 21 May 20 43 2 2 2 1 5 1st New Hampshire. May 9-14 42 1 2 2 1 0 INSPECTION REPORTS. 295 Statistics of officers and enlisted men, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898-Continued. Command. Enlisted men. N ative born. For- eign born. From National Guard. From mili- tary schools. From Regu- lar Army. With previous military training of 1 year or over. With less than 1 year's training. Raw re- cruits. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 744 43 577 7 29 344 269 174 3d Wisconsin 807 159 503 6 5 155 297 5th Illinois 933 36 387 14 14 349 327 446 Second Brigade: 4th Ohio 821 16 328 84 18 397 441 440 3d Illinois 875 150 355 8 12 386 321 287 4th Pennsylvania.... 584 20 310 6 6 322 75 209 Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania.... 2d Wisconsin. 574 30 240 17 6 159 185 760 215 512 15 6 424 535 0 157th Indiana 945 28 521 5 6 150 371 452 SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 896 83 562 9 12 306 254 283 3d Pennsylvania.... 543 60 353 1 10 268 89 238 160th Indiana 955 19 770 9 3 217 394 419 Second Brigade: 6th Ohio - -. 644 23 747 7 6 316 322 143 158th Indiana 952 10 571 4 12 213 340 425 1st West Virginia... 882 15 398 22 9 218 277 586 Third Bi igade: 2d Ohio 689 15 17 8 375 252 122 1st Pennsylvania.... 709 45 422 3 4 276 203 207 14th Minnesota 760 227 308 6 24 248 174 564 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania.... 587 17 380 6 3 280 142 221 Second Brigade: 8th M assachusetts... 760 127 457 3 2 388 186 314 21st Kansas 919 43 127 8 6 75 112 813 12th New York 743 233 599 8 10 359 421 312 Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania. - - - 528 72 344 0 5 211 226 253 2d Missouri 921 16 687 6 10 312 349 275 1st New Hampshire. 823 142 470 3 8 222 113 406 296 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Statistics of officers and, enlisted men, Second Division, Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 1 to 3, 1898. Command. Date of muster. Date of starting for camp. Date of arriving at camp. Officers. From National Guard. From Regular Army. With service in civil war. With previous service in the Army. Graduates from Wost Point. Graduates from other military schools. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas May 14-2C May 3-2C May21.. May 25 May 27 May 26 ....do ... 22 26 47 33 13 36 38 50 12 3 2d Kentucky 2 9th New York . - May 24 3 1 1 3 3 Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas May 14-25 May 18.. 1 0 3 11 3 6 4 5th Missouri May 25 May 27 May 30 May 28 May 27 May 30 May 31 ....do ... 1 1 2 1 Third Brigade: 1st Maine May 11-13 May 16-24 Mav 25. 1st Mississippi 1 1 1 52d Iowa Command. Enlisted men. Native born. For- eign born. From National Guard. From mili- tary schools From Regu- lar Army. With previous military training of 1 year or over. With less than 1 year's training. Raw re- cruits. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 924 900 773 963 902 868 913 756 40 13 204 22 66 101 36 66 168 233 238 211 556 628 216 628 42 13 12 12 64 34 79 31 4 12 12 6 28 5 7 16 84 39 196 78 143 356 176 331 41 35 322 202 232 308 40 398 625 579 197 843 454 180 660 54 2d Kentucky 9th New York Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 5th Missouri Third Brigade: 1st Maine 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa INSPECTION REPORTS. 297 Equipments and supplies on hand, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May to June 1, 1898. Transportation. Clothing and camp equipage. Command. Army wag- ons. Escort wag- ons. Mules. Sets of har- ness. Number of packers. Mounts for officers. A tents. Wall tents. Blankets, wool. Blan kets, rubber. Blouses. Trousers. Campaign hats. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 2 60 8 3 (6) 870 870 3d Wisconsin 15 60 60 0 208 976 974 974 976 5th Illinois 2 60 0 (c) 969 969 969 969 Second Brigade: 4th Ohio. ... 2 60 0 838 3d Illinois 2 56 4 11 1,025 1,025 1,025 1, 025 4th Pennsylvania d 2 60 2 0 (c) Third Brigade:* 16th Pennsylvania 2 60 o 602 512 567 567 589 2d Wisconsin 2 60 8 0 957 0 975 975 975 157th Indiana 15 56 0 (C) 950 950 950 950 SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Mi ch i gan- 3 14 58 52 o 10 209 980 979 977 976 976 3d Pennsylvania 9 0 30 24 o 6 62 100 604 350 604 603 589 160tli Indiana 1 14 60 58 o o 162 65 901 0 971 965 951 622 Second Brigade: 6th Ohio 2 8 5 o 12 0 184 976 0 825 675 158th Indiana ...... 18 72 23 o 14 65 166 975 0 839 787 688 1 st West Virginia ...... 16 0 64 34 o 11 o 277 198 961 962 950 953 938 668 Third Brigade: 2d Ohio 15 60 30 14 845 0 699 702 1st Pennsylvania 2 8 8 o 11 68 166 757 554 743 736 633 14th Minnesota, 15 0 60 60 o 0 0 105 621 0 633 503 513 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois ... .... 12th Minnesota, 5th Pennsylvania ....... 15 59 60 11 107 61 618 465 604 604 454 Second Brigade: 8th M assachusetts 9 36 36 154 814 813 809 813 881 21st Kansas 15 60 60 10 e49 67 1,379 968 58 960 585 526 12th Kew York ...... 2 7 7 14 162 300 946 930 890 999 Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania 0 10 40 40 0 12 38 30 600 637 628 636 500 2d Missouri 0 10 40 40 9 103 146 960 864 920 928 929 1st New Hampshire 15 0 59 30 0 11 0 209 913 909 875 858 775 a All except 3. & Sufficient. d Complete new outfit of clothing and camp equipage needed. c All but 1. e Sibley. 298 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Equipments and supplies on hand, First Army Corps, Camp George II. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898-Continued. Command. Clothing and camp equipage. Medical department. Woolen shirts. Suits of un- derwear. Socks(pairs). s 5 o rS Leggings. Suits of sum- mer cloth- ing. ce.2 - CQ Hospital tents. Ample med- icines. Ample i n - struments. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1 st Ohio ... 27 No.. No. 3d Wisconsin 976 275 976 8 2 No . No. 5th Illinois . 969 969 969 22 No No. Second Brigade: 4th Ohio 16 Fairly No... Fairly No. 3d Illinois 1, 025 1, 025 1,025 1,025 1, 025 67 4th Pennsylvania a 16 Fairly No. Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania.... 451 476 424 452 582 4 No... 2d Wisconsin 975 346 975 10 0 No... 157th Indiana 950 950 950 950 950 75 0 No... No. SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st M ichigan 975 0 0 461 975 0 30 4 No... No. 3d Pennsylvania 553 312 307 518 379 0 15 3 No... No. 160th Indiana 1,833 83 61,737 1,190 1,037 1,036 0 35 1 No. Second Brigade: 6th Ohio 258 387 318 682 0 19 1 No... No. 1581 h Indiana 75 1,045 1.183 751 892 0 10 2 No... No. 1st West Virginia 956 1,926 1,844 962 905 0 44 5 No... No. Third Brigade: 2d Ohio 4 993 1,117 667 528 0 20 No... 1st Pennsylvania 371 0 397 5 No... 14th Minnesota 413 412 1,581 632 826 0 42 2 Yes. THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois ... .... 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania.. 478 0 0 171 330 0 5 Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts 75 93 91 736 73 40 21st Kansas 546 1, 559 863 2, 250 1,231 950 847 14 2 No... No. 12th New York 14 72 866 45 1 No... No. Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania 350 432 513 576 31 17 2d Missouri... 1,704 1,605 2. 699 2, 556 1,454 864 852 30 1 1st New Hampshire .... 1,203 770 787 0 51 2 No... No. a Complete new outfit of clothing and camp equipage needed. b Drawers. INSPECTION REPORTS. 299 Ordnance stores reported on hand, rations, etc., First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1,1898. Command Ordnance stores. Rifles, .45. Rounds ball cartridges. Bayonets. Bayonet scab- bards. Cartr idg e boxes. Leather belts. Woven car- tridge belts. Knapsacks. Haversacks. Canteens. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 714 35, 000 55,440 17, 000 3d Wisconsin 920 5th Illinois 948 Second Brigade: 4th Ohio 791 3, 980 3d Illinois - 946 25, 532 4th Pennsylvania 584 30; 000 29, 500 55, 440 Third Brigade: v 16th Pennsylvania 592 574 574 550 582 0 562 521 487 2d Wisconsin....... 921 157th Indiana 930 0 SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 59 24, 000 0 60 60 0 0 60 0 977 972 3d Pennsylvania 376 370 373 371 377 0 383 380 367 160th Indiana. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Second Brigade: 6th Ohio 555 600 551 532 534 542 0 584 579 473 158th Indiana 629 3,590 37, 390 8, 270 34,000 0 627 627 0 0 627 639 638 639 1st West Virginia Third Brigade: 2d Ohio 703 506 622 511 671 504 591 540 595 513 52 0 435 548 50 532 658 502 1st Pennsylvania 460 461 495 491 499 0 492 482 482 14th Minnesota 545 365 357 0 0 366 345 349 340 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania 365 16, 800 344 368 368 372 0 465 471 458 Second Brigade: Sth Massachusetts 856 115 10 873 888 886 889 21st Kansas 320 39, 000 40, 600 12th New York 946 556 7 940 879 947 914 Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania 359 36,000 333 333 332 302 0 363 443 399 2d Missouri 591 36^ 000 8,120 561 575 0 51 527 576 52 357* 1st New Hampshire.... 935 919 923 « 4 932 0 786 815 300 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Ordnance stores reported on hand, rations, etc., First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898-Continued. Command. Rations, etc. Rations sat- isfactory. Properly cooked. How often fresh meat. What cook- ing outfit. Is it com- plete. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 3d Wisconsin 5th Illinois Second Brigade: 4th Ohio 3d Illinois 4th Pennsylvania Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania 2d Wisconsin 157th Indiana SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 3d Pennsylvania 160th Indiana Second Brigade: 6th Ohio 158th Indiana 1st West Virginia Third Brigade: 2d Ohio 1st Pennsylvania 14th Minnesota THIRD DIVISION. Yes Not in all companies. Yes No do Not in all companies. do do do Yes Generally... Yes do do do do do Not in all companies. Once and twice since arrival. Once in 10 days. Weekly and biweekly. Once in 10 days. do Weekly Once in 10 days. Once in 8 or 10 days. Weekly Buzzacott .. do do Myers and Buzzacott. Buzzacott .. Buzzacott and field. Buzzacott .. Hunt oven.. Yes. Yes. Yes; except 3 com pa- nics. Yes. Not in all companies. No. No. Yes. Yes. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12tli Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania • Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts 21st Kansas. 12th hew York Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania Not in all companies. do Yes No do Not in all companies. Yes do do do Weekly 3 times in 11 days. 7 days in 10. Infrequent . Twice in 10 days. 3 times weekly. Twice week- ly, one- third of full ration. Buzzacott .. do do do do Yes. Not in 3 companies. Yes. Generally. Yes. •2d Missouri 1st New Hampshire .... Yes Not in all companies. do .....do Buzzacott and one Hunt. Buzzacott .. No. Not in all companies. INSPECTION REPORTS. 301 Ordnance stores reported on hand, rations, etc., First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898-Continued. Rations, etc. Command. Company funds. Regimental funds. Regimental canteen. What disposition of ' canteen profits. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 3d Wisconsin 5th Illinois Second Brigade: 4th Ohio 3d Illinois 4th Pennsylvania Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania 2d Wisconsin 157th Indiana SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan.. No No Yes Not yet made. Divided among messes. 3d Pennsylvania 160th Indiana In 1 company. In 2 companies No do do do No Second Brigade: 6th Ohio do 158th Indiana do do do 1st West Virginia do do Yes No profit. Third Brigade: 2d Ohio do do No 1st Pennsylvania do do Yes Not yet made. 14th Minnesota do do No THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania No No No Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts 21st Kansas In 1 company. No do do Yes No Distributed to organi- zations. 12th New York Yes. Divided. Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania No No do Distributed to organi- zations. 2d Missouri 1st New Hampshire .... In 2 companies In 4 companies do do No do 302 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Equipments, clothing, ordnance, etc., reported unserviceable, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898. Transportation. Clothin, ; and camp equipage. Command. Army wagons. Escort wagons. Mules. Sets of harness. Mounts for offi- 02 O A tents. Wall tents. Blankets, wool. Blankets, rub- ber. Blouses. Trousers. Campaign hats. Woolen shirts. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 3d Wisconsin 5th Illinois Second Brigade: 4th Ohio a 2 8 48 3d Illinois 4th Pennsylvania b Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania 2d Wisconsin c 157 th Indiana d 2 5 2 ..... SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 3d Pennsylvania ....... 160th Indiana Second Brigade: 6th Ohio 158th Indiana 1st West Virginia Third Brigade: 2d ()hio 1st Pennsylvania 14th Minnesota 0 0 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 6 3 1 0 16 1 159 471 30 0 126 48 109 164 0 120 18 35 176 420 229 9L 389 16 89 67 47 205 426 196 82 375 50 68 69 32 17 "iii' 50 25 39 0 46 22 "i 36 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts 21st Kansas. 12th New York Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania 2d Missouri 1st New Hampshire.... 1 0 0 4 0 0 -- 0 1 e7 19 0 3 2 13 22 1 20 166 0 133 10 103 0 182 181 364 58 40 178 163 552 60 56 0 119 404 0 2 8 0 a Clothing indifferent. b Clothing unsatisfactory. c Shirts, leggings, and blouses poor. dSome of cloth J ng poor. e Sibley. INSPECTION REPORTS. 303 Equipments, clothing, ordnance, etc., reported unserviceable, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898-Continued. Command. Clothing and camp equipage. Ordnance stores. Suits underwear. | Socks (pairs). Shoes (pairs). Leggings (pairs). Rifles. Bayonets. Bayonet scabbards. Cartridge boxes. Leather belts. Woven cartridge belts. Knapsacks. Haversacks. 1 Canteens. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: a 37 1st Ohio 3d Wisconsin (6) 5th Illinois Second Brigade: (&) 4th Ohio 42 3d Illinois (c) 4th Pennsylvania. Third Brigade: (d) 16th Pennsylvania d!04 2d Wisconsin 105 157th Indiana (e) SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 0 13 49 50 50 50 0 13 3d Pennsylvania 0 0 28 136 100 1 0 44 44 ..... 0 24 26 160th Indiana Second Brigade: 72 0 14 0 6tn Ohio 28 249 9 0 144 245 259 10 37 87 158th Indiana 0 0 269 118 46 36 13 2 0 0 28 1st AV est Virginia 2 4 2 69 258 103 104 0 0 0 0 0 147 Third Brigade: 2d Ohio 127 10 6 53 55 55 4 9 2 1st Pennsylvania 162 60 7 104 104 205 14th Minnesota 81 34 81 65 6 50 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania 43 63 25 1 3 46 51 79 86 87 Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts 21st Kansas 146 296 28 12th New York Third Brigade: 52 54 441 40 7 1 9th Pennsylvania 0 0 0 3 140 14 6 8 28 25 11 104 2d Missouri 446 1 0 15 6 0 40 1st New Hampshire.... 4 2 0 290 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 61 a 107 need repairs. b Good. c Generally bad. d Repairs needed. e Generally poor. 304 INVESTIGATION OE1 CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Equipments and supplies reported needed, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898. Command. Transportation. Clothing and camp equipage. Army wag- ons. Escort wag- ons. Mules. Sets of har- ness. Number of packers. Mounts for officers. A tents. Wall tents. Blankets (wool). Blankets (rubber). Blouses. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 31 126 126 ...... 3 5 3d Wisconsin 31 126 126 5th Illinois Second Brigade: 31 126 126 1 4th Onio 29 126 126 3d Illinois 31 134 134 4th Pennsylvania a Third Brigade:' 31 126 b 186 ------ 1 16th Pennsylvania 29 126 126 8 88 37 2d Wisconsin 27 106 166 50 913 136 157th Indiana 16 130 130 1 10 SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 1 4 2 79 16 239 239 251 3d Pennsylvania 3 42 36 ...... 5 24 2 75 410 80 160th Indiana 1 0 0 0 2 6 89 505 103 Second Brigade: 6th Onio 1 4 4 - ... 2 42 275 759 362 158th Indiana 16 16 91 8 926 975 427 1st West Virginia Third Brigade: 4 3 4 9 134 2d Ohio 66 138 291 1st Pennsylvania 6 48 299 30 14th Minnesota 2 8 4 13 37 243 224 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12th Minnesota 199 182 5th Pennsylvania Second Brigade: 8th Massachuetts 1 3 5 28 28 296 148 266 21st Kansas. c 1 76 79 99 1 12th New York 1 4 1 ...... 3 19 7 39 571 Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania 112 112 20 66 30 2d Missouri 28 19 60 326 172 173 1st New Hampshire 3 500 6 45 a Complete new outfit of clothing and camp equipage needed. b Single seta. c And 3 Sibley. INSPECTION REPORTS. 305 Equipments and supplies reported needed, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898-Continued. Clothing and camp equipage. Medical depart- ment. Command. .Trousers. Campaign hats. W o o 1 e n shirts. Suits of un- derwear. Socks (pairs). Shoes (pairs). Leggings. Suits sum- mer cloth- ing. Hospital tents. Medicines. Instruments. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 5 a 479 562 105 Yes. 3d Wisconsin Yes. Yes. 5th Illinois ... (&) Yes. Yes. Second Brigade: 4th Ohio (0) 3d Illinois al, 025 1,025 1,025 Yes. Yes. 4th Pennsylvania c Third Brigade:" 16th Pennsylvania 37 15 263 103 220 115 22 (d) (d) 2d Wisconsin 228 52 582 262 85 W 2 (d) (d) 157th Indiana 10 Yes. Yes. SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 290 294 319 1,474 2, 208 536 240 343 Yes. Yes 3d Pennsylvania 86 105 139 '217 97 333 150 Yes. Yes 160th Indiana 139 30 125 71 500 26 16 265 Yes. Yes Second Brigade: 6th Ohio 470 184 222 203 173 164 181 Yes. Yes 158th Indiana 1, 414 350 1, 632 328 1,4)39 12 1,978 12 1, 626 272 401 1st West Virginia 79 429 89 159 Yes. Yes Third Brigade: 2d Ohio 280 1 65 16 140 138 Yes. 1st Pennsylvania 71 40 358 195 248 211 379 Yes. 14th Minnesota 347 288 338 269 199 248 63 325 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois..-- 12th Minnesota 5th Pennsylvania Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts . _. 178 172 197 415 420 486 380 150 616 297 444 421 485 277 280 74 21st Kansas 173 29 126 a 78 156 81 Yes. Yes. 12th New York 960 372 81 131 52 390 525 80 Yes. Yes. Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania . _ 24 100 452 380 404 205 6 555 2d Missouri 171 167 172 172 258 2 86 1st New Hampshire 643 24 4 922 1, 055 518 18 405 Yes. Yes. a Shirts. & Undershirts. c Complete new outfit of clothing and camp equipage needed. dComplete outfit. 7833-vol. 1 20 306 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Ordnance stores reported needed, First Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., May 21 to June 1, 1898. Command. Rifles. Rounds of ball cartridges. Bayonets. Bayonet scab- bards. Cartridge boxes. Leather belts. Woven car- tridge belts. Knapsacks. Haversacks. Canteens. FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Ohio 45 3d Wisconsin 56 5th Illinois Second Brigade: 26 4th Ohio 42 3d Illinois 79 4th Pennsylvania Third Brigade: 16th Pennsylvania 92 15 18 42 20 584 49 81 118 2d Wisconsin 105 157th Indiana 10 SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade: 31st Michigan 941 260, 000 941 941 947 975 238 243 3d Pennsylvania 263 256 253 247 223 . 286 289 303 160th Indiana 928 360, 000 928 928 0 0 928 968 968 968 Second Brigade: 6 th Ohio 178 250 413 768 192 202 340 158th Indiana 209 192 195 87 83 85 111 1st West Virginia 473 292 287 152 121 484 223 353 280 Third Brigade: 2d Ohio 100 102 156 128 166 69 130 146 140 1st Pennsylvania 230 191 140 81 85 379 426 159 159 14th Minnesota 401 317 294 81 81 304 299 304 334 THIRD DIVISION. First Brigade: 1st Illinois 12th Minnesota 243 218 227 237 294 218 196 5th Pennsylvania 90 208 Second Brigade: 8th Massachusetts 213 3 219 223 296 222 21st Kansas 12th New York 26 3 11 16 92 111 Third Brigade: 9th Pennsylvania 365 265 257 261 146 598 266 214 289 2d Missouri 780 365 350 413 355 873 568 1st New Hampshire 935 32, 995 5 8 0 0 10 242 7 88 INSPECTION REPORTS. 307 Equipments, clothing, supplies, etc., reported on hand, unserviceable, and needed, Second Division, Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 1 to 3, 1898. ON HAND. Command. Transportation. Clothing and camp equipage. Army wag- ons. Escort wag- ons. Mules. Sets of har- ness. •ejo^ond 1 jo jaquin£[ Mounts for officers. A tents. ■Wall tents- Blankets, wool. Blankets, rubber. Blouses. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 137 314 11 a 282 3 45 C180 61 44 306 24 159 6 74 d46 217 910 2, 305 966 980 942 959 953 755 752 1,841 972 969 2d Kentucky 19 16 3 9 0 3 3 77 65 12 36 0 12 12 70 64 12 20 0 3 6 1,921 953 0 9th New York 13 11 Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 5th Missouri Third Brigade: 1st Maine 0 0 0 8 969 969 362 801 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa 823 UNSERVICEABLE. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky 1 1 22 47 9th New York 6 Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 119 5th Missouri 1 15 4 147 2 Third Brigade: 1st Maine 0 0 175 362 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa 6 33 First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2 3 1 1 14 16 5 8 1 55 624 229 312 230 11 325 309 41 12 563 167 945 36 2d Kentucky 106 9th New York Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 18 3 108 10 96 108 6 96 5th Missouri 1 24 121 13 4 567 10 1,890 97 566 6 Third Brigade: 1st M ai n e 1st Mississippi 52 d Iowa 27 109 54 2 423 0 NEEDED. a Various kinds. b Shelter and conical. c 3 flies, wall. d 2 flies, wall. 308 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Equipments, clothing, supplies, etc., reported on hand, unserviceable, and needed, Second Division, Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 1 to 3 1898-Continued. ON HAND. Clothing and equipage. Medical department. Command. Trousers. Campaign hats. Woolen shirts. Suits of under- wear. Socks (pairs). Shoes (pairs). Leggings. Suits of summ er clothing. Average daily sick. 1 Hospital tents. Ample medi- cines. Ample instru- ments. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 409 603 619 1,439 866 572 39 0 2d Kentucky 1,747 969 1, 655 889 94 932 3,' 280 577 875 1, 813 25 2 Yes. No. 9th New York 74 446 102 ' 905 7 16 1 No. Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 528 793 1, 063 641 1,316 2, 791 1,902 0 863 0 0 125 7 No. No. 5th Missouri 286 584 685 1 0 69 3 No. No. Third Brigade: 1st Maine 970 959 0 o o 958 0 16 0 0 1st Mississippi 334 0 0 o o 0 0 0 54 3 No. No. 52d Iowa 769 802 884 1,309 2,166 747 765 UNSERVICEABLE. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky !)th New York 56 40 Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 5th Missouri Third Brigade: 1st Maine 177 334 4 122 8 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa 9 80 10 NEEDED. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky 518 309 164 232 235 156 156 9th New York 43 3 41 Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas . 410 100 (a) 242 94 (&) 67 5th Missouri Third Brigade; 1st Maine 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa 615 168 1,890 32 36 123 (&) 21 240 1,940 (&) 64 560 1,941 (&) 0 3,722 (« 121 1, 940 (&) 86 161 994 (&) 66 .... a Full supply. b Full outfit needed. INSPECTION REPORTS. 309 Ordnance stores, etc., reported on hand, unserviceable, and needed, Second Division, Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 1 to 3, 1898. ON HAND. Command. Ordnance stores. co E Rounds ball cartridges. Bayonets. Bayonet scab- bards. Cartridge boxes. Leather belts. Woven car- tridge belts. Knapsacks. Haversacks. Canteens. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 88 29 84 86 86 92 71 71 75 2d. Kentucky 186 184 170 62 56 76 96 132 94 9th New York 952 952 278 394 573 620 622 593 Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 28 5th Missouri 42 44 43 43 43 Third Brigade: 1st Maine 926 18, 440 0 928 932 930 941 0 0 970 968 1st Mississippi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 52d Iowa 481 479 460 o o 453 339 First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2 (1 Ken t u cky 37 37 37 37 37 1 3 8 9th New York Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 39 178 5 178 178 178 178 51h Missouri Third Brigade: 1st Maine 377 G20 387 13 12 67 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa 111 8 a 4 73 UNSERVICEABLE. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky 152 76 76 76 76 76 78 78 9th New York 15 944 319 331 31 944 319 863 19 17 979 319 21 16 951 322 68 Second Brigade: 2d A rkansas -.. 944 319 2 944 319 703 5th Missouri (a) Third Brigade: 1st Maine 1st Mississippi (b) .... 14, 540 78 160 80 2 319 52d Iowa 377 251 263 294 264 493 504 NEEDED. a Report is for 4 companies. b Full equipment of ordnance stores needed. 310 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Ordnance stores, etc., reported on hand unserviceable, and needed, Second Division, Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 1 to 3, 1898-Cont'd. ON HAND. Command. Rations, etc. Rations sat- isfactory. Properly cooked. How often fresh meat. What cook- ing outfit. Is it com- plete ? First Brigade: 1st Arkansas Kotin 2 coni- Yes....... Baily Generally good. do . Yes. 2d Kentucky panies. Not in 5 com- Generally; yes. Yes 5 companies daily; oth- ers none. Twice in 12 'Notin 8 com 9th New York panies. Not in 3 com- Buzzacott .. panies. Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas panies. Yes do days. Baily Sufficient 5th Missouri No No Never ...... for present. Primitive... No. Third Brigade: 1st Maine Not in 6 com- Generally; yes. Yes Baily Buzzacott .. Generally. Yes. 1st Mississippi panies. Generally... do None in 10 do 52d Iowa Generally... days. 3 times per week. Buzzacott .. Generally. UNSERVICEABLE. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky 9th New York Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 5th Missouri Third Brigade: 1st Maine 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa ................ 1 Buzzaeott. NEEDED. First Brigade; 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky 9th New York Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 5th Missouri (a) Third Brigade: 1st M aine 1st Mississippi (&) 52d Iowa 3 Buzzacott. a Report is for 4 companies. b Full equipment of ordnance stores needed. INSPECTION REPORTS. 311 Ordnance stores, etc., reported on hand unserviceable and needed, Second Division. Third Army Corps, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., June 1 to 3,1898-Cont'd. ON HAND. Command. Nations, etc. Company funds. Regimental funds. Regimental canteens. What disposi- tion of canteen profits. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas No No No Divided. 2d Kentucky do do do 9th New York Yes Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas No No No 5th Missouri do .... do do Third Brigade: 1st Maine Yes; in most companies. No.... Yes No No. . . 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa do do do UNSERVICEABLE. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky 9th New York Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 5th Missouri Third Brigade: 1st Maine 1st Mississippi 52d Iowa NEEDED. First Brigade: 1st Arkansas 2d Kentucky 9th New York Second Brigade: 2d Arkansas 5th Missouri (a) Third Brigade: 1st Maine 1st Mississippi (b) 52d Iowa a Report is for 4 companies. b Full equipment of ordnance stores needed. 312 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Inclosure E. OBSERVATIONS AND MEMORANDA DURING EXPEDITION TO CUBA. 1. Intrenching tools. 2. Lessons of the expedition, need of strategic staff, etc. 3. The present military problem. INTRENCHING TOOLS. It is believed that special attention should be called to the general absence of intrenching tools as a regular part of the equipment of the troops. Hardly any intrenching tools, save the usual small number of picks and shovels for public purposes, accompany this expedition; though this nation, in the war of the rebel- lion, brought the use of hasty intrenchments into such prominence as to mate- rially afreet the tactics and strategy of its armies. If the use of the bayonet or other makeshifts for this purpose was formerly inadequate, it is no longer so. The modern shelter trench for skirmishers is normally 2| feet in thickness, for protection against the penetration of modern small arms, and this would seem to require the use of a tool specially adapted for the purpose required. So patent has this need become that one young company commander is said to have purchased mason's trowels at Tampa, for the use of his company in Cuba. LESSONS OF THE EXPEDITION-STRATEGIC STAFF, ETC. This expedition is composed of the flower of the American Army. Despite the newspaper freedom of assertion, its purpose is said to be definitely known to but few, but it is doubtless worthy of its high quality. America has no fighting force of equal size, worthy to represent her, if this is not. Every general and line officer has come up through the different grades in her military service, and is as ripe as any we have for their respective commands; and many of the staff officers have had broad experience perhaps even in their present particular positions. The adaptability of Americans is illustrated by the admirable work being done by many officers outside their own legitimate field. Officers of the line are doing every kind of staff duty in a manner it is impossible to too highly appreciate. The elasticity and adventurousness of youthful vigor may occasionally be somewhat lacking, and the siege artillery material may lack preliminary adjustment and practice in expeditions seaward; or even in the ordinary experience in the practi- cal maneuvers of large bodies of men, and under a questionable policy is particu- larly deficient in military transportations. An immobile army is ridiculous. Many foreign countries are also studying every detail and the varying phases of this expedition with most critical care, for few arc exempt from similar possi- bilities. The Fifth Corps is not alone in need of all the benefits that can be gleaned from such experience; the whole army should derive full advantage from it. The difficulties have been immense, and have been overcome with remarkable energy. Only the ultimate result can fully prove how well or how ill every possible con- tingency has been provided for and met. The careful, painstaking preparation and study of every detail of the problem to be met, and the persistent exertion to fully meet it to the utmost limit of the powers of a great department of the Gov- ernment, and with the combined provision and united effort of every bureau, which was so admirably illustrated in the naval expedition to the Philippines, is, of course, also to be expected in this earliest military expedition. From ordnance to small stores and air space every detail has doubtless been thought out; and now, with the experience fresh on hand affecting every branch, both of supply and of those who use the supplies, can not all be called upon to record INSPECTION REPORTS. 313 the lesson thus learned from experience? There is little or no time for this under the pressure of stirring events, but even a word in season may be important. For instance, the system of communicating at sea, whether by voice, by dispatches, by signals, or in person, deserves to be carefully provided for in every detail and with every appliance. Otherwise there may be most unnecessary delays and annoyances. In loading, General Chaffee's command, of General Lawton's divi- sion, furnished a good model, as might well be expected of two such officers. The wisdom of guarding so large a fleet from being unduly emasculated by slow or ill-conditioned members or tours goes without saying, as the speed of all is measured by the slowest, and results may depend upon united effort. The need of adequate terminal facilities is evident, both for the railroad and steamers, but marking each car with its contents seems not to receive due attention, espe- cially when they are gorged and side-tracked for scores of miles. And the advantage of starting from a large commercial center where any shortage can promptly be made good and competition will control prices and expedite work and furnish experts for every exigency, needs no comment. How much atten- tion has been given these matters and how much effort to fully provide for the difficulties of landing, can be best told by the officers controlling the different features of this great expedition; and they can best tell how the conven- iences and means provided can, if possible, be still further improved. The military service furnishes no better officers. I have already taken such action, by telegraph and otherwise, as may indicate my special appreciation of the work done by Deputy Quartermaster-General C. F. Humphrey. The way such a vol- canic eruption overwhelms the ordinary operations of a small town may be illus- trated by the tons of mail matter that almost swamped the post-office, both here and at Camp George H. Thomas. If simple little matters like letters voluntarily supplied complete for transportation clog one great department, the work given the othei' may be more easily appreciated. The great lack in the Army to positively insure coherent, prompt, and effective work in the field is the well-recognized need of a body of skillful and trusted officers, duly organized into the strategic staff, such as all continental armies pos- sess-absolutely disconnected from all entanglements or organic connection with any other branch of the line or staff, but equally in touch with all. The over- whelming details of returns and reports and requisitions and accounts and spe- cial orders and correspondence which legitimately devolve upon our present bureaus, and must cling to them as fatally as the poisoned shirt of Nessus. But the higher general staff our service needs should be free from all this, so that its highest trained military officers can give their undivided attention to the system- atic preparation and execution of every important military affair in easy mastery of all necessary knowledge, and with previous assignment of the proper officer to every necessary duty, and the indefatigable pressure and watchful attention from start to finish to every step, so they are the quiet right-hand of the executive, and then their one word " mobilize " means and accomplishes more under their ordinary care than can mountains of less skillfully directed and per- fectly organized and single-headed work. Such a strategical staff would permit no symptoms of chaos; would hold all to theii' full and proper work, and would mold the organized forces and control their movements, so that the Secretary and all commanders would feel the national Army responsive to their touch and will as a bridle-wise charger. It is a consummation devoutly to be wished, and it is respectfully submitted that Major-General Otis, or some superior officer, could organize such a strategic staff, and prove its invaluable services to our country if afforded the opportunity under the present exigencies. Such a staff has, in other countries, been called the brains of the army; it is instinct with horsemanship and work in the open, rather than office desks and the combinations they instinc- tively effect. 314 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. THE PRESENT MILITARY PROBLEM. In considering the present military problem, would it be untimely to submit that the adventure at the Philippines can be fairly accepted as setting the key- note to the campaign and war, and it might look like inconstancy to vary much from it, unless most favorable openings or pressing necessities arise. If it is determined that in this war we can not reach the heart or vitals of Spain, is it also impossible to lop off her limbs? And if practicable we should hold something in hand to insure an early peace. Every nation has its vital lines; and our war is with Spain, whose grasp on Cuba must necessarily be relaxed when she finds it costing all her possessions elsewhere. This is what Cuba can not do for herself, and what she may well thank us for doing for her. What we are doing and have done, even while training our improvised Army, and at the time of year she can strike best and strongest for herself, has certainly been already effective against her tyrannical enemy; and all the influences of time are now with us if we can be strongly patient and persistent in the course thus set. To secure a permanent place promptly the Mediterranean may not offer to a bold and capable commander more effective opportunity than the Caribbean Sea. To concentrate all military effort upon the single island of Cuba, which we have declared we do not wish to hold, which Spain may already anticipate that destiny compels her to abandon, may, merely by undue haste, cost valuable lives, intensify the strife there, attack the least vulnerable and fatal spot, impose no new loss nor danger upon our enemy, and may hamper or weaken our diplomatic position. We must try to make an impression upon Spain where she lives, and strike if possible the solar- plexus blow, now that the pace is set. Appendix. REPORT OF A TOUR OF DUTY WITH THE ARMY OF INVASION OF CUBA, JUNE 5 TO JULY 25, 1898. On Board Transport Hudson, En route from Santiago de Cuba to the United States, July 25,1898. Sir: Unless Spain could display some dominance or peculiar aggressiveness in her sea power the absolute security of the United States on land was assured, and the interest of the present expedition was therefore largely centered in the possi- bility of destroying Cervera's fleet at Santiago, and thereby removing all possibility of aggression on the part of Spain. In the broadest view of the situation, the quickest way to insure peace may now lie in an assault upon the resources or domination of Spain nearest to her vital lines of commerce, and therefore rather in the Mediterranean than the Caribbean Sea. But in June, and merely locally, the navy had its attention centered upon Guantanamo Bay, which it was using as its secondary base, and Santiago de Cuba, in which it was intently watching the fleet of Cervera. There was, therefore, some reason to effect a landing some- where between these two points, although points at the mouth of the harbor and also those west might be brought up for consideration, as in the one case giving a general opportunity for the navy to clear the torpedoes and mines away, and in Cabanas Bay, on the other hand, might be found special advantages for landing large bodies of troops in small boats. But Daiquiri having been selected, the land- ing could not have been effected with less loss, and the movements of the troops thereafter were merely limited by the speed with which supplies could be gotten from the vessels, even with the advantage of Siboney also, both of which were little more than indentations on an open coast without landing facilities. And it was seldom, indeed, that the supplies were brought up to the fighting lines in any INSPECTION REPORTS. 315 great excess of their immediate needs, and the entire absence of the usual comforts and conveniences of even the simplest army life during the whole of this expedi- tion, and sometimes of medical essentials even in the hour of utmost need, was one of its most marked features after landing. Even the shelter tents and flies were abandoned, and all bivouacked without the wall tent General Grant allowed brigade and division headquarters, or the common tent he allowed companies at Vicks- burg when starting. The energy with which every element was driven from first to last will be sufficiently understood when such men as General Shafter and Colonels Humphrey and Weston had the task in hand. The liberality with which every necessary article was purchased that could be found in the market goes without saying. But the means for expediting the landing of stores seemed inade- quate even to the last, and it is understood that lighter after lighter ordered to the Cuban coast was sunk at sea, and the lack of quick communication between the vessels or of any launches was apparently irremediable. The extent to which the transports suffered in their ground tackles, capstans, small boats, and other paraphernalia, and the dread their masters had of even greater loss on such a surf-beaten, rock-bound shore was constantly shown, and the navy appeared to leave the army at last much to its own devices. It was natural to suppose that there might well be heavy loss in such an adven- ture at at least three points, to wit: The landing place, at some intermediate fortified position like San Juan, and in the final assault or contest; but all the loss in battle was concentrated practically in the single battle of the 1st and 2d of July. The several organizations appear content with how they played their own part and with their immediate commanders, and look upon the demands made upon them as at least up to the usual powers of man, and worthily met. Great security was given to the enemy by the blockhouses, wire entanglements, etc., created during the long course of defensive construction for the purpose of dominating the country from the insurgents, and it is remarkable that such ubiquitous defenses were not more frequently defended. Special interest was given to this battle, where our men for the first time faced smokeless powder in rapid-fire Mauser guns handled by men in invisible rifle pits, to whom every ford and road were absolutely familiar objects. To most of our enlisted men, all of whom were regulars but three regiments-the First Volunteer Cavalry, Second Massachusetts, and Seventy-first New York-this was the first battle against a civilized foe. In peace our Army is administered rather by post and departments, and our staff officers are diligent at their desks, especially in the bureaus. Now the regiments and brigades were recognized in campaign, where nearly every officer is performing unwonted duties, even among the regulars, so there are some of the usual indications of unfamiliar occupations. Nothing like the usual proportion of artillery was present on the field to aid the other arms as accessories before the fact, and comments on and results of this can come best from line officers of the other arms. The remarkable marks- manship of our trained soldiers was hardly more exploited than the gross igno- rance of our recruits. The books say that it ought not to be possible to success- fully assault in front unshaken, still more, well-fortified infantry, under modern conditions. But in this instance dismounted cavalry, as well as its confrere of the infantry arm, did, without bayonets, successfully assault infantry posted on com- manding ground, behind water, well intrenched, valiant and unshaken, and the severity of the task is indicated by the list of casualties, as compared with the actual numbers the immediately opposing trenches will hold. And when the fight was over, though successful everywhere, we had no reserves-Bates's independent brigade having been in the assault first at Caney and then by a night march reenforcing the left at San Juan, as Lawton's division also came from Caney to the right at San Juan under most urgent calls. It was afterwards supposed that 316 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the gap between our right and the bay was closed by Garcia's forces, and the demand for the surrender of the Spaniards was made prior to any knowledge of the intention of Cervera to escape with his fleet or the arrival of the enemy's reenforcements. Such a conjunction of events may indicate the rapidity of the changes of the situation. Doubtless through telegrams and otherwise there have been sufficient indica- tions of the intense strain in the whole military situation on the field of operations which led to the consultation at the El Poso house on the night of July 2, and to some of the general officers favoring a retrograde movement during the day or two prior to our intrenchments taking shape and the armistice being agreed upon, which latter remained almost unbroken until the surrender. The part I played in the consideration of these questions will probably, and may as well, remain unrecorded, and needs merely to be referred to here. Probably it is now evident to all that it was far better to stand steadfast, and perhaps quite possible to advance rather than retreat, so near the 4th of July; and certainly we have dem- onstrated our ability to hold our own. Indeed, the fighting of this army came up to the highest expectations, and accomplished results beyond what it is usual to expect of a force so constituted. And Cervera's fleet and every fortification or armed organization to whose protection he had run is now numbered among the American conquests. And at the moment this was attained this tour ended, and, under orders already received, I turned to Washington to submit my report, and then report to General Brooke for assignment to the command of a division. And I have already submitted a partial report, to which this is a conclusion: and have submitted also, by telegraph, my earnest desire that the command given to me should be in the face of the enemy. EMBARKATION. Port Tampa, Fla., was selected as the place for the embarkation of the first expedition for the invasion of Cuba, the army of invasion being under the com- mand of Maj. Gen. William R. Shafter, United States Volunteers. Port Tampa is at the head of Tampa Bay, and about 30 miles from the bar. It could be easily protected from such small Spanish vessels as could threaten it by two or three small vessels of our Navy. The distance from Port Tampa to Cuba is shorter than from any other point on our mainland. From the city of Tampa to the port is about 10 miles. The country is flat and sandy, covered with an open pine for- est. The docking facilities at Port Tampa are for steamship lines running from this point to the various points in the Gulf of Mexico. The railway facilities consist of a single line of a single-track railroad, connected with the northern and eastern roads near Jacksonville, some 200 miles from Tampa. Great con- gestion occurred on this road, and consequently delayed in bringing troops and supplies. 'Whether this could have been remedied, in part at least, by special management under military authority or otherwise, or by adopting another point of departure is a matter worthy of inquiry and consideration. The troops were encamped in the vicinity of Tampa for several weeks before actually going on board ship, during which time their facilities for drill, target practice, or military exercises were limited. The health of the troops was generally good, though the climate was hot; much hotter than most of the troops were accustomed to. Good potable water was not to be found in the vicinity, but was brought from a distance. The transports employed were those engaged for the most part in trade, between the United States, the West Indies, and Central America. Some of the transports were freight steamers, and were fitted up between decks with temporary berths for the accom- modation of the troops. As a rule these berths were quite narrow and in tiers of three. Ventilation was not good. In some cases temporary structures were made on INSPECTION REPORTS. 317 the upper decks to accommodate the officers, there not being sufficient cabin room on the ships. Animals were, as a rule, carried on steamers built for that purpose. After the transports were loaded it was found that some were overcrowded, and it was feared that fevers might break out from the unsanitary condition result- ing from crowding. Other transports were brought in and the number of troops on the crowded vessels was reduced. It may be stated here that there was very little sickness among the troops on the journey, although it was a longer one than was contemplated when the troops were put aboard. It was necessary to tow lighters and water-carrying vessels, resulting in reducing the speed of the fleet much below that of the ordinary speed of the slowest vessel in the fleet. One of the scows, bought at Tampa, was lost en route, and the landing facilities were far from adequate; so that both the embarkation and debarkation were most laborious, though driven by men of the utmost energy. JOURNEY. After passing the bar the fleet was formed up in three columns, the columns being about 1,000 yards from each other, and the distance between the vessels in the same column being about 400 yards. It was found that during the night the column would string out to much greater length than during the daytime, and several instances occurred of vessels having barges in tow being obliged to fall behind the column; and one lighter was completely lost, and a steamer ordered to accompany the fleet (the Uncle Sam) failed to do so. The convoy consisted of 5 small naval vessels until the fleet reached a point between the Dry Tortugas and Key West, where 10 more naval vessels, one of them being the battleship Indiana, joined the fleet, making a convoy of some 15 vessels along the northern coast of Cuba. The weather was fine from the time the fleet started from Tampa until it reached the southern coast of Cuba; the only rough weather encountered being that in the Windward Passage. Only a few animals died en route. The fleet sailed from Port Tampa on June 14 and arrived off Santiago de Cuba June 20. LANDING. The coast of Cuba in the vicinity of Santiago Bay is steep and rocky, with few good landing places. There was at Daiquiri an iron pier used by a railroad com- pany for unloading iron ore, and also a part of a wharf was still standing. The beach, while having considerable surf, was still not too rough to permit the land- ing of horses and mules by swimming ashore. On the 20th a reconnoissance was made east and west of Santiago Bay, and the commanding general went ashore at Aserradero, about 18 miles west of Santiago. This point was in the hands of the Cubans, and the landing was made for the purpose of a conference with General Garcia, the Cuban leader. On June 21, plans for a landing were made out and transmitted to the various commanders. On the 22d the Navy bombarded all the villages along the coast in the vicinity -of Santiago, and under covei- of this fire an unopposed landing was made by our troops at Daiquiri. As the water in the small bay was not deep enough for ships to come alongside the wharf, it was necessary to make the landing in small boats belonging to the transports and to the Navy. The Navy furnished the steam launches to tow these boats back and forth between the shore and transports. The distance required of some appeared excessive and communications between vessels habitually slow. THE ADVANCE. As soon as landed, the troops formed and moved inland, taking up positions along the banks of the Daiquiri River, and extending to a distance of about 3 miles from the village of Daiquiri. A number of Cubans that had been landed 318 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the night previous at a point east of Daiquiri inarched westward, and entered Daiquiri from the land side at about the same time our first troops landed. Under the circumstances, the landing of our troops was necessarily slow. No horses were landed on the first day, and less than one division of soldiers suc- ceeded in getting ashore. On the 23d the landing of troops continued, and the advance pushed on to Siboney, a coast village about 9 miles distant from Dai- quiri. Horses and mules were landed by swimming, and in the afternoon we began to land troops at Siboney, where the beach, though not extensive, was much smoother than at Daiquiri. There was no wharf at Siboney, but later on a small one was built by the engineers from timbers found in a sawmill near by, belonging to the Juragua Mining Company. Perhaps a battalion would have been captured at Siboney if a single staff officer had had a horse to carry the order. THE FIRST RESISTANCE. On the 24th the landing of troops continued. The advance, early in the morn- ing, reached the Las Guasimas, about 4 miles west of Siboney, where a skir- mish had occurred the day before between Cubans and Spaniards, in which 1 Cuban was killed and 8 wounded. Here our advance met a portion of the enemy posted behind stone walls on a very high and steep hill, and facing a point in the road which was necessary for our troops to pass on marching from a sunken road into the open space. Here occurred what has since been called the action of Las Guasimas. The First and Tenth regiments of regular cavalry (dismounted) de- ployed, and charged up the hill in front; the First Volunteer Cavalry deployed upon the other or ridge road from Siboney, which forks at this point with the valley road, and charged in flank on the left, driving the enemy from his position, but not until we had sustained severe losses in both killed and wounded. Our forces pushed on, and at nightfall occupied a line a mile or more in advance of the position occupied by the enemy in the morning. The conduct of the troops, both white and colored, regular and volunteer, was most gallant and soldierly, and General Young's dispositions, plan, and execution were skillful, dashing, and successful. It may be said in general with regard to the roads in this portion of Cuba that they are not wagon roads, but are simply trails for pack or riding animals. Some of them have been used, doubtless, in times past for carts, but are now in such condition as to require special preparation before being passable for wheeled vehicles. The soil is rich and supports a luxuriant growth of trees, brush, and vines, making a chaparral rather noticeably thorny and poisonous, that is often impossible to penetrate unaided by the machete. On the hill and between the river valleys the soil is rather porous, and, as soon as broken down in any way, is readily washed away by the heavy rains, so that sunken roads are very common, though the ridge road was less sunken than that in the valley, which was most used by the army. The streams in this vicinity are for the most part readily fordable, except for a few hours immediately after heavy and long-continued rains. The roads become then almost impassable, but dry up very quickly after the rains are over. Concerning the rains, we did not find that they occur with that regularity that we had been led to expect. Several days will pass without rain, and while a great majority of the rains do occur in the afternoon, it still does occasionally rain in the morning and during the night. During these first few days, while we were slowly landing our troops, the enemy seemed to display no activity or enterprise, and our base and flanks were securely protected by very small guards. Disembarking stores continued a thankless, fateful task. On June 25 our advance occupied the high ridge of Savilla in full view of the city of Santiago, and about 5 or 6 miles distant from it-Lawton's division INSPECTION REPORTS. 319 (Second) in advance, Wheeler's dismounted cavalry some distance behind Lawton, and Kent's (First) division coming up in the rear of Wheeler. On the 27th the advance continued, the outpost having reached points within 3 or 4 miles from the city of Santiago, the order of the advance remaining the same. The light batteries, as they came up, passed through Kent's division into camp near Wheeler's division, about the center of the entire army as it then stood. The mounted squadron of the Second Cavalry occupied a position near the light batteries. On this date, also, transports containing reenforcements began to arrive. On the 28th the reenforcements land and go into camp near Siboney. On the 29th General Shafter came ashore with his staff, moved out to the front, and there established his headquarters beside General Lawton's. General Ludlow had assumed command of his brigade and reconnoitered the commanding ground on the left of the road well beyond El Poso. BATTLE OF EL CANEY. On the 30th General Lawton, commanding the Second Division, accompanied by his brigade commanders and myself, made a thorough reconnoissance of the terrain about the village of El Caney, which lies some 3 miles northeast of San- tiago; and there was afterwards a gathering of general officers on the afternoon of this date at General Shafter's headquarters. Orders were issued for an attack to take place July 1 on El Caney, with a view to making a turning movement, swinging well to our right and passing through the village of El Caney and strik- ing the left flank of the enemy, perhaps ultimately reaching to the northern side of Santiago. In order that troops should be in position to begin this movement early in the morning, they are moved out of their camps late this afternoon and marched during the early part of the night, bivouacking near the roads, ready to take up their position in the battle line at earliest dawn. It may be worthy of remark that the moon favored us during all the latter part of June and early part of July, enabling us to use many hours of the night for movements that would not have been possible in darkness. At early dawn of July 1 the troops of Lawton's division started into the posi- tion previously designated for them to occupy. The one battery of artillery assigned to duty with this division for the day occupied a position overlooking the village of El Caney, 2,400 yards distant. General Chaffee's brigade took up a position east of the village, ready to carry the town as soon as it should have been bombarded by the artillery. General Ludlow's brigade took up a position west of the village, in order to cut off the retreat of the Spaniards when they should be driven out and attempt to retreat to the city of Santiago. But with soldierly instinct and admirable effect he closed in upon the defenses of the vil- lage, and his white sailor hat became a target for the enemy during the hours he hugged the blockhouses on his flank of the well-defended village. General Miles's brigade was held in reserve south of the village. The artillery opened fire about 7 a. m. The battery was entirely beyond the reach of small-arms fire, and the enemy had no artillery. The battery opened with shrapnel at what appeared to be a column of cavalry moving along the road from El Caney toward Santiago, then fired a few shots at the blockhouses, then a few at hedges where the enemy's infantry seemed to be located, and then fired a few shots into the village. At about 11 o'clock the battery stopped firing. Dur- ing all this time a continuous fire of musketry, partly firing at will and partly by volleys, was kept up in all parts of the lines. Our lines were drawing closer toward the enemy's works, and the brigade in reserve was brought up on the line. General Bates's Independent Brigade reached the position in the afternoon and also went into the line, all closing in toward the village. Between 1 and 2 320 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. o'clock the division commander directed the battery of artillery to concentrate its fire upon the stone fort, or blockhouses, situated on the highest point in the vil- lage on the northern side, and which was the keypoint to the village. This fort was built of brick, with walls about a foot thick, about 45 by 35 feet, with semicircular bastions diagonally opposite each other. The practice of the artillery against this was very effective, knocking great holes into the fort and rendering it untenable. The infantry of Chaffee's, Bates's, and Miles's brigades then made an assault upon the work and carried it. There were a number of small blockhouses on the other side of the village, from which a strong fire was kept up for some time after the stone fort had fallen. Word was sent to the commander of the artillery to bring his battery down so as to take these blockhouses, but by the time the battery arrived the fire had ceased. But there was one blockhouse still occupied by the Spaniards, and at this the battery fired four shots, resulting in the loss of a num- ber of Spaniards-killed inside the blockhouse. Orders having reached the division commander in the meantime to withdraw his forces as soon as possible and come into touch with the division on his left, our troops were not moved into the village, but were ordered to bivouac near the road leading into the city of Santiago. I was with General Lawton's command from daylight on July 1 until about 7 o'clock on the morning of July 2, and, except when they were carrying orders for General Lawton or engaged in other parts of the field, was accompanied by Lieutenant Foote and other members of my staff. BATTLE OF SAN JUAN. On June 30 all the troops were in camp near the Savilla-El Poso-Santiago road, Lawton's division (Second) in advance, Wheeler's division of dismounted cavalry next, and Kent's division (First) in rear. None of the troops had passed El Poso. El Poso is the name of a ruined plantation about Smiles from Santiago. Lawton's division, as we have seen, turned off to the north on the afternoon of June 30; at the same time a general movement of all the troops began. The road leading to Santiago was scarcely more than a wagon trail, and its condition was wretched. The dense thicket confined men and teams to a single trail. There were several fords across the Rio Seco and other small streams, which, with the mud holes, caused long delays for the artillery and retarded the advance of the infantry. The utmost confusion prevailed; bodies of troops, in their eagerness to go forward, cut others in two repeatedly. It was midnight before the march of 3 miles was accomplished. The dawn of July 1 found the troops bivouacked on the eminence of El Poso, Kent's division bivouacked near the road back of El Poso; Grimes's bat- tery went into position about 250 yards west of the ruined buildings of El Poso soon after sunrise and prepared gun pits. El Caney, the Ducrat home, and other buildings where Lawton's division was operating, were plainly visible about 3 miles toward the nothwest. At 6.45 a. m. the first gun of artillery against El Caney was heard. Grimes's battery opened against San Juan a little before 8 a. m. The troops of the cavalry division were scattered about on El Poso hill, in rear and around the battery, apparently without order, and with no view to their protection from the enemy's fire. This condition rectified itself when the enemy, after five or six shots from our battery, replied with shrapnel fire at correct range and with accurately adjusted fuses, killing two men at the first shot. After some firing, soon after 9 a. m., Wheeler's division was put in march toward Santiago. At the first stream, called the Aguadores, it crossed the stream and turned toward the right, under the direction of General Sumner, who was in command at that time, owingto General Wheeler's illness. Scattered shots were fired by the enemy before the arrival of the first troops at the crossing, but his volley firing did not com- mence until the dismounted cavalry went into position, crossing the open ground. 321 INSPECTION REPORTS. Kent's division followed Wheeler, moving across the stream, advanced on the road in close order under a severe enfilading fire. After advancing some distance, it turned off to the left. Lieutenant Ord (killed in battle) made a reconnoissance from a large tree on the bank of the stream. At about 1 o'clock, after a delay of nearly two hours, waiting for the troops to reach their position, the whole force advanced, charged, and carried the enemy's first position. They afterwards formed on the crest so carried and threw up intrenchments facing the enemy's second line at a distance of 500 to 1,000 yards. Up to the time our general advance began there had been hardly any firing by our men, except some scattering shots and an occasional small volley on the right. In the charge the Second Brigade of Kent's division advanced behind the First, some of the regiments getting into the first line and reaching the crossing at about the same time as the regiments of the leading brigade. The division was put into position on the crest later in regular order, the First Brigade on the right, the second in the center, the third on the left. Similarly, after capturing the First line of intrenchments to our right on the San Juan position, the cavalry division occupfed the crest so taken and moved the rear brigade to the right, so extending our lines in that direction. Some of the regiments of this division were not in position at the time of the charge and did not advance upon the crest, but were still present to act as reserve and later to extend the lines toward the left. As the action progressed the enemy's artillery fire began, the shells all exploding beyond the ford, because, as was afterwards learned, they were firing at the balloon. At about one o'clock General Wheeler arrived at the crossing, and, after a brief stay, proceeded on the road toward San Juan with his staff, obtaining a good view of the troops as they were ascending San Juan hill in the final stage of the battle, and soon afterwards reached the command. General Bates, of the Independent Brigade, on reaching the road that turns off from the Savilla-Santiago road toward El Caney, was directed to proceed to El Caney. After participating in the battle at El Caney it was moved back to the left, and went into position on July 2 on the extreme left of our lines. Such was the position of our troops in front of the eastern face of Santiago at sunset of July 1. IN FRONT OF SANTIAGO. Returning now to El Caney, about 6.30, orders were received by General Law- ton to move his troops toward the city at once. These orders were immediately sent to the brigade commanders, and were complied with by them as soon as pos- sible. The troops moved to within two miles of the city of Santiago on the main road, and bivouacked there beside the road. General Lawton went forward with his staff to find and definitely locate the position which his troops were to occupy, and continued along the road to within about a mile of the city, when he was fired into by the Spanish pickets. He then returned and sent forward a strong patrol of Cubans to find out the condition of affairs. He then reported the mat- ter to corps headquarters and waited until about 2.30 a. m., and not receiving any report from the Cubans, or any further direction from headquarters, he started forward again, but was overtaken with orders from corps headquarters to coun- termarch his division and come up in rear of the other divisions, to take position on the right. The division was put in march, and by a long detour, requiring all the rest of the night and a good part of the following morning, the division came around and went into position on the right of cavalry division, on a ridge facing the Spanish intrenchments in front of the city of Santiago, and about 1,500 to 2,500 yards distant from the city. Firing was kept up during the whole of the 2d of July by both sides, our troops having thrown up hasty intrenchments in many positions the night previous. During the 2d of July there were a great many casualties, resulting not entirely from aimed fire, but from bullets clearing 7833-vol. 1 21 322 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the crest of our intrenchments and going far beyond, striking men as they were coining up to gather into position, or as they were going back and forth, bringing water, caring for the wounded, and so on. Many casualties also resulted from the fire of sharpshooters, stationed in trees with such thick foliage that the sharp- shooters could not be seen. It seemed incredible that men should be so reckless as to remain within our lines and continue firing, and it was believed by many that what was reported to be fire from sharpshooters was simply spent bullets that came over the crest of our works. But I and the members of my staff can testify to the fact that, in many places along the road leading up to the center of our lines the sharp crack of the Mauser rifle could be heard very close to the road; and there were all the usual indications of the near and selected aim against individuals. Scouting parties were sent out from time to time to get hold of these fellows, and a number of them were captured or shot. It was not until a day or two afterwards, however, that they were all cleared out. On the morning of the 2d, three batteries of artillery went into action near San Juan, right behind the infantry intrenchments, and about 600 yards from the enemy's intrenchments. Firing black powder, instead of smokeless, they, of course, instantly drew all fire in that vicinity, and being unable to work the guns, were obliged to withdraw. The question as to smokeless powder, intrenchments, and batters of both light and siege artillery, were matters of the highest moment to the men most nearly exposed to the steady fire from the intrenched lines, so admirably laid out and stoutly defended as in this fight. During the night of the 2d our troops continued intrenching on a crest from 500 to 1,500 yards distant from the crest occupied by the Spanish intrenchments, and in more cases having higher command. The Spaniards made an attack on the night of the 2d upon our lines, which was repulsed with very little loss to ourselves. General Hawkins was then wounded, whose gallantry in the infantry charge had been so conspic- uous at the head of his brigade. Captain Haskell, commanding a battalion of the Twelfth Infantry, attracted special attention at the assault upon the principal stone blockhouse at El Caney. NEGOTIATIONS FOR SURRENDER. On the 3d there was comparatively little firing on either side. In the morning the Spanish fleet left the harbor and attempted to escape to sea, but was destroyed by our Navy lying in wait for it outside the harbor. General Shafter sent in a demand for the surrender of the Spanish forces and city of Santiago. From this time until the surrender of the army and the city, which took place on the 14th, there was no firing except on the afternoon of the 10th, when a desultory bom- bardment of the lines and city was made by our artillery, beginning about half- past 4, and lasting until nearly dark, accompanied by very little small-arms firing- on either side, and resulting in few casualties and probably not a great amount of damage. The Navy took part in this bombardment from a point outside of the entrance to the harbor. The result of the bombardment by the Navy is not known, but thought not to be very serious, any more than our own. In demanding the surrender of the town, we notified the enemy of a bombard- ment in case the city were not surrendered. Permission was given for the non- combatants to leave the city. They did leave in the following days to the number of perhaps 20,000, filling the neighboring villages and roads with destitute people, mostly women and children. It then seemed to fall to our lot to see that these people did not starve in a desolate country, and to be as much our duty to take care of these people, whom our policy had driven from their home, as it was for Spain to feed the reconcentrados, whom they drove from their homes under their war policy. The task was not insignificant. INSPECTION REPORTS. 323 INVESTMENT OF THE CITY. From the 1st of July on we continued to extend our lines on both flanks, but especially around toward our right, until the city was completely invested on the eastern and northern sides. Spanish reinforcements had been expected from the north, and besides that the city was not so strongly defended on this side as on the east. Our lines of intrenchments were occupied as follows: On the extreme right, the Cubans, under General Garcia; next, Lawton's divi- sion; next, Wheeler's division of dismounted cavalry; next, Kent's division; and, on the left, Bates' independent brigade. A brigade of volunteers, under General Duffield, was left at Siboney and vicinity. There was a heavy rain on the afternoon of July 10-heavy rain that night; and nearly all day of the 11th, with very heavy rain at night. The watei' supply of the city of Santiago was out on the 8th of July. This, it is thought, had very little effect, on account of the heavy rains that followed and the ample cisterns which the city of Santiago contains. The light batteries, which arrived with other troops on the 9th of July, began to unload as soon as possible, but the roads were rendered so bad by the rains which followed almost immediately that it was next to impossible to get them up to the front. Two batteries, however, did arrive before the close of hostilities, the others were stopped on the way. General Miles, Commanding the Army, reached headquarters in the field on the afternoon of July 12, and held a conference with the Spanish commander on the 13th. He was present at the capitulation on the 14th, and returned to his ship in the port of Siboney on the same day. NOTES. It is not known that the Spaniards have taken a single prisoner from the army during this campaign. We have taken several hundred Spanish officers and soldiers, some of whom were wounded. These Spanish prisoners, from their con- duct, apparently expected to receive harsh treatment, if not immediate execution; but they were, of course, well-treated, and seemed to be surprised at it. The wounded prisoners were sent into the Spanish lines. Some of those not wounded were exchanged for some of our sailors who were held prisoners by the Spaniards, and one wounded Spanish officer was exchanged for Lieutenant Hobson, of the Navy, though General Shafter was ready, if necessary, to give three of equal rank for him. There were a number of deserters from the Spanish lines into ours, the reason of their desertion being given by them as ill treatment on the part of their officers and Government. Experience has shown that there can be no doubt as to the bravery of the Spanish soldier when fighting behind intrenchments. As to their qualities to fighting in the open we have had no opportunity to judge, as they have been wholly on the defensive and far from aggressive or enterprising in this campaign. The Mauser rifle seems to be an excellent and rapid weapon, and its smokeless cartridge adds to its special efficiency, whether equal to our own or better. It is a magazine rifle and is loaded with five cartridges at a time. These cartridges are held in a clip, and are detached from the belt and placed in the rifle in one motion. The uniform worn by the Spanish soldier consists of blouse and trousers of a light blue drilling, with fine, white vertical stripes, a good, serviceable straw hat, and rather light-weight shoes. They seem to use no tentage, their protection from the weather being by means of their blockhouses, or other houses, or sheds in the vicinity, and by such covering as they can get by putting up temporary structures 324 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. of palm leaves. Their food, so far as can be judged from what was found in their intrenchments after they had left, consisted mostly of rice and hard bread of a brownish color. In the beginning the Cuban soldiers were largely used as outposts on our front and flanks. There has been a great deal of discussion among officers of this expedition concerning the Cuban soldiers and the aid they have rendered. They seem to have very little organization or discipline, and they do not, of course, fight in the battle line with our troops. Yet in every skirmish or fight where they are present they seem to have a fair proportion of killed and wounded. They were of undoubted assistance in our first landing and in our scouting our front and flanks. It is not safe, however, to rely upon their fully performing any specific duty, according to our expectation and understanding, unless they are under the constant supervision and direction of one of our own officers, as our methods and views are so different, and misunderstanding or failure so easy. Our troops seem to have been reduced to a minimum of protection from the weather that they could have by means of clothing and tentage, and from the nature of the case they often suffered a great deal from unavoidable exposure, both from the heat and tropical rains. Many days and nights it was necessary for them to bivouac without putting up their shelter tents. In other cases the ground has been so wet that it was impossible to be protected from it, and so they have been obliged to remain for days and nights together in their wet clothing. The same is true of the officers as of the men-the officers in no case having greater protection than the men. It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to give adequate impression of the straits and discomforts, even suffering, to which individuals were driven, which may seem remarkable, as we were nevei' beyond a day's march from the base of supplies. In the trenches it was either very hot on cleai' days, with the sun beating down upon them, or very wet on rainy days, with the trenches partly filled with water. As a result considerable sickness was to be expected among the men, the trouble being mostly in the nature of fever, not always malarial, but a fever that was quite high, and lasted from three to six days. We were told when we entered upon this campaign that it was necessary above all things to sleep off the ground, and hammocks were recommended to secure this end. Some were seen in the original bales on the transports, and it is doubtful whether the soldiers could have carried hammocks in addition to what they already had to carry. Even such heavy intrenching tools as were on hand were felt to be a burden. Perhaps it is possible to make a hammock that will at once furnish shelter and keep the soldiers from the ground, which would have a material effect in preserving the health of the soldier during the rainy season in this climate. That there should be any suffering or ill health along the firing line for lack of food, clothing, modern arms, or other supplies, may either be temporarily neces- sary or hardly credited, according to the point of view taken, especially during the days when it seemed that no tents, and but little eating, and no animals were possible on the advance or fighting line. The need of witnesses from every corps and bureau of the army may not have been appreciated, if indeed any were needed. What the army cheerfully endured and accomplished with its valor deserves the clearest apppreciation, and has doubtless received, and protection against unnecessary deprivations is, of course, always assured. Some men, notably among the volunteers, started out carrying overcoats. These were left on the transports or quickly abandoned. In some cases even blankets, blouses, and underclothing were thrown away. Knapsacks were strewn along the roadside. And yet it is almost as difficult in this climate to keep warm at night as it is to keep cool in the daytime, as there is hardly a night when a cov- ering is not needed in addition to the usual clothing worn, and never a day when the usual clothing is not uncomfortably warm. What became of personal prop- 325 INSPECTION REPORTS. ei-ty wherever left will possibly prove a problem to some to solve. The khaki uniform, worn by many officers, quickly loses its shape and dandy color, and is not strong enough to withstand the thorns constantly met with beside the road and in the underbrush, through which it is often necessary to pass. Many wear workmen's suits or the brown canvas uniform as more suitable in this sort ofcoun- try, service, and climate, than the blue. It is perhaps but little cooler, but it is cheaper and stands the wear and tear. The blue flannel or black shirt, campaign hat, brown canvas leggings, shelter tents, haversacks, canteen with leather strap, meat can, knife, fork, and spoon, however, seem to give fair satisfaction. The knap- sack, or pack of whatever nature, seems to disappear, and all come down natu- rally to plain blanket roll. The tin cup is of proper size and material, but is still unsatisfactory on account of its being so unhandy for the purpose of boil- ing coffee. What it requires is a bail in addition to the handle which it now has, and nesting qualities, and a model for patent has been seen. This would add but very little to its weight and would make the cup very handy for one of its princi- pal uses, i. e., cooking. If made to nest with countersunk top it would be an improvement. A serious question, that seems ever to return for sufficient consideration, is, what shall be done with the soldier's heavy pack when he goes into action? Shall he carry it with him, weighing him down in the charge and pursuit, or shall he throw it aside, never to see it again, perhaps. In the battle of July 1 and 2 it became in most cases a physical necessity to throw the pack aside. In some cases regiments deposited their packs by the roadside, and marched some miles after the battle to recover them again. In others, packs were thrown haphaz- ard into the bushes, and in many cases were never recovered by their proper owners. Apparently the Cubans and sick found some comfort from the owner's loss. The field transportation accompanying this army was hardly sufficient, or else there would have been less deprivation. Both pack animals and packers were overworked. It was some time before the wagons could be unloaded and used. Even after that the roads were so bad at times that supplies had to be brought up by pack animals. At one time nearly all the packers were sick, and soldiers had to be taken off the firing lines and out of the trenches to do their work. As an indication of the strain, little or no commissary supplies, such as are furnished by the post exchanges and commissaries, were at any time furnished by the com- missary department beyond Savilla. Such things, for instance, as pocket combs, toothbrushes, shoe strings, matches, tobacco, pipes-little things that do not take up much room and are of very small weight, but are of incalculable comfort to the soldiers. The stories of the prices paid for tobacco, and discontent about insufficient coffee, officers without a shirt to their backs, and clusters of them in ragged and soiled trousers, are too numerous to need more than a reference. It has certainly been clearly demonstrated in this war that smokeless powder is an absolute necessity for both small arms and field guns. Often we fought for hours against an invisible enemy who was firing fatally upon us all the time. The volunteers, as soon as the Springfields were fired, at once revealed their position and drew the fire of the enemy, besides hiding the enemy from their view. They found it difficult to contend with an invisible enemy, pouring in an effective fire from a position impossible to determine. Capron's battery at El Caney had an ideal position, being beyond the range of the infantry fire, and yet within comparatively easy range for its own guns. Although firing black powder and stationed upon a hill within plain view of the enemy's infantry, it never received a shot during the entire day. The moral effect of fire that can not be returned or prevented in any way is sure to be very great. The enemy had no artillery at El Caney. In his intrenchments in front of Santiago the enemy's artillery was for the most part of an obsolete type, con- 326 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. verted bronze muzzle-loading rifles, firing studded projectiles. Two modern rapid-fire guns of about 4 inches caliber were found lying on the ground beside the pillar mounts, which had been made ready for them in the trenches. There was plenty of ammunition also. Apparently these guns had been taken from one of the war ships, but too late to get them mounted in time for action. I have made diligent inquiry among the troops engaged all along the line, and have been unable to find any in which the bayonet was fixed in the charges, either at El Caney or San Juan. The bayonet has been used to a certain extent as an intrenching tool or to grind coffee. I can not find that the bayonet is even used as much as the machete is used. It is believed that if the bayonet were made much smaller, lighter, and sharper it would serve its present purpose just as well or better. Such an article would do for cannoneers much better than the absurd knives which they now carry. It will be noticed that the dismounted cavalry took part in the charges the same as the infantry, and even to a greater extent, for the action of Las Guasimas was carried on by the cavalry alone, and they, of course, carried no bayonet. It is suggested that where maps are to be reproduced for field purposes that some black process is preferable to the blue, for the reason such maps can be filled out more readily with an ordinary lead pencil. The Spanish blockhouse is ubiquitous and a more elaborate structure than we had been led to expect. It has the air of an evolution during a course of years for dominating an inimical and insurgent country at every high point and cross- road. It is usually placed upon a commanding position and affords a lookout, the lower part built of stones and earth, and two tiers of fire, and the upper part of wood, the top of the parapet being the top of the stone wall, so that up to the height of the breast there is complete protection against small-arms fire. Around the blockhouses and connected with it by intrenchments are sometimes several successive lines of field intrenchments. These intrenchments are very narrow in profile, and instead of earth being thrown to the front it is more often thrown to the rear, to one side, so that the protection in front of the trench is natural solid earth. The soil is of such a nature that it will stand almost vertical in its natu- ral condition, so that the slope of the trench is very slight. Such a trench as this is extremely difficult to injure, even in artillery fire, and it is extremely difficult to reach men in the intrenchments, as they are thoroughly protected, even from artillery fire, by crouching. The trenches are usually very short, so that there is not much chance of bringing an enfilading fire upon them. In fact, nearly all the trenches we have met with have been in the nature of permanent oi* semi- permanent works. Barbed wire has been used very freely in front of the intrench- ments and rather near to them, that near Santiago being interlaced on four or six rows of stakes in quincunx order. In fact, barbed wire fences are about the only kind that are seen in this country, and every company should carry with it wire cutters. It is suggested that one wire cutter be furnished to each section, to be carried preferably by the chief of section himself. The concentration of the fire and its effects rather than the garrison was shrewdly managed. Another matter that should be considered is that of distribution of mail to the Army. I suppose there might be a question as to whether receiving mail from home would make the soldier more contented or more discontented with his lot. But abroad it is considered the right thing to facilitate the distribution of mail to the troops, and to keep up their connection with home. In this campaign the distribution of mail has been in hopeless confusion, and there seems to have been no encouragement given to facilitate the operations by which letters or papers could reach the individuals to whom addressed. It is believed that this cpuld be remedied with comparatively little trouble, and that the failure to distribute mail results in a needless deprivation to the soldier. 327 INSPECTION REPORTS. It is understood the foreign military attaches allowed to accompany an army in the field are to a certain extent guests of our Government. If that is so, it would seem that where there are a number of them together some officer should be detailed to accompany them, and to look out for their mess, their mounts, tent- age, etc., and that they should not be left to shift for themselves. In this campaign we have found the country as we had expected, in an abso- lutely desolate condition. The ruins of once prosperous plantations are met with on every hand, but only in the villages very close to the city of Santiago were there any inhabitants whatever. The Ducrat House, about 1 mile from El Caney and 2 miles from Santiago, appeared all the more prominent on account of the almost universal destruction of the luxurious homes which had formerly surrounded it, as was shown by the numerous ruins throughout oui' entire march. There are certain nutritious fruits that grow wild and upon which a great proportion of the remaining population of Cuba has subsisted. The principal of these fruits is the mango, which grows in great profusion in this portion of the country. The bamboo tree has been found very useful for making tent poles, or temporary shelter of one kind or another, and the larger stalks for carrying and holding water. A balloon was sent down with this army, but its principal value was not dem- onstrated. This is a difficult country to see moving troops, or anything of that sort, even from a balloon, on account of the thickly wooded nature of the country. On the 1st of July the balloon accompanied a marching column and drew much of the fire from the Spanish position, and some casualties probably resulted from this fire among the troops coming along the same line as the balloon. The value of submarine mines in connection with shore guns as a coast defense seems very clearly illustrated at Santiago. The proposition seemed to be about this: The entrance to Santiago Bay is quite narrow. There were submarine mines known to have been planted in this entrance. Our navy could silence the fire of the forts, but could not keep down infantry fire long enough to go in and take up these mines from open boats. Therefore, they were unable to enter the harbor and take the fleet in. The army was asked to come down and capture the forts bordering on the shores of the harbor, so that the navy could then go in, take up the mines, and enter the harbor with the fleet. We may learn from this, in rela- tion to the defenses of our own coast, that where we have submarine mines well protected by guns on shore that we may, as a rule, consider the channels thus defended as safe from purely naval attack. And, again, if we would be absolutely safe from attack by sea, we must see to it that our fortifications are safe against a land attack also. The old Springfield seemed a begrimed and suicidal blunderbuss upon the bat- tlefield. Of course it can still administer death to enemies, like the obsolete cannon in the enemy's trenches did to us, as a pitiful makeshift. Among the telling features frequently remarked upon by those present were the conspicuous gallantry of the gray-haired officers (General Hawkins at San Juan and Captain Haskell at the Caney blockhouse), when they led their com- mands to the final assaults, and the courage and conduct of the colored troops and First United States Volunteers seemed always up to the beat. The admiration certain other organizations also elicited from their comrades was noticeable where all were such good soldiers. The three officers assigned to my staff for this expedition were Captains Alger and Rhodes and Lieutenant Foote, and each was required to make full notes of what they saw. On July 1 Captain Alger was with the demonstration at Aguadores on the left, Captain Rhodes at the center and right, and Lieutenant Foote with me, accompanying General Lawton's division. Their admirable personal and official conduct during the battle has already been referred to in a telegram to the Depart- ment, and special attention is again invited to their admirable record and soldierly 328 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. qualities. Attention is also respectfully invited to the faithful and intelligent services of the clerks and messengers accompanying this tour-Messrs. Dickens, Parker, and Pratchett, to the campaign in Cuba up to date, and Messrs. Kent and Bunnemeyer as far as Port Tampa, Fla. The work and results show the benefit of their labors. There appears to be some difference in the effectiveness of the organization and knowledge of the different branches of duty when the expedition began and afterwards when it was completed, but it may have little or no utility in other expeditions. The earnestness and skill is doubtless recognized with which all that pertained to this expedition was driven and done, regardless of the cost of health or life and of financial loss, and with mental and physical strain to the utmost upon every individual, especially those in the trenches. General Shafter seemed to perform six men's work, and organizations displayed a coherence and power that won uni- versal admiration, and made every call upon the forces, fully met from squad and company leader up, under circumstances illustrated by the successive loss of four brigade commanders within a half hour. If any recognition is to be fairly given to staff work of such a famous military expedition, attention is perhaps doubly due the supreme labors of Col. C. F. Humphrey and Col. J. F. Weston, who did more work and endured more than many men are capable of, and they are working at a financial loss since their com- mutation of quarters is stopped. And Lieut. Col. G. McC. Derby, of the engineers, and some of the medical officers, have labored in their line with unending energy and under difficulties and dangers rivaling past records of their corps. What man could do these men have done. If more men of the permanent staff corps, both those now represented and others, can by any means be spared for work immedi- ately with the fighting line, possibly some of the discomforts and deficiencies now endured there will not be repeated. And may it not be submitted under the changed conditions (since for the present contest the control of the sea is ours) that the foot artillery, and perhaps some other regulars, can possibly be given a due and needed experience in aggressive warfare, and form another division as effective as the dismounted cavalry with General Shafter's force. Mobility is the first essential of an army, and it may work permanent injury to have any large part of the regular establishment unpracticed now in embarkation and debarka- tion in the presence of the enemy. The volunteers are learning much wherever they are encamped, but the regulars can acquire little or nothing of value from this war save in the actual presence of the enemy. It is hoped that the most of them will get there. And it is a glory and safety to the American Republic that this is the first desire of the heart of its young men of this generation, whether organ- ized in the regular or volunteer, the temporary, or permanent part of our armed force. The complete annihilation of all opposing force successively, as accom- plished by both the army and navy, tends to shorten and severely limit the expe- rience in this war. Among the general officers whose names I have not seen among those promoted who participated in this engagement, may I be permitted to mention General Sumner, who commanded the division of dismounted cavalry on July 1, and General Ludlow, who was in command of one of the brigades of General Law- ton's division? Their gallantry and conduct in battle seem to deserve recogni- tion. The soldierly action of such volunteers as Colonel Wagner, Captain Alger, and Captain Anderson, who were permitted to serve in the front and render such service as only resolute and zealous and accomplished officers can perform, also deserves to be specially noted. If consonant with our national policy, it may be easy to establish a dominating tie among the leading spirits of the island population, and aid, if not furnish, a INSPECTION REPORTS. 329 career for some of them in the present transition state of things, if places were open to them in the army, either regular or volunteer. Always throughout his career good judges seem to have recognized that in every exigency of campaign and battle Lawton was capable of adequately per- forming more than was ever assigned to him, though some of the severest military tasks and duties have been performed by him. This judgment still stands well established, though the command of a division of regulars and the front and swinging right wing of an invading and assaulting army has been intrusted con- fidently to his command. The reserve force and quiet self-control with which every step in action was conducted equaled his proverbial energy, endurance, courage, and tenacity. And it is believed his immediate commander (General Shafter), whose force and energy are also phenomenal, appreciates the soldierly qualities of his loyal subordinate fully, as on his recommendation promotion has been given for conduct on the field of battle; but as an eyewitness, this testimony to well-proven military merit may be also permitted to the Inspector-General of the Army. Of course his immediate superiors, both in advance of and since the Santiago expedition, have carefully determined the military and personal qualities of the commanding officer of this expedition; but if permitted me, it seems due that I should bear willing testimony to the remarkable energy, decision, and self-reliance which characterized General Shafter's course during this distinguished military adventure throughout its arduous course to its most honorable conclusion. At every stage of this proceeding General Shafter was the dominant spirit at the scene of action. Oppressed with sickness and overweighted with responsibilities and care, he carried the fate of his army to a successful and glorious issue. And any prec- edent is rare where, amidst such natural obstacles and dangers and limited means and opposing defenses, a more numerous, well disciplined, and gallant force capitulated to invaders who had upon their fighting line a smaller force than that surrendered. The glory of this belongs to General Shafter and his army and the Administration sustaining it. And whatever influence was felt from this army toward the driving out and destruction of the Spanish fleet may also go to its credit, How earnestly I have been impelled to seek service in face of this enemy of my country, regardless of all lesser considerations, is of course appreciated by my superiors. Up to the limit of my powers I crave to render such service as may be possible. Perhaps I should justly recognize that all others, with proper soldierly instinct, ardently press to the front also and may deserve higher consid- eration. But permit me, at this close of my long duty as Inspector-General of the Army, to solicit such active service, and, if possible, command, in the face of the enemy as the kindly consideration of my superiors and their regard for others and the needs of the public service may be able to accord. Respectfully submitted, in compliance with the instructions from the Adjutant- General's Office of May 17, 1898. Very respectfully, J. C. Breckinridge, Major-General of Volunteers, Inspector-General, U. S. A. War Department, Inspector-General's Office, Washington, D. C., August 3, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army. Sir: Pursuant to instructions contained in letter from your office, dated August 1,1898, to proceed to New York City and obtain all the facts possible in reference 330 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. to the public charges made concerning the steamships Seneca and Concho, trans- porting our sick and wounded from Santiago, I have the nonor to report: On arrival in New York City, 7 a. m., the 2d instant, I went at once to the hos- pital steamer Relief, which was under orders to sail for Santiago under charge of Maj. G. H. Torney, surgeon, United States Army. Major Torney stated as follows: " The Relief arrived at Siboney, the base of supplies of the army of invasion of Cuba, on the 7th of July. We were then unable to obtain any anchorage. I reported my arrival to General Shafter and told him what I was directed to do, and asked that the stores on the Relief be unloaded. He issued an order to the commissary who had charge of the lighter. There was only one lighter in the harbor, and no other means of unloading anything. He issued an order to Colo- nel Weston that one load of the lighter should be given to me. It was not prac- ticable to anchor that day. We did not get at anchor the next day because the transports crowded in there and took all the room. I then got an order next morning from Colonel Humphrey to give me an anchorage, which was accom- plished after many hours of labor. In trying to do this the ship lost an anchor and lost a windlass and was partially disabled, so that we did not get into an anchorage until the 9th. On the 10th or 11th, I forget which, General Miles arrived. The wounded in the meantime began to be sent aboard the Relief from the camp. The camp was overcrowded. I received everybody that was sent aboard. Some were severely and some slightly wounded. Those severely wounded were separated from the others, so as to give the severely wounded the the most attention. Some of them were sick with fever. " On the Uth General Miles arrived. After going ashore the chief surgeon, Dr. Greenleaf, investigated matters there, and on coming back to the ship (the hag- gling about the surrender having continued) an order was issued to me by the chief surgeon to prepare to receive the wounded of the army. The hospital on the shore was ordered abandoned; no more wounded were to be sent there, but were to be sent to the Relief. Major La Garde had charge of the wounded on shore. He had orders to send me the wounded on shore, and his hospital was ordered abandoned as the surgical hospital and to be converted into a hospital for the sick. On the same day, or the day after, while the dispute in regard to the surrender occurred, the information was transmitted to me by Dr. Greenleaf, upon which I was required to act, that if the Spaniards did not surrender the harbor was to be forced by the Navy, and an assault was to be made on the Spanish lines, and that I was to be prepared to receive the wounded from the front and take care of them. In order to do that I was directed to transfer as many of the slight cases as were deemed practicable to any transport. "The Seneca was lying right opposite me. I saw the surgeon of the Seneca, Dr. Hicks, and he told me he could take forty-five patients. In the meantime the Solace came in, and I turned some of the wounded over to the Seneca. These were cases of a mild character. I made preparations for this work, and we weeded out the cases which we did not think of any importance, and orders were given to transfer these to the Seneca. The medical officer of the Seneca then submitted a list of the articles required, and I directed the steward to issue them. It was a small list, and I told him that I would give him everything he wanted. It was impos- sible at that time to break out our stores, for the storerooms were jammed to the doors with supplies for the army in Cuba. The medical officer on the Seneca got all the supplies he asked for except instruments which we couldn't well give him. We transferred to him actually forty-two patients. We gave him what ice we could. We were shipping ice to the fever hospital on shore, where it was directed to send all ice. " Nothing had been said to me about the drinking water on the Seneca. These 331 INSPECTION REPORTS. patients were transferred practically at sea. Just before this occurred the Seneca drifted down on the ship and drove us out of our anchorage. She drifted down on us when she had up steam and could have gotten out of our way. None of these patients were severely ill except two, who had to be carried on stretchers. The filling up afterwards of the Seneca with patients was a matter over which I had no control. I had nothing to do with that. "Dr. Hicks came down on the Relief. Indirectly he was a passenger on the Relief. He reported to General Shafter. He was not under my orders at all at any time. He was under the orders of the general of the invading army, under Colonel Pope. I knew nothing at all of the condition of the Seneca. She was not under my control in any respect whatever. I do not know whether any report had been made as to her condition or supplies. The medical officer came and asked for supplies, and I gave him what he asked for. Somebody made a statement in regard to the clothing. When these patients came to the Relief, they were lousy and dirty and filthy, and their clothing was in such bad condition that it had to be disinfected. They were then given clean underclothes from our ship before they were trans- ferred. It was impossible for us to unload our storerooms at sea and we could not issue them any other clothing. It was absolutely impossible. In the matter of ice, of course it was not possible to give them all they wanted. We issued it to the fever patients on shore, but any surplus ice was sent to them. Some of it was not fully frozen. It would have taken an ice machine of 100 tons to supply the camp, and ours was only two. I had no control over the Seneca at all. I do not know whether she had been reported on or inspected by any medical officer. I had noth- ing to do with it. I transferred patients to the Hudson and patients to the Solace. I simply obeyed orders. The order of Dr. Greenleaf was positive, and in carrying out these instructions I only obeyed orders. There is no question about that. Dr. Hicks did not ask for any other delicacies than ice. He had no fund that I know of for the purchase of delicacies. He was not required to report to me at all. I had no control over him. I would like it understood that I have no control over the transports. I transferred the sick and wounded by order and had charge of them until they reached the side of the Seneca. Then my responsibility for them ended. " The articles of medical stores were given freely to the medical officer of the Seneca without being invoiced. Whatever he asked for was given him." (Note.-See letter from the Surgeon-General's Office of June 27,1898, to Maj. George H. Torney, inclosure A. Also letter of June 22,1898, from the same office, to Major Torney, approved by the Secretary of War, inclosure B.) At Belleview Hospital I found Lieut. C. L. Byram, First United States Cavalry, and Lieut. L. H. Gross, Sixth Infantry. Lieutenant Byram said: " I was present when Dr. La Garde informed Dr. Hicks that he was to go North on the Seneca. In substance, Dr. La Garde told him that he would send only men who were not seriously injured, and who. were able to take care of them- selves, for the reason that he would be utterly unable to give him any hospital men or stores. At this time I was suffering somewhat from malaria, and had not fully recovered from my wound, so I was directed by Dr. La Garde to take passage on the Seneca. I was perfectly able, however, when I went on board to take care of myself. Dr. La Garde told Dr. Hicks that he thought he would send him about 45 men. Of my own knowledge, I do not know how many men were placed aboard the ship, but have understood that there were between 90 and 100. These, as I was told and observed myself, were made up of the men above referred to as having been sent from the shore hospital under Dr. La Garde's con- trol, several officers and a number of men who were sent from the Relief, some of whom were not in a condition to help themselves, and a number of foreign 332 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. attaches, newspaper men, and civilian employees. These latter, I understand, were sent aboard by the quartermaster. There was another doctor aboard the vessel, and it appeared that he was placed in charge. The day after going aboard the vessel I was taken with a very severe attack of measles, which prevented my going about the boat to any extent at all, except from my cabin to the water- closet. Dr. Bird was seasick most of the time, and all of the work fell upon Dr. Hicks. There seemed to be a lack of medicines. The only thing he was able to give me was some troches for a very severe cough. There was an almost absolute lack of everything that a sick man could eat, with the exception of some beef extract, from which beef tea could be made, and some malted milk. There were a number of men who seemed to require a great deal of attention, and seemed to be pretty sick. Unquestionably the only thing in the way of nourishment that could be supplied me was beef tea, which, through the kindness of Miss Jennings, I was supplied with about one-fourth of the number of times per day that the doctor insisted on my having it. The reason it was not given me oftener was due to the absolute lack of help the doctor had to contend against, except such help that was voluntarily rendered by Miss Jennings and Captain Dowdy, retired. " The water supply aboard the vessel was beyond description. It stunk and was filled with something that looked to me like iron rust, but which I was told was rotten wood, and was of such a character that I absolutely could not drink it. There was a little ice on board, which lasted for about two days. "As to who sent the men there, other than those who were able to help them- selves aboard the vessel, I have no knowledge. In passing to the water-closet I had to go to a deck below the one on which the cabins are on, and found a num- ber of men, seemingly apparently helpless, occupying the hallway between the cabins on that deck. I saw on one or two occasions the meals that were furnished these men, and on no occasion did they consist of anything other than the articles of the ration, with the one exception of the malted milk and beef tea, that were pre- pared from supplies that were furnished from the Red Cross ship State of Texas. il So far as I could observe, Dr. Hicks did everything that a man could do under such adverse circumstances for the relief of the sick and wounded. I know that he was up and about the vessel at all times of the night and day, and from the number of times that I saw him passing the windows of the cabin I know of his being about at night, and I couldn't see how the man got any sleep at all. Some of the men were placed in the bunks built into the transport for the transporta- tion of the soldiers to Cuba. These men had no mattress, and were either sick with fever or wounded, and must have been suffering intensely." And Lieutenant Gross stated: " Personally, I did not suffer any at all on the trip, because I was able to get around. The officers took their meals from the ship's mess, and they were very satisfactory, considering the circumstances; but I noticed that hardly any provi- sion whatever was made for the messing of the men. There were no hospital attendants on board at all, and men that were working their passage home were detailed to look out for the wounded. If it hadn't been for the assistance of Miss Jennings, they would have suffered much more. There were a large number of newspaper correspondents and attaches aboard who had staterooms, and these caused a number of our men to be placed right on the decks with nothing but blankets and mattresses. The doctors seemed to do all they could, but seemed to lack experience. The water supply of the ship was bad, and the ice ran out in two days." Dr. A. H. Doty, health officer, State of New York, whom I found at the quar- antine station, Staten Island, stated as follows: " The Seneca had evidently not been inspected with a view to the sanitary con- dition of the sick and wounded when she left Cuba. I can give you an instance. There were men on the boat that, if the statements made to me were true, were INSPECTION REPORTS. 333 taken from the battlefield and carried right along to that point in a nightshirt. The nightshirt was filthy dirty, and covered, soldiers who were suffering from wounds. The wounds had never been dressed, for the reason there were no instru- ments on the boat. The wounded arrived in that condition, with absolutely no treatment at all. Some of the wounds were suppurating. I asked the doctor why the wounds had not been dressed, and he said, ' We had no instruments or medicines.' I did not go into why they did not have them. "The sanitary condition is under the care of a medical officer always. The captain is responsible in a general way. In this case the people were crawling- over each other. I spoke to the doctors in regard to one or two who were suffer- ing from diarrhea, and asked him why he did not give them a little morphine. He said he had none on board, and that meant that those men had to go a week without medicine, suffering excruciating pains. When the sick reached here, I took their night clothes off of them and washed them and cleaned them and put on new night shirts, and then sent up to the commissioner of public charities, Mr. Keller, and asked him if he couldn't take 30 of them who were so badly wounded. There was much less danger in putting them there in a ward by themselves than to keep them down here where they ran the risk of dying. We sent them up there. " Some of the Seneca's sick and wounded went to Belleview. I took a number of them to Swinburne Island, and some to Hoffman Island, where they were gradually disinfected and allowed to go. " The Concho is just about as bad as the Seneca. There is no official surgeon on the Concho. I know nothing about the claim that on the Seneca there was no ice and that the water was bad; that the captain had not had an opportunity to fit out his ship with new supplies. On the Concho there was a lack of physicians, who are not only a comfort but a necessity. They should never have been allowed to leave without at least two surgeons, and it afterwards proved there were several fatal cases, and they were buried at sea off Fort Monroe. Dr. Lesser, who repre- sents the Red Cross, was on the Concho, and did the best he could, but still they were suffering for help. It seems to me a very unusual thing to ship that numbe. of wounded and sick men for that distance without a physician and proper med- ical supplies, going, as they knew it did, from a place where they were all subject to malarial fever. They were brought on board half sick. Dr. Senn was here also, and he was firmly impressed with the fact that the trouble was at the other end, not on the Medical Department simply; that the headquarters wouldn't give them anything. The idea seemed to be to push these people aboard-to get them out as soon as possible. Dr. Senn is a very observant man, too. " That does seem to be the explanation of it. The very fact of their being put on board without having sufficient medical supplies and no doctoi- sent with them. I think the Seneca was the only vessel that has come up so far that had medical officers on her, and they were both contract surgeons. I believe one of them only came on board by accident. There was nothing done systematically. It would look to me that way, as though those transports were there and orders were given to put these people on board and get them away. Dr. Sternberg is a very careful man. " So far as I know there is no yellow fever on the Concho. If there had been a surgeon on board he would have kept a history of the cases and records of the. temperature, and all I would have to have done would have been to have corrob- orated those cases. The result was they were dumped upon me, and I had to examine every case and group them. I told Dr. Sternberg I would do everything I could to help him out. A surgeon on board these transports would have been of great value here. It is evident there are two things needed: First, a vessel should be inspected in regard to its supplies; second, a medical officer should accompany the vessel. 334 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. " The people whom I took to Swinburne Island, were almost starved to death. They almost took the food away from each other. A first lieutenant of regular troops (Lieutenant Cole), who had dysentery, had no delicacies, and could not get his baggage. The Red Cross have been exceedingly nice, sending supplies, under- clothes, etc. The principal part of the newspaper talk and discussion is from newspaper reporters who have gotten on board and come up here. I think it is a great mistake. There is no department that can go through an emergency of that kind without having some little detail improved. The Seneca was overloaded; the Concho was not. If the Seneca had been simply a passenger ship, I should say it was overloaded for that class of steamer. A sick man has got to have a great deal more fresh air than a well man. " The steamship company has been feeding these men, and that is a complaint a number of men make. A man with a temperature of 103° or 104", and hardly able to sit up, was given pork and regular rations. They could not eat it, and the result was that the men would go for a week without any nourishment. A young man named Holly was sunstruck on the 5th of July. He came up on the Leona. Nothing was done for him. He was taken into a hospital and afterwards put on board and carried into one of the outside cabins. The statement is made that he laid there on the floor during the whole trip without any proper diet or stimu- lants. He died of exhaustion. If they had had a surgeon on board the boat this patient would have received proper treatment and would probably have lived. ' ' I think the whole explanation of it seems to be there were no physicians and no preparations made. That is the way it strikes me. The surgeons who come up state that there were no preparations; they were greatly overworked, and could not do any more. It seems a- great oversight to send a ship away with a great number of sick men and no one to take care of them. The officers whom I heard talk summed it up in this way: Here was this fight going on and they did not have any more men than they needed. Everything was done toward getting everything to the front to avoid failure. " There are about 32 sick on the Concho now. I want to get them out of the ship so as to disinfect it. I will take them off this afternoon if possible. From a conversation with some of the officers who came up it seems that an emergency existed there, as they expected another battle, and the desire was to get the sick and wounded off on the boats as soon as possible. They had to keep the medical officers there, as they were needed at the front. " The Seneca arrived July 20, 1898, with 90 soldiers and 48 passengers, and the Concho on July 31 with 191 soldiers and passengers and 40 crew." Dr. Lesser, of the Red Cross Society, made the following statement: " I was present as a passenger on the steamship Concho on its last sailing from Santiago to the United States. Major La Garde received a dispatch from General Shafter on July 21 to send on the Alamo 50 or 60 soldiers and place on the Concho 175 convalescents; also supply it with 1,000 rations. On the 23d the Concho came from Santiago and reported at 6 o'clock in the morning. " Previous to sailing, Iwas stationed at Siboney, representing the Red Cross Society. We had a large number of convalescent typhoids, so-called recovered yellow-fever patients, a number of malarial fever patients, and I think that was about all, except a few cases of typhoid fever. I will state that the same dispatch stated that others were sent down from the front, and the same evening a wagon load of 15 more patients came to the major on the Concho, who consented to make room for them. In the morning we mustered out a number of men that came from the yellow-fever camp. Major La Garde, Dr. Ireland, and myself mustered out the men and said, ' You go.' The dispatch also said, ' Send the well ones to the front.' Another number he kept back. Some of them could walk; INSPECTION REPORTS. 335 some of them could not. Those that could walk he sent down to the ship. I saw personally on board a number of men that were put back not to go on the ship, and to my great surprise I found a larger number than I expected, and wrote to the major, ' This ship is not in good enough condition to take 175. The Santiago comes to-morrow. Do not send any more than you can help.' I received no answer, and felt that my letter did not get to the major. However, my patients- only very bad patients-were brought then, and in a number sufficient for me to attend to them. " The assignment to duty on the ship was given me on July 29 by Major La Garde to work in the medical department of the Army. We in the Red Cross are not an independent institution, and are going only on the orders of the Army. I offered my services to the major to take these people home-those who were sick. Those who were suffering with yellow fever had the intermittent stage. They had no fever. They looked well and were weak, and so the major sent them, believing that we would have no trouble with them. So I would only have had about 25, all convalescent from yellow fever. Further, the men who were told to stay back also went on the ship. The guard did not keep them back. " The officers, who were apparently well, 18 in number, also I believed would be no trouble to us. We started feeling perfectly at ease, but a number of men developed chills during the afternoon. Whether they had them before or not I could not find out. Their desire to go back was so great they would not tell what they had had. They ate the rations, and the following day everybody on the ship was sick. They had previously been living on hospital diet. There was a supply of delicacies and medicines on the ship sufficient for 20 or 25; all we supposed would be ill. We received the drugs which were offered by the War Department, but very little delicacies. We received a few lemons and about 5 or 6 cans of beef tea, 4 packages of oatmeal, 2 packages of tea, 2 small boxes of antipyrine, about a 4-ounce bottle filled with quinine (3-grain pills), a pound of sulphur, about one-half pound of camphor (both of which I requested), and that was all. I had a little medicine case with me, my own Red-Cross case, and of course mostly used up. On the second day, Sunday, every one on the ship had fever. We had no ice: we had no water but what was three months old. The ship was responsible for this fault. The condition of the water was very bad. It was water that was taken from somewhere around Jamaica, and it was three months old. They had a good deal of it, peculiarly alkaline in taste. It was not boiled by the ship. I begged of them to boil it. It was boiled for the serious cases. Six deaths in 175 cases of that kind is an awfully small mortality. There is really no one to blame. Shafter did not know how sick they were. Major La Garde did not know that all the men sent had gone there. We had no seasickness at all. We were a little over a week coming up. Five men died on that trip. One man died of acute tuberculosis. Three died from eating the rations. Most of the men have gone on one of these quarantine islands. None of the officers are down at Bellevue. There is one officer down at the Astor House-Chaplain Groves. There is one at the Murray Hill Hotel-Captain Young, Seventh Infantry, " I was there when the Seneca sailed, but had not seen the Seneca at all. The .vessels came from Santiago, and we had a right to believe, coming from a seaport where we have seen oxen and ice and everything, that she would have been sup- plied with what was needed. We did inspect the Concho, and I wrote to Major La Garde and said we had room for only about 60. The ice lasted for only about twenty-four hours. They might have been ordered to Santiago to buy ice. The steamship companies give nothing to the private and nothing to the officer, and everything had to be bought. They were not obliged to put on board a supply of ice. " The principal troubles with those 25 now sick on the Concho are diarrhea and typhoid cases. If some of those men who came up here did not have yellow fever, 336 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. then none of the Spanish in Cuba have had it. About the second week the yellow fever developed. We got ice and new water from Fort Monroe. We had a large number of cases of sick on the ship and now we have only about 25." Mr. Samuel McMillan, of Morris Heights, New York City, made this statement: " The state of facts as I saw them were as follows: •'After boarding the Concho and learning that there were to be a number of wounded and convalescent soldiers to be taken on board at Siboney, I was very reluctant to accept a cabin or berth on the same. In fact, I was reluctant because in the first place I thought I was exposing myself to disease and possible death, which I had no right to do because of my family. But there was no other way of escape. I had to face it. Had there been any way of escape which means or money could have purchased I certainly would not have placed myself in that position. But yet I braced myself up to it, and said it maybe possible that I may be of some use. I may be able to say a consoling or an encouraging word to some of those poor fellow-countrymen of mine who have suffered for the cause that our country wishes to vindicate. I was informed that there would be some 16 to 20 taken on board, but to my surprise there were something like 160 conva- lescents, and some that I thought were not convalescents, landed upon the ship. I want to say right here that great credit should be given to the ship's crew, who, with untiring effort and no grumbling of any name or nature, paddled back those boats to and fro for over nine hours landing those poor boys on the vessel. There was no invalid or hospital corps to do that work. That was the first violation of the great duty that we owed to our boys that came to my view. I was willing to even overlook that neglect or blunder, thinking that perhaps the anxious desire of those poor boys and sufferers overruled them, and that they may have forced themselves upon the officers, willing to put up with any treatment for the sake of getting home or of getting to some port or some haven where they would get skillful treatment. After that work was performed, and performed well, as I have already stated, I looked around and took notice of what accommodations had been provided for them. I found myself enjoying a cabin, which I felt I had no right to do while others suffering from wounds and disease were without such accommodations. I then and there made up my mind that I would sur- render mine to some poor suffering boy on the ship. Before that I had no knowledge but that every store, every possible contingency or want that these poor boys needed as sufferers, had been well thought out and well provided for, and only then, to my great surprise, I learned from Dr. Lesser that the same had not been done. I then felt an indignation that should possess every American heart, that some one had blundered, and later on learned of the suffering which only Dr. Lesser can describe, he being a professional man. Others may guess at it and may give their views, but the burden of this should rest upon him and his staff of sisters, and the evidence that should be potent, and should have weight before you, should be taken from him and his nurses. Were it not for the kindly offices that they gave with such a will, and with such a telling purpose, no one knows what would have been the fatality among us. Death occurred, of which Dr. Lesser can furnish you the day and date. That death remained among us is an evidence of some one's carelessness, and even when we reached a' harbor where the bodies could have been buried beneath the soil for which they had fought and had been willing to give up their lives, they were denied burial in the same. You, gentlemen, who can well consider how any true American can feel under such circumstances, can well appreciate what my feelings were. Did not the science of American invention provide a sealed coffin? Was there not a place on our fair land and soil broad enough to bury them? If not, there would have been some excuse for taking them out to sea. But that was a relief, and a relief that only those who heard the news that the captain was ordered to INSPECTION REPORTS. 337 take them out to sea to bury them in a watery grave can fully appreciate, because of the fact that they had been with us for about thirty-eight hours-for the exact hours I would refer you to Dr. Lesser's notes. The evidence of their death, and that they remained among us without proper disinfectants or ice, or any fore- thought for a like condition of affairs, must certainly send a chill through every sufferer who looked at the same or knew of the same. That condition of affairs to a sick and sensitive body, who had every reason to expect that there was no possibility of the same occurring, and who had every right to expect the best because of the wealth and resources of our great country, can only be expressed by the language of a poor boy who said, ' God help them when they want any more volunteers.' If the Government can shirk the responsibility for this neglect, they can shifk the responsibility of placing a man before the enemy without a gun." ' ' I was present when Dr. Lesser asked for boiled water for his patients and it was refused. I offered $500 of my own personal funds to ameliorate the condition of any of the wounded or sick on the Concho, and I told Dr. Lesser that he need not stop at that, and that I would give him my check for $2,000 if needed. He then said that we must have some action in this matter, and if there is no military head to bear this burden the captain must. The newspaper notoriety given to this transport business is without foundation of fact, and these gentlemen have been misquoted." In the hospital at Fort Wadsworth I found Capt. H. T. Allen, Second Artillery, who made the following statement: "The Concho was not any worse than the whole outfit where the Medical Department was concerned. I know that the Medical Department has not the attendants,.the order, the system of supply, or anything. The Concho is bad. " The vessel should have been inspected, of course. The trouble seems to be a lack of everything. I was at Siboney for an hour and a quarter before they gave me a tent. I do not know how many men are there now. I maintain that all those fever patients ought to have something to keep the fever from their heads. The condition was just simply congestion from top to bottom. It was an absolute state of unpreparedness. " Captain Young, Seventh Infantry, and Anderson, of the Thirty-third Michi- gan, were on that boat besides myself. There was no special complaint on the part of the officers and men on the vessels as to their condition. They did not think the Concho was what they had been accustomed to. It was not as good as general hospital life. The lack of material and attention down below there was quite as bad as it was aboard ship. "All the water was boiled and put up in little jugs wrapped in wet cloths to cool it off. Siboney ought to be looked into. Anybody will die there. They have absolutely no delicacies. It is one of the blackest holes in our Santiago campaign, and there were a great many black ones. "I do not know that the Concho was overcrowded. There were about 190 on board. Dr. Lesser was a Red Cross physician. He was the salvation of the sick. His work deserves great credit. Lesser has got the fever business down pat. I have had both yellow and typhoid fever. Had the yellow fever on the 16th, and it turned into typhoid. I do not know what the fare on board the boat was for these men, nor do I know anything about how the officers were fed. I was too ill." (Attention is invited to the inclosed report concerning the Seneca, made to the Surgeon-General by Dr. N. G. Bird, acting assistant surgeon, under date of July 28, 1898, marked " C.") In view of the statements and testimony submitted, it appears that the public charges made concerning the Seneca and Concho, though in some respects exag- gerated, are not without just foundation, and the conditions at Siboney are assign- able in a great measure as the cause. These conditions summed up: The great difficulty in landing and loading men and supplies, owing to the primitive and 7833-vol. 1 22 338 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. limited means at hand; the strong desire of sick and wounded men to return to the United States, in some cases eluding the vigilance of the medical officers at Siboney and getting on the vessels without authority; the great number of casual- ties from battle and the extraordinarily large sick list, beyond provisions made and even contemplated; the necessity of the presence of the entire medical staff to alleviate and care for the number still in the hospitals there, and the antici- pated greater increase of casualties from an expected battle, thus requiring, too, almost all available medical supplies, and especially delicacies and ice, for the fever-stricken on shore, and this, aggravated by the severe climatic influences, the incessant heat from a tropical sun and daily pouring rains, with a greatly con- gested condition at Siboney of sick and wounded, added to increase the discomforts. To the Medical Department falls the principal burden in these trying emergen- cies, and that it has been sorely taxed goes beyond questioning. It is not doubted, however, that its officers have done all in their power, and have worked ener- getically in the fulfillment of their great responsible duty. Such extraordinary casualties could hardly have been foreseen, and that it has not been able in every emergency to meet the requirements should not be made in the light of a reflec- tion. It is evident that human power has been taxed to its utmost, and the great amount of good done should be considered also with any existing discrepancy. War necessarily brings with it great suffering and privation, and the delicacies and treatment of the sick can not always be had in the field as in a regular hospital. It appears that after the arrival of the hospital steamer Relief at Siboney, in view of a possible assault on the Spanish lines, Maj. G. H. Torney, surgeon U. S. Army, in charge of the Relief, was directed by the chief surgeon, Dr. Greenleaf, to be prepared to receive the wounded from the front, and to transfer as many of the slight cases as were deemed practicable to any transport. The transport Seneca, in charge of Dr. Hicks, an acting assistant surgeon, was lying "right opposite," and was selected apparently without any inspection as to her capacity, stores, supplies, or hygienic condition. Undoubtedly Dr. Torney was authorized by the letter from the Surgeon-General of June 27,1898, to send sick and wounded soldiers home by army transports, but it can hardly be claimed that in the exercise of that authority he was not to use care and discretion, having always in view the comfort of his patients. Dr. Hicks reported he could take 45 patients, but it appears the vessel arrived with 90 soldiers and 48 passengers. The inadequate supply of medicines on board seemed to be due to the inexperience of the contract surgeon in charge. The small quantity of medicines and delicacies furnished Dr. Hicks included all that he asked for, except surgical instruments, but proved entirely inadequate for the number of sick and wounded soldiers on board. It appears that a large number of these soldiers were just convalescing from fever, and in no condition to subsist on the army ration. Yet, with these facts known to the medical authorities, possibly an effort should have been made to provide a proper diet for such people during a sea voyage. Under ordinary circumstances the liability for providing a ship with sufficient and wholesome food, water, and other necessaries for the comfort of its passengers rests with the master of the ship, but these enlisted men can not be regarded as ordinary passengers, capable of making a contract for passage. They were in the care and custody of the United States, and the Government, through its responsible officers, was bound, under the especial circumstances, to see that there should be no unnecessary suffering that could have been avoided by the exercise of that forethought that is born from a full grasp of the situation. From the testimony, the contract surgeons on the Seneca and Dr. Lesser on the Concho seem to have done all they could under the disadvantages arising from a lack of assistants, medicine, proper nourishment, water, ice, and bedding for the men placed in their care. INSPECTION REPORTS. 339 Possibly the evils resulting from the overcrowding were not considered in the evident desire to clear the hospital for the expected battle and the anxiety of the sick men to get en route for home, but a matter of so much importance evidently calls for some directing hand. To prevent a repetition of the evil it is suggested that no sick or wounded men be placed on any transport until it has been thoroughly inspected as to its sani- tary condition, its capacity, and its water supply; that a competent medical officer be placed in charge, with a sufficient corps of assistants; that no more than the determined number of persons be allowed on board, and that an ample supply of medicines, instruments, bedding, clothing, dietary articles, and other accessories for the comfort of the sick be provided. Very respectfully, C. H. Heyl, Major, Inspector-General. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, June 27, 1898. Maj. George H. Torney, Surgeon, U. S. A., Commanding Hospital Ship Relief, Foot Ninth Street, East River, New York, N. Y. Sir: Your attention is invited to the following additional instructions: You should keep in view the fact that the Relief is a well-equipped floating hospital and a depot of supplies for troops in the field. It is important, therefore, that she should not be taken away from the scene of active operations unless it is absolutely necessary for the purpose of landing the sick and wounded at a home port. You should avail yourself of every opportunity to send proper cases by the navy ambulance ship, the Solace, or by army transports returning to home ports. As a rule, the more serious cases of injury and sickness should be retained on your ship, as the disturbance incident to a sea voyage would be injurious to them. Convalescents and those sick and wounded who can be transported without injury to themselves, and who are not likely to be fit for duty within a short time, should be sent to a home port whenever an opportunity offers. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, July 22, 1898. Maj. George H. Torney, Surgeon, U. S. A., Commanding U. S. Hospital Ship Relief, Army Building, 39 Whitehall Street, New York, N. Y. Sir: You will do everything in your power to expedite the work upon the hos- pital ship Relief, and when she is ready for sea report to me by telegraph. Upon receiving telegraphic orders to that effect, you will proceed directly to Santiago de Cuba, reporting your arrival to the commanding general at that point. Your ship should be anchored in a safe harbor, at such point as may be designated by the proper authorities and as near as possible to the seat of active operations. You will receive on board up to the full capacity of the ship the sick and wounded of the army and navy, and care for them exactly as if they were in a general hospital. The Relief is regarded as a United States general hospital, and you will be expected to make such reports and returns as are required by regulations for a general hospital. Your attention is especially invited to Army Regulations 1433, and should anyone attempt to exercise unauthorized authority over you or your ship you will invite their attention to this regulation. When, in your judg- 340 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. ment or in that of the commanding general or the chief surgeon of the troops at whatever point you may be located, it is desirable that you should proceed to a home port for the purpose of landing the sick and wc nnded, you will, if practi- cable, communicate with me by telegraph, and orders will be sent you designating the port for which you should sail. If it is not practicable to communicate with me by telegraph, you should apply to the commanding general of the troops for orders to proceed to such home port as may seem desirable, and immediately upon your arrival you should communicate with me by telegraph, in order that arrangements may be made to transfer the sick and wounded to a general hospital. You will issue medical supplies, upon properly approved requisitions, to troops in the field, and will do everything in your power to aid the medical officers with these troops in providing for the comfort of the sick by the issue of ice, hospital stores, and such delicacies as you may have at your disposal. When practicable, you will send to me once a week a telegraphic report showing the number of patients of the army and of the navy on board the hospital ship. You should make timely requisition for necessary supplies for use on the ship and for issue to troops in the field. I shall send you $1,000 as a hospital fund, and you are authorized to give to chief surgeons, or surgeons in charge of division hospitals, amounts not exceeding $100 for use in the purchase of necessary articles for the sick in the field hospitals. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. Approved. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. June 22, 1898. Before you sail you will report to the Surgeon-General for specific orders as to destination and place of landing the sick and wounded upon your return. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. REPORT CONCERNING THE TRANSPORT SENECA. Washington, D. C., July 28,1898. On the morning of Tuesday, July 12, 1898, I received an order from Major La Garde to go aboard the Seneca and assume charge of the sick and wounded which would be sent aboard to be taken North in that ship. On going aboard the Seneca I found her to be a transport, with the conveniences and inconveniences found on such ships. I made the best use possible of the resources on board. Some civilians wTere on board, and others came later, making in all about thirty. As they were referred to the captain, we had nothing to do with them. Some wounded men had come from the shore when I arrived. They were with- out personal effects, blankets, etc. We were told that there was a large quantity of regimental property on board belonging to troops which had come to Cuba in the Seneca, and which had not been removed. This property we were told we could use for our sick, but an officer on board was in charge of it and refused to let us use it. We finally received permission to use it without opening the pack- ages. The men were also without any personal equipment-knives, forks, plates, etc.-having lost these things. The next day I went to the Relief and secured necessary medical and surgical supplies. We had a quantity of gauze and band- ages and antiseptics, and ordinary medicines, quin, sulph., pil. cath. co., pil. camph. et op., tablets, mist, glycr., phenacetin, antipyrin, magnes sulph., etc. INSPECTION REPORTS. 341 Dr. Torney told me that he had everything we could possibly want, but in the condition of the cargo it was impossible to get at many of these things, but that he let me have what we would need, in his judgment. A quantity of Armour's extract of beef was sent. I told him of our need of bedding, and he sent a suffi- cient number of blankets with the patients. I told him of our lack of table fur- niture, and he regretted that he could not supply us with these things. When the men began to come aboard they were taken care of as well as the conditions permitted. We were obliged to use the bunks between decks. By getting the passengers aforesaid to get two in a stateroom we secured the use of several state- rooms for the worst cases. Those we deemed best able to put up with it we kept in the bunks. The travel rations I had gotten aboard on Tuesday afternoon. Miss Jennings came aboard of us and had sent to us some oatmeal and jelly, which were an agreeable variation from the ration. The mien who were able to help were organized into details, which attended to preparing meals and seeing to the wants of the sick. The mess detail, of some six or eight men, were expected to attend exclusively to that. There were four other details of six each, on duty for six hours at a time. After these details were in working order, I know of no instance in which any helpless man was neglected. At my request the mate had the carpenter saw a cask in two, making a tub, which our men were instructed to keep full of water for their use. They also had the use of the saloon tank, but this was of small capacity. As long as the ice lasted they had the benefit of it. When it gave out, about two days out, they, of course, had none. At Newport News we got on ice and water, greatly helping matters out. The ship was light and rolled a great deal, which was given as a reason for the drinking watei' becom- ing much discolored. The captain told me that he had not had opportunity to provision his boat foi' two months, which accounted for the condition of the water, and shortage of ice and provisions, which was noticeable in the saloon table. We were expected to take care of wounded men, of whom not one was in a bad surgical condition. Most of the wounds were simple punctures; were nearly well when they came aboard. To some the dressings were not even adhering. Of course there were other unpleasant conditions resulting from the wounds, as soreness, stiffness, etc. One man shot through the chest had contracted eithei1 pneumonia or empyema, which increased the gravity of his condition. Unfortunately, in addition to these cases, many cases of fever appeared among the wounded and passengers, which increased the difficulty of the situation. Owing to the uncertain exposure of many people on board, the character of the fever became a matter of serious consideration. Owing to the absence of diag- nostic instuments, we hesitated to arrive at a decision. We left Siboney on Thursday morning. We had been ordered to Port Tampa, but the order was changed. On arriving at Newport News the health authorities refused to express an opinion as to the character of the fever aboard, but advised that we proceed North. I telegraphed the Surgeon-General and received orders to proceed to New York and unload wounded. We arrived at New York on Wednesday, the 20th, and were boarded by the health officer. He held the ship in quarantine, released a few immunes, sent the fever cases to Swinburne Island, the others to Hoffman Island, and the wounded requiring attention to Bellevue Hospital. I went to Hoffman Island to care for the men there. On Friday I was ordered to report to Washington. I telegraphed my situation and was ordered to remain as long as necessary. The men at Hoff- man Island were removed to Fort Hamilton on Saturday, when I went to Swin- burne Island, where I remained till Tuesday morning. The remaining men were then taken to Fort Hamilton. 342 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The discomforts of the voyage were due to the fact that the Seneca, was not a hospital ship, and lack of ice, and poor quality of water. Many of the civilians on board provided their own sleeping accommodations. Very respectfully, N. S. Bird, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A. Surg. Gen. G. M. Sternberg. War Department, Inspector-General's Office, Washington, September 29, 1898. The Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to report that I made the inspection of the general hospital at Fort Myer, Va., as directed, and found it to consist of 22 wards, with a capacity of 544 patients. At present there are 260 patients there. I found the wards, bath- rooms, closets, kitchens, kitchen utensils, storerooms, mess rooms, and furniture to be in good condition. There have been 30 deaths there since August 11, 1898, 27 of these dying from typhoid fever. The police was very good, also the diet. There are 40 female nurses, 12 contract male nurses, and 10 men of the hospital corps on this duty. I found Mrs. Dr. Greene there, but not Dr. Booth, he being absent. As to the amount of funds accruing from General Orders No. 116, Adjutant- General's Office, 1898, the post surgeon informed me that $2,700 had been sup- plied by the Subsistence Department, all of which, except $20.38, had been used in payment of the August bills. He could not tell me the amount that would be used in September, as the bills had not yet been presented for this month. He stated that he was purchasing everything which in his judgment was necessary for the sick; that all delicacies and all other articles of food which they could possibly use were being purchased for them. He was devoting a large part of this fund for the diet kitchen, and had assumed the payment of the bills contracted there to the extent of the amount of the funds. Four of the nurses had contracted fever. In regard to the attendants being careless in disposing of the excrement of the patients, only two cases were mentioned, these being exceptions and not likely to occur again, as instructions from the surgeon when carried out will pre- vent this. If the dishes used by the nurses were washed in the kitchen where those used by the typhoid patients were washed, this was an exception and in vio- lation of the orders of the post surgeon. The post surgeon informed me that the large kitchen, which is not used, was reserved by him for the use of the convales- cents from the riding-hall hospital in case more patients were received, and Fort Myer was to be retained as a general hospital for typhoid cases. In conclusion, I will say that I am convinced that a lack of harmony exists between the medical department at the post and the Red Cross persons there, although both are working to the same purpose-the proper treatment of the sick. I think some of the friction would be removed if the large unoccupied kitchen and adjoining dining room were given to the Red Cross nurses for their use and a proper amount of dishes be purchased for them of a different pattern from those in use by the medical department, but of the same quality and value. I respect- fully recommend that this be done. Respectfully submitted. Thos. T. Knox, Major, Inspector-General. INSPECTION REPORTS. 343 Headquarters Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Tampa, Fla., July 8, 1898. Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Tampa, Fla. Sir: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with the verbal order of the division commander, I have to-day inspected at their camp the Eleventh United States Infantry. There were eleven companies present, the other company (B) being detached as headquarter's guard at division headquarters. The absentees were classed as follows: Sick, 32; fatigue, 39; guard, 40; confinement, 8; absent without leave, 1; com- pany cooks, 11; noncommissioned officers in charge of quarters, 11. The condition of the regiment is very good. Arms are in good order, and ord- nance equipment is complete and good, save some rather poor canteens. The regiment is supplied with clothing, save leggings for the last-received recruits. The companies are short some ponchos, but these are in the hands of the regi- mental quartermaster ready for issue. The condition of the camp is very good; police excellent. Sinks well attended to and clean, no odor perceptible. Company kitchens clean; food well served, and enough of it. The companies are living very well, I should say; to-day's dinner was good in every company. The regiment is ready to take the field. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Inspector-General's Office, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Tampa, Fla., July 11, 1898. Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Tampa, Fla. Sir: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with the verbal orders of the division commander, I inspected the Nineteenth United States Infantry on July 9. The camp is properly arranged, clean, and well policed. Sinks are in good condition, pits are well cared for and screened. No odors were perceptible. The company kitchens are in very fine condition, and the companies live well. The regiment is properly equiped with ordnance and ammunition stores, and has the necessary quartermaster equipment. Clothing is complete, save a few pairs of leggings for lately arrived recruits. The absentees from inspection, in addition to company cooks and noncommis- sioned officers in charge of quarters, were: Sick, 40; guard, 58; in confinement, 2; detached service, 37. The regiment is in very fine condition, and is ready to take the field. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General. Headquarters Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Inspector-General's Office, Tampa, Fla., July 15, 1898. Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with the verbal order of the division commander, I have inspected the One hundred and fifty-seventh Indiana 344 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Infantry, United States Volunteers. The inspection was by single companies paraded in their company streets in heavy-marching order. I was accompanied by the colonel of the regiment throughout, and by battalion commanders, each his own battalion. The drill of the regiment, judging from the showing of the companies on inspec- tion, is poor. Few of the captains took the proper position after " open ranks." The movements were slouchily done, wrong commands were given, some lieuten- ants stood at order sword, some at carry sword, and some saluted as the inspector approached them. The manual of arms was poorly done. The regiment received new rifles; these are in good condition but dirty and show a lack of care and oversight. Many of the bayonets are old, and most of the bayo- net scabbards are old, and many ready for condemnation. Tin cups, meat cans, knives, forks, and spoons are complete, save for newly arrived recruits. Most of them showed lack of care. They were not clean. The regiment is complete with leggings, shelter halves, pins, poles, ponchos, and blankets, save the slight deficiences made by recruits coming in. In underwear some of the men have two suits, some have not, and their own wishes seem to have settled the question. Most of the men have two pairs of shoes, most of which are not the Government issue shoes, but those purchased in open market. Police of camp is poor, and evidently not given much attention. The company kitchens show an improvement since I first saw them, but are far from good as regards cleanliness. The sinks are screened and properly covered. Kitchen pits are not covered often enough. Meals are well cooked, considering the lack of appliances. This regiment has never received proper cooking utensils, and has to do with makeshifts. They should be supplied with either Buzzacot ovens or Hall stoves, and a proper number of camp kettles and mess pans. They can not cook properly as they now are. The supply of canvas in the hands of the regiment is much too small. They have no facilities for covering their ration, and hard bread, coffee, flour, and sugar are being spoiled from exposure to the rain, and it is beyond the power of the company commanders to stop or prevent all of this waste. The regimental hos- pital has not sufficient canvas for the patients it has to handle. Generally, this regiment is not in good shape. They are not as far advanced as they should be after two months of service. There seems to be a lack of atten- tion to detail on the part of the officers, and a lack of knowledge of their duties. One company paraded in blanket rolls, the others wore both blanket rolls and blanket bags. What a soldier is required to have in heavy marching order did not seem to be known to the captains. No regimental order or instructions on the subject seems to have been given beyond " take everything you have got." Policing and care of the kitchens seems to be in the hands of the sergeants. I found no captain who had ordered his lieutenants to supervise either work. It all goes in a hit-or-miss fashion, men individually doing the best they know, but not properly instructed, supervised, oi' inspected. The company books are badly kept. When it is considered that the lieutenant- colonel of this regiment is a regular officer, whose knowledge and experience, if used, could have prevented most of these defects, and properly instructed the officers, a failure to adapt means to ends is apparent. I assembled the captains and explained the proper method of keeping company books. The lieutenant- colonel, who was present, announced that he had called attention to the subject before and offered to explain, but that no steps had been taken. A sharp, severe course of instruction is necessary before this regiment will be ready to take the field. With proper effort it might be made a fair regiment. Very respectfully, S. 0. Mills, Major, Inspector-General. 345 INSPECTION REPORTS. Inspector-General's Office, Second Division. Fourth Army Corps, Tampa, Fla., July 17, 1898. Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to report that in compliance with the verbal orders of the division commander I have made an inspection of the First Ohio Infantry. This regiment is in very good shape, considering its length of service. The camp is clean and fairly well policed. The sinks are well screened, properly cov- ered, and looked after. The kitchen pits for refuse are well away from the kitch- ens. The kitchens are clean, and the food seems to be well cooked. The ordnance equipment came partly from the State equipment and partly from ssue since, and is a mixture of old and new. The arms are in good condition, well cared for, and reasonably clean. Some minor articles of equipment need replacing. The regiment is fairly well uniformed, and has the proper underwear and shoes for a change for each man. There is not enough canvas with this regiment, and some of what they have is State issue of a very poor kind. Most of the company officers are living in tents which do not turn the rain. The company books are started, and such errors as I found in them were due to the lack of proper instruction. The regiment as a whole shows an earnest desire to know and do its duty that will make of it a good regiment. Company M, recently joined, is a recruit company raised to complete the regi- ment, and neither officers nor men have any military knowledge. It will be some time before this company is up to the others in point of efficiency. It needs the services of competent drillmasters and instructors. The ordnance, tentage, and quartermaster's supplies and clothing brought by this regiment from the State rendezvous are State property, and the transfer to the United States, and the question of personal responsibility for this property, has not yet been settled. Company commanders are still reporting to the State as to property. It will probably require the services of a "board of officers" to settle this ques- tion, and it should be attended to at once, and the property taken up by the proper officers in the name of the United States. This regiment needs more drill instruction and experience, but could, if neces- sary, take the field with eleven companies in fairly good condition. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General. Headquarters Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Inspector-General's Office, Tampa, Fla., July 19, 1898. Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to inform you that in compliance with the verbal orders of the division commander I have made an inspection of the Third Pennsylvania Infantry, U. S. Volunteers. This regiment is completely armed, and the equipment is complete, save the usual minor deficiencies which always exist in a regiment. The regiment is well supplied with clothing, which is in good condition. Arms are in excellent condi- tion, are well cared for, and are cleaner than any I have seen in the hands of volunteer troous. 346 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Blanket rolls were properly packed, and there was a uniformity of appearance of the companies, which shows care and attention to detail on the part of the regimental commander. The general police of the camp is excellent. The company streets are well policed. All refuse is burned and the indestructible remnant then buried. The sinks are in good condition and are properly looked after under existing orders. All water used in the camp is first boiled, then filtered. No lemonade stands, etc., are allowed in the camp. The manual of arms and such movements as I saw at inspection were fairly well executed. So far as I can judge, the discipline of the regiment is good. Positions of officers and enlisted men seem to be understood. The books of the companies showed the usual errors, due to lack of instruction. The adjutant's and regimental quartermaster's books and records are complete and well kept. The regiment needs more drill, instruction, and experience to perfect itself but is in very good condition and ready to take the field. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General. War Department, Inspector-General's Office, Washington, August 11, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army (Through the Inspector-General's Office). Sir: I have the honor to report that in compliance with paragraph 36, Special Orders 185, Adjutant-General's Office, I left this city Monday evening for Tryon, N. C., to examine a tract of land referred to in letters inclosed herewith from L. S. Brown, esq., general agent Southern Railroad Company, Harrison J. Barrett, and Hon. James N. Tyner. Attorney-General, Post-Office Department. A rough map of the tract is also inclosed. On reaching Tryon I made a careful examination of the tract in question and the surrounding country, and, as I reported to you by telegraph, found it unsuited for a camp for a division of troops. This tract lies at the foot of the main ridge of the Tryon Mountains, and is rough and badly cut up by small ravines. There are many small conical buttes scattered about through the tract. The country is heavily wooded, and dense undergrowth is common. The cleared land is mostly in the small creek bottoms and not extensive enough to afford good camp grounds. Good camp grounds for single battalions could be found, but to put in a brigade would require a very detached set of camps. The only cleared ground large enough for drill purposes is in the bottom lands of the Pacolet River, which are low, damp, and liable to overflow. Tryon is a village of 500 inhabitants, on a branch of the Southern Railroad. There is one short siding at the station, a very small depot and freight house, and no conveniences for detraining a large number of men and animals. The coun- try is well watered by springs and mountain streams, and climatically is very good indeed, but is topographically unsuited for camping troops. I returned to this city to-day. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General. INSPECTION REPORTS. 347 War Department, Inspector General's Office, Washington, August 15, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army. Sir: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with the verbal instructions of the Secretary of War, I left this city at 12.45 p. m. the 12th instant, to proceed to Sand Lake, near Troy, N. Y., to examine a plot of ground there with a view to the establishment of a camp for a division of troops. I reached Troy at 2 a. m. the 13th, and in company with a committee of citizens went to the grounds at 9 in the morning. Sand Lake is situated about 10 miles to the east of Troy and in the rolling upland country. The general elevation is about 1,000 feet above tide water; the country is well cleared and watered. The land proposed as the camp site is partly the property of the Averill Park Land Improvement Company and partly owned by J. K. Averill, esq. It comprises about 700 acres. A tract of about 200 acres is extremely well adapted topographically for a camp ground. It is sufficiently rolling to have good natural drainage, and the greater portion of it is covered with a thick, springy turf, which would make good tent bottoms. A division could be put in camp there close enough together for easy administrative work. Water for the camp would have to be supplied by a pumping station at Sand Lake and the use of mains or tanks. Sand Lake as a water supply is well-nigh perfect. It is a small spring-fed lake, with no inlet, rocky bottom and sides, and a depth varying from 80 to 100 feet. The water is clear and cold, and there are no signs of vegetable growth in it. The proximity of Troy, with its pipe fac- tories, would make the preparation of the waterworks an easy matter. Hay, wood, and cheap pine lumber are obtainable near the location. There is an ice house at the lake, which could furnish the ice necessary for hospital purposes. The Averill Land Company and Mr. Averill are willing to lease the land to the Government and to render any assistance in their power. The lack of railroad facilities is the drawback of the site, the nearest station being at Troy, where there are ample terminal facilities. For communication with Sand Lake from Troy there is, first, a good toll turnpike with easy grades and fine roadbed; secondly, an electric-car line. This is a standard gauge, heavy rail, and was originally laid for steam use, then changed to electricity as a motive power. The schedule time from Troy to Sand Lake is twenty-five minutes. The company can handle easily excursions of 1,000 people, and is willing to guarantee to handle troops as they arrive. The company has some box and fiat cars and believes it could handle the freight. This, however, I doubt, and think the turn- pike would have to be used as chief method of supply of camp. The distance, 10 miles, makes a round trip per day possible. The city hospitals of Troy would be available for use in case of need, and there is just finished, but not yet in use, a new hospital of 100 beds, which could be ready for use in a week were it desired. The citizens of Troy are much interested in the project, and any assistance in their power would be given. I left Troy on the afternoon of the 13th and reached this city at 4 p. m. on the 14th instant. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General. 348 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. War Department, Inspector-General's Office, Washington, August 22, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army. Sir: I have the honor to report that, under verbal instructions from the Adju- tant-General of the Army, I left this city at 12.45 p. m. August 19, to visit Washington Park, New Jersey, and examine it as a proposed site for a camp of a division of troops, its use having been tendered by W. J. Thompson, esq., the owner. Washington Park is situated along the Delaware River below the town of Gloucester, N. J., and 4 miles from the city of Philadelphia, and is fitted up as a summer resort. The lands owned by Mr. Thompson comprise about 600 acres, of which about 450 acres would be available for camp purposes. The frontage along the river is almost a mile, the land running back varying distances. That portion covered by the buildings, grounds, and amusement stands of the resort lies nearest the river, but does not cover all the river front. Communication with the city of Philadelphia and the outer world is well provided for. First, the Southern New Jersey branch of the Pennsylvania system has a station within a mile of the grounds. This is a double-track road, and connects by a bridge at Camden with the main road. Second, a trolley line from Camden, N. J., to the grounds. Third, the Washington Park Company has a line of steamers which sail from the Arch Street wharf, Philadelphia, to their pier on the grounds. The fleet comprises four side-wheel steamers and four double-decked ferryboats, double enders. The matter of transportation is therefore beyond question. The ground itself is a gravelly soil, with some sand, lying well above tide water, and is sufficiently undulating to drain well. I visited it immediately after a heavy rain and found the soil in good condition. Mr. Thompson's land is fenced in, and there are a good many interior fences which could be easily removed. There is timbered land enough to afford shady loafing places without scattering the various camps too widely. Should more ground be desired in laying out a camp, Mr. Thompson says he can secure lease of adjoining properties. Water for drinking and cooking purposes would be supplied from artesian wells, of which there are four on the resort grounds, only one of which is now being used. There is a standpipe and pump on the grounds. Water can be readily carried to any point by simply laying the pipes. The water is very fine- cold, clear, and pure. As it comes from the hydrants it is cold enough for drink- ing purposes. Bathing could be done along the river. There is an inclosure of 500 by 350 feet now used as the scene of a fireworks representation of the Battle of Manila; which can be turned over for the use of troops as a bathing pavilion. To reach it, it would be necessary to cross the resort grounds. Ice can readily be procured, and there is an empty ice house on grounds; also small cold-storage house which can be used. There is a system of electric lights on the ground which could easily be led to any desired points for use. There is telephone com- munication with the city, but no telegraph. Milk, butter, eggs, and some vegetables are easily and cheaply procured. Should it be desired to encamp cavalry, Mr. Thompson tenders the Gloucester race track, owned by him. It has stabling for about 1,500 horses; water laid in stables. The track is about 150 acres in extent, and is about a mile and a half up the river from Washington Park. Adjoining the Washington Park grounds on the south is a Government light- house station, the grounds of which comprise, I am told, about 8 acres, and which, if obtainable, would make a good hospital site, as they are easily isolated, well drained, and open to the river breeze. These grounds present many features to make a good camp, but the site is open to the serious objection of being a popular summer resort for the people of Philadelphia and the surrounding cities. The main reason of the tender is the hope of large patronage of people at the 349 INSPECTION REPORTS. resort, caused by the presence of the troops. It is a search for a new attraction to help out a waning season. Mr. Thompson is ready and willing to help in every way to put the grounds into shape and comply with such restrictions as may be necessary for disciplinary purposes in the management of the grounds, but the camp would be a feature of the resort, and the daily presence of large crowds of people must be expected. I returned to this city at 4.30 p.m. August 20. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Inspector-General. War Department, Inspector-General's Office, Washington, August 26, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army, (Through the Inspector-General's Office). Sir: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with verbal instructions from the Adjutant-General of the Army, I left this city at 11.10 p. m., the 23d instant, and proceeded to Charleston, W. Va., to examine certain lands there ten- dered as a camp site. I reached Charleston at 12.30 p. m., August 24, and in company with the mayoi* of the city and various prominent citizens made an examination of the lands. The first site suggested was below the city about a mile, and comprises about 300 acres of bottom land lying between the Kanawha River and the foothills on the north side. This land lies about twenty feet above high-water mark, and is the ordinary bottom formation, presenting a series of low ridges nearly parallel to the river. These drain to the hollows, but there is no good drainage to the river. There are spots where the rain water evidently accumulates and stands until absorbed in the soil. The ground is mostly cleared, a fringe of trees lining the river bank. The soil is a close, tenacious clay. This plat begins at the city limits and runs down the river until the village of Petersburg is reached. There are a good many scattered houses on the plat. The ownership is much divided and many persons would be concerned in a lease of the grounds. The Kanawha and Michigan Railroad passes along the northern side; there is a trolley line leading through the plat, and a country road along the base of the foothills. Communication with the grounds is therefore good. Water could be easily supplied from the city waterworks, a 4-inch main terminating near the eastern end of the plat. Water* for Charleston is pumped from the Elk River to a hill reservoir, thence conducted to a filtering plant, and then distributed to the city. It is good water, clear and cold. The Second Regiment West Virginia Volunteers camped on a portion of this plat for two months. Captain Burns, Seventeenth United States Infantry, the mustering officer, tells me the camp was a healthy one. This plat of ground is one on which a brigade could bivouac or camp for a day or two and say they had a good camp. It would not be desirable as a semiperma- nent camp, as the ground is not extensive enough. The soil would make good dust or heavy mud, as the case might be, and the location is too near the town. On the morning of the 25th instant I visited a location 4 miles up the Kanawha River, also suggested as a camp site. It is a tract of about 600 acres, bottom land, and is owned by the Kanawha City Land Company. It is a more cleared open tract, that would afford a good camp, topographically, for two brigades, possibly for a division, for a short time. The valley here is about three-fourths of a mile wide, so a camp would be long and narrow. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad runs along the south side of the strip and there is a long siding going into the grounds and terminating at an unused factory. This would give easy railroad 350 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. facilities. There are a number of unused buildings on the site, including a hotel, which could be used if desirable. The soil is clay. There are some wells on the tract. Good water is reached in about 40 feet, drive wells being used mostly. The Kanawha River affords good bathing facilities, and the water from the river could be pumped and distributed to the camp. This site, while it would afford room for a camp, offers no especial advantages to cause its selection for a semipermanent camp. It is, like the other site, a good place to put a command if you were there and had to camp somewhere. I returned to this city at 7 o'clock a. m. to-day. Very respectfully, S. C. Mills, Major, Inspector-General. Headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Office of the Inspector-General, Jaragua (or Siboney), Cuba, Saturday, June 25, 1898. Inspector-General United States Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following itinerary and report: June 25, disembarked from steamship Santiago. June 26, bivouacked in saw- mill at Altares (or Siboney), 12 miles east of Santiago de Cuba. June 27, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, marched 6 miles; passed First Volunteer Cavalry graves at Sevilla; camped on ground previously occupied by Second Division, Fifth Army Corps-General Lawton's command. The fight at Las Guasimas June 24, 1898. Las Guasimas means " a tree." The affair was participated in by eight troops First Volunteer Cavalry, dismounted (Colonel Wood, Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt), and eight troops First and Tenth United States Cavalry, also dismounted. Colonel Wood states that the engage- ment began at about 10 o'clock a. m. and lasted about four hours. Report of Major-General Wheeler, U. S. Volunteers, to corps commander, Gen. W. R. Shafter, gave casualty list, our side, 17 killed, 63 wounded. I passed over the ground where Captain Capron had been killed three days before. A Rough Rider pointed out to me one grave where, he stated, Hamilton Fish and 6 others of the First Volunteer Cavalry were buried, also a soldier's solitary grave. Numbers of vultures or buzzards circle constantly over the region. Col. C. A. Wikoff, Twenty-second United States Infantry, so guided, found the remains of a Spanish soldier near the camp of the Third Brigade, Fifth Army Corps, near Sevilla. At Las Guasimas, June 27,1 picked up under a tree, beneath which Generals Kent and Hawkins were resting their horses, the following: Broken butt of a rifle, snapped at the small of the stock, about fifty fired cartridges, several clip cartridges, carriers, and other things. The pasteboard, tin tops, and bottoms were of the pattern invented and patented by Capt. A. H. Russell, Ordnance Depart- ment, United States Army. Headless cartridges had brass shell withdrawn by what is popularly known as the " clutch " ejector; no flange. I omitted to append a copy of each of the labels upon the pasteboard package in which the cartridges were originally packed; Here they are: "All are headless." Each pasteboard ammunition package contained three clips; each clip contained five cartridges. Some were made in Paris, some in Baden, some in Brussels, and another kind of ammunition, made in Seville, was found by me. Ammunition boxes, zinc-lined throughout, each capable of containing apparently 1,500 cartridges, were also found on the ridge of Las Guasimas. Each bore in stencil the following: " Maestranza de la Habana." As doubtless official reports and comprehensive newspaper accounts have been made public concerning the engagement at Las Guasimas, now occupied by, in 351 INSPECTION REPORTS. part, the Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps (Colonel Wikoff), I will be discursive enough to state that it is understood that the Spanish object to the American style of fighting, as being a kind to which they were unaccustomed; their criticism being that the Tenth United States Cavalry neither returned the Spanish fire nor retreated when fired upon from heights, but just kept straight on up the hill. Then, but not until then, shooting back, so compelling the Spanish to retire. This criticism is on a par with the complaint concerning the projectile from the Vesuvius. It is stated that the Spanish object to having earthquakes shot at them. Three papers are published in Santiago de Cuba. One of the 16th of June states that 16,000 soldiers were disembarked at Daiquiri and Siboney, or were to be disembarked. These figures were nearly correct. At Las Guasimas it is alleged that one of the mules loaded with an essential part of a machine gun, Colt's make, belonging to the First Volunteer Cavalry (Colo- nel Wood), ran away. It is claimed that machine guns were used by the Spanish during the engage- ment at Las Guasimas. At date of writing, June 27, the sentiment prevails that the Spanish will make but feeble resistance. June 28, Tuesday: Road repairing. Cubans did not aid in this labor. I sighted Campo del Marte (Camp of Mars), an outlying suburb of Santiago de Cuba. June 29, Wednesday, I spent quietly in camp at Sevilla; visited an abandoned distillery and sugarhouse near by. June 30, Headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, hammock of inspector- general of brigade, Commander J. Ford Kent's division: Camp opposite General Shafter's headquarters, Aguadores River, 2,100 yards east of El Poso (the well) and probably within range of Campo del Marte (Place of Mars), suburb of San- tiago de Cuba. Thursday, June 30, 1898; the headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Brigadier-General Kent commanding: Broke camp at Sevilla at 3 o'clock p. m. and proceeded along the Sevilla-Santiago trail westward toward General Wheeler's headquarters and El Poso. It was expected that the route was open-that is, that General Lawton, Second Division, Fifth Army Corps, also General Wheeler's dismounted cavalry division, likewise one of Major Dillenback's artillery bat- teries, E or K (First) or A or F (Second) had advanced toward Caney, El Caney, or in the direction of Fort San Juan or Campo del Marte or the San Juan River. But these expectations were not immediately realized. The distance from Sevilla to El Poso was understood to be less than 4 miles, that from Sevilla to corps headquarters being about 2^ miles. We crossed the Aguadores River twice, and ten minutes later passed on the right of the camp vacated by the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fifth Army Corps (Col. Evan Miles), viz, Fourth, First, and Twenty-fifth United States Infantry, opposite to which, or on the left side of the road, had been the First Brigade, same division (Lieut. Col. John H. Patterson, Twenty-second), viz, Eighth and Twenty-second United States and the Second Massachusetts Volun- teers. A little farther to the west was, or had been, the camp of the Third Bri- gade, same division (Lieut. Col. J. T. Haskell, Seventeenth Infantry), viz, Seventh, Seventeenth, and Twelfth United States Infantry. Our progress was slow, being impeded by cavalry dismounted, so that the First Division could not get into camp, previously occupied by General Lawton's divi- sion until 10 o'clock at night, Wikoff's brigade being the last to reach its camp- ing ground. The division commander took up his headquarters for the night in a tent belonging to the First Division hospital, Chief Surg. M. W. Wood in charge, opposite the camp of the commanding general Fifth Army Corps, William R. Shafter. Here we witnessed four balloon ascensions, made under the manage- ment, I believe, of the Signal Service Corps officers. 352 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The present strength of the First Division, Fifth Army Corps, is 262 officers and 5,095 effective men. From General Shafter's headquarters, June 30, to the crossing of the Agua- dores east of El Poso, is 1,800 yards; said crossing to El Poso is 300 yards; from El Poso to Balloon Forks, 1,200 yards; from Balloon Forks to the eastern slope of the hill, Fort San Juan, is 1,250 yards; headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps. Hammock of the inspector-general of Brigadier General Kent's division, Fri- day, July 1, 1898: THE ASSAULT UPON AND CAPTURE OF FORT SAN JUAN. Broke camp at about 7 o'clock a. m. and accompanied the division commander, General Kent, and his adjutant-general, Maj. A. C. Sharpe, who, with his personal aids, Lieuts. George S. Cartwright and William P. Jackson, proceeded westward along road leading to El Poso. We were mounted; so were the rest of the division staff officers. Most of us remained mounted until after the capture of Fort San Juan, except on three necessary occasions, viz: First, when the First Division headquarters halted at the Balloon Forks; second, when, at General Hawkins's suggestion, reconnois- sance was made of the position of the Spanish, visible about 800 yards distant; third, -when we (viz, General Kent, Lieutenant Cartwright, and self) sheltered our three horses on the east slope of San Juan Hill, ourselves walking up to the crest, joining General Hawkins, who had preceded us there. These three excep- tions noted cover the period from 7 o'clock a. m. to 1.50 p. m. Personally, I resumed my horse about 2.15 p. m., or about twenty minutes after dismounting, and remained in saddle throughout the afternoon. We reached El Poso (First Division headquarters) at 7.25 o'clock, in advance of the main body First Division. There found Capt. George A. Grimes's battery of light artillery in position on the west of El Poso. Personally I saw three shots fired by Grimes. Was then directed by General Kent to retrace my route for two purposes: First, to notify brigade commanders to march in the following order, viz: First (Hawkins), Third (Wikoff), Second (Pearson); at 8.30 o'clock I had completed the delivery of these orders. Second, to direct brigade command- ers to keep well closed up and to be in immediate readiness for action. During the discharge of these duties small-arms firing in the direction of El Caney was incessant. I then returned to El Poso; saw Major Sharpe there; General Kent had gone forward. Artillery fire had ceased. The major told me that his orderly had the head of his penis cut off by the explosion there of the enemy's shrapnel. The major was desirous of ascertaining whether there was any route or practicable avenue of approach to the San Juan fort other than the Sevilla-Santiago trail. Was unable to tell. After a brief survey from the summit of the knoll where the Grimes battery was, I rejoined General Kent. He was then near Balloon Forks, 1,250 yards from the foot of the elevation, whereof Fort San Juan is the summit. Balloon Forks are 1,200 yards west of El Poso. In a depression to our right and on the farther side of the San Juan River, about fifty yards to our right, the balloon men could be heard talking in the undergrowth. The balloon had been towed along the trail to that point and it was a little above the tree tops. Major Maxfield, U. S. Volunteer Signal Corps, appeared to be in charge, and General Kent directed me to ascertain from some of the signal corps people what could be seen of the enemy's position, intrenchments, numbers, etc. I made sev- eral trips between the balloon and to where General Kent was in the discharge of INSPECTION REPORTS. 353 these duties, and reported to the commander of the First Division in substance as follows, viz: A blockhouse on an elevation is in front, say 800 yards. It has a "line of intrenchments around it, also on both flanks," swarming with the enemy; he is firing. The line of intrenchments "to the left as we face it does not appear to extend so far as does the line to the right." This blockhouse proved to be Fort San Juan. Meanwhile the Spaniards were concentrating artillery and small-arms fire upon the balloon and defilading the trail where General Kent, Major Sharpe, Aids Cartwright and Jackson were. Captain McAlexander and Volunteer Aid A. C. Munoz were also in attendance; Lieutenant-Colonel Derby, Volunteer Engineers, left the balloon, ran across to where General Kent was, and told him that a short distance to the rear the fork of road on the left side led to the San Juan River, striking the stream lower down the river than the other (the Sevilla Santiago trail) did. Later I ascertained that the right-hand or telegraph-wire-lined trail led to the Aguadores River. Colonel Derby suggested that this left arm of the fork leading to the San Juan River just below this junction with the Aguadores River be utilized. Colonel Derby further suggested that if any troops took the left-hand fork they should be deployed under cover, without exposing themselves to the enemy until a general advance was directed. It was then 11 o'clock, and the dismounted cavalry were understood to be at work northward. We heard that General Lawton had captured El Caney. Two regiments (viz, Sixth and Sixteenth United States Infantry of General Hawkins's brigade) followed the right-hand fork of the road. A double line of telegraph wire ran along this fork. General Kent ordered the Seventy-first New York Volunteers (Col. W. A. Downes) to take the left-hand fork; but before this splitting of the First Brigade took place a staff officer brought to-General Kent word that caused the division commander, myself, and Captain McAlexander, also Lieutenants Jackson and Cartwright, to advance 350 yards beyond Balloon Forks, following the right-hand road to the Aguadores River, where we found quite a number of horses and men congregated. Dismounting, we walked about 50 yards up to where General Hawkins was on a little ridge to the right of the road, where, by parting the foliage, we were within full view of the enemy on San Juan Hill, and within apparently 800 yards of the Spanish. A conference between Generals Kent and Hawkins ensued. Within five min- utes the division commander personally asked Lieut. J. D. Miley, Fifth Artillery, aid-de-camp to the corps commander, to accompany him and take a view of the enemy. After lieutenant Miley had completed the writing he was engaged in he did so. A brief consultation ensued. Meantime dismounted cavalrymen were being filed through the undergrowth northward, and the firing from the enemy, both from the front and from concealed coverts, both shrapnel and small arms, was being maintained. The division commander and attendant officers remounted and proceeded back to the forks herein called " Balloon Forks, where General Kent established and maintained his headquarters until about 1.25 o'clock, leaving the forks only to direct brigade commanders, regimental commanders, and subordinates, particu- larly the Seventy-first New York Volunteers, and men under the influence of many emotions, what to do, how to do it, disposition, etc. In this he was officially and energetically aided by Maj. A. C. Sharpe, acting adjutant-general Volunteers, by First Lieuts. George S. Cartwright and William P. Jackson, Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, personal aids, by Capt. U. G. McAlexander, acting quar- termaster Volunteers, and by additional aid, Mr. A. C. Munoz. When the First Division approached Balloon Forks, General Kent was con- stantly exposed to the fire of the guerrilla shooting from the tree tops and other 7833-vol. 1 23 354 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. concealed coverts, also to the fire from Fort San Juan, the possessors of which, knowing perfectly well the exact range to the only avenues of approach, owing to dense chaparral, unremittingly shelled and small-armed the two trails, espe- cially where the forks converged. The balloon, too, was a prominent objective. I have since counted 30 bullet holes in one tree. The First Division commander and staff occupied the most dangerous position east of and facing Fort San Juan. Colonel Wikoff, Twenty- second Infantry, now lies buried there. As stated, the Sixth and Sixteenth United States Infantry took the right-hand fork. General Kent indicated the left-hand route to Col. W. A. Downe's regiment, the Seventy-first New York Volunteers, an organization then having present for duty 44 officers and 855 men, three bat- talions, commanded as follows: First, Major Whittle; Second, Major Wells; Third, Major Frank Keck. The First Battalion headed into the left-hand trail, but retreated or hunted cover in a panic occasioned by the explosion near by of a shrapnel and the loss of some of the Seventy-first's men. General Kent and every officer of his staff ineffectually tried by mandate, per- suasion, and action to force the battalion into and along the pathway, but the men were thoroughly and, all things considered, naturally demoralized. Confusion ensued, and the left-hand route to San Juan was congested by the First Battalion of the Seventy-first, some of the men of which prostrated themselves in the path. The majority of them crept into the bushes lining the route. The Third Battal- ion, Seventy-first New York Volunteers, Major Frank Keck commanding Compa- nies B, L, K, and E, was headed in by officers of General Kent's staff, encouraged by the division commander himself. This battalion passed somewhat farther into and along the left trail than the preceding one.of the same regiment had done, but the tendency of the regiment was so obvious that it was apparent the Seventy-first, as an organization, could not be gotten into its proper position, viz, on the left of the Sixth and Sixteenth United States regiments of infantry. The indecision of the occasion caused con- fusion, and the action of the Seventy-first New York Volunteers blocked the advance of the Third Brigade. Major Sharpe ran to order the Third Brigade to pass the position of the Seventy- first, panic stricken, as stated. He was aided in this duty by every officer of the division staff, including General Kent; and, without hesitation, the Ninth United States (Lieutenant-Colonel Ewers), the Thirteenth (Lieutenant-Colonel Worth), and the Twenty-fourth United States Infantry (Lieutenant-Colonel Liscum), 73 officers and 1,345 men, swung into the left path over and past the Seventy-first New York, and kept steadily on, exposed to a vicious fire from an, as yet to them, unseen foe. Only once under this galling fire did any unit halt, and this delay was but temporary. A bursting shell right at the forks of the road caused a company of the Thirteenth United States Infantry to start to deploy, loading their rifles as they hunted for cover. Sharp admonition restored discipline, and the company passed on, as personally told by the division commander. The casualty list of that brigade of regulars, footed up after Fort San Juan was carried, is as follows: Killed, its commander and 5 other officers, not including regimental commanders shot down (Worth and Liscum). Nine othei- officers of the brigade were also wounded. At date of writing 9 men are missing. The New York men report 43 men missing, 13 men killed, no officers killed, 1 officer and 60 men wounded. From the left fork of the road to where the combatants were mutually visible was about 850 yards. Beyond the San Juan River at the lower crossing lies a fringe of trees, a ridge, and then open country and with very few trees, marshy bottom, and high pampas (Guinea or Panama) grass up to the very slopes, which at that place has an angle of about 30°. The hill vertically is fully 125 feet. INSPECTION REPORTS. 355 Five regiments of this division were firing before the Second Brigade (Pear- son's) , consisting of the Tenth, Second, and Twenty-first United States Infantry (Lieutenant-Colonel Kellogg, Lieutenant-Colonel Wherry, and Lieutenant-Colonel McKibbin), were in a position to participate. General Kent personally led the Twenty-first Regiment by the right-hand road; the other two regiments took the left-hand route, and it then became my privilege to start in Major Keck's battalion of the Seventy-first New York, aided by Lieutenants Tay man, Twenty-fourth, and McArthur, Second Infantry. The division commander did not leave the forks of the road, herein called " Balloon Forks," until the head of his last regi- ment, the Twenty-first, got there. When the Twenty-first passed, he led it personally. Several dead or wounded men were stretched out about the place-that is, where the road toward San Juan divided. The division headquarter's horses had been stampeded by the Seventy- first, all but my own horse, which was killed. Surg. Guy C. M. Godfrey, Medi- cal Department, United States Army, generously loaned to General Kent his horse. It was then a little after 1.45 p. m. Gen. W. Ludlow's horse was killed near the ford. Dr. Godfrey, although under fire, advanced with two litters and picked up and carried two wounded men to the rear. General Kent, Major Reade, and Lieutenant Cartwright, mounted, then pro- ceeded to Fort San Juan, where General Hawkins, the Sixth, Sixteenth, Thirteenth, Ninth, and a portion of the Twenty-fourth Infantry had preceded us. The national flag was raised amid cheers by those who had gained the hill. This was about 2 o'clock p. m., and I was sent rapidly to order every effective man of the First Division to get on to the San Juan Hill. In the discharge of this duty I encountered stragglers in detachments, groups, and singly, also mounted men and officers, and had ample evidence that, although the main body of the defend- ers of Fort San Juan had retreated to Campo de Marte, the guerrilla sharpshooters had not. Just as Lieutenant Cartwright and I had been shot at by concealed individual marksmen, so it was throughout the day. Wounded men were assassinated by them when on litter or protected by the Red Cross flag. Their operations were so effectively deadly that bearers, first-aid men, etc., were afraid to show them- selves in the Sevilla-Santiago road or the Balloon left fork. A panic of apprehen- sion prevailed among camp followers and also among some who were not camp followers, but all of whom were endeavoring to shelter themselves. Some men threw ponchos, etc., over their heads for protection. Riding along the last-named route, I counted 18 dead soldiers along a path not 851 yards long, and was piteously appealed to by many of our wounded to remove them to the undergrowth or elsewhere, where they would be concealed from the view of the sharpshooters. Being alone, and it being my duty to get every effective man to San Juan Fort, I could do but little. Lieutenant-Colonels Worth and Egbert I passed, lying wounded under a big tree on the bank on the farther side of the San Juan River, opposite the ford at the end of the left-hand Balloon road, not to exceed 850 yards from the forks which they had passed a little while before lead- ing theii- respective regiments. It was in this left-hand lane, lined with well- sheltered New York volunteers, that I was encountered by Lieutenant Tayman, adjutant Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, breathless from running, who reported, with the compliments of the brigade commander (Colonel Wikoff, after- wards killed), that the Ninth, Thirteenth, and Twenty-fourth had passed 70 yards beyond the stream, but feared could not, unassisted, advance. Two additional regiments were asked for. I was then in the location where the Seventy-first New York Volunteei' Infantry had run to cover. The exigency seemed to justify me in somewhat vociferously demanding of that regiment to know if there was an officer, not a coward, who would obey an order from Gen- 356 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. eral Kent, the division commander. Capt. Malcom Rafferty, commanding Com- pany F, Seventy-first New York Volunteers, responded. Captain Rafferty came out of the bushes and said that he, for one, would obey any and every order from General Kent. He was the first officer to respond to my demand. I did not know his name then, but Second Lieut. Hilden Olin, same regiment, later gave it to me. Finding that Major Keck, commanding the Third Battalion, sheltered as stated, would also obey orders, measures were taken to get that particular bat- talion into action, and it is due Lieutenant Taymanto say that he assisted me and that a force of the Second United States Infantry, viz, Company A and part of Company E, also aided to shove the Seventy-first men into the fight. Second Lieut. C. McArthur, Second Infantry, was recognized by me as one of the officers. They merit recognition for their action under fire, although complaint was made that regulars were being hit from shots by volunteers. I can testify that such could hardly have been committed by Major Keck, to whom credit is due for soldierly conduct in responding to my demand, coupled with explanation of the exigency, that a portion of the organization show itself upon the firing line. I also desire to state that I found an unemployed dismounted troop of cavalry in the right-hand fork of the road after General Kent had passed on at the head of the Twenty-first Infantry about, say, 12 oclock. The cavalry officers in com- mand told me that his name was Captain Ayers. As the cartridge belts of his men were full, and as he did not appear to have especial functions, I briefly made clear to him the gap occasioned in the left of General Hawkins's brigade, due to the defection of the Seventy-first New York Volunteer Infantry. He promptly went into action along the left-hand road, losing, his lieutenant subsequently told me, four men. Our thanks are due him. There is a man named Charles Edwards, private Company I, Seventy-first New York Volunteers, who rendered voluntary, efficacious, and unremitting care to the wounded and sick. He merits official recognition. The precise extent of his services and the nature can be attested to by Capt. John Newton, Sixteenth Infantry, and by Lieut. W. P. Jackson, Second Infantry, and aid-de-camp to the division commander. In general terms, the query as to whether the Spanish land forces will fight, and fight desperately, has been this day determined affirmatively. Their abilities for resistance and their determination have been demonstrated. Their resistance is likely to be severe and prolonged. Out of a casualty list of killed and wounded, 1st, 2d, and 3d of July, aggregating 91 officers, regulars and volunteers. The losses in the dismounted cavalry division are stated by General Wheeler to have been for the entire cavalry (Commanders Wheeler, Sumner, Young, Wood) as follows: Wounded, 29 officers and 288 men. After General Kent's infantry division assaulted and captured and held Fort San Juan (a battle lasting two and a half days), its casualties were significant of the valor of the First Division, and desperate resistance of the Spanish, and the importance of the victory. Here they are: Volunteer Aid A. C. Munoz, wounded. BIRST BRIGADE. (Hawkins and Tlieaker.) Command. Killed. Wounded. Men missing. Officers. Men. Officers. Men. 6th United States Infantry 4 13 7 99 29 16th United States Infantry 1 14 5 104 7 71st, United States Infantry 13 1 60 36 Brigade commander 1 INSPECTION REPORTS. 357 SECOND BRIGADE. (Pearson.) Command. Killed. Wounded. Men missing. Officers. Men. Officers. Men. 2d United States Infantry 6 4 47 10tli United States Infantry 1 5 5 35 3 21st United States Infantry 6 1 32 THIRD BRIGADE. 9th United States Infantry 13th United States Infantry 1 3 27 1 2 16 5 85 1 24th United States Infantry 2 11 6 74 7 Brigade commander 1 (Wikoff, Worth, Liscum, successively, then Ewers.) FIRST BRIGADE. 5 40 13 263 72 1 17 10 114 3 6 30 11 186 9 Total killed in General Kent's division in the battle of San Juan: Officers, 12; men, 87. Total wounded, officers, 34; men, 563. Aggregate, 696. Let these fatal- ities speak for themselves. Of the 34 missing some were certainly killed. Iden- tification of decomposed bodies mangled by vultures, hundreds of which are constantly seen circling around, soon becomes impossible in Cuba. Ato me, remarkable feature, and one illustrative of the American soldier, white or black, was the absence of cries or groans. Men received their death wounds, but beyond the dull thud of the bullet when it struck human flesh, followed briefly, perhaps, by the exclamation of the victim, there was no other lamenta- tion when our men sustained injuries from shot or shell, and fell or dragged themselves into the bushes, here everywhere thickly densely laden with the con- volvulus. But the morning-glories witnessed little plaint; the soldiers suffered in silence. Maj. R. I. Eskridge, Tenth United States Infantry, was horribly mangled by a shell, and Maj. M. W. Wood, chief surgeon First Division, says must have endured agonizing pain, but after a brief period he made no outcry. The same fortitude was shown by private soldiers, but they were uncomplaining, dumb heroes. I was present when Capt. B. Brereton, Twenty-Fourth Infantry, then near the summit of San Juan Ridge, was asked by General Kent if he was hurt. The Cap- tain smilingly replied, "It's nothing, sir; just touched; that's all." Then he walked a few steps, sat down, and quietly engaged in conversation with another captain, same regiment, who was standing exposed to the fire from the trenches and shrapnel from Campo de Marte. Captain Brereton had been shot, I was after- wards told, through the upper third of the leg. About 2 o'clock p. m. Friday, the 1st of July, and while the bullets were flying about the prosprate bodies of Lieutenant-Colonel Worth, of the Thirteenth Infan- try. and Egbert, of the Sixth Infantry, as they lay side by side near the confluence of the Aguadores and the San Juan, both wounded, I rode up, and the former, in a perfectly cadenced quiet tone, made some inquiries regarding the progress of the battle. Neither officer alluded in any way to personal injuries. Later Lieut. Carl Koop, Tenth Infantry, same day, walked up to me, after a casual greeting to Capt. R. C. Van Vliet, same regiment, and who was trying to 358 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. walk with a bullet wound through his leg. The lieutenant's head, chin to fore- head, was bound around with a bloody bandage. The blood was coagulating on his chin, but Mr. Koop spent some minutes in making a sketch and map, having completed which he asked that the same be hurried over to General Kent, which was done later. Capt. John B. Kerr, Sixth Cavalry, mounted, and with his wounded arm in a sling, hailed me as I rode by, and laughed at something I said or did. Among the very first of the unwounded officers on the San Juan Hill, after the retreat of the Spanish about 2.30 p. m., I noted General Hawkins (colonel Twentieth) and Capt. A. C. Ducat, Twenty-fourth Infantry. The brigade commander remained stand- ing beside his division commander, General Kent, apparently unconcerned undei' fire. Captain Ducat, also erect and similarly exposed, talked without any indica- tion of excitement about some of the details of the assault. Captain Kennon, Sixth United States Infantry, maintained his usual deportment, and, cigarette in mouth, quietly discussed things. At 6.10 o'clock a. m., 2d July, after I had been keeled over and given a head- ache only by some ricochet or missile, the very first man to spring to my relief was Mr. A. C. Munoz, volunteer aid to General Kent. Mr. Munoz is the efficient acting engineer officer First Division. Later, same date, a group of officers of General Kent's staff, also including Captain Markly, commanding Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, the group, including General Kent, Aid-de-Camp Cart- wright and myself, was seated against Fort San Juan, when a shrapnel broke over Mr. Munoz and a lead bullet, tearing through his hat brim, buried itself just above the right ear. After a bit I accompanied him to the face of the eastern slope and saw that he was started for the First Division hospital, where he yet remains, convalescing. Mr. Munoz was educated in part at the Troy, N. Y., Polytechnic Institute; Philadelphian, I believe, by residence, and an architect by vocation. Coming to us by assignment, he has won respect and confidence by his abilities as acting- engineer officer. It is recommended that he be commissioned as lieutenant in Col. Eugene Griffens or Col. W. S. Gailliard, or other regiment of volunteer engineers. At present he receives no pay or allowances from the nation, to which he has gratuitously given his valuable services. Personally he is a most estimable gentleman. As stated, although Fort San Juan was assaulted and carried by the First Division, Fifth Army Corps, on Friday, July 1, the battle lasted until noon of July 3, when a flag of truce, followed by consuls from Great Britain, Sweden and Norway, and other nations, caused a cessation of fire. Rumors are current that the Spanish have used explosive small-arm projectiles, but my inquiries have failed to develop any such. Most projectiles shown me have been pronounced by me to be the mushroomed strippings of our jacketed caliber .30 rifle or carbine projectile. The volunteers do not accept my dictum as to samples shown me. The sample separately forwarded to the Inspector-General, United States Army, is from a blue package, originally containing ten brass cased and brass case shell. When the bullet was subjected to heat the lead core fused, without explosion, leaving the hard metal shell. Each cartridge has two or three felt wads between the black powder and the bullet. By this mail, and in separate packages, I for- ward to the Inspector-General of the Army labels from small-arms cartridge packages. Also the empty cartridge case, also a clip originally containing five cartridges, also two bullets used by the Spanish. They may be interesting to our Ordnance Department. I trust that the appreciation of my present position will excuse and explain the injection at this time of a matter personal to myself. Gen. J. Ford Kent, com- manding First Division, Fifth Army Corps, is present division commander. He is INSPECTION REPORTS. 359 my brother-in-law. He says that it is his personal desire that I should continue to serve upon his staff. It is certainly my own desire. He has been advised of his promotion to the rank of major-general of volunteers. I believe that the inspector-general of a major-general may have the rank of lieutenant-colonel. My rank is that of major. General Kent officially advises me that he has recom- mended me for recognition or advancement by reason of what he is pleased to refer to as my conduct under his personal observation at the battle of San Juan. This recommendation has passed on to the corps commander. I inclose an official copy of the commendatory report. I very much require the services of a compe- tent clerk-one who can mess with the headquarters detachment of guards, clerks, messengers. I also need office stationery of every kind. If a clerk is sent to me, he should be equipped with a typewriting machine and stationery for same. I have no stationery; need paper, envelopes, etc. This report would be incomplete if I failed to make merited mention of Maj. M. W. Wood, chief surgeon of this division, and his devoted assistants, Maj. R. W. Johnson, surgeon; Asst. Surg. Lieut. Guy C. W. Godfrey; Acting Asst. Surg. Hamilton P. Jones; also Contract Surg. Dr. Fred. J. Combs. Two days before the battle Dr. Wood established the division hospital well to the front, and although without transportations of any kind he managed to bring forward the necessary supplies for the equipment of his hospital, the officers and men packing heavy burdens on their persons and carrying them a distance of sev- eral miles. This admirable foresight, coupled with his labor, professional pride, and devotion, enabled Chief Surgeon Wood to receive and care for over 900 wounded who were brought in on the first day's fight. No other division hospital was established, so that the care of the wounded of nearly the entire command fell on this one hospital. Dr. Wood and his assistants certainly deserve the com- mendation of their superiors and the gratitude of the large number of wounded who, but for his forethought, might not have been cared for. I learn from Chief Surg. M. W. Wood that he considers the following-named members of the First Division, Fifth Army Corps, hospital men to be especially deserving, viz: Hospital Steward Michael Deming, Privates R. A. Woods, Collins, Spear, Meyers, and Acting Hospital Steward Fairman. The name of the acting hospital steward whom I saw assisting Assistant Surgeon Godfrey under fire the 1st of July is William A. McGuire. As previously reported, pursuant to Special Orders No. 18, headquarters Fifth Army Corps, June 13, 1898, Maj. James H. McLeary, inspector-general, U. S. Vol- unteers, reported to me as assistant to the inspector-general of this division. I also reported that the officer named had been given elemental duties, with the hope rather than the expectation that he would qualify himself fox- the discharge of some of the duties of his position. I now have the honoi1 to report that Major McCleary is not by instinct, experience, activity, or aptitude qualified as my assistant. If we occupy Santiago de Cuba he might be competent to discharge the duties of provost judge. At present he aids with tolerable efficiency in col- lecting statistics regarding the sick, and in distributing the mail. On Saturday, July 2, the firing on both sides was incessant. General Kent was in the blockhouse, Fort San Juan, from 3 o'clock a. m. until sunset. At 6.10 o'clock a. m. I was keeled ovei' by a ricochet missile; did no harm beyond a headache. We heard, July 3, that Admiral Cervera had been captured and his fleet destroyed. A night attack by the enemy was repulsed (2d instant). Brigadier-General Hawkins was wounded in right foot a little distance from where I was. Sunday, July 3: At noon Colonel Dorst, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Volun- teers, went with flag of truce in front of our trenches. All firing had ceased. It had lasted two and one-half days. Formal demand was made by Corps Com- 360 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. mander General Shafter, informing commanding general Spanish forces in San- tiago de Cuba that unless he surrendered, the former would be obliged to shell Santiago de Cuba. "Please instruct," so said General Shafter's note, "the citizens of all foreign countries, and all women and children, they should leave the city before 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow." Foreign consuls, residents of Santiago de Cuba, I believe, notably Mr. Ramsden, consul for Great Britain, in all five in number, returned to our lines at 5 o'clock p.m., under flag of truce with Colonel Dorst. Mutual introductions and confer- ence between Generals Wheeler and Kent and these five consuls followed; interest- ing but not to be here described. The conference was disturbed by sharpshooting Spanish guerrillas firing from tree tops or other hiding places. About 8 o'clock p. m. Maj. Philip Reade and flag of truce escorted the five consuls to a point within the Spanish lines. I saw several dead Spanish soldiers there. July 4: Truce continued and I had time to take a bath in a Spanish wash basin, and to put on my other suit of underclothes. Bands played and flags waved at noon. July 5, Tuesday: Truce continued; quiet day in the trenches; 45 men of the First Division on the sick list. This number does not include the wounded. Five days later the sick of our division numbered 214 men. Heat exhaustion and a sort of malarial fever prevail. The trench work threatens, so says Asst. Surg. Capt. Walter D. McCaw, Medical Department, with Sixth United States Infantry, "to drive the men crazy." From Fort San Juan to Siboney, our base, via the only traveled route, is about 10 miles. So far as military transportation is concerned there is no other road. That road is the route by which the Fifth Army Corps reached this place. It is a mere thread running through a tangle of undergrowth and overgrowth. For nearly the entire distance the route is through a jungle of cactus, mesquite, and many, to me, unknown varieties of shrubs, trees, and chapparal. It follows the watershed bordering on swamps. In general topography the region reminds me of mountainous Arizona, but here the undergrowth is denser, trees taller, and general vegetation more luxuriant. The road to Siboney crosses the Aguadores several times within 3 miles. It does not touch the San Juan River. The Aguadores is a clear, swift-running little stream, averaging a foot in depth and 30 feet in width in ordinary weather. It affords an abundant supply of excellent water under normal circumstances. At only one point is it bridged. This bridge was built by Major Wells, of the Seventy-first New York Infantry Volunteers. I believe the Seventy-first New York Volunteers' First Battalion and one battalion of Thirty-fourth Michigan Regiment worked eastward from the point broadening the road. Lieutenant Brown, United States Engineer Corps, I have also seen engaged in this work. No Cubans, so far as I have heard, have assisted. As a result of their combined labors, perhaps one-third of the road from here to Siboney has been noted by me as passable in dry weather for two army wagons abreast. A rain of twelve hours' duration would prevent land communication. The bridge has since been swept away by heavy floods. The proper place to build a bridge is below the juncture of the Aguadores and the San Juan; otherwise several bridges or fords will have to be made. To convey an idea of the condition of the road, after one of our now daily rains, I will state that yesterday (July 13) at 8 o'clock a. m., I rode my horse when the streams were only stirrup deep hence to the First Division Hospital, a distance of less than 4,200 yards. Five hours later the most of the road was a water course, and, at two of the swollen fords, I had to swim my horse across, the current at one crossing flooding my saddle seat. I passed infantrymen who could not make the stream. Sixteen horses had to be attached to one 3.2-inch gun to get it across, INSPECTION REPORTS. 361 and a wagon train was stalled. The hard bread and sugar atop and aside of the pack mules was soaked. Worse than all this, the graves of some of the soldiers killed at the battle of San Juan and who had been buried on the banks or the low* grounds of the Aguadores were submerged, and the only stream from which this army of American soldiers at present obtain its drinking and cooking water mingled with their decomposing remains. I saw a horse buried twelve days ago floating in an eddy near the shore. These pollutions may pass away, but the daily rains to which the province is at this season subjected changes not only the color but the character of the Aguadores. Officers have some facilities for boiling before using this turgid water, but the majority of our men have not. Especial stress is laid upon the fact that there is but one road to the seashore port of Siboney (Altares), our base of supplies. Further, that that road is for only about one-third of its distance wide enough for two army wagons traveling side by side. The fact is suggestive of things not by me to be commented on. While on the subject of roads, I naturally pass to the subject of sharpshooters. During the battle of San Juan, in sustained losses due to Spanish guerrillas con- cealed in trees or elsewhere along our route, I saw men so killed or wounded. Asst. Surgs. Guy C. M. Godfrey and J. Hamilton Stone, Medical Department, United States Army, state that medical officers and members of the hospital corps, the latter in some cases bearing litters of wounded men, were so fired upon. They wore their brassards. I inclose a report from the latter, dated 11th of July. He is surgeon of the Sixteenth United States Infantry. It is also stated that the field officers, especially of the Third Brigade, First Division, were singled out by these individual guerrillas. It is within my personal observation, also that of Major-General Kent and his other staff officers, also of numerous other officers of the Fifth Army Corps-say, Major-General Wheeler, Lieutenant-Colonel Dorst, assistant adjutant-general; in fact, of pretty nearly every man in the Fifth Army Corps-that these sharpshooters select officers as their objectives. As a conse- quence, many officers have removed their insignia and dress exactly as the men do. A favorite haunt of these sharpshooters is along the line of the road hence to Siboney. Wagon masters and pack-train men complain that they are employed to "whack" or drive mules, etc., and they say that they prefer not to share the mili- tary distinction of being killed or wounded when paid only to fill the humbler position. I have seen several stampedes of pack trains, and even detachments of armed soldiers also blocked wagon trains, occasioned sometimes with and some- times without cause by the warning cry of " sharpshooters" from some point in the front. This was especially true during July 1, 2, and 3. After the flag of truce dis- play, noon of the 3d of July, the shots of these concealed guerrillas became less frequent, although one projectile struck near the group 5.30 o'clock p. m., Sunday, July 3, when in front of Major General Wheeler's tent. The group included the five foreign consuls from Santiago de Cuba and Generals Wheeler and Kent. It was then that Colonel Dorst emphatically called attention of all to the shot, adding that if captured the guerrillas should not be treated as prisoners of war. Captain Markley, Twenty-fourth Infantry, found in Fort San Juan after its capture a commission or warrant, part printed, part written, issued by some Spanish official, duly signed and formally executed, appointing a named person as guerrilla. These sharpshooters for some days occasioned a feeling of terrorism, and at one time it was, I hear, under consideration to create a corps of sharpshooters, two to be selected from each battalion, under an officer to be selected not merely with reference to his ability to shoot accurately, but also with reference to his experience and aptitude as a hunter, knowledge of wood- craft, patience, etc. It was proposed that these sharpshooters should be hidden along the road, in pits or tree tops, very much as still hunters post themselves when in the haunts 362 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. of large game, for the sole purpose of ridding the earth of these assassinators of wounded imen, sick soldiers, hospital corps men, surgeons, or other neutrals. If the sharpshooting is resumed when the present truce is terminated, the responsi- bility on the part of the Spanish Government seems to be fixed. The press and Associated Press correspondents and reporters who mess together obtain, they say, table luxuries and many necessities from Port Antonio, a place within twelve hours' voyage from Siboney. The sales of subsistence stores to offi- cers by our subsistence department are restricted to articles of the ration. If measures could be taken whereby our subsistence department could purchase at Port Antonio articles for the improvement of our table fare, such articles to be afterwards sold to officers, it would be of appreciable benefit. The purchase of short-handled hand axes for issue to troops and use in cutting through wire fences, and for other purposes, is also recommended. Wire entan- glements play an important part in Cuba. Our canteens should be covered with felt and wool. Water can be made cool after exposure to a draft in the shade or after nightfall provided the canteen is protected as recommended. Canvas cov- ers will not materially lower the temperature of water. Many are ignorant of the fact that if a suspended canteen filled with water is left uncorked at night the temperature of the water next morning will be lower than if the canteen had been corked. Joints of the bamboo stalk are here somewhat used by natives and by our own men as water holders. The water at first tastes of the bamboo, and the pith floats annoyingly. The order is sometimes given that " three days' rations will be carried." It is impracticable for an infantryman, equipped as he has to be, to carry three days' rations in the present regulation haversack. The Thirty-fourth Michigan Volun- teer Infantry, now a part of this command-Fifth Army Corps-reached Fort San Juan July 2. The regiment was practically without rations on the following day because many of its members threw away a portion of the three days' rations issued to the organization at Siboney. The teamsters and Cubans fell heir to these rations. The First Division, Fifth Army Corps, needs clothing. No article of raiment can be mentioned that our soldiers do not need. Aside from the fact that few articles of clothing have been issued to the units of this corps since the organi- zation left their respective posts, the discomforts of the men are increased by reflection upon the fact that on the 25th ultimo they left, pursuant to orders, underclothing and other clothing aboard ship, where, for aught we know, these much-needed articles yet remain. The officers are in the same fix. Next after clothing, the following things are needed, viz: Camp equipage, particularly tents, ovens, Buzzacott or other stoves, camp kettles, full rations, and matches. The safety matches get pudgy, and the sandy part of the box gets wet in this climate. July 14: I have this day talked with the company quartermaster-sergeants of most of the companies of the Ninth, Thirteenth, and Twenty-fourth regiments of infantry, Third Brigade, Brig. Gen. Adelbert Ames commanding. The bri- gade yesterday was short in the following articles and amounts of subsistence stores, viz: 464 pounds meat, 270 pounds sugar, 64 pounds coffee. No responsi- bility for this deficiency in rations attaches to Capt. E. F. Taggart, commissary, U. S. Volunteers, this division. Army wagons and pack mules are loaded at Siboney, which is 10 or 11 miles east of here. The subsistence stores are "jobbed"-that is, handled by middlemen before they get here. In explicit terms, the wagons and pack mules are all unloaded at a point less than 4,500 yards east of here. At this point the stores are re-sorted, reloaded, and finally sent to the command for distribution to brigade commissaries of subsistence. My statement is based upon reports and allegations made by Capt. E. F. Taggart and by Capt. U. G. Alexander, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, chief INSPECTION REPORTS. 363 quartermaster here until relieved by Maj. Morris C. Hutchins day before yester- day. He has creditably filled the functions of chief quartermaster of this divi- sion. There are no troops in rear of this line. This is the fighting line, and it is here that rations are needed, although only three hours' horseback ride from Siboney, our base. There has never been a time since this division left Siboney, Monday, 27th ultimo, that rations sufficient for twenty-four hours in advance of the time that the stores were needed for actual consumption have accumulated here. The causes have been, in part, insufficient transportation, a single road, and what in Cuba is called the rainy season. The men know this and do not complain. They need daily, rice, beans, tomatoes, but do not get them. Per- haps the greatest privation at first was tobacco, then soap. Officers and men in the Thirteenth United States Infantry told me to-day, July 14, that some men were lousy; the vermin having, perhaps, been imported from the forecastle of the transports that carri^i them from Port Tampa to Siboney. The first fatal case of yellow fever was day before yesterday reported by Chief Surg. M. W. Wood. On July 13 Chief Surg. M. W. Wood placed Dr. Ham- ilton P. Jones in an isolated yellow fever quarantine camp. He now, July 14, has seven or eight cases of yellow fever under his care. On the 14th instant Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles personally told General Kent to order an immediate investigation, and report to be made as to whether any cases of yellow fever existed in the First Division, as, if so, the regiment so afflicted should be isolated from the rest of the command. Reports were duly made to General Kent that no cases existed. The regiments so reporting were the Ninth, Thir- teenth, Twenty-fourth, Second, Tenth, and Twenty-first United States Infantry. The road from Fort San Juan to Siboney is lined with refugees from Santiago de Cuba. From our right, where the Sixth and Sixteenth United States Infantry and the Seventy-first New York Volunteer Infantry are, comes the report that Spanish courtesans, well dressed and good-looking, but without means of subsist- ence, are affiliating with our soldiers, gladly'accepting hard bread in payment for favors. Apprehension exists that the dalliance of Mars and Venus will be fol- lowed by treatment of Mercury. The poison oak and the cowitch plants exist here under different names. Maj. E. A. Garlington, inspector-general, U. S. Army, has suffered severely by contact with the former; so have the officers and many of the men. Thanks to Mr. A. C. Munoz, volunteer aide to Major Kent, and to Chief Surg. M. W. Wood, Medical Department U. S. Army, we are now able to identify these poisonous plants, and measures have been taken to familiarize the men with their appearance. Lieut. William Brooke, Fourth United States Infantry, performs the duties of ordnance officer of the camp; at least he has handled and distributed the small- arms ammunition. He says that 13,000,000 caliber .30 and caliber .45 cartridges were brought to Cuba by the transports which left Port Tampa June 13. Each of the 15,500 combatants carried, he says, 100 rounds. General Order No. 5, Fifth Army Corps, Tampa, May 31, 1898 (Geperal Shafter), contained the following paragraph, viz: "The Battalion of Engineers, the infantry, and cavalry will be supplied with 500 rounds ammunition per man." After the battles of Caney had been fought, July 1, and after the First Division, Fifth Army Corps, had assaulted and captured Fort San Juan, same date, Lieu- tenant Brooke's pack train brought up to the firing line 98,000 rounds of rifle ammunition. These cartridges were distributed that night, 40,000 rounds going to General Kent's division. More small-arms ammunition was subsequently brought up by Lieutenant Brooke, who now, the 16th of July, states that the num- ber of cartridges expended by the Fifth Army Corps, excluding General Wheeler's dismounted cavalry division, aggregates 30,005,000 rounds. The Gatling guns fired 24,000 rounds, so Captain Parker, the officer in charge, says. On the 1st of 364 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. July from one spot on the west side of the Aguadores River, Spanish prisoners have stated that the enemy was filled with consternation by the incessant impact upon their lines of projectiles from our machine guns. The volunteer regiments soon learned to prefer the United States magazine model 1892, and subsequent make, rifles to the caliber .45 Springfield 70/500 arm, and eagerly sought to exchange the latter for the former arm. During the trench fighting, lasting all day of July 2 and until noon of July 3, the volunteers learned that the visible smoke from these Springfield rifles drew the fire of the enemy. They relaxed their own fire in consequence. On July 4 the Seventy-first Regi- ment, New York Volunteer Infantry, had exchanged 311 of their Springfields for a like number of regulation arms, formerly the property of dead, sick, or wounded men. They were not permitted to retain them. Sharpshooting has now ceased for several days. Volunteers are heard occasion- ally shooting at the vultures, useful as scavengers, like^the land crabs. Some of our men have found in the tree tops seats, foot rests, indicating the places where the Spanish guerrilla sharpshooters had lived. The loss of many of our officers is attributed to those sharpshooters. During the assault upon and battle of San Juan some of our officers wore their swords. I have been informed that the regimental commander of the Sixth United States Infantry ordered the officers of that regiment to then wear their swords. I renew recommendation made in a previous report at this time and in this connection. It is this: That officers have worked in yellow silk, or white silk, on the shirt collar insignia indicative of rank, arm of service, or corps. A shirt so marked will wash. If the device be worked in gold or silver bullion, or be a metallic attachment, it can not be washed. I also recommend that these be required to be worn by all officers below the rank of brigadier-general on the left side of the hat, device showing uniformly not only the arm of service and organ- ization and rank of the wearer, but also his corps, division, and brigade. Identi- fication is necessary even in Cuba. "The device should not be conspicuous. I append notes of one day's inspection, made by me July 13, of the Nineteenth, Thirteenth, Twenty-fourth, Tenth, and Twenty-first regiments, United States Infantry: Men in the trenches. Lieut. Louis B. Lawton, Third Brigade (Gen. Adelbert Ames), reports shortage in rations issued the 14th instant, to-morrow, as follows: Coffee, 64 pounds short; sugar, 270 pounds short; meat, 464 pounds short; no tomatoes; rice and beans are an unknown quantity. Brigade received yesterday an as yet unreported number of recruits, arriving, as usual, without rations. The brigade commissary is anxious to know how many additional mouths and bellies he is expected to fill. Referred to assistant adjutant-general of the brigade verbally. Capt. T. S. McCalet, Company F, Ninth Infantry, also John M. Sig- worth, Company D, same regiment, complain did not receive any sugar yester- day. Say men are suffering all over the brigade from lack of rice, beans, and dried fruit; only had rice once this month; willing to purchase at any price. Only tobacco for one company allowed at a time for the entire brigade. No camp kettles; men have to boil water in tin cans. Referred complaints verbally, as before. General Ames will write about it. Short of stationery; need paper, envelopes, etc. Camp rumor has it that the hospital ship State of Texas, now in harbor at Siboney, only 11 miles from here, is giving away ice and luxu- ries to all applicants; also that, as a precaution against the spread of yellow fever, General Miles ordered the burning of the town of Siboney; that all mail is fumi- gated, owing to quarantine necessities. Chaplain Henry Swift, from Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo., has just walked here, a weary walk from Siboney, to make request to be assigned to duty in the yellow- fever hospital. Granted by General Ames. Sick: Capt. B. H. Gilman, Thirteenth Infantry, diarrhea; also Lieut. W. L. Simpson, contact with poison oak. INSPECTION REPORTS. 365 Conference with Lieut. M. E. Saville, Tenth Infantry, who has been designated by the corps commander to take charge of mail at Siboney intended for this army. Referred him to Maj. James H. McLeary, First Division headquarters, who has been verbally directed to facilitate the mail business at the terminal. Men cleverly use shelter tents, branches of the royal palms, and other leafy screens as protection against sun and rain in the trenches. Instances of utiliza- tion of zinc roofing, etc., from abandoned blockhouses are numerous and ingen- ious. The intrenchments of the Spanish, constructed for the defense of Fort San Juan prior to the assault and capture of said fort, deemed impregnable, are deeper and narrower than ours. In depth they are breast high; bottom width, 20 inches, top, 28 inches. Our intrenchments excavated since then on the same hill are not so deep, but admit of a man's taking a horizontal position, whereas the enemy allows only vertical position. Spanish have no banquette; ours have, and yester- day we added sand bags. Some of our men sleep on the shelf, their rifles resting on forked sticks, sufficiently raised to clear the damp earth. The Spanish had at first no earthwork in front of their trenches. Some of our rifle pits have dead space between pits for protection from raking fire. Spanish could only leave their intrenchments by climbing over, or at the ends of trench; ours admit of safer ingress and egress. Complaint is made that Army Regulation 1251 is not observed. Suggestion is made that three-quarter and six-quarter beef can be hereafter purchased, instead of four-quarter, eight-quarter, etc. This because the amount suggested, three- fourths of a pound, is the allowance for one day, and the size of the containing package should correspond to the allowance. The distribution of rations to a squad would be facilitated by the style of packing. It is reported that Dr. La Garde, Medical Department, has 50 cases of yellow fever under his care at Siboney. July 14, 1898: My inspection this date, Third Brigade and two regiments of Second Brigade (Ames and Pearson), shows that the daily issue per man is 2 spoon- fuls of roasted coffee, 14 pounds of sugar, 14 ounces of hard bread, and one 2-pound can of tomatoes to each 7 men. No hominy, beans, rice, soap, or candles. Some of the men are infected with vermin, possibly imported from the forecastle of the transports that carried them from Port Tampa to Siboney. All possible san- itary precautions are taken. Sinks are removed from the slope of San Juan Hill to the bottom lands, 300 yards away. There is no odor. Grounds are policed each morning. What shelter tents there are are daily moved, so as to let the sun dry the ground where the officers and men have slept. Blankets are aired on bushes. One company commander has two camp kettles. His men drink boiled water. He sends a detail one-half mile to get watei' from the San Juan River. Then they have to carry the water up the San Juan Hill, a severe climb, after which the water' is boiled and the men's canteens filled. The Twenty-fourth United States Infantry does not possess a camp kettle, neither does the Sixteenth United States Infantry. There are only two camp ket- tles in the Tenth United States Infantry. When the men receive their unground coffee they pulverize it in their tin cups, using the butt end of a hunting knife as a pestle. The operation is tiresome, requires patience, and ends in the destruc- tion of the tin cups. The men have nothing to grind their coffee in. All of the tin tomato cans and meat cans are used to boil water in. The men have no camp or cooking utensils. A heavy percentage of the time of each individual soldier is absorbed in cooking his own meals. It is recommended that ground coffee be issued to troops, situated as the command is. As a rule, officers are less well pro- vided for than the men. This because, under the order of the corps commander, they were not permitted to take valises, etc., with them when they left the trans- ports. It was expected that necessary baggage of officers would follow them ashore. In some cases this was done, but plunderers looted baggage. No officer of the 366 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. First Division staff carried away from Siboney any blankets, poncho, mackintosh, hammock, shelter tent, canteen, haversack or rations other than that packed upon his horse or slung about his person. When the Seventy-first New York Volun- teer Infantry left Siboney, members of the regiment carried only ammunition, haversack, rifle, one-half shelter tent, poncho, and three days' rations. No blan- kets have since been received. Many of the details mentioned in this report are matters of personal observa- tion and not of official complaint. Col. John F. Weston, of the Subsistence Department, is a rustler, and the management of affairs has been zealously con- ducted by him in person, This was apparent at Tampa, also at Port Tampa, Fla. The same indefatigable energy and supervision has been manifested in Cuba. In this I can bear personal testimony. I understand that the transportation of the Fifth Army Corps embraced 114 army wagons. The allotment of transportation to the First Division (Kent's) thus far has been one army wagon. Nine regiments have had to be supplied with subsistence stores by that one wagon, aided by uncer- tain pack trains hauling from Siboney under the control of citizen packers, now reported to be on a strike. Each morning our commissary, Capt. E. F. Taggart, and the equally energetic hustler, Capt. U. G. McAlexander, acting quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, get a 6 o'clock breakfast and are off and away for supply purposes. Major-General Kent was exceptional in continuously exposing himself, same as the men in the trenches, during the battle of San Juan, July 1, 2, and 3, and during Sunday, 10th. He has been noted by his inspections of his lines and of his command during the truce period. It is not invidious to say that no other gen- eral officer has been so prominently at the front as he. On July 15 Maj. Benjamin F. Pope, medical chief surgeon, Fifth Corps, recommended as follows: "Commanders of all troops in which cases of fever are occurring move their camps on to new ground, even if it is only 50 yards, and burn over the old ground with grass or wood; that all grass bedding and rub- bish be burned frequently; that tents be taken down and sunned; that no more men be kept in the trenches or man earthworks than is absolutely necessary for their military protection; that the quartermaster and commissary grounds be policed and all foul spots be burned over; that men take off their underclothing and sun and air it, or, if they can, boil as frequently as possible; all bathing and washing in streams which furnish drinking water will be done between 5 p. m. and 7 p. m." Comment.-There is not fuel enough on San Juan ridge to cook with. Grass will not burn. There are no camp utensils in which to boil water. One stream furnishes all of the drinking water. The line of trenches from extreme right to left is fully 5 miles long. Until the truce the men could not bathe anywhere; they were needed in the trenches. Camp cooking utensils are imperatively needed. The scarcity of blankets is explained in part by the fact that some of the commands brought none, others piled them by the roadside for the assault and never recovered them. Some were used to make litters for wounded or sick sent to the rear. The prevailing question is now assault or siege. Which? Two heavy batteries of siege artillery guns were brought with the expedition- ary force during the invasion by the Fifth Army Corps. They are not at the front. One is said to be on the railroad near Siboney; the seven remaining siege guns are believed to be in the holds of the transports. The popguns of the four batteries of light artillery that are here, 3.2-inch, are not adequate; have not been nearer the fighting line than they now are, viz, 2,600 yards to the rear. They are reversing the old adage of artillery to the front; here artillery is and has been to the rear, and the question is asked, Where are the siege guns? During the 2d and 3d of July, also on the evening of the 10th, the six guns of the INSPECTION REPORTS. 367 Spanish, said, to be Krupp guns, were conspicuously superior to our light 3.2 light batteries. Eleven men of the Sixteenth Infantry were put out of action at one time by one of these projectiles. Report has been made to General Kent that oxen are hauling siege guns to an elevation to the left of our left (General Bates's provisional division, including the Third and Twentieth United States Infantry), so as to rake our trenches by the flank. A cavalry officer indicated to me the position of the brigade gun, opposite one of the cavalry brigades, and of the havoc it had wrought. He said that it was earth-buried to the muzzle. Siege guns should be confronted with siege guns. As we have siege guns in Cuba, and have had for nineteen days past, even the men in the trenches are commenting on their absence. At present they are as useless as an equal weight of old iron. It is stated by certain newspapers, or Associated Press correspondents, that a rigid censorship is exercised over the castle which connects the seashore near Siboney with the United States. We of the First Division claim that two battles were fought on July 1. One was the battle of El Caney, 4 miles from Fort San Juan. Our troops then and there engaged embraced the commands of General Lawton (Second Division) and the dismounted cavalry, under Major- General Wheeler, General Chaffee, and others. The other battle, that of Fort San Juan, was of longer duration. It lasted two and a half days. The First Division-General Kent's division-consisting of Hawkins's brigade (Sixth United States Infantry, Sixteenth United States Infantry, and Seventy-first New York Volunteer Infantry), Pearson's brigade (Tenth United States Infantry and Twenty-first United States Infantry), Wikoff's brigade (Ninth United States Infantry, Thirteenth United States Infantry, and Twenty-fourth United States Infantry), assaulted and captured Fort San Juan July 1, and successfully held the hill during the following day and until the flag of truce terminated the shoot- ing, 3d of July, noon. In this heroic effort the First Division lost as follows: Killed, officers, 12; men, 87; wounded, officers, 36; men, 561; missing, 62. The strength of the First Division, morning of July 1, was 262 officers and 5,095 effective men. These losses from death in the hospitals or from the numbei' of those reported missing can not now be stated by me. Should the enemy surrender, capitulate, evacuate, or be driven from the entrenchments now held by the Span- ish about Campo de Marte, it is probable that the official names of El Caney and Fort San Juan will be merged into the name of the battle of Santiago de Cuba. Dr. Hamilton P. Jones, immune expert, officially reports that he now has 46 yellow-fever patients in the hospital, all soldiers from the front. Six have ter- minated fatally. I have now, he says, over 200 cases in Hospital Siboney. Cap- tain Noble, Sixteenth United States Infantry, is reported to have yellow-fever symptoms. Dr. Jones says that moribund cases arrive daily, middle forenoon, and die before sunset. Dr. J. Hamilton Stone, Medical Department United States Army, surgeon Sixteenth United States Infantry, states that a deplorable defi- ciency of needful changes and medicines exist in that organization. Col. H. A. Theaker, Sixteenth United States Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade, also Capt. John Newton, regimental quartermaster, states there is not a camp kettle in the regiment. Every day letters or personal appeal is made for equipage for camp use, for clothing, for vegetables, " for bowel openers. " Reme- dies for constipation and also remedies for dysentery are called for. Gen. A. R. Chaffee suffers from dysentery. Tuesday, July 13: Sick list this date is as follows: First Brigade-Sixth United States Infantry, 17; Sixteenth United States Infantry, 18; Seventy-first New York Infantry Volunteers, 89. The effective strength of the respective regiments as named is, in order, 310, 816, and 780. Second Brigade, sick-Second Infantry, 19; Tenth Infantry, 13; Twenty-first Infantry, 13. In the Third Brigade the 368 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Ninth Infantry has 9 sick, the Thirteenth 3, and the Twenty-fourth Infantry 7. The causes of sickness are not speculative; they are due to facts epitomized after a consideration of the following: In April, 1898, four-fifths of the infantry and a majority of the cavalry forces of the permanent military forces of the United States were distributed in States and Territories, under climatic conditions, environments, duties, etc., varying very much from those prevalent or existing at Tampa. Fla., Mobile, Ala., and other places south of what is generally termed the southern latitude. The infantry and cavalry combatants were in the prime of life, of strength, and inured by physical exercise and training to endure. They had had field exercises, practice marches, and some had had Indian campaigns. They were officered by men who had had war experience, and consequently knew how to take care of their men. From about the 20th of April to the 8th of May this army of more than 15,000 men were at Tampa. Some enervation resulted. The heat was a novelty. The night conditions were novel; the water, food, shelter, and duties were novel. During the period from May 8th to about the 24th the troops were aboard the transports, sea voyaging, and the sameness of rations made the men tired. After landing in Cuba and getting into shape, under conditions all of which were novel, the command marched over a trail through a dense jungle to this vicinity. Three days' rations per man were nominally carried. The men had nauseated upon the rations furnished, and their reserve strength was drawn upon. Then came a desperate battle with a foe possessed of the advantages of defensive position and demonstrated bravery. Daily rains prevailed. Our men had to fight desperately in order to prevail. Then came trench work. Many officers had been put out of action. Men missed leaders who had been in daily touch with them. The desperate fight of July 1 told heavily upon their muscles and nerves. Night alarms deprived them of necessary rest. The reaction following the enemy's assault July 1, and the fighting of the former the next day. was inevitable. They dug their own trenches, slept in them; endured the blazing, torrid noon- day sun; the unvarying rain storms each afternoon, and the chill night damps without shelter, save such as a dog tent afforded. Some had blankets but no ponchos; some had the reverse; some had given up both to shroud the dead or to litter the wounded and sick, and all this time the quantity and quality of their nutriment was decreasing or deteriorating. Their reserve strength was exhausted fortunately not so entirely as the Spanish: but no earthly men could fail to show marked evidence of privation and hardship. Fighting famine and fever extorted from even such a man as Col. Theodore Roosevelt the statement: "Twenty-five per cent of my Rough Riders can't carry a pail of water from the creek to the trenches. No man can decry me or my regi- ments, but we must accede to the next proposition from the enemy." One char- acteristic of our soldiers is their unwillingness to go upon the sick report. The regulars do duty when really not fit to perform it, but they do duty all the same. Regiments have a pride in maintaining on paper a small percentage of sick. Every organization has a sort of midway class of convalescents and half-sick men who are excused from the performance of duty in the trenches because of physical disabilities, but who do not appear as sick. Pride and grit keep some from letting the medical department know how little strength they have left. Our water is obtained from the San Juan River. The stream is more than one- half mile away. The absence of camp kettles has been reported. Men drink a great deal more water in Cuba than in the United States. The capacity of can- teens is limited by the size of the canteen. Stalwart men go thirsty because they shrink from the physical exertion involved in walking downhill 800 yards or more and then staggering back with a load of filled canteens. Aching heads and flushed 369 INSPECTION REPORTS. faces are relieved by water, but the fluid application is a costly one. Soldiers stagger into any kind of shade, lie prostrate, and gasp. Dr. Walter McCaw did not exaggerate some days ago when he said to me, " Men go crazy aftei- prolonged exposure in the trenches." Under orders from the corps commander the Second and Third brigades have recently changed camping grounds, moving from to 3 miles to the right, occu- pying the line vacated by General Lawton's division, the one the Second formerly had. Three army wagons were allowed for this transfer of the impedimenta and for the transfer of the sick. Of a command of about 2,000 men, two trips had to be made by each wagon. The mules were played out, due in part to short forage or no forage, and it was mid afternoon before the new camp was completed. General Ames, commanding Third Brigade, called attention to the exhausted condition of his men and the deplorable condition of his sick. He has but three small tents in his entire brigade, and humanely sheltered in his own tent some of the Tenthand Thirteenth United States Infantry, insane temporarily from heat, exhaustion, and the fatigue of a 3-mile march. In the United States the same men could march and had marched much greater distances at this season without suffering. The sick are in one sense an incumbrance, and it is suggested that they be transferred to* the seashore and placed aboard ships or transports. Two purposes would be secured by this-the ineffective would be gotten rid of, and their chances of recovery facilitated by proper food, medical treatment, no exposure to the daily rains and deathly night chills, not to mention a salubrious air and no exposure to epidemics It is understood that the hospital ship The State of Texas, under the control, it is said, of the association represented by Miss Clara Barton, is loaded with sup- plies exclusively for the reconcentrados. Lieutenants Koehler and Lawton, of General Ames's staff, recently asked for some canned pease, jelly, etc., for the con- sumption of the sick men of the Third Brigade, and who craved such. Report is made to General Kent that they were refused stores of any kind for the purpose indicated. Mr. Koehler forcibly represented that the benevolent people of the United States would be glad to know that a minimum of their bounty was shared by sick soldiers of the United States Army. He then helped himself to some of the supplies named and turned the stores over to our sick. Dr. W. W. Calhoun, regimental surgeon of the Ninth United States Infantry, says that no case of yellow fever has come under his observation. He has, he says, in camp several cases of malarial remittent, or, if I quote him correctly, malarial intermittent, fever. Dr. M. W. Wood, Medical Department, United States Army, say that we have yellow fever in the trenches. Dr. Hamilton P. Jones, immune expert, is in charge of the isolated yellow-fever hospital located near where General Shafter's headquarters formerly were. He reports several deaths from yellow fever, moribund before they were turned over to him. Mr. C. F. Barrett, secretary of the Cuban Department, Army Charities Commission, repre- senting here the International Committee of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, says that a residence of one year in Santiago has familiarized him with the aspect of yellow fever. Mr. Barrett tells General Kent that yellow fever now exists in the Seventy-first Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, and that cases visit the tent under his charge, which tent is also a gathering place for men of othei' regiments needing stationery, etc. It seems a small matter, but if some quick-growing garden seeds had been planted in some cultivated plot of ground, after the heavy fighting was over, such things as radishes could have been raised and greatly enjoyed. The dearth of green groceries is great; the fertility of this soil is wonderful. I have not heretofore spoken much about the barbed-wire fences, and barbed-wire entanglements of the Spanish. They are exasperatingly common. In addition to 7833-vol. 1 24 370 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. barricades of trenches filled with earth, which blockaded our way through the narrow streets of Santiago, barbed wire was crisscrossed in many places. The Spaniards have shown themselves adepts in this kind of defense, and I reiterate my former recommendation, that each infantry soldier be issued a short-handled ax, not a hatchet, but an ax, to be slung and worn over his hip. The metallic portion of the axe should be sheathed in leather; the helve should not be. During fifteen days, viz, July 5 to 20, the aggregate of sick in the First Division, Fifth Army Corps (General Kent's), has increased alarmingly. On the 5th the aggregate was 34; on the 10th it was 213; on the 15th the total was 194; on the 20th the sick list summed up 814, twenty-three of whom were officers. The fol- lowing is a tabulated statement in detail. The total sick do not include the absent sick or wounded. The other figures represent the effectives only; they do not include neutrals, band men, other noncombatants, or recruits without arms: Command. July 5. July 10. July 15. July 20. Effective present. Sick. Effective present. Sick. Effective present. Sick. Effective present. Sick. Offi- cers. Men. Offi- cers. Men. Offi- cers. Men. Offi- cers. Men. Offi- cers. Men. Offi- cers. Men. First Brigade.... Second Brigade.. Third Brigade ... Total 73 71 52 1,653 1,340 1,136 21 3 10 76 65 50 1,627 1,376 1,208 99 95 19 75 60 52 1,954 1,575 1,161 4 125 67 55 27 1,702 1, 308 562 12 6 5 366 283 145 65 196 4,129 34 191 4,211 213 187 4, 690 4 190 149 3, 572 23 794 Of the sick in the Third Brigade, 80, representing six companies, are in the Thirty-fonrth Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Philip Reade, Major and Inspector-General, First Division, Fifth Army Corps. July 21, 1898. Headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, In the Field, near Santiago de Cuba, July 19, 1S9S. The Inspector-General United States Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to continue itinerary and report previously submitted, as follows: The Twenty-fourth Infantry was detached from the division and sent to the yellow fever district at Siboney about July 14. So the above statistics repre- sent, less the 80 Michigan Volunteers, the sick in the following-named regiments, viz: Sixth United States Infantry, Sixteenth United States Infantry, Seventy-first New York Volunteer Infantry, Tenth United States Infantry, Second United States Infantry, Twenty-first United States, Ninth United States, and Thirteenth United States Infantry. Maj. M. W. Wood, Medical Department, United States Army, chief surgeon First Division, Fifth Army Corps, says that the Seventh United States Infantry (Second Division, General Lawton's) has about 200 men on sick report. He also says that First Lieut. Daniel L. Tate, Troop F, Third United States Cavalry, was yesterday placed in an army wagon, sick, side by side with a yellow fever patient, and in such proximity sent to a hospital. Such contact increases the chances of infection. If our ambulances are infected through being indiscriminately used for transportation of the sick not afflicted with yellow fever, likewise for the conveyance of unfortunates who are, the spread of the epidemic will become more general than would be the case if a proper supervision and quarantine was exercised. Dr. Wood names Capt. George J. Newgardner, INSPECTION REPORTS. 371 Medical Department, as having also been placed when sick in an ambulance side by side with a " suspect " in this connection. At time of writing both of General Kent's aids, Lieutenants Cartwright and Jackson, are feverish. Maj. A. C. Sharpe, adjutant-general of this division, has been sick for four days with some kind of a fever, but fulfills all of his office duties. The general desire is that we may be relieved from duty upon ground that has been camped upon for three weeks in a conquered province and permitted to change our base to virgin soil. Since the capitulation the Spanish claim rations for 12,000 soldiers. Anent that word " capitulation," history tells us that in October, 1777, Burgoyne and his fol- lowers surrendered at Saratoga, set the precedent term for English annals by claiming that the invasion of New York, capture of Ticonderoga, defeat at Ben- nington, etc., was a " capitulation," not a surrender, etc. On the 14th of July, 1898, General Toral, succeeding General Linares (wounded), proposed a military commission to arrange terms of capitulation, and General Escario was deputed to arrange terms, etc. On the 16th of July, Corps Commander Gen. W. R. Shafter, wrote to General Kent as follows: " Have just received word from General Toral that the ' Spanish Government has approved capitulation. ' " Since the 17th of July we have been feeding 12,000 Spaniards. That evening I asked Col. Jules Cuevas, chief of administration for the surrendered Spanish under Generals Toral and Escario, to file the next morning with General Kent a return showing the organizations comprising the 12,000 soldiers, and giving the numerical strength of each regiment. This Gen. Jules Cuevas promised, but up to date he has failed to fulfill it. The truth probably is that he is afraid to tell the truth officially, lest it conflict with the pay rolls furnished, the home Govern- ment or conflict with verbal statements regarding the number of prisoners who are rationed by us. In Santiago de Cuba, Governor's Palace, Sunday, July 17, 1898. On this date and day the national flag of the United States was raised over the governor's palace of the ancient capital of Cuba. Such of us as were privileged to be present and assist in the formality will not be able to forget our impressions, although we may not be able to adequately describe our feelings. The following- named officers formed one line on the western slope of Fort San Juan Hill, viz: Maj. Gens. William R. Shafter, Joe Wheeler, J. Ford Kent, Henry W. Lawton, John C. Bates; Brig. Gens. William Ludlow, Samuel S. Sumner, Wallace Ran- dolph, Adelbert Ames, Leonard Wood, and Chambers McKibben. The staffs of the generals named formed in order of rank of the generals. This formation brought me in the third line. There were seven or eight lines behind me. In all, there were about 92 staff officers present, all mounted. Mr. Thompson, Associated Press reporter, was there too, with his camera, and Sylvester Scovill, World reporter, was conspicuous. Behind us at first was Capt. Lloyd M. Brett, Second Cavalry, commanding 100 troopers, all mounted on bays, but some of whom belonged to A and C troops of that regiment. It was 9 o'clock in the morning. Facing us, standing within a few feet of Generals Shafter, Wheeler, and Kent, were three officers, wearing Panama hats. They were dressed in cotton, having narrow stripes of blue and white. Their hats had a rosette on the side, and they wore either top boots of black leather or white canvas slippers. This is the uniform of the Spanish army in Cuba. One of the Spanish generals, a fine-looking man with a grizzled mustache, was indicated to me as General Toral. The other officer, I was told, was General Escario. Lieutenant Mendoza, volunteer aid to General Shafter, was the interpreter. General Toral saluted General Shafter like a graceful, dignified soldier, and made briefly some remarks. Just then Lieutenant Miley, Fifth Artillery, aid-de- 372 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. camp to General Shafter, dashed to the rear, shouting to an orderly to "Bring up the sword. " After some delay, a sword, having the belt and slings twisted around the hilt, was handed to General Shafter. It was then by him turned over to General Toral. Our trumpets then sounded, after which, by Captain Brett's order, the hundred cavalry executed left front into line, forming in single rank, on our left, facing some dismounted Spanish infantry soldiers, armed with Mauser rifles. The lines were not 50 yards apart. "Present sabers!" by our cavalry was immediately followed by a like compliment by the Spanish. It was then 9:25 o'clock. General Toral shouted out something in Spanish. The Spanish trumpets then sounded a march. We were then told by Mr. A. C. Nunez that the tune was played only for the King of Spain or the Captain-General of Cuba. We were also told that the soldiers facing our cavalry comprised the bodyguard of General Toral. A little later the Spanish infantry forged down the road, eastward, with- out their rifles, to the point where the Thirteenth Regiment, United States Infantry, received them as prisoners of war. I counted them. Their number was 330. As they filed along I wheeled my horse and noted trifling things. They had to step over the vulture-picked carcass of a horse lying in the road. Across the tall Guinea-Panama grass came the warbling trill of a mocking bird, imitating the "Plant! plant! chut, chut-a-dee!" so familiar to the New England ears. A few hundred feet to the westward, hiding Campo de Marte from sight, the crest was lined with the now empty trenches, from which thousands of guns had belched torrents of lead at the United States lines, after the First Division had assaulted, captured and held Fort San Juan, the principal Spanish stronghold, during the seventeen days of battle and siege, which had cost us, in killed and wounded, nearly 2,000 officers and men. All of the Americans were silent for perhaps two or three minutes. After General Toral's surrendered bodyguard had passed us our generals led the way through a gap that had been made in the wire fence, and we filed out into the road leading to Santiago. In order to get there, distance about 2 miles, we had to pass through the outlying military suburb called Campo de Marte. It is made up entirely of barracks, military storehouses, and hospitals. These latter are very large buildings, and throughout the siege numerous white flags, each having the red cross, sacred to neutrals, had fluttered prominently from the roof of every hospital. No doubt the charge will be made that during the siege our forces did not respect but fired upon and into the buildings displaying the Geneva flag. Thousands of us can testify to two facts: First, that the most damaging battery of artillery of the enemy, one shell from which put eleven men of the Sixteenth United States Infantry out of action, was so located that our return fire imperiled the hospital buildings; second, that the trenches of the enemy were, in part, directly between these hospital buildings and our own trenches, so that the direct return fire of our infantry brought the hospitals, Geneva flags and all, into line. Moreover, in the course of our triumphal entry from the field of surrender to San- tiago, through Campo de Marte, we noted that the hospitals had trenches about them, close in, and the street barricades of tierces filled with earth; also the barbed-wire entanglements were constructed with evident defensive purposes by the enemy if drivep from their outer intrenchments. The structures were care- fully scanned to see if their plastered surfaces showed any bullet marks. Few indications were observable of bullet impact or penetration. The cavalcade of army officers passed Spanish refugees who were wending their way back into town. Most were afoot. A few carretas, two-wheeled vehicles, drawn by a single mule oi' Cuban pony in shafts, were passed. Some had as many as ten children huddled in one; only one four-wheeled carriage, a sort of barouche, hauled by a pair of undersized Cuban ponies, contained one or two adults and eight or ten juveniles. The streets are mostly paved and quite narrow, not wide enough for a field bat- terv of artillery. Santiago is built upon a siding. Some of the houses were built INSPECTION REPORTS. 373 of brick, then plastered; some were built of adobe, or sun-dried brick, and then plastered; some were mud-and-stick houses. Many had blue fronts. The front doors were of double or triple layers of wood studded with nails and of great strength. Many resembled a jail entrance, because supplemented with iron doors. Barred windows were common. Nearly every residence showed both door and window gratings, from behind which many women and children peered at us; a few men also peered. Shops were numerous, but the majority were closed on July 17. Here and there floated the flag of a foreign consulate. The Spanish flag was not anywhere seen. Soldiers were numerous. At the principal street corners armed sentinels with Mauser rifles were posted. They appeared to be doing police patrol duty. All of the Spanish privates were what we term undersized men. We passed sad-eyed women, scowling-eyed women, and coquettish-eyed women. Many of these latter smiled at the procession of Amer- ican officers from second-story balconies. As a rule, the women were thin, uncomely, and slatternly; only a few had their hair neatly arranged; less than 5 per cent wore mantillas; their faces were more wan than handsome. Absolutely naked children stood in doorways, on the balconies, in windows, or in the streets. A general paucity existed of decent clothes or necessities. Numerous starve- ling cats and kittens were visible. On the ground porch of one house a burro was lariated to the front door. More negroes, I should call them, than Spaniards were seen. Lines of refugee Cubans, carrying bundles, pails, furniture, even trunks, upon their heads were seen. All appeared to be entering the city, none departing. Perhaps they were of the 15,000 noncombatants who fled from San- tiago to avoid the perils of the bombardment. A few, a very few, led or drove poor-looking milch cows. We were impressed by the marked physical contrast between the undersized, wiry, cotton-clad Spanish soldiers and our men. Nobody braced up, so far as I noticed. I was surprised to see so many well-stocked stores, although the warehouses of the pawnbrokers were more abundantly filled with furniture and other household belongings than any. Santiago has several stores whose shelves display what good judges say are $10,000 worth of general mer- chandise on sale. There is a hardware store in Santiago de Cuba carrying a $20,000 stock of goods. One warehouse had 500,000 pounds of rice in 200-pound sacks. Great quantities of olive oil, mostly in tin cans, are on hand. We had heard such touching tales of the general destitution prevailing in Santiago, as for instance, that the Spanish soldiers were subsisting on horse meat to avoid starv- ing, that the evidences of sale goods were especially noted. Capt. E. F. Taggart, commissary of subsistence, United States Volunteers, also called my attention to a kind of parched barley put up in metal-lined cans. But to resume. Reaching a plaza the generals dismounted, we of the staff following suit. All in order of rank entered a large building. For a few minutes we wandered about without let or hindrance. This is what I saw: Tiled floors, marble freshly wet. The floors of the halls and the rooms that I visited were not all alike. Some had black and white tiles alternating. Some of the rooms had planked floors. All of the win- dows had Venetian shutters. All of the rooms were cool. The windows had lambrequins. There were also portieres, and an abundance of chairs-arm-chairs, cane-seated, and cane-backed. In the great reception room was a life-sized oil painting, probably of some Spanish Queen. Quantities of bamboo furniture, iron-barred windows, glass chandeliers, crystal pendants of the old style, some- thing like mother's candelabra, marble-topped tables, green-topped tables, irre- sistibly suggestive of poker, several cheval glasses six feet high outside the frame, and perhaps four feet six inside, were conspicuous. Strolling back I passed into bedrooms. There were no closed doors. The beds all had canopies. Decorated china toilet sets, eau de quinine, puff boxes, " Rogei' Gallet" French soap. Ser- vants were engaged in setting a table for ten. It had a floral center-piece, cut- glass decanters, three sizes of wineglasses, and the usual china and cutlery appointments of civilization. 374 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Later our ranking generals lunched there. An electric push button hung upon the wall of the hall, seated and standing about which were groups of American army officers, of some of whom Adelbert Ames, jr., secured snap shots with his kodak. I am told that the mayor of Santiago was an American citizen, and that one of the gentlemen in black civilian dress was the civilian governor of the Province. We heard that General Gomez asked to be assigned as governor of the Province of Santiago; that he was refused, and Gen. Leonard Wood or Gen. Chambers McKibben selected for thj position, whereat General Gomez and his followers retired in umbrage to the mountains. It may be all rumor; I know nothing at all about it. A little before noon, July 17, the generals and their respective staffs massed in the plaza facing the governor's palace. Around the plaza our soldiers and many others not of our army assembled. On the roof of the palace were three officers, viz, Lieutenant Miley, of the artillery, Captain McKittrick, of General Shafter's staff, and Lieutenant Wheeler, of General Wheeler's staff. Lieutenant Miley held the halyards attached to our national flag. It was about the size of a recruiting or storm flag, only shorter. Gen. Chambers McKibben, United States Volunteers, was with a military band back of us. The officer last named gave the command, "Present arms! " repeated by Captain Brett. Just as 12 o'clock chimed out of the cathedral clock the flag-our flag-was raised to the top of the staff over the governor's palace. The band played the Star Spangled Banner, after which patriotic peace prevailed, and General Kent and staff returned to their camp. Some soldier called for three cheers for General Shafter. Cheers followed. To-morrow our naval vessels will enter the harbor of Santiago and be speedily followed, I trust, by enough transports to receive our sick and take them where they can breathe saline air and be sheltered from further exposure to tropical heat by day and the damp, chill night, to say nothing of the daily rains prevalent at this season. In my opinion this is the first use to which our fleet should be devoted. General Shafter's orders are that no person in military service except division quartermasters and commissary officers on duty connected with their departments in unloading the transports, etc., will be permitted within the limits of the city of Santiago save upon the pass signed by the corps commander. I regret, therefore, that opportunity will not be allowed me to examine Castle Morro and the batteries at Punta Guar da, along the channel, on the heights, and particularly the guns, 6-inch mortars or 6-inch siege, whose fire silenced our 3^-inch field guns and caused most of the losses among our infantry men in the trenches. It would have been a great and appreciated opportunity to have been permitted to examine and report upon the defensive Spanish appliances. It is understood that 23,000 Spanish soldiers capitulated. Only 11,000 of this num- ber are understood to be regulars; the rest are volunteers. The terms of the capitulation have not been made known officially to the divisions, so far as I can learn. An undated communication has been telephoned as follows, viz: Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, July 18, 1898. Generals Wheeler and Kent: Have just received word from General Toral that the Spanish Government has approved capitulation. Shafter, Commanding Fifth Army Corps. On Tuesday, July 19, the First Division changed camp, moving west about a mile and a half, possibly five-eighths. General Kent occupying the ground vacated by Col. H. L. Turner, First Hlinois Volunteer Infantry, Lawton's Division. Though the distance was short, none of the men of this division having to march more than 3 miles, and with no restriction as to rate or time, it took several hours in which to complete the move, an army wagon or two being allowed each INSPECTION REPORTS. 375 brigade to haul impedimenta it was not practicable to carry upon the person. The change of camping ground demonstrated sadly the enfeebled condition of our men. They straggled along the road; some fell out and prostrated themselves anywhere where shade could be obtained. Some of General Ames's men, Thir- teenth Infantry, completed the march and then dropped unconscious or went crazy. He has a wall tent as his headquarters and for personal occupancy. In that tent he sheltered and cared for several exhausted or delirious privates. He said that during his entire military experience and command, 1861 and succeeding years, he never saw as heavy a percentage of used-up men. Unless more food and a greater variety of food is furnished these soldiers their condition will become pitiable indeed. They also need to be relieved of the necessity of having to travel a mile and a half for a canteen full of water. They have no camp kettles; all were left aboard the transports 25th of last month, and have remained at Siboney, 12 miles from here, ever since. Ditto as to extra clothing. They need better shelter than shelter tents. All canvas beyond what could be canned upon the person was ordered left behind when the army of invasion left the transports. That was June 24 and 25. The tents are still on the vessels, and it is much to be hoped that they will be landed at Santiago, together with other supplies. Major McLaughlin, command- ing Sixteenth United States Infantry, says that his men can no longer stomach canned bacon. According to the statement, soldiers vomit at the sight of a label having printed on it the name of Libby or Armour. They lived on it during a sea voyage of 18 days; have lived on it since, and now want some nourishing food that their stomachs can retain. Majoi- McLaughlin says that he would like vin- egar and tobacco for his regiment. Regarding vinegar, Colonel Miner, command- ing Sixth United States Infantry, says, " My men drank what vinegar was issued them like hungry wolves." The officer last named says that what is issued as canned beef is refuse from which all nourishment has been extracted. Dr. Cal- houn says that it is not possible for officers to buy pure lime juice at 27 cents per large bottle. He believes that the article sold by the Subsistence Department as such is injurious. Asst. Surg. W. D. McCaw, Medical Department, on duty with the Sixth United States Infantry, reports that symptoms of scurvy are showing themselves in certain fever cases, and asks that issue be made of vinegar, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, etc. Dr. McCaw states that he has not shelter or canvas enough for his sick. Wants cans of beef extract. He predicts that a startling- increase in the sick list will occur, due to lack of the essentials, food and rest, and proper clothing. All of the indications sustain this prediction, and the sooner the sick are placed aboard transports the better. The division com- mander has received and forwarded for the consideration of the corps commander pressing appeals upon this subject, i. e., removal of the sick. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Philip Reade, Major, Inspector-General, First Division, Fifth Army Corps. Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, Santiago de Cuba, July 20, 1898. The Commanding General First Division, Fifth Army Corps. Sir: The commanding general directs yon to not permit any of your officers or men to visit Santiago except by authority of these headquarters. The only exception of this order will be the chief quartermaster and chief com- missary of the division, both of whom are authorized to enter on duty whenever necessary. Very respectfully, E. J. McClernand, Assistant Adjutant-General. 376 INVESTIGATION OP CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, Santiago de Cuba, July 28, 1898. The Commanding General First Division, Fifth Army Corps. Sir: The commanding general has noticed that the town is full of officers and men, notwithstanding the orders that have been issued on the subject. Hereafter no one will be allowed to go to town in addition to orderlies except the officers and men going to the wharf for property. These persons will proceed to the wharf, transact their business, and return without loitering about town. Strict orders will be issued to see that the above is carried out. Very respectfully, E. J. McClernand, Assistant Adjutant-General. Headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, In the Field, near Santiago de Cuba, July 23, 1898. The Inspector-General, Washington D. C. Sir: I have the honor to continue itinerary and report as follows: Friday, July 22, 1898. My morning inspection of this date was wholly confined to the Twenty-first United States Infantry, now commanded by Capt. Fred Ebstein. None of the sick of this division have, as expected and hoped, been removed to the transports now lying in the harbor of Santiago, 4 miles away. The mortality increase has become so great that I determined to confine my inspection to personal attendance at the sick call of the respective regiments, beginning with the Twenty-first Infantry. The surgeon is Capt. Harry E. Fisher, assistant surgeon, Medical Department, U. S. Army. This officer has been rec- ommended by the division commander, based upon his conduct and services during the battle of Fort San Juan, 1st, 2d, and 3d instant. I sat beside him for more than three hours this morning, while he examined and prescribed for 121 applicants for admission to the sick report. This number does not include the sick already in hospital nor those who were physically unable to report at sick call. There were no malingerers. Then we wTent to see those who could not leave their shelter tents or the hospital tents. Dr. Fisher impresses me as being a physician of exceptional thoroughness, discrimination, alertness. He is a thor- oughly well-balanced man. The followng is a summary: Cases. Company A, Captain Williams 23 Company B, Captain Wittich 20 Company C, Captain Sparrow 10 Company D, Captain Eltonhead 12 Company E, Captain Duncan 13 Company F, Captain Bailey 18 Company G, Captain Bonestead 15 Company H, Captain Cornman , 10 Strength of the Twenty-first United States Infantry: Present-officers, 18; men, 388. There is very little stationery in camp. Record books, etc., are still aboard the transports. The sick reports presented to the surgeon are made out in pencil on scraps of paper. The Twenty-first United States Infantry appears to be largely made up of native-born Americans. The men are filthy. Campaign hats are worn out, full of holes, shapeless, and sweat through. Blue flannel shirts are rent, making visible backs and shoulders; sleeves tattered to the elbows. Few have either suspenders or suspender buttons: latter are replaced by sticks or thorns for fastenings. Trousers are mud-bedaubed below the knee, and shine from grease and dirt accumulations above the knee. The damp soil and humid 377 INSPECTION REPORTS. climate cause feet to swell; then the shoes become too tight; enlarged joints, corns, etc., follow, and the men cut or slit their shoes for ease. In many cases toes project. The men have other shoes, but they are aboard the transports, where left nearly a month ago. Canvas trousers and ununiformed garments are so common as not to excite observation or justify criticism under existing circum- stances. Some of the vagrants employed by municipalities to earn their sub- sistence by labor in the public streets are better clad than some of these self- respecting American soldiers who have fought a brave resisting enemy. Their condition excites the deepest commiseration. Whilst awaiting examination, some of these gaunt soldiers sat, some were stretched out upon the ground. All of their pallid faces were apathetic until their names were called. When their turn came, they shambled up to the examining surgeon and told him their symptoms. Their attitude was of extreme depression. Dr. Fisher said to me, " Some of these men have eaten nothing for two days." In some doubtful cases, i. e., of conva- lescents, the examining surgeon asked if they were able to do duty. As a rule, the reply indicated a willingness to "try to." The doctor had the hospital stew- ard take the temperature of several of the applicants, some of whom were for the first time presenting themselves for examination or treatment. Private Johnson, Company G, had 100f°; Private Stafford, Company H, had 101°; Private Kuhn, Company C, had 101|°; Private Herrick, Company A, had 103f°; Private De Swan, Company H, 1041°; Private Kelsh, Company H, collapsed whilst being examined. Aftei- whisky and ammonia treatment, he had to be taken away upon a litter. His was not the only case. Men reeled from weakness or staggered from vertigo. Dr. Fisher commented to me that they were not shamming, though doubtless sympathy and precedent had their effect. Their pulse told what his professional eye could not. The great majority were cases of malarial fever; some complained of diarrhea. Saturday, July 23,1898. On this date I attended the sick call of the Seventy-first Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry (Col. Wallace A. Downes). Capt. H. E. Stafford, assistant surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, is the only medical officer present for duty with the regiment. The surgeon, Maj. W. D. Bell, is present, but sick. The other assistant surgeon, Capt. James Stafford, was detached from the regiment the 13th of June and assigned to duty with the Fourth United States Infantry, where he yet remains. The strength of the regiment now present is 40 officers, 615 men. Dr. H. E. Stafford conducts the examination of the sick under circum- stances such as are seldom paralleled, I hope. On the 21st instant his tempera- ture was 105°, yesterday it was 103°, and to-day his temperature is above 100°. He sticks to his work, however. He has two hospital-corps privates to assist him. There are two hospital stewards present with the regiment, but both are sick. I asked the surgeon, " How many sick have you to attend who are unable to appear at sick call?" He replied, "About 150." The applicants at sick call this a. m. numbered 233. They were divided up as follows: Cases. Company A, Captain Townsand 12 Company B, Captain Hazen 27 Company C, Captain Heinsman 21 Company D, Captain Linson 20 Company E, Lieutenant Hill (commanding) 12 Company F, Captain Rafferty 8 Company G, Captain Bleeker 26 Company H, Captain Langston 19 Company I, Captain Meeks 30 Company K, Captain Selfridge 14 Company L, Captain Austin 18 Company M, Captain Goldsborough 26 378 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Strength, of regiment: Present, officers, 40; men, 615. Eight of the officers of this regiment are also sick. It would be but a reitera- tion of what I have already written in my report concerning the sick of the Twenty-first United States Infantry to record here facts, pitiable facts, concerning these fever-stricken New York soldiers. Surgeon Maj. D. W. Bell, of the Seventy- first, says: " When the Seventy-first left New York it had a thoroughly equipped hospital corps, so far as the personnel went. At Tampa, Fla., June 13, one of my assist- ants, Capt. James Stafford, was taken away from the Seventy-first and assigned to duty with the Fourth United States Infantry, where he yet remains, although he has been applied for and has applied to be returned to the regiment. We then numbered over a thousand men. Next, when we landed at Siboney (Altares), Cuba, June 24, the chief surgeon, First Division, took 13 of my hospital-corps men. On the same day corps headquarters ordered one of my most competent men, Froelich, to be sent to the Twelfth United States Infantry, where he still remains. He was an especially valuable man to me. Then First-class Hospital Steward Busby and Private Guillisan, hospital corps, were, by the corps com- mander, taken from me and ordered to report to Chief Surgeon Pope. I have not since had the benefit of their services. Prior to that a staff officer of the corps commander verbally ordered one of my hospital-corps men, who was also a phy- sician, to El Caney. His present whereabouts and assignment are unknown to me. It is like taking away the lock of a soldier's gun just prior to sending him into a fight to thus strip a new regiment of its hospital corps men. I am sick; unable to move about. My one assistant, Capt. H. E. Stafford, should be on the sick report, void of professional responsibilities. I have no steward available; both are sick. My present effective force consists of two hospital corps privates. About the only medicines available in the medical department here are quinine, castor oil, compound cathartics, diarrhea pills, and salts. No stimulants yet received, though promised. I have no calomel." Surgeon Bell says that he purchased, at his own expense, and paid for from private funds in Tampa, Fla., about $70 worth of drugs for the use of his regi- ment. Captain Stafford also purchased and paid for about $40 worth. This expenditure was in part for Warburg tincture in capsule form, antiseptic pills, ginger, aromatic spirits of ammonia, phenal bromide, salol. I next proceeded to the Sixteenth United States Infantry and was present dur- ing the sick-call examination, conducted by Assistant-Surgeon John Hamilton Stone. One hundred and forty-five men responded at sick call, and 7 officers were also on sick report. The following figures suggest a condition upon which I will not now comment: Cases. Company A, Lieutenant Steadman 11 Company B, Lieutenant Gowan 19 Company C, Lieutenant Preston 17 Company D, Lieutenant Simmons 18 Company E, Captain McFarland 16 Company F, Lieutenant Ridenour 8 Company G, Lieutenant Dunning* 17 Company H Lieutenant Erwin 20 Company I, Lieutenant Cowles 12 Company K, Lieutenant Palmer 7 Present strength of regiment: Officers, 10; men, 599. The following-named officers are also borne upon the sick report; all are fever cases: Captain Noble, Major McLaughlin, Captain Allen, Lieutenants Palmer, Dunning, Gowen, Carey. Dr. Stone says that above aggregate does not represent INSPECTION REPORTS. 379 the actual disability of the regiment. Many men are worn out by sickness and famine, but from motives of pride and from a disinclination to impose any more work upon the regimental surgeon ask not to be placed on sick reports. So they are excused from duty without being officially included in the list of sick. Since writing the foregoing lines I learn that Dr. J. H. Stone has succumbed to the fever epidemic. It is impossible for any one to tell how long he will be able to fulfill his duties. After an inspection of the Sixteenth Infantry, made in shelter tents and not under arms, I proceeded to and completed a like informal inspection of the Sixth United States Infantry. The surgeon of the regiment last named is Capt. Walter D. McCaw, Medical Department, U. S. Army. From him I obtained the follow- ing data regarding the sick of the Sixth Infantry: The Sixth United States Infantry has no hospital. The sick are cared for in their own shelter tents. There is no other covering for them. In answer to my question, "What is the capacity of your hospital?" the following reply was received: "Capacity is unlimited, all patients being in the open air under shelter tents." One hundred and eighty-two enlisted men of this regiment are absent sick. Cases. Company A, Lieutenant Hunt 5 Company B, Captain Turner : 4 Company C, Lieutentant Byther 8 Company D, Lieutenant Chrisman 7 Company E, Captain Kennon 6 Company F, Capt. Chas. Byrne 5 Company G, Lieutenant Jones 9 Company H, Lieutenant Beckurts 5 Strength of regiment: Present, officers, 30: men, 369. Three officers are on the sick report. Dr. McCaw says that he has only one hospital corps man for duty, assisted by a bandman. His acting hospital steward is sick with the prevalent Cuban malarial fever. Dr. McCaw desires it to be made a matter of record that he needs for the sick food supplies, stimulants, and shelter. Lieut. Col. C. W. Miner, regimental commander, says: "Since the landing of the regiment at Siboney, June 23, it has cheerfully endured almost every hardship known to military life. Sickness has made, is making, very serious inroads upon the strength and efficiency of the command. This is due to causes entirely beyond the control of the regimental commander. In the first place, the rations here have been of the most meager description. For weeks the command has subsisted on bacon, hard tack, sugar, and coffee. Canned meat was several times furnished, but without salt or vegetables. It had no savor, scant nutriment, and was but little liked. Once three or four potatoes to a man were issued, and once an onion was given to about every two men. On several occasions soldiers were without anything to eat. It was impracticable always to boil water. In the trenches fires could not be lighted, and not only was the water unboiled, but the ration of bacon was eaten uncooked. They fought by day and dug trenches by night. The climate is hot. The men were necessarily confined closely to their posts and to camp. Bathing facilities were lacking dur ing most of the time. Facilities were lacking for change of underclothing. Under the fervid heat of a tropical sun, also in tofrents of rain, they have marched, toiled, and fought on unsuitable rations. The close confinement in freshly dug trenches, the unavoidable drinking of impure water, the lack of protection from rain, sun, and dew, and the sleeping in wet clothing on the ground in mud, swamp, and trenches; the enforced personal uncleanliness, have all contributed to render the men weak and unable to resist the fever and other diseases peculiar to hot climates. Every rule of hygiene has been unavoidably broken. That any should have survived only shows the excellent condition of the command at the 380 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. beginning of the campaign. That many are now sick should cause no surprise. The stomach turns on a diet without vegetables, and the exposures the men have undergone have produced a fever from which few have escaped. All are weak and in no condition either for marching or fighting. The crying needs are for proper shelter from sun and rains and proper food. " It is difficult to add to the force of Colonel Miner's statement. The scope might, with equal truthfulness, be made to include the recommendation, first, that these troops need a full supply of fresh vegetables of every kind; second, to reiterate the suggestion and recommendation that the sick of the army be removed to transports properly equipped with cots, cooks, food and medical sup- plies, culinary, etc., outfits, an adequate hospital and medical corps, and taken out into the bracing sea air. The numerous transports now lying passengerless in the harbor of Santiago are within 2 miles of some of the sick. None of the sick of the First Division, Fifth Army Corps, are 4 miles distant from these transports. Our sick list is daily becoming larger. The dangers of yellow fever are not remote. The percentage of effective, tolerably able-bodied men is daily becoming smaller. The fighting is over. The Spanish have capitulated, and are now held as prisoners of war. Hence the incentive of bracing to fight human foes is lacking. Famine does not threaten us. The National Relief Commission, backed by the Red Cross Society and the contributions of the home people of the United States, has put in an appearance. Curative and material comforts, lux- uries even, such as ice, lemons, jars of sweets, etc., are at hand. What is needed is that the sick men be taken away and sheltered where invigorating sea breezes and skilled attendance can be given them. Then the well men might be pro- vided with hammocks or cots. Thus they will not be compelled to any longer sleep on the ground. I have persistently daily urged these accessories of health. The sick remain just where they have been for several days. In the language of Maj. M. W. Wood, medical department, chief surgeon First Division, we are confronted with a very grave state of affairs. It is a lamentable fact that there are hundreds of sick who are not receiving proper attention, care, or treatment. There are no hospitals provided with equipment near to troops, nor medical sup- plies obtainable by the regimental surgeons, nor ambulances with which to transfer the sick to hospitals if such existed, nor hospital tents to shelter the sick, nor proper food for the sick, nor sufficient means to attend upon them, nor cots to raise them from the ground. Soldiers recklessly, thoughtlessly, enter deserted or abandoned habitations or shelters of the inhabitants of the island or use fragments of these about their own shelters, or handle personal belongings or wares of the inhabitants, all of which, for our purposes, should be regarded as infected. How can we expect attention to be paid to these warnings when medical officers daily violate them by entering deserted habitations, locating our sick within them, mingling with crowds of refugees, etc.? Eighteen hundred men of the First Division are noneffective by reason of sickness. It is predicted that this number will increase. Yellow fever is in the trenches along which this division is encamped. The public road leading from the El Caney region into Santiago is a thoroughfare daily for hundreds of the natives. They gather fruits and sell same to our soldiers. They are bartering cigars, tobacco, rum, and relics to our soldiers every hour of the day along that thoroughfare. The corps commander's orders allow no one to go into town except officers and men going to the wharf after property, save quartermasters and sub- sistence officers of division headquarters. The nonintercourse order of restriction is neutralized by the trade intercourse frequently reported. These natives should be shunned, not dickered with. The quarantine is a farce. No regiment has more than one medical officer for duty. The rest are sick. Apparent neglect instead of care results. The First Division hospital, Dr. Wood's, has suffered a INSPECTION REPORTS. 381 general disintegration by having its equipment sent to various points, while it now consists only of three hospital tents, five extra flies, seven cots, eight blankets, no mattresses or pillows. " Why," said Dr. Wood, "the other divisions, having equal time, warning facilities, etc., were not equally well provided with trans- portation from the time of landing that the First Division had, is unknown. The sufferings and misery of this division can not be overstated. We hear their moans at night as they lie side by side with the well. They have had no change of clothing, no blankets, insufficient food. The supply of medical stores is insuf- ficient. The surgeons are overworked. There is plenty of food aboard the trans- ports, less than 5 miles away. The sick are in shelter tents that do not shelter. They are frenzied by day, chilled by night. Humanity demands that these sick soldiers be transferred to a vessel fitted up as a hospital ship." In this opinion the chief surgeon of the division concurs. So does the division commander. The number of the sick will soon aggregate one-third of this command. NOTES. The transport City of Washington carried from Port Tampa, Fla., to Siboney, Cuba, the Twenty-fourth Regiment, United States Infantry, and a battalion of the Twenty-first United States Infantry. The Breakwater transported the Third United States Infantry. The Berkshire transported Companies D and G of the Twenty-first Infantry. On landing at Siboney the officers took ashore only such personal effects as they were permitted to carry upon their persons. The orders of the corps commanders were that only ammunition and rations, in addition to such effects as one could carry upon his person, should be landed. Officers thereupon left aboard ship everything not embraced above. The transports named have since left Cuban waters. The City of Washington is now said to be at Newport News. The whereabouts of the Breakwater and Berkshire are unknown. The officers and men of the organizations named are wondering when and how they can recover or replace their effects. One company commander left his company fund aboard ship. Modern appliances of war.-There have been heralded during the last decade or two many modern electrical and other appliances intended to revolutionize war, but we seem to be fighting it out on the same old basis, smokeless powder and an occasional telephone excepted. The headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, have not been, up to date hereof, equipped with telephone or electrical appliances or conveniences. All messages and communications have been by the old-time methods. The advantages of the modern propellant, as opposed to the old-time black powder, have been in its comparative noiselessness and smokeless- ness. The Spanish have mainly used the smokeless propellant. Some of their artillery may have employed black powder. Individual marksmanship-Rangefinders.-First Lieut. Charles H. Muir, Second Infantry, is of the class of distinguished sharpshooters. He has been known to me for fully ten years past by reason of his honorable identification with what is popularly known as " target practice." His abilities are beyond the mere ability to correctly judge of the effects of wind, light, and shade upon a projectile, also of ability to have eye, muscles, and finger act synchronously in pulling trigger when the rifle was in proper position. He is a man who has always mixed brains with gunpowder. He states that during the battles of Fort San Juan, 1st, 2d, and 3d of July, while in the trenches directing the fire of a squad of selected sharpshooters, his attention was attracted by the grouping of a few of the Spanish at a range which he, by the use of a binocular range finder of French make (Souchiers), announced to be 1,100 yards. He adjusted the sights of his rifle, United States magazine, model 1892 or 1893, accordingly; took careful aim, fired twice; called his shot 382 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. instantly, and each time brought down an enemy. Members of his squad, with equal success, same time and range, potted a third Spaniard. Lieutenant Muir highly commends the pattern of range finder named, and recommends that such be issued to selected distinguished marksmen, United States Army. This is in direct line with what I have, during many years past, advocated and repeatedly officially recommended. Some of our distinguished marksmen have earned all of the medals that orders allow and are disqualified from entering further small-arm competitions, but ask that each year they be permitted to com- pete with those of their own class, the prizes tobe rifles or carbines of especial manu- facture, range finders, binocular glasses, or other paraphernalia proper for the outfit of a marksman who is also a practical hunter. Capt. George H. Morgan, Third Cavalry, and who is also a distinguished marksman, United States Army, an officer of ripened experience in Indian warfare in Arizona, and who is, like Lieutenant Muir, a very cool-headed man, of good judgment amid surroundings of excitement, says that he would have had some interesting data to furnish sup- porting my conviction that individual marksmanship, properly supplemented, counts in battle, if he had had a proper range finder. He says that in trench work, having no glass, he could not locate the point of impact of the bullets, even when his troops fired volleys. Lieut. Hugh D. Wise, Ninth United States Infantry, alleges that during the battle of July 1 he and a sharpshooter named Mcllhaney had their attention attracted by a Spanish officer who was conspicuous because rid- ing a white horse. Guessing at the range, 1,100 yards, Mcllhaney opened fire upon and hit the Spaniard. Lieutenant Wise says that he subsequently learned that General Linares, the commander of the Santiago Spanish forces, rode a horse of that color when wounded, and he believes that Mr. McHhaney did it. Our trenches in places were not over 500 or 600 yards from the trenches of the enemy during the fusillades of the 2d and 3d of July. One of our lieutenants of artillery told me that at a period when the Spanish guerrillas were especially pestiferous and annoying, a second lieutenant, name unknown, went undei' a tree in whose dense foliage he thought a Spanish sharpshooter might be concealed, and fired at random several revolver shots into the tree top. After the fourth or fifth shot a Mauser or Remington rifle was dropped from overhead, followed a few seconds later by a frightened Spaniard who was clad in a dark-blue United States Army blouse. My informant went on to say that he must decline giving me any names, because the incident closed without any aid from any priest or clergyman. Casualties.-Lieut. Charles E. Tayman, Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, was detailed July 15 as acting inspector-general, Third Brigade, First Division, by Brig. Gen. Adelbert Ames, commanding brigade, and filled the position for two weeks, when he was appointed aid-de-camp by General Ames. He says that on July 1 the Spanish loss at El Caney was 500 killed and wounded; that the enemy lost 1,700 at the muzzle of General Kent's division at Fort San Juan, and sustained a further loss of 3,500 during the attempted surprise of and attack upon our line on the night of July 2. The failure of this attack, he said, caused Admiral Cervera to make, the following day, the attempt to break out of Santiago Harbor, preferring, he said, to die fighting rather than to sink his ships. The Gatling gun detachment is in charge of Lieut. John H. Parker, Thirteenth United States Infan- try. He has four guns. During the forenoon of July 1, in the assault on Fort San Juan, he fired 24,000 caliber .30 cartridges at ranges of 1,800 yards and upward. During the entire battle he fired 42,000 rounds. One of Lieutenant Parker's indi- vidual exploits, using the service rifle, was to kill at a range of 400 yards a Span- ish sharpshooter who had posted himself in a tree top and was shooting at the Gatling gun detachment. The effective strength of the First Division, Fifth Army Corps (Kent's), on the 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 31st of July, 1898, is shown on the following page. The steady increase in the sick report is shown by INSPECTION REPORTS. 383 the last column. It is more than feared that the list will soon include one-third of the division. The removal of such of the sick as can be moved to transports for deportation to the United States is urgently recommended by the chief sur geon of the division. It should be done at once. Empty transports are in the harbor of Santiago. One has 150 unoccupied cots aboard. The main causes of death so far have been diagnosed as malarial fever, dengue fever, remittent per- nicious fever, remittent malarial fever, dysentery, and exhaustion following dengue fever. On Monday, June 37, at Sevilla, Major-General Breckinridge, United States Volunteers, the Inspector-General, United States Army, asked me what thing did I consider most markedly should be reported to General Miles by cable? I then replied: " The maintenance of magnificent health by the army." I regret that I can not now make that observation. Our sick list is increasing daily. RECOMMENDATIONS. It is understood that none of the troops comprising the army of invasion will be permitted to leave the present lines of investment overlooking Santiago until all of the capitulated Spanish prisoners have been sent to Spain. It is under- stood that the United States regiments of immunes will then take our places, and we will be sent to Montauk Point, eastern end of Long Island. But the sick, such as can be moved, should be sent away. Human life will thus be saved. Hammocks, camp stools.-The majority of the soldiers here sleep upon the ground. I have recommended that this be prohibited for sanitary reasons. The Second United States Infantrymen, first of all in this division, made for them- selves rude but practicable cots, using forked uprights, cross sticks, and grass, etc., bedding. This command merits a gratuitous supply of hammocks and camp stools. Such health preserves cost comparatively little. Company I, Second United States Infantry, came to Cuba on the Hudson, and the effects of the organ- ization were landed on the beach. They have wholly disappeared. The statement of the New York Herald that General Shafter was wounded in the battle of July 1, 2, 3, is not true. The corps commander first came to the front on July 7. Clerk, stationery.-Under the provisions of Army Regulations 358, I made application May 30 for a clerk. This application and request were reiterated in June. I have no clerk. I have also asked to have a supply of office stationery sent to me by mail. I have received none. It is my daily practice to leave my hammock as soon before 7 o'clock a. m. as possible, returning at about noon. At 10 o'clock a. m. the heat is most oppressive. Not much out-of-door work can be done or should be done in this region between 10 o'clock a. m. and 3 o'clock p. m. But the duties of my position involve a good deal of clerical labor. Having neither blanks nor stationery, I am compelled to restrict myself to this form of itinerary and report. I urgently request that a competent clerk, provided with a typewriter and typewriting supplies of all kinds, be sent to report to me. He must expect to mess as do the soldiers of the division headquarters, detachment of guards, and orderlies; must be prepared and willing to " rough it," and should bring bedding, hammock, toilet necessaries, etc. If possible, I will secure him a mount. In the matter of stationery, we have been indebted to the Young Men's Christian Association for our paper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and ink. The Quar- termaster Department has no stationery for issue-none for its own necessities. In preceding reports I have told how, from the day we landed at Siboney, every officer, from General Kent down, carried upon his own person what he slept on or under, what he ate or drank. It was impracticable to carry any stationery, except such as could be carried in a sabretache. I can not make formal applica- tions for articles and amounts of stationery; have no blanks; none are obtainable; but I want and need a clerk and also paper, etc. 384 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT QF WAR WITH SPAIN. Maj James H. McLeary, inspector-general, U. S. Volunteers, reported to me aboard the steamship Santiago, pursuant to orders from the corps commander, on June 13 last, as my assistant. He is still attached to these headquarters, but, from one cause or another, chiefly inaptitude, has not done one full day's duty since reporting. Aboard ship he either assigned nausea or fear of seasickness as an excuse for not accompanying when the lower hold was inspected, soldiers exercised, etc., so he did not inspect any when we were at sea. I tried verbally to impart to him some elemental ideas of what his duties might be. He fell asleep in his chair. Several captains of more than a quarter of a century of mil- itary experience were by me introduced to Major' McLeary and requested to teach him what constituted a soldier s equipment, what the component articles of the rations were, etc. Many army officers were more than willing to post and advise him. He preferred to read novels, and made no effort to acquaint himself with the contents of professional text-books loaned him. Prior to landing in Cuba he said he had no outfit except a trunk containing, among other things, an evening- dress suit and a presentation sword. He also said that he had no money to meet his mess expenses with. This lack of funds has been painfully apparent ever since. The division commander told him that he had no duty or place for him; that if he went to the front he did so at his peril, and he was advised to equip himself before proceeding to the front. So he remained aboard ship until the captain of the transport, tired of messing him, told him that General Shafter wanted every man armed with a sword on the firing line. Our scanty stock of mess supplies has been heavily drained upon by this 250-pounder ever since. His obesity, boils, and very numerous bodily ills have been assigned as excuses for the nonperformance of such duties as inspecting latrines, sink-holes, etc. The sick report has been his refuge several times. He bought a horse on credit and ingratiated from Miss Clara Barton delicacies that might have gone to worthy sick soldiers. He was placed in charge of the mail, but the duty was so grudg- ingly, surlily, and incompletely performed that the duty was vested in another officer. Exempli gratia.-He was often too sick or too lazy to frank by his official indorsement soldiers' letters. He would call for a clerk to do it for him. With all these deficiencies he was, and probably is, more vociferous in regard to what he calls " his rights," than anyone here. He does not want to leave Cuba. He says fortunes will be made here. He has written to the corps commander that, as a lawyer and ex-judge, he would like to have a place found for him in Santiago, oi' words to that effect. He has also written to Gen. L. Wood, military governor, to be taken onto his staff. He makes no pretense of concealment of the fact that he is in Cuba for what there is in it for the syndicate, or corporation, or company that he represents, rather than for the performance of the military duties for which he is paid, but of his ignorance of which he is complacently unconscious. Deaths are increasing so rapidly that slight attention is paid to the three vol- leys and taps. Orders have finally been issued prohibiting these ceremonies, lest a depressing effect be produced by the demonstration. Heavy rains are frequent. They change the well-tramped earth into ' ' gumbo. " The gumbo of Cuba is just as bad as that of the region intermediate between Texas and Montana. If possible, it is even more tenacious. A soldier of the Thirty-fourth Michigan Volunteers is unofficially said by the attending surgeon to have died of nostalgia. Blue sus- penders of a shade to match the dark-blue flannel shirt are recommended. They would harmonize better with the army shirt than any other color would, and be just as cheap. Honorably discharged soldiers are inquiring as to how they can get proper discharge and negotiable final statement papers. There are few, if any, here, and the men find difficulty in getting transportation back to the United States. Applications for sick leave on surgeon's certificate of disability are becom- INSPECTION REPORTS. 385 ing frequent. An impression prevails that letters from Cuba are being quaran- tined, owing to apprehensions regarding yellow fever. Some regularity now attaches to the incoming mail, but no one knows whether our letters are regu- larly forwarded. I had a large canteen made in Tampa of the size and kind used in Arizona twenty odd years ago. It is covered first with saddler's felt one-half inch thick, then with several thicknesses of blue flannel. After the outside becomes saturated the canteen keeps water cool much longer than the little canvas-covered ones do. The canteen has an orifice about 11 inches in diameter, and is slung by a broad leather strap. Until recently I have kept the screw cap off, so as to aid in lowering the temperature of the water. The other night a tree frog made his aquatic home in my canteen. The animal was not discovered until aftei1 the canteen had been refilled with boiling water. I shall always keep iny canteen closed now. Lizards, swifts, tree toads, frogs, etc., are very common and very sociable about our tents. The sabretasche is a useful article for any staff officer in the field. The authorization for its issue and use as a por- tion of the equipment for regimental and battalion staff officers is recommended. The first-aid packets possess a value not at first appreciated. The soldiers now eagerly seek for and carefully care for them. So many officers of the Thirteenth United States Infantry are off duty that at date that regiment is commanded by its senior officer present for duty, to wit, First Lieut. Marion B. Saffold. We hear that Col. Alfred T. Smith, Thirteenth, is in Cuba, In illustration of our ignorance of what is or is to be, further in instance of what may be termed camp rumors, still further because I am on sick report, confined to my hammock, one more unit in the long list of Cuban-fever victims, I lie and record what is alleged. The Fifth Army Corps, being acclimated, will soon attack Havana. The Fifth Army Corps, being exhausted, will be sent to the United States. The well men only of the Fifth Corps will (will not) be sent to Long Island. Comment: Incentives are thus offered to the well to get sick, or to the sick to get well. Take your choice. It is a mere matter of volition. Yellow fever exists and soldiers have died in camp from it. No well-defined case of yellow fever has yet appeared outside of Siboney among the troops. Public opinion in the United States demands a vigorous prosecution of this wai until all of the Spanish forces in Cuba and Porto Rico have been subjected. Public opinion in the United States is satisfied with what has already been accomplished. High medical authority in the United States says: " Stay in Cuba; you can not be permitted to land anywhere in the United States lest you infect the country with yellow fever. You are pariahs." Equally good medical authority in Cuba says: " If the Fifth Army Corps is kept in Cuba from 20 to 70 per cent of the command will be dead by October 1. The only chance for exemption lies in prompt removal to a northern climate." To be free from malarial fevers camp on high ground, says one medical expert; whereupon another medical expert points to the fact that the First United States Infantry, encamped on ground 1,000 feet above the level, has suffered more from sickness than the Twenty-first United States Infantry, which has lower camping ground than any. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Philip Reade, Major, Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers. 7833-vol. 1 25 386 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Report of effective strength First Division, Fifth Army Corps. JULY 10, 1898. Organization. Effective strength. Without arms. Sick. Officers. Men. Officers. Men. General officers 1 Division staff 8 31 1 1 Division hospital 5 2 First Brigade 76 1 627 4 48 99 Second Brigade 65 1, 376 101 Third Brigade 50 1, 208 19 Total 200 4,242 9 152 214 Mr. Menoz, volunteer aid. absent, wounded; one prisoner on parole. JULY 15, 1898. Organization. Effective strength. Without arms. Sick. Officers. Men. Officers. Men. Officers. Men. General officers 1 Division staff 9 27 1 Division hospital 5 42 4 First Brigade 75 1, 954 4 49 125 Second Brigade 60 1, 575 36 Third Brigade 52 1 161 35 Total 197 4,717 9 157 200 Gain, Maj. M. C. Hutchins, chief quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers; one prisoner on parole. General officers 1 Division staff 9 30 1 Division hospital 5 42 First Brigade 67 1, 702 4 50 12 378 Second Brigade 1. 295 4 62 6 289 Third Brigade 27 562 2 26 5 150 Total 155 3,589 15 181 23 817 JULY 20, 1898. Ninth Infantry on duty at Santiago; Twenty-first Infantry on duty at Siboney; Thirty-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry attached to Third Brigade; one prisoner on parole. JULY 25, 1898. General officers 1 Division staff 9 30 1 Division hospital 42 First Brigade 57 1. 637 4 52 20 440 Second Brigade 54 1.140 5 68 4 427 Third Brigade 25 464 26 9 275 Total 146 3. 271 14 189 33 1,142 Ninth Infantry on dutyat Santiago; Twenty-fourth Infantry on duty at Siboney: six companies Thirty-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry on duty with Third Brigade; one prisoner on parole. General officers 1 Division staff 5 39 4 Y Division hospital... 5 42 First Brigade 68 1,555 6 52 9 468 Second Brigade 57 1' 169 43 6 423 Thiia Brigade 20 471 4 26 4 250 Total 151 3, 234 15 163 23 1,148 JOLY 31, 1898. Ninth Infantry on dutyat Santiago; Twenty-fourth Infantry on duty at Siboney; six companies Thirty-fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry oil duty with Third Brigade; attached, three enlisted men, Volunteer Signal Corps included. INSPECTION REPORTS. 387 [Headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. J. Ford Kent, H. S. Volunteers, Commanding.] Steamship Santiago, off Santiago de Cuba, 16 Miles Distant, Thursday, June 1898. The Inspector-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to report as follows: In compliance with paragraph 13, Special Orders, No. 118, current series, Headquarters Adjutant-General's Office, I reported in person to Brig. Gen. J. Ford Kent, commanding First Division, Fifth Army Corps, at Tampa, Fla., 30th ultimo, for staff duty, and was by him, under the title of captain, Third United States Infantry, assigned to duty as inspector- general of said division. This per General Order, No. 3, Headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, dated Tampa, Fla., May 30, 1898. Official copy of this order is herewith inclosed. I accepted the appointment of inspector-general of volunteers, with rank of major, on May 30, and the order above quoted was modified as to title only, but not as to assignment, on the following day, by extract 3, General Orders, No. 4, Headquarters First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Tampa, Fla., 31st May, 1898. Official copy of this order is inclosed herewith, and has been confirmed, I believe, by orders from headquarters of the Army, dated June 8, 1898. On Monday, 13th June, Maj. Janies H. McLeary reported to me, pursuant to an order, of which the following is a copy: General Orders, No. 6. Hdqrs. First Division, Fifth Army Corps, On Board Steamship Santiago. Tampa Bay, Fla., June 13, 189S. [Extract.] 1. Maj. James H. McLeary, inspector-general United States Volunteers, having reported at these headquarters in compliance with paragraph 3, Special Orders, No. 18, current series, Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, is announced as assist- ant to the inspector-general of the division. By command of Brigadier-General Kent: A. C. Sharpe, Assistant Adjutant-General. Major McLeary informs me that he entered the Confederate service at the age of 14 years, and served as a private for four years. He says this comprises his military experience. He further says that he is 53 years old; that he was associate justice of the Supreme Court of Montana, for two years, and that he has practiced law in San Antonio, Tex., for about twenty-five years. As I am to perform the duties of provost-marshal of the division, also to select and assign the camping grounds, I would prefer to have as an assistant a younger, more experienced, and more active man. Major McLeary has been assigned by me to elemental duties, loaned such text-books as I have, introduced to experienced line and other officers willing to advise and aid him. This with the hope, rather than the expectation, that he will qualify himself for some of the field duties of his position. Unless otherwise directed by authority higher than the division commander, Major McLeary will not accompany the First Division when it makes its initial landing in Cuba. He has no camp outfit or essentials beyond his uniform. The command to which I am assigned received orders to break camp at about 9 o'clock p. m. of Tuesday, June 7. Prior to that date I visited Port Tampa three times. Port Tampa is about 9 miles from Tampa. The First Division, Fifth Corps, was encamped on or near Tampa Heights, a sand region about 3 miles from Tampa. 388 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. My purpose in visiting Port Tampa was to familiarize myself with the ways whereby the transports were fitted up to shelter and carry men and animals from the United States to Santiago de Cuba, or whatever other region it was proposed to invade; also to witness the methods of the supply departments in loading the transports, etc. Berths were placed in 3 tiers; length and width varied. Some were longitu- dinally divided by a board set on edge and running lengthwise; some were not so separated. Some groupings allowed 6 men, some 3. This disparity was una- voidable, owing to structural lines of the ships. Bottom of lower berth in all cases sufficiently raised to admit of air space between it and the deck. Distances not uniform. Occupant of the upper berth could generally sit upright, but the occupant of the second or third berth could not keep his spine vertical. In some vessels heads of berth were close to mangers or feed boxes. Bathing facilities.-Hose-pipe method in some transports, as the Orizaba, Twenty-second Infantry; shower standpipe, as the Santiago, Ninth Infantry and First Battalion Tenth Infantry. In the cockpit of the Santiago the shower bath was used more commonly by the officers than the one in the regular bathroom. It was most refreshing, and was liberally patronized. When bathing in the open sea under proper restrictions as to tide, hours, and distance, Capt. Charles P. Leighton, Ward Line, 113 Wall street, New York, captain of the Santiago, & sea- faring man by vocation, states that no shark will ever attack a moving man in the water. He emphatically says that there is no danger whatever from sharks, provided the man keeps in motion. Badges or insignia should be required to be worn on the left side of campaign hats by all persons in the military service. Owing to the fore-and-aft crease, the front is not the best place to wear campaign-hat devices-the ends stick out and catch. At Mobile the Fourth Corps drilled, etc., in dark-blue shirts without blouses; at Tampa the Fifth Corps did the same. All officers and men wore the campaign hat, devoid of anything to show arms of the service, corps, division, organization, or rank. Such uniformity is too uniform. It is inconsistent with a profession where rank, grade organization,arms,etc.,is supposed to be indicated by insignia rendering it possible to tell a general from a private. It is recom- mended that the wearing of such be permitted in yellow silk upon the collar of the dark-blue flannel shirt, and that metal or other device-fabric even-be required upon the campaign hat. SIGNALING. Army Regulations, 1544, embodies the following: "Department commanders will require suitable instructions and practice in military signaling in their departments. To this end, they will cause a signal officer to be detailed at each post, who will give necessary instruction and super- vise field practice during at least two months of the year. Constant instruction will be maintained until at least one officer and four enlisted men of each com- pany are proficient in the exchange of both day and night signals by flag, torch, and heliograph. The detail will be changed from time to time." The value of aerial signaling and the wisdom of detailing to each vessel of the fleet a practical signalman has never in my experience been so well exemplified as during the voyage from Tampa to Santiago de Cuba, June 8 to 24. The transports, about thirty in number, carried in the aggregate, say, 15,000 offi- cers and soldiers, mostly from the permanent military establishment of the United States, convoyed by fourteen naval vessels. The order of cruising was in two divisions, each containing three parallel columns. Each division included fifteen transports, preceded and flanked by war vessels. The prescribed interval between columns was 800 yards. The transports were ordered to be kept 400 yards apart, INSPECTION REPORTS. 389 stern to bow, and the distance from the rear of the first division to the leading- transport of the second division was also 800 yards. Thus the depth from the bow of the leading transport of each column to the stern of the rear transport of the second division was normally 4,000 yards. To this must be added the distance between tail of the column and the naval vessels acting as rear guard. To obtain the actual depth, add also the length of twelve vessels, viz, ten trans- ports and two war vessels. The frontage or lateral width of entire fleet was 4,800 yards plus the width of the vessels themselves. Inclosed with this report will be found a diagram, scale 1 inch to 1,000 yards, showing the order of cruising. I also inclose an incomplete list of transports, giving also what I understand to be the computation of the Quartermaster's Department as to their carrying capacity. The names of the vessels of the Navy Department provided as escort for the fleet of invasion also accompany. The following is an extract from General Orders, No. 2, Headquar- ters United States Forces, Tampa, Fla., May 2, 1898: " Signal detachment.-A signal detachment to be commanded by First Lieut. Frank Green, Signal Corps, at these headquarters is organized as follows: Fourteen enlisted men of the First Infantry to be selected by Lieutenant Green, and two men from each of the regiments of infantry constituting the two brig- ades of the infantry division, to be selected by the commanding officers of their regiments from thoroughly instructed men, if such can be found. The men of the signal detachment hereby constituted will remain with their respective com- mands for quarters and rations, will be excused from all duties, and will report at the camp of the First Infantry to Lieutenant Green for instruction in signal- ing at such hours as may be requested by him." Notwithstanding these and other regulations and orders the practical ineffi- ciency of many of the signal detachments was made obvious the 13th of June and later. Aboard the Santiago Naval Cadet Herbert G. Sparrow, of Ohio, a mem- ber of the second class, United States Naval Academy, on leave, en route to the Marblehead, showed himself efficient, not only in the International Code of Sig- nals, but also in the Army Myer Code. He bids fair to be a valuable officer; and Capt. Charles P. Leighton, captain of the Santiago, Ward Line, 113 Wall street, New York, says that Naval Cadet Sparrow has been of great use to him. The young man spends about seventeen hours daily in the pilot house. As a signal officei- of nine years' experience I feel qualified to express an opinion as to merit in the specialty. The tendency of an infantryman or other combatant soldier detailed as a signalman is to use a two-jointed staff and 4-toot square flag for transmitting a message at a range not, perhaps, exceeding a thousand yards, whereas a 2-foot flag and tip joint of staff is all that is requisite. The soldier- will also use the appliance last named as a means of communication and feel helpless without it at a 300 or 400 yard range when the use of a handkerchief, hat, glove, etc., is adequate for aerial communication. A trouble with the aver- age army post method of instruction in military signaling is that men are not taught to be independent of the appliances ordinarily issued by the signal depart- ment. Protracted use of a wand as a medium of communication up to 300 yards begets the substitution by, say, a scout, of a stick, twig, bough, or his head gear. Company H, Third United States Infantry, includes some men who have been taught to utilize about any portable thing for wigwagging up to and including what riflemen call short ranges. The utility of such for ground scouts who have acquired information which they wish to silently report to the organization from which they have been detailed for purposes of observation, etc., is obvious. When this fleet pulled out from Port Tampa, Fla., into the stream, Monday, June 13, and from that time to the present, the only method of communication between the 15,000 land combatants and the to me unknown number of naval 390 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. combatants aboard the nearly 50 moving vessels composing it, was by signals. Here, then, came the crucial test. Fortunately, every vessel had, I believe, a practical signalist of the Signal Corps aboard it: also naval cadets; but at the outset, "repeat message" was often demanded or made necessary, and the dem- onstration of practical inefficiency by army details of signalmen in many cases to either correctly send, receive, or translate a simple message at short range was not creditable to army instructors. The appreciative value of the American sol- dier can justly be commented on in this connection. Before three days at sea had lapsed, the men detailed for signal duties " caught on." They did not need to be twice told that signaling was a valuable adjunct of the military, naval serv- ice. Of their own volition some of them perfected themselves, theoretically, in the army and in the international codes, then energetically went to work to prac- tice and observe, so that, at date, the Fifth Army Corps has some fair, all-round signalmen in it, not all of whom are privates either. CONDITION OF ARMS AND ACCOUTERMENTS. The oxidation of all metallic portions of a soldier's equipment after a sea voy- age, protracted as this has been, or at least aboard ship, 9th to 29th instant, a period of fifteen days, and not yet concluded, suggests that the Ordnance Depart- ment be requested to supply, say, Belmontyle or other oil to prevent rusting and consequent injury to rifle boxes, etc. Belmontyle oil is not a lubricant. It pre- serves iron and steel from rusting, just as blue ointment, as used by the Medical Department, preserves steel surgical instruments from being affected by exposure. SANITARY PRECAUTIONS. The Morning Report book shows that there are 776 officers and men of the United States Army aboard the Santiago at date and hour of writing. The regi- mental commander, Ninth United States Infantry, 473 men, 25 officers, is Lieut. Col. Ezra P. Ewers. Maj. Richard Eskridge commands the battalion-Companies A, B, F, and H, Tenth Infantry-206 men, 9 officers. Accompanying these commanders in their daily inspections, the undesirableness of the floor gratings upon the lower decks was suggested on sanitary grounds. The gratings were cut up and thrown overboard. In explicit terms, the gratings were crisscross upper floorings intended to serve the same purpose as in some horse or electric cars, raising the feet about 1| inches from the deck floor below; but in city lines of transportation the floor gratings are daily raised and the floors below swept and washed, after which the grating is replaced. Aboard ship it is said to be impracticable to raise the floor deck gratings, hence undesirable matter aggregates-can't be gotten at. A slushy, smelly condition follows, and possible results were prevented by the course above reported. Since then the decks have been daily hose-piped off. rations. This command has officially subsisted upon the travel ration for ten days; that is to say, an uncounted number of men have received nutriment solely from the constituent articles and specified amounts of certain comestibles since the receipt of the order from competent authority. This food issue has included canned roast beef, probably brawn, a most welcome addition to the canned corned beef and beans, to which the men were previously confined. Inquiries among the company commanders develop one uniform recommenda- tion, viz, that a desiccated vegetable or fruit " bowel opener " be added to the INSPECTION REPORTS. 391 ration for the benefit of the costive. In this I concur. Both the fourteen days' field rations and the ten days' travel rations ordered by the corps commanders to be carried will be exhausted this evening, 24th of June. WATER. On June 13 the Santiago received from the Olivette what Captain Leighton told me increased his supply of fresh water to 50,000 gallons of water from Petersburg; crew, about 50; military men, 777. Six days later the forward tank gave out. Captain Leighton said that it had contained about 25,000 gallons. At date the ice supply is exhausted, and all are drawing upon the rear tank or tanks. So far the water has been excellent. Conference with the chief surgeon of the division fails to develop any ailment due to the inefficient or impure water. SINKS. The sinks admit of dejecta from eight, or at worst, ten soldiers and four officers (using ladies' cabin) simultaneously. Add the element of seasickness and nausea, the result is as might be expected under cover. STATIONERY NEEDED. The paucity of office stationery of every kind is severely, even absurdly, felt. There is not a quire of paper or package of envelopes, I am told, at the headquar- ters. There is certainly none for issue. I request that an adequate supply of stationery of every kind suitable for use in the field, including such official text- books and record books, particularly manifold books and carbon sheets and pads, be sent to me by mail. The United States mail will follow us when nothing else will. CLERK AND MESSENGER WANTED. I also request that a competent clerk and messenger be assigned me by the hon- orable Secretary of War. As has been stated, the troops-nine regiments of infantry, eight regulars, one volunteers-are scattered throughout several transports of this fleet. General Orders, No. 5, Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, Tampa, Fla., was issued by Major- General Shafter the day after I reported for duty at these headquarters. We have been on transports for more than fifteen days. No general inspection of the First Division, Fifth Army Corps, has been made by me since my assignment. None can be made until the troops are landed and mobilized. In general terms, it gives me pleasure to report that the conduct, discipline, and apparent efficiency of offi- cers and of the troops of the regiments of this command has been, and is, such as to justify the highest expectations as to results should conflict occur, or should the command be subjected for a weary period to the unusual climatic and other perils incident to this locality. CLOTHING. So far as I know all of the troops of the regular service composing this army of invasion are provided with the clothing as issued by the Quartermaster's Department. Colonel Wood's regiment-the organization popularly known as "Teddy's Rough Riders," Lieut. Col. Theodore Roosevelt-now dismounted, I understand had khaki-colored cotton suits, issued in San Antonio; but the great majority of the combatants here are clad in dark-blue flannel shirts, etc. Some have bought dark-colored cotton shirts. At Mobile, April 21 to May 5, my experi- ence inclined me to the belief that the dark-blue flannel shirt was best adapted to 392 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. that locality during the period indicated. This because of excessive precipitation from sunset to sunrise and consequent humidity when the temperature rose; but here similar conditions do not exist, nor did they at Tampa. Qualifying my conclusions by the admission that my southern experience has been brief; further, that the past fifteen days have been spent afloat, I recommend that 15,000 suits of light outer clothing be sent for the use of this command. The chief surgeon of this division, Maj. M. W. Wood, Medical Department, U. S. Army, concurs in this recommendation. If I quote him correctly, he believes that a light woolen garment should be worn next to the skin, also a body belt or belly- band of same, in preference to a skin garment of light wool or cotton. Troops aboard ship have no adequate way of washing and laundering their clothing. SHOES. The soil of Cuba at this season is understood to be damp. This means swelled feet and the consequent sufferings incident to too tight shoes. Perhaps an inner sole of light cork would tend to palliate the excruciating discomfort of corns, enlarged joints, etc. Those who have not recourse to a chiropodist know how to appreciate comfortable foot gear. PONCHOS. The slit if too large sluices rain water inside instead of outside the body of the soldier. An elastic or collar attachment would tend to reduce to a minimum this discomfort. DRILL AND CALISTHENICS ABOARD THE SANTIAGO-DESCRIPTION OF THE STEAMSHIP. Commencing morning June 24, the Ninth Infantry and the four companies comprising the battalion of the Tenth Infantry aboard, began, officers included, setting-up exercises, file marchings in quick and double time, etc. The tonnage of the Santiago is about 1,695 net; length between perpendiculars, about 275 feet; beam, 39 feet; the vessel was built at Chester, Pa., in 1879, by John Roach & Son; cost, about $325,000; iron hull; 43 staterooms; 86 berths; allowed 104 passen- gers, of which 86 can be rated first cabin. The Santiago is certified to August 11, 1897, New York, as having 5 lifeboats, 4 rafts, 5 metal lifeboats, 158 cork life pre- servers, 500 feet of hose, 2 hand fire pumps, 90 fire buckets, 4 main stairways to upper deck, and possesses a gunpowder iron compartment in the power hold for- ward of the collision bulkhead. Captain Leighton informs me that he caused the latter to be filled with fresh water sixteen days ago, and felicitates himself that he did so (further, that the collision compartment proved water-tight), as he obtained about 19,000 gallons of drinking water thereby. It is not amiss to here state that, both officially and personally, Captain Leighton, New York and Cuba Mail (Ward) Steamship Line, has merited the thanks of this command by his efforts to do all possible for the comfort and general welfare of his military passengers. AN INCIDENT. Two shots were directed at the transport Santiago at 9 to 9.05 o'clock a. m. of Wednesday, June 22. The vessel was at that time passing the mouth of the narrow channel leading into the harboi- of Santiago de Cuba. Our headway was 11 knots an hour, and the transport was fully 5 miles from where the Texas, Commodore W. S. Schley's flying squadron, was bombarding the Spaniards. Columns of smoke were rising along the shore. Daiquiri, a village 15 miles east of Santiago de Cuba, was burning. When underway for Cabanas, a place 6 miles west of Santiago de Cuba, we were seen by the artillerists on Punta Garda, an elevation 1 mile from the mouth of the channel. The first shot struck the water about 350 INSPECTION REPORTS. 393 yards from the steamship. The second, a liner, apparently passed over our smokestacks. It harmlessly struck about 200 to 225 yards beyond us. It may be of interest or value to the Inspector-General's Department to know of the composition of the naval escort convoying the Fifth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. W. R. Shafter, U. S. Volunteers, commanding, from Key West to Santiago de Cuba. Following is approximately correct. Exact sources of official information are not open to me. Escort from Key West, Fla., June 12,1898, to Santiago de Cuba, June 24, 1898: 1 Indiana, 16 guns, Capt. H. C. Taylor. T Detroit, 10 guns, Commander J. H. Dayton. A. C Scorpion, Lieut. Commander A. Marix. V Vesuvius, Lieut. Commander J. E. Pillsbury. E Helena, 8 guns, Commander W. T. Swinburne. N Castine, 8 guns, Commander R. M. Berry. H Annapolis, 6 guns, Commander J. J. Hunker. A. T Panther, Commander G. C. Reiter. A. H Hornet, Lieut. Jas. M. Helm. N. G Manning, Capt. F. M. Munger. K Bancroft, 4 guns, Commander R. Clover. N. W Wompatuck, Lieut. C. W. Jungen. A. E Eagle, Lieut. W. H. H. Southerland. A. W-.-.Wasp, Lieut. A. Ward. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. J. Ford Kent, commanding. Brig. Gen. H. S. Hawkins, U. S. Volunteers, commanding First Brigade: Sixth United States Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. Harry C. Egbert. Sixteenth United States Infantry, commanded by Col. Hugh H. Theaker. Seventy-first New York Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. W. H. Downs. Col. E. P. Pearson, Tenth United States Infantry, commanding Second Brigade: Tenth United States Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. E. R. Kellogg. Twenty-first United States Infantry, commanded by Col. C. McKibben. Second United States Infantry, commanded by Col. W. M. Wherry. Lieut. Col. W. H. Worth, Thirteenth United States Infantry, commanding Third Brigade: Thirteenth United States Infantry, commanded by Maj. P. H. Ellis. Ninth United States Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. E. P. Ewers. Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, commanded by Col. E. H. Lisnam Since the foregoing was written Colonel Wikoff, Twenty-second Infantry, relieved Lieutenant-Colonel Worth, commanding brigade. Transports for Fifth Army Corps from Port Tampa, Fla., June 9 to 20, 1898. Vessels. Capacity, infantry. Horses or mules. Remarks. 1. Miami - .. B C D F G H J K L M N 950 950 100 1,000 900 900 775 950 300 100 400 Ordnance and Engi- neer Corps. Hospital ship. 2. Santiago 3. Gussie 4. Cherokee 5. Seneca 6. Alamo 7. Comal 176 8 Yucatan 9. Berkshire 10. Whitney 174 11. Olivette 15 394 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Transports for Fifth Army Corps from Port Tampa, Fla., etc.-Continued. Vessels. Capacity, infantry. Horses or mules. Remarks. 12. Seguranga p Corps. 950 Commanding officer 13. Iroquois Q and staff. 14. Cnnnhn . . _ . K 1,300 900 T V 450 190 17. San Marcos w 1,100 304 26 18. D. H Miller .. 19. Saratoga 950 20 Leona 1,250 1,250 1,200 900 21. Rio Grande 22. Vigilancia 23. Orizaba 24. Mattea wan . 25. A ran sa s 20. Stillwater. ... 27. Breakwater. 500 28 Mnrcrnn 29. Manteo 30. Klnrida. 1. __ . Disabled; left behind. The composition of the Second Division, Fifth Army Corps, has been changed as regards the commander, Brig. Gen. A. R. Chaffee, U. S. Volunteers, announced in orders last received here. There is some doubt whether Brig. Gen. Robert H. Hall, U. S. Volunteers, accompanies this corps of invasion, but the following is approximately correct: SECOND DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. H. W. Lawton, U. S. Volunteers, commanding. Col. J. J. Van Horn, commanding brigade: Eighth United States Infantry, Maj. E. M. Conrad. Twenty-second United States Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. H. Patterson. Second Massachusetts Infantry, Col. E. P. Clark. Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. Robert H. Hall, U. S. Volunteers, commanding: First United States Infantry, Col. Evan Miles. Fourth United States Infantry, Lieut. Col. A. H. Brainbridge. Twenty-fifth United States Infantry, Lieut. Col. A. S. Daggett. Third Brigade, Brig. Gens. Adna R. Chaffee or John N. Andrews, U. S. Volunteers, commanding: Seventh United States Infantry, Col. D. W. Benham. Twelfth United States Infantry, Lieut. Col. Richard Comba. Seventeenth United States Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. T. Haskell. Independent Brigade, Brig. Gen. John C. Bates, commanding: Third United States Infantry, Col. John H. Page. Dismounted Cavalry Division, Maj. Gen. J. Wheeler. Regiments or squadrons, regulars: First, Second, Third, Sixth, Ninth, Tenth; volunteers: First Rough Riders. Artillery, Maj. J. W. Dillenbeck, commanding: Light Batteries E and H, First; A and F, Second; also, battalion engineers. Location Twentieth U nited States Infantry is unknown to me at date of writing. Appended is the composition of headquarters, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, June 20, 1898, aboard steamship Santiago, off Santiago de Cuba: Brig. Gen. J. Ford Kent, U. S. Volunteers, commanding First Division. Maj. Philip F. Harvey, Medical Department, U. S. Army, chief surgeon, (sick; will not be able to march). Maj. M. W. Wood. Medical Department, U. S. Army, in charge of Division Hospital No. 1. INSPECTION REPORTS. 395 Maj. Philip Reade, U. S. Volunteers, inspector-general of First Division and provost-marshall. Maj. A. C. Sharpe, U. S. Volunteers, assistant adjutant-general ot First Division. Maj. James H. McLeary, U. S. Volunteers, assistant to inspector-general of the First Division. Capt. U. G. Alexander, U. S. Volunteers, quartermaster of the division. Capt. Elmore F. Taggart, U. S. Volunteers, commissary. Capt. Frank G. Lord, U. S. Volunteers, assistant to commissary of the Division. Capt. R. W. Johnson, assistant surgeon, Medical Department, U. S. Army, Division Hospital No. 1. Capt. Guy C. M. Godfrey, assistant surgeon Medical Department, U. S. Army, acting assistant quartermaster, acting commissary of subsistence, in charge First Company Hospital Corps, Fifth Corps. Hamilton P. Jones, acting assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, immune expert. Fred J. Combe, acting assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, immune. Second Lieut. Fred. L. Munson, Ninth Infantry, U. S. Army, in charge guard detachment. First Lieut. George P. Cartwright, Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, aid-de-camp, acting judge-advocate. First Lieut. William P. Jackson, Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, aid- de-camp, ordnance officer, volunteers. Lieut. U. C. Miner, aid-de-camp, acting engineer officer. Naval Cadet Herbert G. Sparrow, of Ohio, signal officer on Santiago. Mr. Sparrow informs me that his mother is named Mrs. Amelia Sparrow, 135 Putnam street, Cleveland, Ohio. He stands at the head of his class at the Naval Academy; returns in September. He is a promising naval officer, and has already shown zeal, untiring industry, and efficiency aboard the Santiago in other lines than mere signaling. CITRIC ACID. The issue, or if not that, the sale by the Subsistence Department, to officers and enlisted men of citric acid in small air and water tight packages is recommended. Either the crystal or powdered form is to be preferred. Cholera germs can not live in citric-acid solution. Either with or without sugar, it forms a palatable drink. ITINERARY. June 7, Tuesday, 9 o'clock p. m., commanding general First Division received orders to break camp and march to railroad. June 8, Wednesday, divison reached Port Tampa during forenoon; boarded transports. June 13, Monday, First Division sailed from the stream to the bar, near Egmont, 38 miles below Tampa, and then anchored for the night. June 14, expedition under naval convoy started for Santiago de Cuba, 38 miles. June 15, Wednesday, passed between Dry Tortugas and Key West, 123 miles. June 16, passed Havana, Matanzas, Cardenas, Sagua la Grande, 189 miles. June 17, Friday, continued eastward along north coast of Cuba, 171 miles. June 18, latitude, noon observation, 21° 29', longitude 76° 12'; 115 miles. June 19, Sunday, latitude, noon observation, 20° 46', longitude 73° 49'; 152 miles. June 20, latitude, noon observation, 19° 46' 30", longitude 75° 45'; 151 miles. June 21, Tuesday, cruised and drifted about opposite Santiago de Cuba; 62 miles. General Kent sent for by General Shafter, corps commander, for orders. June 22, division commander returned early a. m. to the Santiago. Steamship fired on by battery located on Punta Gorda, 6 miles range, two shots. Bombard- ment visible from decks of Santiago. 396 June 23, Thursday, buried at sea, pneumonia, Private Frank Lossee, Company B, Ninth Infantry, of Watertown, N. Y. June 24, Friday, waiting for orders. At 3 p. m. received orders per dispatch boat Hornet to proceed, keeping ship near to the Brooklyn, to place opposite Altares. Altares is 12 miles east of Santiago de Cuba, about opposite Cajobabo Point, little beyond Berracos Point. Altares is 6 miles west of Daiquiri and east of the Jaragua River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Philip Reade, Captain, Third United States Infantry, Major, and Inspector-General First Division, Fifth Anny Corps. INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Headquarters, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, aboard the auxiliary cruiser St. Paul, Capt. Charles D. Sigsbee, U. S. Navy, commanding.] In Quarantine, Office of the Inspector-General, Off Montauk Point, Long Island, August 15, 1898. The Inspector-General, United States Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: This vessel, transporting 17 officers and 705 men of the Second Regiment Infantry, U. S. Army, pins 14 officers and 244 men of the first battalion, Seventy- first Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry; also 10 officers and 35 men, divi- sion headquarters, commanding general, J. Ford Kent, U. S. Volunteers, staff, and headquarters guard, reached Montauk Point, Long Island, at 9 o'clock a. m. this morning and dropped anchor ten minutes later about a mile or less from the shore, where other organizations of the permanent military establishment and of the volunteers had preceded us and were encamped. In the bay were the following-named transports, viz: St. Louis, Vigilancia, Gate City, Miami, and the Grand Duchesse. Three of the transports named were carrying troops belonging to this division. Major-General Wheeler, U. S. Vol- unteers, is understood to be ashore; also Brigadier-General Ames, U. S. Vol- unteers, the former commanding the Dismounted Cavalry Division, Fifth Army Corps, and the latter commanding the Third Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps. The canvas of these respective commands is visible from the St. Paul. Asst. Surg. Gen. William H. Forward, Medical Department, U. S. Army, is said to be the senior medical officer. Each vessel, except this one, the St. Paul, was told to raise the yellow flag, indicating quarantine, upon inspection by the health or by the marine medical officers. The St. Paid was, after careful inspection, first by the health officials, second by the medical examiners of the Marine Serv- ice, given a clean bill of health. This gratifying result was due to the circumspection and acumen of the chief surgeon, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Maj. M. W. Wood, Medical Depart- ment, U. S. Army, who, prior to our departure from Cuba, prevented any " sus- pect," or "infect," or "contact" case of yellow fever from accompanying the St. Paid. It is due to Dr. Wood to say that he admitted, 11th instant, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that, although he had weeded out every suspicious case, such might, probably would, develop during the three or four days requisite in which to make the 1,300-mile voyage thence to this place. Hence every consideration suggested landing immediately after arrival of the St. Paid at Montauk Point. His predic- tions have been unfortunately verified. At 11 o'clock this morning no yellow- fever case was known by any of the medical experts to exist aboard the St. Paul; at sunset, this date, the quarantine flag was raised at our foremast. INSPECTION REPORTS. 397 This deplorable fact could have been rendered unnecessary if the troops had been landed; but they could not be landed until Dr. Forward, in his official capacity, had been communicated with and had given his assent to the disembarkation. No official representative of Dr. Forward has inspected the St. Paul, so our chief surgeon, Dr. Wood, endeavored to, by boat, go to the shore for purposes of conference and report. The captain of the ship, Captain Sigsbee, so honorably known to the American public, says that the quarantine laws forbid intercom- munication between a naval vessel's passengers and the land detention author- ities. In plainer language, Dr. Wood can not land unless Dr. Forward says so. The prohibition, of course, extends to everyone aboard the St. Paul until Dr. Forward, who is not 3 miles away from a plain view of this cruiser, in his official capacity examines the occupants of the St. Paul, or sends an assistant to do so. The opportunity for visual signaling thus became obvious, and recommenda- tion was made that wigwagging or other means of communication, which should be familiar to ordinary signalmen, be resorted to. I have, with regret, to report that about three hours have been devoted to inces- sant effort to establish communication between this ship and the land. The futile efforts are due to a lack of signal-knowledge methods-lack of observation. Of the officers and men aboard the St. Paul, and who have been considered pro- ficient signalers, I fail to find more than one or two practical signalists. The Second Regiment, United States Infantry, to a man, is anxious to trans- mit and receive a simple message or two to and from the shore. The ability, not the inclination, is lacking. Lieut. Col. Edward B. Ives, United States Volunteer Signal Service, is a passen- ger aboard the St. Paid. I recommend that the Chief Signal Officer, United States Army, be advised of this signal and unfortunate failure to demonstrate the utility of a means of visual communication, a failure which is due to a lack of observance of existing reg- ulations, as expressed in the fifth, sixth, and seventh lines of Army Regula- tions 1544. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 4 Philip Reade, Major, and Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers, First Division, Fifth Army Corps. Extract from report of field inspection of the Thirteenth United States Infantry, at cam,]) near Santiago de Cuba, made July 23, 1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector-general, U. S. Volunteers. Troops fully equipped for field service?-No regiment needs complete outfit, camp, and cooking equipage. Police of tents, grounds, kitchen, sinks, etc.?-Good. Camp properly located?-Yes; except the fact that it is so far distant from water, which has to be carried nearly 2 miles by the men. There are no facilities for haul- ing water. Camp is unnecessarily near to the trenches. Properly drained?-Yes; under the circumstances. Quartermaster's supplies good and sufficient?-None received since leaving Tampa, Fla., June 7. Regiment badly in need of many articles; also clothing. No fuel is furnished by the Quartermaster's Department. Dry fuel is scarce, and is obtained by demolishing blockhouses vacated by the Spanish, gathered by labor of the troops. 398 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-Regiment subsisted on travel rations from June 7 until the 24th. Fresh vegetables and " barrel openers" are needed. After landing in Cuba June 24, full ration was not furnished, but of late greater variety, quantity, and quality of commissary supplies have been furnished. Ordnance supplies good and sufficient?-Yes; fairly so. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-No. Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No. Number of sick in quarter?-Ten officers, 93 men. A large number of men who are sick are not borne on sick report. The proportion of men who are sick but fail to report to the surgeon is three to one. Sick receive proper attention?-No; no facilities for attending sick. Medical officer in all the regiments doing all he can under adverse circumstances. Any epidemic diseases?-Thermic fevers, dengue fevers, all of which are caused by heat and exhaustion. Note 1.-Regiment needs everything ever furnished for sick men, except qui- nine, Epsom salts, and castor oil. Every day means loss by sickness and prostration. Thermic fevers, due to heat and exposure, prevail. Condition of the regiment is anaemic. Among the medical supplies the following are especially needed: Bismuth, subnitrate and gallade; salol, salicylate of soda, antipyretis, triturates (iron, quinine, and strychnine), Warburg's tincture, morp. sulph. hypo, tab., strychnine, and arsenic. Extract from report of field inspection of the Ninth United States Infantry, at camp in Santiago de Cuba, made July 22, 1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector- general, U. S. Volunteers. Troops fully equipped for field service?-No; they need camp equipage of nearly every kind; also clothing. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Fair. Camp properly located?-Regiment is quartered in old theater building, entirely unsuited for purpose. Cooking is done in the street. If the command is to be kept in the city, houses should be rented as quarters. Quartermaster supplies, good and sufficient?-Good; but not sufficient. Great demand for underwear. Most of the articles issued are worn-out. None received since leaving Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, June 7, 1898. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-Travel rations only from June 7 to 25. Men became tired of it. Full ration not supplied June 25, and date of capitula- tion. Men suffered and were reduced in health and strength. Present commis- sary supplies are improving in quantity, quality, and increasing variety. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-No; great difficulty in obtaining them. No cots and straw, no mattresses, no blankets, no food for the sick, and no way to cook it if had. Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No; there are 132 men on sick report, which is a heavy drain upon its resources. Police and capacity of hospital?-No hospital or sick ward. Sick receive proper attention?-Yes; they are attended to as well as possible. Conditions for proper attention are adverse. Any epidemic diseases?-Most of the fevers are thermic; some of the doctors call them " Cuban," some " dengue," some yellow, some pernicious malarial. ******* Note 1.-The regiment is performing provost guard duty in the city of Santiago de Cuba. The men are badly quartered. Six companies in the theater building 399 INSPECTION REPORTS. and two companies under sheds at the docks guarding quartermaster and com- missary stores. A detachment also occupies El Morro, and an island in the harbor on which is located a magazine, the Spanish general's residence, and three picket posts on roads into the country. This all in addition to a main guard from which patrols are furnished for the city. * * * * • * * * Extract from report of field inspection of the Second United States Infantry, at camp near Santiago de Cuba, made July 20, 1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspec- tor-general, U. S. Volunteers. ******* Any diseases ?-Most of the fevers are paludal fevers. Some are thermic, some yellow fever. Dysenteric and other- diarrheas prevail. Some are cases of true dysentery. Troops fully equipped for field service ?-No. Many articles of camp equipage are required. Troops require change of clothing. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc?-Good. Camp properly located?-Fairly. The position of camp has to conform with the location of trenches. The trenches are at present located about 1 mile distant from water, which has to be carried by the men. Properly drained ?-Fairly. * * * * * * * Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-None on hand. Great demand for underwear; none received since leaving Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, June 7. No fuel furnished by Quartermaster's Department. Dry wood mostly obtained by the labor of troops, who demolish blockhouses abandoned by tne Spanish to get fuel. Commissary supplies good and sufficient ?-Full rations not received since leav- ing Tampa, June 7. Quality is fair, except in many cases the bread was wet and moldy. The brigade commissary has not had stores for sale to officers. The regi- mental commissary has not been furnished with means or appliances to issue in bulk. Ordnance supplies good and sufficient ?-Yes, as to first; some articles not to be had. Medical supplies good and sufficient ?-Good, but insufficient. Too limited in variety. No cots, no mattresses, no straw, no blankets, no food for sick-no way to cook it if he had. Only one hospital and one wall tent. (See note 1). Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No; utterly insufficient. Three officers and 235 men sick. Regiment has one acting steward and three men to care for them. The wants of the hospital are and have been very great. Ambulances and stretchers, number and condition ?-No ambulance ; two stretchers, only one of which is good. Owing to lack of ambulances very sick and wounded men have had to be transported on dead-axle wagons. Police and capacity of hospitals ?-Good. Capacity for 20 sick. Number of sick in hospital?-Six ; in quarters, 221. Sick receive proper attention?-Yes, as far as practicable. The assiduous care of the Medical Department officers merits the highest commendation. Any epidemic diseases?-Yes; malarial fevers, and what some of the doctors call Cuban or dengue fever. All are thermic fevers, due to heat and exhaustion. * * * * * * * Note 1.-Regiment needs everything ever furnished for sick men except quinine, epsom salts, and castor oil. Every day means loss by prostration and sickness. 400 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Thermic and paludal fevers, due to heat and exposure, prevail. Conditions of the regiment, ansemic. Among other medical supplies the following are especially needed: Bismuth, subnitrate and gallade, salol, salicylate of soda, antipyrine, strychnine, Warburg's tincture, morphine sulphate-hypo tablets, arsenic, tonic triturates (iron, quinine, and strychnine). Extract from report of field inspection of the Twenty-first Regiment United States Infantry, made in the field near Santiago de Cuba, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector-general First Division, Fifth Army Corps, July 22, 1898. * * * * * * * Any diseases?-Thermal fever, due to heat and exhaustion, prevails; also dysen- tery. Some of the doctors designate these low fevers as pernicious malarial, dengue, and Cuban fever. Troops fully equipped for field service?-Yes, except clothing and tentage. Nearly all articles of camp equipage are required. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Good. Camp properly located?-Only fairly so. Regiment is compelled to camp in the vicinity of the trenches. Water is about three-quarters of a mile distant. Properly drained?-Fairly. ******* Quartermaster's supplies good and sufficient?-None. Great demand for under- wear. None received since leaving Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, June 7, 1898. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-Good, but insufficent. Full rations were not supplied during .the first half of July. At present commissary supplies are improving in quality, also quantity, and increasing in variety. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-Fairly so. Quinine and epsom salts about the only drugs of which a sufficient quantity is on hand. (See note 1.) Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No. Ambulances and stretchers, number and condition?-No ambulances, two stretchers. Sick remain in shelter tents. Police and capacity of hospital?-Police good. Capacity unlimited, all patients being in the open air under shelter tents. Number of sick in hospital?-Eighteen. Number of sick in quarters?-One hundred and three. Sick receive proper attention?-Yes; so far as can be under present conditions. Conditions for proper attention are adverse. Any epidemic diseases?-Malarial fever. Some of the doctors call it Cuban fever, some call it dengue fever; all are thermal fevers, due to heat and exhaustion. Most of the fevers are paludal fevers. Some are thermic fever; some are yellow fever. Dysentery and diarrheas prevail. Some are cases of true dysentery. Note 1.-Regiment needs everything ever furnished for sick men except quinine and epsom salts. Following medical supplies are needed: Bismuth, subnitrate and gallate; salol, salicylate of soda, antipyretics, strychnine, War bury's tincture, morphine sulphate-hypo tablets, arsenic, tonic triturates (iron, quinine, and strychnine). * * * * * * * Respectfully submitted. Philip Reade, Major and Inspector-General, TJ. S. Volunteers INSPECTION REPORTS. 401 Extract from report of field inspection of the Sixteenth United States Infantry, made at camp near Santiago de Cuba July 22 and 23,1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector-general First Division, Fifth Army Corps, in the field. Troops fully equipped for field service?-Troops unable to obtain change of clothing, that worn at present being worn out. Nearly all articles of camp equipage are required. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Good. Camp properly located?-Regiment has been performing almost continuous duty in the trenches up to July 14. Camp had to conform to this duty. These trenches and the present camp are about 1 mile distant from water, which has to be carried by the men. Properly drained?-Yes. * . * * * * * * Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-No. Great demand for under- wear; none received since leaving Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, June 7, 1898. No fuel furnished by Quartermaster's Department. Dry wood mostly obtained by the labor- of troops, who demolish blockhouses abandoned by the Spanish to get fuel. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-No. Since leaving Tampa, Fla., June 7, only partially supplied with travel ration. Since leaving Siboney, June 27, full ration never supplied. At present commissary supplies are improving in quality, also quantity, and increasing in variety. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-No. Good, but insufficient, and too limited in variety. No cots, no mattresses, no straw, no blankets, no food for sick, no way to cook it if we had. (See note 1.) Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No; utterly insufficient. At date there are 198 on sick report, and it has been necessary to treat and care for many of these men in their own tents, where they could have the help of their comrades. Ambulances and stretchers, number and condition?-None; sick remain in their shelter tents. Police and capacity of hospitals?-No hospital; no means for one. Sick receive proper attention?-No. They are attended as well as possible under the circumstances. Conditions for proper attention are adverse. Any epidemic diseases?-Fevers. Some of the doctors call it Cuban fever, some call it dengue fever. All are thermic fevers, due to heat and exhaustion. Most of the fevers are paludal; some are thermic; some are yellow fever. Dysenteric and other diarrheas prevail. Some are cases of true dysentery. The assiduous care of the Medical Department officers merits the highest commendation. Note 1.-Regiment needs everything ever furnished for sick men, except qui- nine, epsom salts, and castor oil. Every day means loss by prostration and sickness. Thermic fevers, due to heat and exposure, prevail. Condition of the regiment is anaemic. Among other medical supplies the following are especially needed: Bismuth, subnitrate, and gallade; salol, salicylate of soda, antipyretics, strychnine, Warburg's tincture, morph, sulph. hypo tab., arsenic, tonic triturates (iron, quinine, strychnine). ****** * Respectfully submitted. Philip Reade, Major, Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers. 7833-vol. 1 26 402 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Extract from report of field inspection of the Tenth United States Infantry, made at camp near Santiago de Cuba July 21, 1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector- general First Division, Fifth Army Corps, in the field. Troops fully equipped for field service?-No. Many articles of camp equipage are required; also cooking outfit. Troops unable to obtain change of clothing, that worn at present being worn out. Most of the articles necessary are aboard the transports. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Good. Camp properly located?-Camp is necessarily near the trenches, the regiment being still on guard duty. Water is about 1 mile distant, supply of which has to be carried by the men. Properly drained?-Yes; well as is possible. * * * * * * • * Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-No. Great demand for under- wear; none furnished since leaving Tampa, Fla., June 7,1898. No fuel furnished by Quartermaster's Department. Dry wood mostly obtained by the labor of troops, who demolish blockhouses abandoned by the Spanish to get fuel. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-No. Since leaving Tampa, Fla., June 7, only partially supplied with traveling rations. Since leaving Siboney, June 27, full rations never supplied. At present onions and potatoes are too often replaced by canned stuff. Commissary supplies are improving in quality, also in quantity, and increasing in variety. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-Good, but insufficient and too limited in variety. No cots, no blankets, no mattresses, no straw, no food for sick, no way to cook it if we had. (See note 1.) Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No; utterly insufficient. At date there are 46 men and 6 officers on sick report. The Tenth United States Infantry is practically a sanitarium, with only two or three officers able to do full duty. The cases of sick men who are not on sick report as compared with the number of men who are on sick report is about as 3 to 1. Ambulances and stretchers, number and condition?-No ambulances; seven stretchers in good condition. Police and capacity of hospital?-Thirty men. Properly located?-Yes. The assiduous ca^e of the Medical Department officers merits the highest commendation. Sick receive proper attention?-Yes; the best possible. Conditions for proper attention are very adverse. Any epidemic diseases?-Fevers; some of the doctors call it Cuban, some dengue fever. All are thermic fevers, due to heat and exhaustion. Note 1.-Regiment needs everything ever furnished for sick men except quinine, epsom salts, and castor oil, Every day means loss by prostration and sickness. Thermic fever, due to heat and exposure, prevails. Condition of the regiment is ansemic. Among other medical supplies the following are especially needed: Bismuth, subnitrate, andgallade; salol, salicylate of soda, antipyretics, strychnine, Warburg's tincture, morph, sulph. hypo, tab., arsenic, tonic triturates (iron, quinine, and strychnine). * * * * * * * Respectfully submitted. Philip Reade, Major, Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers. INSPECTION REPORTS. 403 Extract from report of field inspection of the Thirty-Fourth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in camp near Santiago de Cuba, made July 23 and 2j, 1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector-general, U. S. Volunteers. Troops fully equipped for field service?-No. Nearly all articles of camp equi- page are required in addition to change of clothing. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Yes; fairly good. Camp properly located?-No; it is unnecessarily close to the trenches when we are still on guard. Water is fully a mile distant, and has to be carried by the men from San Juan River. * * * * * * * Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-No. Great demand for under- wear; none received since leaving Tampa. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-No. On leaving Siboney the regi- ment was furnished three days' rations. Being unable to carry them, and being, moreover, inexperienced, the regiment abandoned a portion of these rations, and twenty-four hours later was almost destitute of subsistence supplies. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-No. Good, but insufficient, and too lim- ited in variety. No cots, no mattresses, no straw, no blankets, no food for sick, and no way to cook it if we had. Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-Yes. Ambulances and stretchers, number and condition?-None. Sick remain in their shelter- tents. Number of sick in hospital?-No hospital, nor any means for one; in quarters, 231, 8 of whom are officers. Sick receive proper attention?-As far as possible under the conditions. Any epidemic diseases?-Most of the fevers are paludal fevers; some are thermic, some are yellow fever. Dysenteric and other diarrheas are prevalent. Some are true cases of dysentery. Extract from report of field inspection of the Sixth United States Infantry, made in camp near Santiago de Cuba July 19, 1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector- general First Division, Fifth Army Corps, in the field. Any diseases?-Most of the fevers are paludal fevers; some are thermic, some yellow fever. Dysenteric and other diarrheas prevail. Some are true cases of dysentery. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Good. Camp properly located?-Yes. The camp is near to the trenches, which is about 1 mile distant from water, which has to be carried by the men. Properly drained?-Yes. ******* Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-None on hand. Great demand for underclothing; none received since leaving Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, June 7, 1898. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-None on hand. After leaving Siboney the full rations not supplied. Men suffered from lack of nourishing food. When in the trenches men had to do individual cooking. Fuel is scarce, but we are promised that subsistence stores will improve in quality and quantity and increase in variety. Ordnance supplies good and sufficient?-None on hand, excepting small arms in the hands of the men and cartridges as noted on first page. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-Scarcely any on hand. Not sufficient. No cots, no mattresses, no blankets, no food for sick nc waj to cook it if we had. (See note 1.) 404 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No. One man and one steward. At date there are 8 officers and 185 men on sick report, and it has been necessary to treat and care for many of these men in their own tents, where they could have the help of their comrades. Ambulance and stretchers, number and condition?-None. Sick remain in their shelter tents. Police and capacity of hospital?-No hospital. Men treated in their own shelter tents. No material or canvas for a hospital. Number of sick in hospital?-Thirty-four; in quarters, 151 men and 8 officers. Sick receive proper attention?-Received proper personal attention. Strength of the hospital corps does not admit rendering proper attention. Surgeon does the best he can. Any epidemic diseases?-Yes; so-called Cuban fever. * * * Note 1.-Regiment needs everything ever furnished for sick men except quinine, epsom salts, and castor oil. Every day means loss by prostration and sickness. Thermic fevers, due to heat and exposure, prevail; also paludal fevers. Condi- tion of the regiment is anaemic. Among other medical supplies especially needed are as follows, viz: Bismuth, subnitrate and gallade; salol, salicylate of soda, anti- pyretics, strychnine, Warburg's tincture, morph, (sulph., hypo., tab.), arsenic, tonic triturates (iron, quinine, and strychnine). * * * * * * * Note 3.-It is noted all sanitary precautions are being taken; sinks are removed to the bottom lands, 300 yards away from the slopes occupied by the troops. There is no odor; grounds are policed each morning. Canvas, what there is of it, is being removed, so as to let the sun dry the ground where men and officershave slept; blankets are aired on bushes. Men boil their water in such tin cans as they can obtain. The needs of the regiment are full rations, ovens, (Buzzacott), stoves, clean clothing, mail facilities, and matches. * * * * * * * Respectfully submitted. Philip Reade, Major, Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers. Extract Jrom report of field inspection of the Seventy-first Regiment New York Volunteers, made at camp near Santiago de Cuba, July 23,1898, by Maj. Philip Reade, inspector-general, First Division, Fifth Army Corps. ******* Any diseases?-Malarial fevers, dysentery, lumbago; anaemic condition. Ther- mal fevers, due to heat and exhaustion, prevail. Troops fully equipped for field service?-Regiment needs blankets, canvas clothing, and camp equipage of every description. All blankets and personal belongings left at Siboney, June 25; not since recovered. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Good, considering the area to which restricted. Camp properly located?-As good a location as any about this section. No water less than a- mile distant, and nothing but canteens to carry it in; very severe on the men. Properly drained?-Yes, located on the hillside. Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-None. Great demand for under- wear; none received since leaving Lakeland, Fla., May 25, 1898. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-Pork, hardtack, and coffee as a steady diet in a tropical climate is not conducive to health. Half rations of these articles of food is responsible for much of the prevailing sickness. Vegetables INSPECTION REPORTS. 405 and acids are very essential. At present, commissary supplies are increasing in quality, also in quantity, and increasing in variety. Ordnance supplies good and sufficient?-Yes. Regiment armed with caliber .45 Springfields; rusted and worn by exposure and service. Regiments want the same rifle and cartridge the United States infantry are supplied with; black powder objectionable. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-Not when needed the most. (See note 1 hereon.) * * * * * * * Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-No. Police and capacity of hospital?-Police good; capacity limited only by the num- ber of shelter tents. Properly located?-Yes; on high ground, separate from the camp proper. Number sick in hospital?-Forty-seven. Number sick in quarters?-Two hundred and forty. Sick receive proper attention?-All the attention that the present facilities will afford. Conditions for proper attention are very adverse. Any epidemic diseases?-Both affirmed and denied by medical men that yellow fever exists in this division. Cases of measles have occurred. Thermal fevers, due to heat and exhaustion, are very prevalent. Some of the medical men call these fevers dengue; some call them pernicious malarial fever; some call them Cuban fever. Most of the fevers are paludal fevers; some are thermic; some are yellow fever. Dysenteric and other diarrheas prevail. Some are cases of true dysentery. ****** * Note 1.-The surgeon Seventy-first Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, Maj. W. D. Bell, states as follows: "About the only medicines available in the medical department are quinine, castor oil, compound cathartics, diarrhea pills, and salts. No stimulants yet received, though promised. Capt. H. E. Stafford purchased at his own expense in Tampa about $40 worth of drugs for the regiment, for which he paid cash from his own funds. I also purchased from private funds for the use of the regiment, in Tampa, Fla., about $70 worth of drugs. My purchases included Warburg's tincture in capsule form, bismuth in large quantity, antiseptic pills, ginger, aro- matic spirits of ammonia, phenol bromide, and salol. "When this regiment left New York, the 14th of May, it had a thoroughly equipped hospital corps and medical department so far as the personnel went. The present strength of the regiment, sick and well, is 964 officers and men. Of these, 7 officers are sick, 47 men are sick in hospital, and 233 are sick in quarters. "My available force for the care of these sick consists of two hospital corps privates. Both of my stewards are sick; I am sick; Asst. Surg. Capt. H. E. Staf- ford is sick-has had a temperature of over 100 degrees for three days past and ought to be on the sick report himself, but continues in his devotion to his duties. All the rest of my hospital corps have been taken from me. It is like taking away the lock of a soldier's rifle prior to sending him into a fight to strip a new regiment of its hospital corps men, under recent and existing circumstances." Headquarters Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Inspector-General's Office, Huntsville, Ala., August 19, 1898. Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Sir: In compliance with verbal orders from the general commanding, I have the honor to report the result of my inspection of the Fifth Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. R. Dorsey Coale. 406 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. I inspected six companies on the 6th, five companies on the 8th, and Company F, detailed and doing duty at division headquarters, on the 13th instant. I was accompanied by battalion commanders, each in his respective battalion. This regiment was mustered into the United States service on the 14th day of May, 1898. About 50 per cent of its numerical strength has had some instruction, prior to entering the United States service, as national guardsmen in the State. The men are armed with the Springfield rifle, caliber .45. About one-half of the guns are old, having been used in the State service from ten to fifteen years. The other half of the guns were issued to the regiment new by the Government, after entering the service. The old guns show age, and are in a condition which makes it necessary for the men to be watchful and diligent to keep them from rusting, yet in othei' respects they are in good order and serviceable. About 50 oi' 75 per cent of the men have the army regulation overcoat, which they brought with them from the State, and are poorly cared for, many of them being unfit for use. Many officers expressed a desire to have the men relieved of this burden. It appears to be unnecessary to encumber soldiers with such clothing in a climate like this, and unjust to make them care for and retain them, or else pay for them if lost or destroyed, as is the case, which cannot be well avoided; yet, in view of the fact that the regiment may be mustered out within a few months, and in order that the men may not be compelled to pay for them, I would recommend that the coats be packed, stored, and cared for, that they may be returned to the State when the regiment is mustered out, or else turned over to the Government. The men are otherwise too heavily burdened and loaded down with a great variety of personal effects. The inspection showed that there is a good degree of interest manifested by the field and line officers, yet a closer application of the customs of the service in administrative affairs' would produce better results for the labor performed. Nothing is ever required in general or special orders that can not be performed. All provisions in orders from constituted authority, whether oral or written, should be rigidly enforced, strictly obeyed, and faithfully performed. This is a fundamental principle of military government, which admits of no apology for violation or even modification. Not only the health and comfort, but the safety and success of an army in the field, depends entirely upon the conscientious observance of this uncompromising principle. A failure to do this was observed in some of the companies by neglecting to boil the water used for domestic purposes. It may be a small matter, and yet the penalty may be a vast amount of sickness and even death. The reason given in some of the companies for this open disobedience was that some thought it not necessary, and that it did no good, while others thought they were relieved from the execution of the order because the Government did not furnish kettles expressly for that purpose. In neither case, and under no circumstances, can an officer justify himself or be justified by his superior for such disobedience even in small matters. The arms were in good condition with a few bad exceptions. A few pieces were rusty, dirty, and exhibited lack of care and attention. Many bayonet sock- ets were rusty, which caused the end of the barrel to rust, showing that that part of the gun was neglected. One lock was out of order, several bayonets bent, all of which defects were ordered corrected. When 95 out of 100 men can and do keep their arms in perfect order at all times, the inspector fails to understand why the other 5 can not do the same. There is no excuse for this neglect, and it is unbecoming an officer, and he fails to comprehend his duties when he makes an excuse and apologizes for an enlisted man for the bad condition of his arms, in his presence. It is not only detrimental, but demoralizing to the best interest 407 INSPECTION REPORTS. of the service, and it should never be done. Send him to his quarters to put his gun in condition, with orders to report to your quarters after inspection with his piece for your examination, and it will not frequently occur the second time. Clothing, particularly trousers, are badly worn, no effort having been made to replace them, as the regiment is to be uniformed with the new canvas or khaki uniforms in the near future. Many men were without two pairs of shoes, some with but one suit of underwear, and some without any, and have not worn any since entering the service. A few pairs of leggings are needed to make the outfit complete. Haversacks, canteens, and mess kits are in good order, showing proper care, only a few articles being missing. Every man is supplied with a shelter half, poles and pins, poncho, and wool blanket. Rations drawn give satisfaction and are sufficient. At some of the company mess tents the lack of knowledge of how to cook and make the best use of what they have is apparent. In some of the companies the subsistence stores were not suitably cared for. Boxes should not be allowed to rest on the ground, but placed on boards, or what is better, on poles or joists, so as to admit a free circulation of air under and around the pack- ages. It is the duty of commanding officers to look after such matters, both on the score of economy and the health of their men. The general police of the camp was good, kitchens fairly neat, with one or two exceptions-that of Companies D and M being bad. In most cases kitchen sinks or pits were well cared for. In one or two instances two companies used the same sink. This is not a satisfactory way. No one seems to be accountable, particu- larly if it becomes a subject of criticism. Officers should always assume all the responsibilities of their respective commands and never share the responsibilities of others. There was but one large sink for the use of men and this was not properly screened. In no case should more than two companies use the same pit, and in no case, unless the officer of the day is held strictly accountable for their sanitary condition. Schools are held for the instruction of officers and noncommissioned officers, and a good interest is manifested on the part of all to learn their duties, and then discharge them in an intelligent manner. Discipline in the command is good, but not up to the standard it should be, nor of that order which can easily be attained. I heard much loud and profane language in some companies after they were dismissed, while inspecting other companies near by. To allow this is not creditable to any officer, and is detrimental to good order and military discipline. Some wrong commands and incorrect positions were taken, substituting com- mands and movements not found in Drill Regulations. In many cases in the ceremony of inspection, after arms were stacked, the company was moved one or more paces to the rear, the front rank faced about by command of the com- manding officer, preparatory to unslinging knapsacks. There is no authority for this movement. Aftei' arms are stacked, ranks are opened. This formation, however, does not give sufficient space between ranks to spread out the pack and display the contents, when the blanket roll is used, which is now substituted or allowed in the place of the blanket bag. The commanding officer should therefore regulate the movement to have the necessary distance to display the pack. In many instances the command was given " Unsling knapsacks," and then " Open blanket rolls." In other cases the command was given "Unsling blanket rolls, open blanket roll," all of which is wrong. The command should be "Unsling knapsack, open knapsack," no matter what the pattern of the pack may be. (See note, paragraph 98, Drill Regulations.) The administration of affairs is intelligently administered. The medical staff labors hard to preserve the health of the command, but its efforts are baffled by the diligent indiscretion of the men in their desire to gratify appetite. The quar- 408 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. termaster is properly equipped with teams and tools to carry on the work of his department. The inspection of Company F was very gratifying. Arms were in excellent order, clothing clean and neat, police of company street, quarters, and kitchen uncommonly good. Subsistence stores were well housed, water boiled, all refuse gathered from policing camp, including all vegetable and animal matter from the kitchen, is burned daily, and the sink was filled, so there was no odor whatever. The following statement shows the strength of the regiment, present and absent: Officers present for duty 43 Absent and sick 10 Enlisted men for duty 1,106 Enlisted men sick and absent 140 In arrest 18 Everything being taken into consideration, it is a good volunteer regiment, composed of- good material, and simply needs time and experience to fit it for active service. Very respectfully, D. M. White, Major, Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers. [First indorsement.] Headquarters Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Huntsville, Ala., August 22, 1898. Respectfully forwarded to the adjutant-general, Fourth Army Corps. Simon Snyder. Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] Headquarters Fourth Army Corps, Camp Wheeler, Huntsville, Ala., August 26, 1898. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army. J. J. Coppinoer, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Hdqrs. Fourth Army Corps, Office of the Inspector-General, Tampa, Fla., June 25, 1898. The Adjutant-General Fourth Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to the instructions of the major- general commanding, I have made inspections of the Second New York Volunteer Infantry, * * * and would respectfully submit the following report. To this report is attached a tabulated statement of needs. ******* On June 18 I inspected the Second New York Volunteer Infantry, twelve com- panies, Col. E. E. Hardin commanding. Officers and men present and absent, 993; absentees all on guard and recruiting duty. This regiment has 100 rounds of ammunition per man; rifles and belts all serv- iceable; haversacks, canteens, mess outfits all serviceable. The Merriam pack is carried and liked by the men. Tentage sufficient. As a rule the blue clothes are of State issue, and while serviceable at present should soon be replaced by new clothing. There are 29 wagons and 117 mules. INSPECTION REPORTS. 409 The inspection of this regiment was made by company, and as far as could be determined by the marching and manual for this ceremony the regiment's drill is good. The rifles and equipments are all serviceable, but rust was found in many guns. The guard duty is good; the military courtesy fair. The colonel, who has great energy and the best of judgment, superintends all drills, and the regiment is improving rapidly and should be in good shape very soon. The men are cheerful, willing, and of fine physique. The officers are diligent, intelligent, and willing workers. With the exception of potatoes the rations are good. About 50 per cent of the potatoes issued up to the present time are rotten. The sinks should be inclosed and made more comfortable for the men. The regiment is well pleased with its camp site, but to my mind the site seems very much cramped and not at all suitable for so many men (three regiments). Of course, the men have the advantage of sea bathing, but there is no drill ground and no shade to speak of. One regiment of this brigade (Carpenter's) marches each night to Tampa Heights, bivouacs in shelter tents, and practices at outpost and other drills, returning to their camp about 10 o'clock the following morning. I believe this regiment will be entirely satisfactory in a short time. ******* Very respectfully, J. K. Thompson, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Volunteers, Acting Inspector-General. Hdqrs. Fourth Army Corps, Office of the Inspector-General, • Tampa, Fla.. June 25, 1898. The Adjutant-General Fourth Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to the instructions of the major- general commanding, I have made the inspection of the * * * Third Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry, * * * and would respectfully submit the following report. To this report is attached a tabulated statement of needs. -x- * * * * -x- * On June 21 I inspected the Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, eight.com- pamies, Colonel Ballston commanding. Five hundred and twenty-one officers and men present; 24 officers and men absent; absentees on guard and recruit- ing. Two hundred and ninety thousand rounds of ammunition; none short. The regiment is fully equipped with rifles and one belt per man for men present; practically equipped with haversacks, canteens, mess kits, and uniforms; 19 wagons and 77 mules. The inspection of this regiment was made by company, and as far as could be determined by the marching and manual for this ceremony the regiment's drill is good. Rifles and equipments are all serviceable, but rust was found in many guns. The guard duty is good and the military courtesy fair. The colonel super- intends all drills, and the regiment should be in good shape when the other four companies are recruited and drilled. The men are cheerful, willing, and of fine physique. The officers are diligent, intelligent, and willing workers. The rations are good except the potatoes, of which about 50 per cent were rotten. The sinks and kitchens are well cared for. This regiment is at Port Tampa City, where the water is brackish. The water is boiled and filtered before the men drink it. ******* Very respectfully, J. K. Thompson, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Volunteers, Acting Inspector-General. 410 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Hdqrs. Fourth Army Corps, Office of the Inspector-General, Tampa, Fla., June 25, 1898. The Adjutant-General Fourth Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to report that, pursuant to the instructions of the major- general commanding, I have made inspections of the * * * First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and would respectfully submit the following report. To this report is attached a tabulated statement of needs. * * * * * * * On June 23 I inspected the First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, twelve companies, Colonel Turner commanding. Seven hundred and sixty-two officers and men present; 247 officers and men absent; absentees reported by name. Attention is invited to the large number of absentees. This regiment and 134 recruits had just arrived from Chicago. It expects to fill its quota before June 27. It has 340,000 rounds of ammunition; it needs 134,000 rounds, not counting ammunition necessary for recruits. Except recruits, this regiment is fully equipped with one rifle and two belts per man. Its uniform is serviceable; has 30 wagons and 121 mules. The inspection of this regiment was made by company, and as far as could be determined by the marching and manual for this ceremony the regiment's drill is good. The rifles and equipments are all serviceable, but rust and dirt were found in many guns. The guard duty is good. In camp the military courtesy is good, but out of camp bad. I passed privates of this regiment who utterly failed to salute until stopped and questioned about their duty in this respect. I should add that this negligence is not confined to the First Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but is universal over the entire command, officers very often setting the bad example. The colonel superintends regimental drills and is present at some of the others. This regiment should be in good shape soon. The men are cheerful, willing, and of fine physique. The officers are diligent, intelligent, and willing workers. I should like to call special attention to Captain Funkhausen, Company K. The internal economy of this company is well administered in his hands. The kitchens of tins regiment are clean and the sinks in good condition. The rations are good, except the potatoes, which are about 50 per cent bad. The water for this regiment is hauled in cars from Ybor City and is good. Very respectfully, J. K. Thompson, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Volunteers, Acting Inspector-General. Headquarters Fourth Army Corps, Office of the Inspector-General, Tampa, Fla., June 25, 1898. The Adjutant-General Fourth Army Corps. Sir: I have the honor to report that pursuant to the instructions of the major- general commanding, I have made inspections of the * * * One hundred and fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, * * * and would respectfully sub- mit the following report. To this report is attached a tabulated statement of needs: ******* On June 20 I inspected the One hundred and fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 12 companies, Colonel Studebaker commanding. Seven hundred and eighty-five officers and men present; 251 officers and men absent. Absentees were accounted for by name; attention is called to the large number. This regiment has a fair band of 22 pieces. It has 397,000 rounds of ammuni- INSPECTION REPORTS. 411 tion; still needs 66,000. Rifles and belts all serviceable. Many bayonet scabbards in a very bad condition; they are very old, and the leather attaching the steel scabbard to the belt is old, rotten, and, in most instances, entirely unserviceable. The chief ordnance officer has no new scabbards on hand. The blue uniform, as a rule, is good. The regiment has still some old uniforms brought from the State; these are of very little value, being old and rotten. They have 30 wagons and 121 mules. Inspection of this regiment was made by company, and as far as could be determined by the formation and manual for this ceremony, the drill is not good. The rifles, as a rule, were filthy with rust and grease. The guard duty was performed in a most slovenly manner, and the military courtesy is bad. The colonel superintends most drills. The men are cheerful, willing, and of fine physique. Some of the company officers seem well instructed, and others seem very far from knowing their work. Few or no companies were properly prepared for inspection. The dressing at open ranks was very bad, and the manual, dur- ing inspection, worse. The ration is reported good with the exception of potatoes, about 50 per cent of the latter being reported rotten. This regiment is camped at Port Tampa City, where the water is brackish and bad. The water in this regiment is boiled for drinking purposes. Sea bathing at this camp is excellent. * * * * * * * Very respectfully, J. K. Thompson, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Volunteers, Acting Inspector-General. Extract from report of field inspection of the Fourth Regiment Missouri Infantry Volunteers, made at Camp Russell A. Alger, Va., July 25, 1898, by Maj. R. A. Brown, inspector general-, U. S. Volunteers. Troops fully equipped for field service?-Yes. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Good. Camp properly located?-Yes. Transportation in good condition and sufficient?-None. Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-Tentage insufficient and much of it unserviceable. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-Rations satisfactory. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-No; supplies are deficient in variety. Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-Yes. Ambulances and stretchers, number and condition?-No ambulances; 4 stretchers. Police and capacity of hospital?-No regimental hospital. Number of sick in hospital?-Thirty-six, mostly measles; in quarters, 22 con- valescents, from measles mostly. Sick receive proper attention?-Yes. Any epidemic diseases?-Measles. The condition of this regiment in equipment, discipline, and instruction is satisfactory, and progress is evidently along the proper lines and in the right spirit. Respectfully submitted. R. A. Brown, Major, and Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers, Second Division, Second Army Corps. 412 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Extract from a report of field inspection of the One hundred and sixty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, made at Panama Park, Fla., September 2, 1898, by Lieut. Col. Curtis Guild, jr., inspector-general, Seventh Army Corps. * * * * * * * Troops fully equipped for field service?-As nearly as other volunteer regiments have been equipped. Police of tents, grounds, kitchens, sinks, etc.?-Excellent. Camp properly located?-Yes. Dry, sandy soil. Sunny plain. Properly drained?-Thoroughly. Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-Additional blue shirts needed. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-Constant complaint of bad fresh beef. Much delay in getting rations. Last ten-day issue was thirty-six hours late. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-Yes; larger variety than most hospitals. Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-Yes. Ambulance's and stretchers, number and condition?-None. Police and capacity of hospital?-Good. Tw'elve. Properly located?-Yes. Number of sick in hospital?-Four. Number of sick in quarters?-Forty-two, Sick receive propel' attention?-Yes. Any epidemic diseases?-No. ******* Respectfully submitted. Curtis Guild, Jr., Lieutenant-Colonel, Inspector-General, U. S. Volunteers. Extract from report of field inspection of the Sixth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, in camp at Panama Park, Fla., made September 3, 1898, by Lieut. Col. Curtis Guild, jr., inspector-general, U. S. Volunteers. * ****** Troops fully equipped for field service? - Yes, as far as most so-called " equipped " volunteer regiments are. Police of tents, grounds, kitchen, sinks, etc.?-Good. Camp properly located?-Yes. * * * * * * * Quartermaster supplies good and sufficient?-Trousers (woolen) somewhat worn; only one blue shirt; no khakis; not sufficient. Commissary supplies good and sufficient?-Fresh beef constantly bad. Great delay in getting other rations. Medical supplies good and sufficient?-Yes. Strength of hospital corps sufficient?-Yes. Ambulance and stretchers, number and condition?-Two stretchers. Sick at division hospital. Number of sick in hospital?-Nine; in quarters, 66. Sick receive proper attention?-Yes. Any epidemic diseases?-No. * •;> * * * w * INSPECTION REPORTS. 413 Brief of report of Curtis Guild, jr., lieutenant-colonel, inspector general. Jacksonville, Fla., August 29,1898. The hospital is located to the east of the camp of the First Brigade, Second Division. The site was chosen by Lieutenant-Colonel Maus, chief surgeon, and myself. The soil is sandy and dry, the tents being shaded by lofty pine trees. The water is from the. city supply, and is pure and free from the usual smell of sulphur. The corral and ambulances are across the railroad to the left, and ambulance is easily and quickly summoned. Tents were neat and well policed. The receiving tent is to the left, a circular pavilion where patients are received and examined as to the nature of the disease. Tent furnished with a dozen cots; contract surgeon in attendance; only three patients at the time of visit. Premises neat. The bath house is a wooden building adjoining the quartermaster's storeroom, with two set bath tubs. The waste water from this bath house lies in an open ditch. Was informed that box drain had been ordered, and recommended for immediate construction. In the office found the various books correctly kept. There is no return of any nature showing property accountability. Surgeon in charge has received none, though repeatedly requested. Dispensary well furnished with ordinary drugs and supplies, but great difficulty is experienced in getting nitroglycerine, strychnia, and other tonics. The local supply depot is limited to the field supply table, which is absurdly inadequate for the needs of the semipermanent hospitals and army corps in camp. Major Pilcher reports all reasonable requisitions, outside field supply table, are immediately honored by Surgeon-General and goods shipped at once. I recommend full supply table be ordered at once for this place. We have had a number of deaths here. There is no postmortem case (Par. 248, Man. Med. Dept.) on hand. There is not at this hospital, nor I am informed at any other in this corps, any eye and ear case. (Par. 235, Man for Med. Dept.) Only one microscope has been furnished, and that is without accessories, so microscopic examinations of samples of milk, food, etc., and the blood of patients for malaria and typhoid bacilli is impossible. A neglect to fill requisitions for such highly important appliances in a subtropical climate is incomprehensible. Recommend attention of corps commander to the lack of these three cases. (Pars. 235,248,258.) At the hour of my visit there were 352 patients in the hospital, of whom 276 were suffering from typhoid. There is very little doubt in my mind that it is con- tracted from drinking lemonade, milk shakes, and other drinks sold by peddlers from water drawn from infected surface wells. I recommend men be forbidden to purchase food or drink from peddlers, and that such drinks as ginger ale, etc., be sold at the regimental post exchange in every regiment. Then follows a description of the hospital, which seems to be satisfactory. We found in several cases pans and bottles filled with urine unemptied outside of the tents. The ground about the tents is littered with papers, orange, lime, and lemon peel. Recommend immediate issue of waste buckets, to be placed between the beds for refuse; also the issue of cups for sputum. None in the wards at present. In one of the minor wards was a patient suffering from skin disease. Beneath his bed was a mass of dirty bandages. The nurse in charge was reprimanded. Force of nurses is inadequate. I saw in one ward a man vomiting, another calling for a bedpan, and a third for ice water, all at once, with but one man to attend to them. Not one experienced steward has ever been sent here. It 414 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. is impossible to detain inexperienced privates for typhoid fever, as the slightest carelessness is the cause of death. In regard to the kitchens and commissary stores, premises were clean and neat. The waste water drains into an open cesspool, filled to overflowing. Am informed a box train is in process of construction. In the diet kitchen two cooks are employed. Their outfit consists of one blue-flame kerosene stove, with three burners. On this single stove, in addition to the constant calls for hot water for poultices, must be cooked all the food for at least 250 men not on full diet. A more ridiculous travesty of equipment it would be hard to find. Speaks well of Red Cross Society and their supplies, giving them great credit. In conclusion says the greatest need of all is for more experienced nurses. Has heard this hospital praised by George Kennan and Clara Barton. Headquarters Seventh Army Corps, Office Inspector-General, Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Fla., August 24, 1808. Inspector-General of the Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to inclose report of inspection of Second Division hos- pital, as prescribed, paragraph 872, Army Regulations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Curtis Guild, Jr.. Lieutenant-Colonel, Inspector-General. Headquarters Seventh Army Corps, Office Inspector-General, Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Fla., August 21, 1808. The Adjutant-General, Seventh Army Corps, Jacksonville, Fla. Sir: In obedience to order, copy inclosed, I have the honor to report that I pro- ceeded, within five minutes of receipt of the order, to the Second Division hospital and performed the required tour of inspection. I have the honor to inclose statement of the hospital fund, tabular view of the sick, by diseases and regiments, and complete deaths since the foundation of the hospital, and statement as to strength of the hospital corps, map of the hos- pital and grounds, and roster of the surgeons in charge. LOCATION. The hospital is located to the east of the camp of the First Brigade, Second Division, in the rear of the camp of the general commanding, along the shell road leading to Panama, and south of the spur track originally constructed for Bucks mills. The site was chosen by Lieutenant-Colonel Maus, chief surgeon, and myself. The soil is sandy and dry, the tents being shaded by lofty pine trees. The water furnished is from the city supply, coming originally from artesian wells, and is pure and free from the usual smell of sulphur. ARRANGEMENT. The ground plan of the hospital camp is as shown on inclosed map. The corral and ambulances are across the railroad to the left, and, as I found by test, ambu- lance is easily and quickly summoned. The officers' tents are in line along the road, the major surgeon commanding being in the center. Tents were neat and well policed. INSPECTION REPORTS. 415 The receiving tent (N) is to the left; a circular pavilion where patients are received, relieved immediately by treatment, if in pain, and examined as to the nature of the disease. Tent furnished with a dozen cots; a contract surgeon is in attendance. There were only three patients at the time of my visit. Premises neat. If possible the patient is taken from the receiving tent to the bath house. The bath house (V) is a wooden building adjoining the quartermaster's store- room, with two set bath tubs. In one of these the newcomer is thoroughly bathed before being removed to one of the wards. The waste water from this bath house lies in an open ditch. Was informed that box drain had been ordered. Recom- mend its immediate construction. The office and dispensary (Y X) are side by side in the center of the wards, which radiate from them like the sticks of a fan. I found the various books cor- rectly kept. There is, however, no return of any nature showing property accountability. The surgeon in charge reports that he has received none, though he has repeatedly requested it. The dispensary was well furnished with ordinary drugs and supplies, such as carbolic acid, castor oil, whisky, quinine, bicarbonate of soda. Great difficulty, it was reported, had been experienced in getting nitro- glycerine, strychnia, and other tonics. The local-supply depot, under charge of Major Pilcher, is limited to the field- supply table, which is absurdly inadequate for the needs of the semipermanent hospitals of an army corps in camp. Major Pilcher reports that all reasonable requisitions outside the field-supply table are immediately honored by the Surgeon- G-eneral, and the goods shipped at once. As, however, remedies are needed immediatly and not after the lapse of two or three days, and as we are rapidly approaching the sickliest season of the year, I respectfully recommend that the full supply table be ordered at once to be kept on hand at this place. Even if ordered away immediately, several hundred sick will be necessarily left behind, and these must be cared for. We have had a number of deaths here. There is no post-mortem case (par. 248, Man. Med. Dept.) on hand. There is not at this hospital, nor, I am informed, at any other in this corps, any eye and ear case (par. 235, Man. Med. Dept.). Only one microscope has been furnished, and that is without accessories, so that microscopic examination of samples of milk, food, etc., and the blood of patients for malaria and typhoid bacilli is impossible. The neglect to fill requisitions for such highly important appliances in a subtropical climate are incomprehensible. I respectfully recommend the immediate attention of the corps commander to the lack of these three cases (235, 248, 258). Number of patients.-.At the hour of my visit there were 352 patients in the hospital, of whom 276 are suffering from typhoid fever. There is very little doubt in my mind that it is contracted from drinking lemonade, milk shakes, and other drinks sold by peddlers and made from water drawn from the numer- ous infected surface wells. I recommend that enlisted men be forbidden to pur- chase food or drink from peddlers in the vicinity of the camp, and that properly inspected supplies of such mild luxuries as ginger ale, unadulterated milk, etc., be sold at the regimental post exchanges, which should exist in every regiment. The five principal wards radiate like the sticks of a fan from the dispensary and office, an admirable arrangement, for which great praise is due to Major Bock- mann, who devised the laying out of the hospital. In each of the main wards (A, B, D, E). filled for the most part with fever patients, there are ten hospital tents,' arranged end to end in pairs. An open-air space covered with a roofing of boughs separates each couple of tents. There are usually eight cots in each tent, arranged lengthwise. Regulation charts of the cases are properly kept. The center ward is devoted to surgical cases, and con- tains but eight hospital tents. In its immediate rear are (L) three hospital tents, arranged end to end, for dressing room and operating room. 416 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. These tents contain two surgical chests No. 1 and two surgical chests No. 2. There are two sterilizing chests in addition to a private sterilizing apparatus, and three operating tables with all necessary supplies, such as lint, bandages, etc. A small oil stove keeps hot water boiling constantly for sterilization and the needs of operations. The patients in all five of these wards seemed contented, and stated generally that they had no complaints. The exceptions were a few typhoid patients who complained of great hunger-the usual symptom of the convalescent stage-a longing which, of course, can not be gratified. At the time of my visit the patients were quite generally eating or being fed with vanilla ice cream, made under supervision on the grounds, the materials being furnished by the Red Cross Society. The hospital swarms with flies. Each patient has a fly net, but most of them say they do not wish it, as it cuts off the air. In many of the tents there are electric fans, the gift of the Red Cross Society. Barrels of diluted carbolic acid for imme- diate disinfection are in the air spaces between the wards. These barrels are closely watched and conspicuously labeled " Poison." The solution, however, is not strong enough to materially injure a man, even if by any accident he drank a glassful. I found in several cases pans and bottles filled with urine unemptied outside the tents. The ground about the tents was littered with papers, orange, lime, and lemon peel thrown out by the patients. The sinks (P) are 100 yards or so from the main ward. I would respectfully recommend for each ward closed galvan- ized tubs with bar handles, to be removed and emptied at regular intervals; or, better, hoppers with sewer connection in the immediate vicinity of the wards. Application has been made, but not honored, for waste buckets. I would respectfullyrecommend the immediate issue of waste buckets, to be placed between the beds for refuse; also the issue of cups for sputa. None of these are in the wards at present. I would respectfully recommend a detail for policing the grounds of the hospital. Sick men can not well be disciplined. They will throw refuse about, and the need of policing is constant. I would further recommend an ice cooler for each four tents. The ice water is now kept in common pails, and the ice quickly melts. I would further recommend the issue of canvas dun- nage bags for the storage of clothes, which are now for the most part piled loosely under the patients' beds. Visitors with the kindest intentions are in some cases more a hindrance than a help. I saw one kind-hearted woman trying to force a serious surgical case to eat sponge cake till she was checked by the nurse. A case was also reported to me by a citizen, not a soldier, of another who took out some hot freshly baked bis- cuit for those suffering with typhoid fever, and felt aggrieved that the men were not allowed delicacies. The ladies of Jacksonville have been untiring in their kindness, and the officers in charge have welcomed the cooperation of those who have brought wine, jelly, flowers, magazines, light custards, and the others who have brought cologne and other cooling washes, and have themselves bathed the feverish foreheads and faces of the sick soldiers. Minor wards.-To the right of the main hospital are three hospital tents (F) intended for officers, but filled with privates well cared for. To the right of these, about a hundred yards from the dispensary, are the four tents containing the mumps patients (G), and close to them four containing the measles patients. The premises were clean and the patients mostly sitting up. (H) The mumps patients were eating oranges. The mumps patients were mostly from the Fourth Virginia, the measles from the First North Carolina. Beyond in a small common tent (I) was a patient suffering from skin disease. Beneath his bed was a mass of dirty bandages, which I ordered to be summarily removed and burned. The nurse in charge was summoned and reprimanded for disobedience to orders. INSPECTION REPORTS. 417 In the rear of the main hospitals are a number of hospital tents arranged in pairs and used for serious cases (KK), and a morgue (M) used also for a deposi- tory for dirty linen. I recommend the immedate issue of covered baskets for the collection and temporary storage of this linen, and the erection of another tent as a morgue. Nurses, etc.-On the day of my inspection there were 82 nurses on duty from the hospital corps and a detail of 40 from the ambulance corps. The total is divided into two reliefs. There were, therefore, 41 nurses and 20 men from the ambulance corps on duty at a time for 352 patients, or, roughly, 1 man to 6 patients. This force is inadequate. I saw in one ward one man vomiting, another calling for a bedpan, and a third for icewater, all at once, with but one man to attend to all three demands. Moreover, though the general commanding the First Brigade, Second Division, occasionally sends over his prisoners to police the grounds, the regular force on the grounds is so overworked as to necessarily leave much undone. Not one experienced steward has ever been sent here, and but two or three experienced privates who could be promoted, hence the great diffi- culty of organization. It is impossible to detail inexperienced privates as nurses for typhoid fever, as the slightest carelessness on the part of the nurses permits the breaking of the ulcers and death of the patient. The Surgeon-General informs me that he has made arrangements for more nurses. They can not come too soon. The tents of the nurses (O) are in the rear of the camp. They were in good order and the ground about them well policed. The men can not be drilled, as all were too busy nursing. Less than twenty pouches so far have been issued to them. I respectfully recommend their immediate equipment. Sinks. -There are four sinks (P), containing four tubs each. The center two are used for the excreta from the hospital, the two on the wings by the nurses. All were well policed and strewn with chloride of lime. Kitchens and commissary stores.- XITCHENS AND COMMISSARY STORES. The main kitchen (T) is a room some 20 feet square and 15 feet high in a building along the spur track, to which supplies can be directly delivered. The premises were clean and neat. Cooking is done here by five cooks for all the nurses and all patients allowed full diet, approximately for twenty-two men altogether. Supper then cooking was fried potatoes and onions, cold roast beef, coffee, bread, and tomatoes. The quality in each case was good. The cooking outfit consists of three Hunt ovens, and seems sufficient. At present only pine wood is furnished, the smoke and flame of which seriously impedes the cooking. I respectfully recommend hard wood. Rubbish in the rear of the kitchen is removed once daily. It should be removed twice daily. The waste water drains into an open cesspool filled to overflowing. This should be at once connected by a box drain with the main drain of the camp; I am informed it is in course of construction. Adjoining the main kitchen is a small apartment 10 feet square (S) used as the diet kitchen. To the left is a large ice box (Q) sunk into the ground and screened. In the diet kitchen two cooks are employed. Their outfit consists of one blue- flame kerosene stove with three burners. On this single stove, in addition to con- stant calls for hot water for poultices, must be cooked all the food for at least 250 men not on full diet. A more ridiculous travesty of equipment it would be hard to find. The cooks seemed intelligent. Their premises were neat. The chicken broth just cooked by them was excellent. I respectfully recommend the immediate construction of a larger kitchen, to be fitted out with the army range. 7833-vol. 1 27 418 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Commissary stores, delicacies, etc., are stored in a room (R) adjoining the diet kitchen. A large ice chest contained calves'-foot jelly and pure sweet milk in large cans. About 60 gallons are supplied daily by the Red Cross Society. The supply is about half what is required, but the lack of grazing lands makes milk very hard to obtain. Condensed milk is used in the hotels. In this storehouse I found beef extract, clam bouillon, rolled oats, arrowroot, malted milk, eggs, sugar, rice, barley, etc., in ample sufficiency. These were all supplied by the Red Cross Society. The system of having rations issued and sold and proper food bought with the proceeds broke down at an early stage of the proceedings as a result of a controversy with Armour & Co. I respectfully recommend the extension to all hospitals of the new system recently inaugurated by the Surgeon- General, of allowing 60 cents a day for food for each patient, unless it is thought desirable to have a part of the Army of the United States fed by public charity. Material.-There are 150 gas pipe cots with wire mattresses. Only 50 mat- tresses have been furnished for these, though 150 were requisitioned for. There are also 250 ordinary wooden cots with canvas covers. About 150 mattresses have been sent by the Surgeon-General from various sources, which are used on the canvas cots, which are not supposed to have them. Water beds and mattreses for serious cases have been furnished on requisition, and several are in use, the patients using them speaking contentedly of their comfort. Thanks to the Red Cross Society, there is a sufficiency of bedlinen, pots, and bedpans. These sup- plies now exist in reserve also in the medical supply depot. It is a plain state- ment of facts to say, however, that almost all of these supplies now in use were furnished by the Red Cross Society, and that the sick of this command would have had to have gone without them for two months had it not been for this organization. In sufficient appropriations year after year for the Army by Congress, leaving the War Department without proper reserve supply of material for instant issue at the outbreak of a war, were never more glaringly displayed than in the delay to furnish the supplies for the sick. The responsibility for the condition of the sick soldiers, as for the lack of proper equipment, lies across the shoulders of the Amer- ican people who have welcomed the sham " economy" of cheap politicians, and now that the stress of war has come blame the War Department because it can not immediately issue equipment and supplies which it has had no money to man- ufacture and accumulate for just such sudden needs. In conclusion I desire to state that the greatest need of all to-day is for more experienced nurses, which have been sent for, as noted above. . The surgeon in charge is indefatigable, and his assistants able and industrious. In spite of the many things yet to be corrected, the chief surgeon, seconded by the surgeon in charge of the hospital, deserves praise for his heroic struggle to maintain proper conditions, in which he has so nearly succeeded in spite of the utter lack of men trained in military organization and the complete breakdown, at the outset, of the supply department, since largely remedied. The hospital is generally clean; there are no foul odors, the plague of flies is mitigated by nets and fans, and not one patient, in spite of the overworked condition of the nurses, complained of lack of care. I have heard this hospital praised by Mr. George Kennan and Miss Clara Barton, of the Red Cross Society. That the patients have-as they do have-plenty of nourishing food, bedlinen, and pajamas, credit is chiefly due to that society and to private charity. Care of the sick in the field is the most per- plexing of problems and the most open to unintelligent comment. The lack of a large, permanent, trained hospital corps and of a large reserve of medical sup- plies is responsible for every shortcoming noted. That they did not exist is the fault of a cowardly Congress and a careless people. Respectfully submitted. Curtis Guild. Jr., Lieutenant-Colonel, Inspector-General. 419 INSPECTION REPORTS. Hdqrs. Second Division Hospital, Seventh Army Corps, Camp Cuba Libre, Fla., August 19, 1898. Report as per inspector-general's request. Number of nurses on duty to-day, 82; hospital corps, 40; reserve ambulance corps, 61, each relief. Number of regu- lar detachment on duty at time of inspection, 41; detail from ambulance corps, 20; total, 61. List of deaths, May 28 to August 19, 1898. Name. Date. Com- pany. Regiment. Diagnosis. Chaplin, William E.... 1898. June 18 F Fourth Virginia Typhoid fever. Spotts wood, J oseph C -. July 21 K do " Do. Simmons, Edward K... July 22 (a) Do. Jackson, George A .... J ul5- 14 E Second Illinois Do. Riley, Frank J J uly 4 J uly 1 July 12 E do Do. Gilliam, Robert T I Fourth Virginia Cerebro-spinal meningitis. Typhoid fever. Do. Branen, Henry F Second Illinois Miller Louis July 3 c First AVisconsin Scott. Warren K do Do. Fardy, AVilliam July 14 July 17 c do Do. Kaylor, Charles A C do Do. Black, William T July 19 H Twentieth Iowa Do. Cawin, Robert F....... Julj' 25 July 21 July 24 D Second Virginia Do. Abel, Frederick K Fourth Virginia Do. Owensby, Amberson ... E First North Carolina Do. McGraw JosephH. July 23 Aug. 2 Aug. 8 Aug. 5 Aug. 13 Aug. 8 Aug. 13 c Fourth Virginia Do. Flicksnn Tom c First AVisconsin Do. F ven sone, Charles ..... F do Do. Hart Benjamin . G do Do. Mealstead, Mace.- E do Do. Green, Carlos F H Fourth Illinois Do. Katzenberg, John J.... L Second New Jersey Do. Ry on Charles AV .. Aug. 16 Aug. 18 Aug. 16 K Second Virginia McNeil "William A First AVisconsin Do. Gifford, Henry A do Do. Tell in o' George Aug. 11 Aug. 15 Aug. 13 Aug. 17 Aug. 19 L do Do. A ddision, James L Second Virginia Do. Adams Chase M First North Carolina Appendicitis. Typhoid fever. Do. L Second New Jersey Cooper, Arthur G Secon d Ulin ois... Aug. 18 Aug. 16 Aug. 18 G First AVisconsin Do. Swarts Albert J" A do Do. "V no ng Robert B....... B Second New Jersey Do. a Hospital corps. June 1 July August 19 - 17 Total 33 RECAPITULATION. Deaths from diseases, etc., by organizations. Organization. Typhoid. Malaria. Measles. Mumps. Surgical, etc. 50th Iowa - 41 6 1 3 2d New Jersey 43 1st Wisconsin 82 9 2d Virginia - 18 2 2 4th Virginia 21 2 6 2 2d Illinois 26 2 1 7 1st North Carolina 10 1 15 2 6 9th Illinois 8 1 49th Iowa 18 2 1 Ambulance corps 1 Hospital corps 4 2 Reserve ambulance corps 2 1 Signal corps 3 4th Illinois Total 276 26 16 9 25 - Total, 352. Remark: Eifty patients sent to Pablo at 2 p. m. on the 19th instant. 420 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Memorandum statement of hospital fund, August 19,1898. Cash on hand August 1 $80. 35 Due from Armour & Co., for savings on fresh meat 433.29 513. 64 Expended during current month 71.45 Cash nominally on hand for food, delicacies, kitchen ware, etc 442.19 Cash actually on hand 8. 80 Headquarters Camp G-eorge H. Thomas, Office of Inspector-General, Chickamauga Parle, Ga., August 20, 1898. Adjutant-General, Camp Thomas, Ga. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of inspection made of the infantry, cavalry, artillery, and signal corps of this command, by officers of the Regular Army, especially detailed for that purpose, under provision of Gen- eral Orders No. 23, current series, headquarters Camp George H. Thomas: This inspection was preceded by a review of the entire command under the personal supervision of the major-general commanding, August 9, 1898. On the morning of August 10 the eight officers who were especially designated to assist me in making this inspection reported for this duty and were assigned, one to a regiment, thus enabling the completing of the inspecting of a division each day. These inspections were continued from day to day until concluded. From the several reports of the inspectors submitted to this office, and from information gained of my own personal observation by visiting each organiza- tion, as well as division hospitals and division and brigade headquarters, the following summary, showing the conditions and efficiency of the. troops of the command, is deduced: Their proficiency in drills-company, battalion, and regimental-is generally good; brigade and division only fair. In other military exercises, with few excep- tions, they are wanting. I find the equipment of the different organizations in fairly good condition and fit for field service. The military bearing of troops, under arms, is good and very commendable, considering the short time they have been in the service. The deportment of officers and men is good, with rare exceptions. Arms and field equipments are, in the main, good. The uniforms can only be rated fair. Provision should at once be made, should these troops be retained in service, to provide new uniforms for every soldier. Only in a few instances is proper attention paid to stable duties. Troops are generally well equipped for field service, and wherever there has been found any deficiency requisitions have been made and approved. Police of tents and grounds is very good, but to that of the kitchen and men's sinks proper attention has not been paid. Camps that were not properly located were ordered to be changed, and have been changed, so that now all camps are located on the best grounds available for that purpose within the park limits and are properly drained. Where camps were not found properly policed and cared for it is directly attributable to ignorance and the lack of intelligent zeal or over- indulgence to the men on the part of the officers. The worst policed camp is that of the Third United States Volunteer Cavalry, and the least care is given to the animals of this regiment of any organization in the camp. The food of the men is well prepared and of the greatest abundance and of the best quality INSPECTION REPORTS. 421 Regimental and company books and records are generally not complete nor prop- erly kept. The same can be said of brigade headquarters. Of division head- quarters, I find those of the Second Division, Third Corps, incomplete. Division hospitals.-I did not find any of them in proper condition of police, and absolutely inadequate, the patients lacking attention in the way of care; and I can not but assert that in my opinion the means available are not utilized to their fullest extent for the ordinary care of the sick. As an illustration, I will recite here the details of the report of the surgeon of the First Division, Third Corps hospital, showing in detail the duties performed, and the personnel of the same: There was one commissioned medical officer reported as commander, one com- missioned medical officer as executive, officer and attending surgeon, one acting assistant surgeon, attending surgeon, three medical officers sick. I found in the ambulance corps of this hospital five medical officers, including one major who had no duties at all in connection with the sick in hospital. In the hospital the total enlisted force on duty in various capacities was 110, twenty-four of whom were sick. This does not include the men on duty with the ambulance train. There were 271 patients in the hospital. It will be seen that of the twelve medical officers attached to this hospital only three were in attendance upon the sick, under which conditions I can not but believe that the services of the medical officers on duty with the ambulance com- pany could more properly be utilized in the wards, caring for the sick men. Many of the ward tents were without flooring, the ground damp, wet, and musty. The capacity of this hospital is 138, and in its present overcrowded con- dition I find eight men in each tent, which was, at least, four too many. There was little difference between this hospital and that of others in the camp. I have already made verbal reports on this subject. Within the past month every camp occupied by troops has been moved from the timber to open and fairly wholesome grounds. Frequent and careful inspec- tions have been made of the conditions of the camps, and attention of officers called to the imperative necessity of a more close observation of the rules that should and must govern to insure the proper sanitary conditions of their camps. This has resulted in a most marked improvement in every particular. But the time has passed when the foulness of this park can be overcome so as to eliminate the inevitable dangers attending the holding or camping of troops here, for any length of time, for the next twenty-five years. August 17 the entire command was again reviewed, and by contrast a most marked improvement is observed in the general appearance of the troops, and nothing but praise and commendation can be said of the force composing the same. Before closing this report, I can not refrain from again referring to the Medical Department. With nothing but the highest regard for the professional ability of the corps, I am convinced that too much attention is given to matters outside of the sick wards, such as the ambulance companies, parades, etc., especially in times like these, when our sick reports are so unusually large and the constant complaints of the Medical Department is lack of help. Through ignorance and indifference and other causes our hospitals have been filled to overflowing; in many cases reported the sick have not received proper care. This being the con- dition, every available medical officer and enlisted attendant should be on duty, in direct contact with the wards, and, for the time being, hang their swords on the wall, forget all the pomp and circumstance attendant to parades and exer- cises of troops under arms; or, in other words, attend to the sick and ailing, that not a single man shall sufifei' for lack of the slightest attention. The reports of each officer who performed these duties have been submitted to your office. 422 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The delay in submitting this report has been caused by the great amount of work required of this office during the past few days. Very respectfully, Frank D. Baldwin, Lieutenant-Colonel and Inspector-General of Volunteers. [Eirst indorsement.] Headquarters Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., August 31, 1898. Respectfully referred to Inspector-General of the Army. Many details have received attention as the inspection proceeded, but as all this command is now ordered to new stations it may be too late for the usual remedial action upon this general report, though it and those from the regiments, etc., probably contain information directly related to and supplementing the data secured during a similar inspection of the command last May, and this may be aided by Major Parker. Perhaps the most noticeable features are how much the military instruction and efficiency have improved and how greatly the sickness has increased, though with comparatively small percentage of deaths. J. C. Breckinridge, Major-General. Camp George H. Thomas, Ga. , August 19,1898. The Adjutant-General, Camp Thomas. Sir: I have the honor to report that the conditions now prevalent here appear to call for the immediate abandonment of this camp. Since July 25 the sick report here has increased from week to week, as follows: July 25 2,226 August 1 2,975 August 8 3,631 August 15 4,426 August 18 4,894 This last figure does not include over 1,300 men furloughed for sickness since July 25 and 291 discharged. The strength of the command is now about 43,000. An inspection of these figures will show that the number of sick men in this camp increases each week by one-fourth. At this rate of progression the sick will soon reach a number which with present facilities it will be impracticable to handle. The causes of this undue rate of sickness, in my opinion, are as follows: This park, I think it can be shown, is not fitted to be a camping place for troops. First, the park is mainly a forest, with occasional openings only. These openings afford a very limited space for the exercises of the troops, grand maneu- vers being almost out of the question. To preserve these open spaces for drills, etc., seemed to necessitate that the troops should camp in the woods. Such camps are not healthy. Being very largely in the shade, the tents and the ground around them remain damp; the salutary action of sunlight on germ organisms is shut off; the free movement of air, which would otherwise assist in the drying- process, is prevented. The disadvantages of camping in the woods are especially apparent during the rainy season, but I think it may be said in general that it has been found that such camps are objectionable, and that the rule has been in the Regular Army always, if possible, to camp in ground exposed to the sun. This rule was adhered to by the regular troops when they were concentrated here this spring, but when the volunteers came here the necessity of preserving drill grounds, the number of the troops, and also the fact that the open spaces had already been largely used for camps for regulars, prevented the example of the regulars from being followed. 423 INSPECTION REPORTS. Again, the soil is not adapted to camping. It is, as a rule, hard, tenacious clay. Such soil does not absorb. Slops, dirty water, grease, saliva, urine, vomit, etc., which it is impossible to keep from the ground in a closely packed camp, are not carried into the lower strata by subsequent rains, but are confined to the thin layer of mold, 1 or 2 inches thick, which lies on the surface. This surface layer, in consequence, in a short time becomes thoroughly infected, breeding maggots, stench, and disease. Further, in heavy rains the area of the infected ground is enlarged. Especially is this the case with the ground in the neighborhood of the various dumps, or places in the neighborhood of camps where refuse is thrown, which must become over a large area soaked with a solution of manure, garbage, and rotting refuse of all kinds. Owing to the great number of camps and of dumps, which are usually placed 100 yards or more from the camps, a very large area of the park is now impregnated from this cause alone, and much of it is rendered noisome from the foul odors resulting. The clay soil of the park is underlaid with magnesium limestone. Magnesium limestone and clay are regarded by competent authorities as one of the worst combinations possible for a camping ground. (See Bach's Manual of Field Engineering, par. 458.) It is a characteristic of magnesium limestone that in it are always found sink holes, where the infected fluids from the ground flow and are stored, exposed to the air like open cesspools, breeding typhoid fever and other diseases. Further, the magnesia affects the water injuriously. Water.-It was a peculiar feature of this camp that all troops on arriving here were at once affected with a continuous and more or less severe diarrhea. Prac- tically none escaped, whether officers or men, veterans or recruits. This intestinal derangement kept up for two or three weeks, sometimes longer, and there can be no doubt that in many cases by weakening and deranging the system it prepared the way for more serious ailments. There can also be no question that this diarrhea is due to the water, though what the constituent is that produces this effect is a matter of controversy. In the last two or three months typhoid fever has made its appearance here and the number of cases is now large and constantly increasing. It is believed that this disease is also largely propagated by infected water. The water here is derived from three sources: From wells, a limited supply; from springs, a limited supply, and from the Chickamauga River. The wells are of recent construction; most of them have been bored by the park authorities since the troops have arrived here. They are sunk, as a rule, over 100 feet in order to reach a water-bearing strata. The water furnished by them is cool, and therefore much relished by the soldiers; but it is so strongly charged with lime and magnesia as to give, in some cases, a very perceptible briny taste. It is not unlikely that surface water is able to percolate down to the bottom of the wells by passing outside of the casing. For this reason, and on account of the strong solution of mineral matter, it is not believed that the water is good for the men. The quantity of this water which can be obtained is limited, since the wells give out by much pumping. The springs which afford any great volume of water are situated outside of the park. Blue Spring, from which most of the drinking water is obtained, being 4 miles from some of the camps. The water is hauled in barrels, carried on the regimental wagons. The supply of wagons and barrels being short, the amount of water which can thus be obtained is necessarily lim- ited. Under favorable circumstances 80 barrels, or about 3,000 gallons, per day can be hauled to a regiment, but often only half this quantity is obtained. This is the principal drinking watei' used by the men. While charged with lime and magnesia, it is believed to be free from infection. The main source of supply of water is Chickamauga River. This is a narrow, rather sluggish typical western winding creek, with steep clayey banks, sometimes with marshy borders, some- times with banks overgrown with vines and trees. Much rotting driftwood is to be seen in the creek. It rises about 20 miles above the camp. Just above the camp is Crawfish Spring, a large spring, from which the creek receives a consider- 424 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. able supply of good water. Nevertheless, at the intake of the pipe line the water is generally muddy, and especially so in freshets, thus indicating a large propor- tion of surface water. This creek has not a first-class reputation for healthfulness. The appearance of the inhabitants of the vicinity, seldom robust, almost uniformly thin and sallow, would seem to indicate that, on account of the water and other reasons, this is not a healthy locality. Typhoid fever is of common occurrence here. A case of typhoid fever was found at the house of a Mr. Bradley, near Alexander bridge, as early as June 1. It is probable that others existed along the stream when the volunteers moved in here. The watei' of the creek is pumped in 6-inch mains over a hill and thence flows by gravity to hydrants in the vicinity of the camps. Although the soldiers dislike it, this water, on account of the short supply of spring and well water, is much used for both cooking and drinking. For drinking it is boiled. It should be noted, however, that it is impossible to prevent some soldiers from obtaining and drinking unboiled water. Even this water is not piped directly to the camps, but in many has to be obtained by haul- ing it from a considerable distance. As a consequence there is rarely enough for general washing, and in some regiments men have been known not to wash for an entire week. Sufficient has been said of the character of Chickamauga Park, its soil and its water, to indicate that it has certain drawbacks which prevent it from being an ideal camping place for troops. These disadvantages have been increased by certain facts in connection with its occupancy. When the volunteer troops arrived here in May they were inexperienced in the details of camping. Moreover, they were poorly supplied with materials and tools of all kinds. It is absolutely necessary in this climate that latrines be dug deep and boxed and roofed in. Many regiments had no picks or even shovels; they had no lumber, and in consequence of these obstacles insufficient latrines were dug; the men relieved nature all through the woods, and the ground around the camp quickly became contaminated. The rains quickly filled the shallow latrines, and their contents ran over the surface of the ground. This made it necessary to dig new latrines, which in turn had to be abandoned. I know of one camp which has over 200 old latrines on its outskirts. The holes for garbage near kitchens became filled with water in the same manner. All these places, shallow trenches with a thin covering of soil, are now emitting poisonous gases from the decomposing material beneath. The camps have been changed to new sites only to extend foulness and infection. The whole park reeks with it. It is estimated that 8,000 tons of excrement, garbage, manure, and sweepings now infect it. The troops now have better methods of treating their offal and garbage-the latrines are properly closed, the garbage in some instances is burned, the manure and refuse burned if possible. The troops are now camping in the open drill fields, where they get plenty of sun and air. Every precaution is being taken. But it is too late. The mischief has been done. This park as a camping place is incurably infected. Every breeze carries a stench. The sick report mounts day by day. A general lassitude is apparent in men and officers. The months in which typhoid fever and malaria are most common are at hand. The cases of typhoid fever have reached 500, and the whole situation presages a general epidemic. Under the circumstances detailed above, no remedy exists except a general departure of the troops from this place. Very respectfully, James Parker, Major, Twelfth New York Volunteers, Inspector of Sanitation, etc. A true copy. Gr. R. Cecil, Assistant Adjutant-General. STATEMENT OF FACTS REGARDING RECENT CHANGES IN THE INSPECTION SYSTEM OF THE ARMY, AND THE ASSIGNMENT OF INSPECTORS-GENERAL DURING THE PRESENT WAR. 425 War Department, Washington, November 29, 1898. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, President Commission Appointed by the President to Investigate the Conduct of the War Department in the War with Spain, Washington, D. C. Sir : Agreeably to your verbal request, the following statement of facts regard- ing recent changes in the inspection system of the Army, and the assignment of inspectors-general during the present war, is respectfully submitted: On March 30, 1895, my predecessor issued an order (G. O., No. 18, series 1895) organizing the country into inspection districts. This was done in a time of pro- found peace, and, as I am informed, largely for economical reasons. These dis- tricts did not coincide with the lines of the territorial departments; and neither were the inspectors under the control of the commanders of such departments, but reported directly to the senior Inspector-General at Washington. From the very beginning of this system, I am informed, complaints against it were made by the department commanders, one of whom embodied in his annual report of last year disapproval of the system, and to which the Major-General Commanding the Army called the Secretary of War's special attention. On March 23, 1898, it became evident that this system was not applicable to the conditions of war, when the general order of March 30, 1895, was repealed and the general order (No. 81, of June 27, 1898) now in force was substituted (copies of both orders herewith). On April 25,1898, General Breckinridge asked to be appointed major-general of volunteers, and on May 4 was so appointed, but continued on staff duty until July 27. From June 14 to July 20 he was with General Shafter's expedition to Santiago, and was present in the engagements before that city. Copy of his report of observations already furnished your commission. On August 2 he was assigned to the command of the troops at Camp Thomas, Ga., and on September 12 to the command of the First Army Corps, at Lexing- ton, Ky. The General Order of June 27, prescribing rules for the guidance of inspectors- general, was drawn by Inspector-General Sanger, and under date of June 7 was approved by Inspector-General Breckinridge, in an indorsement written at Tampa. The only change made in the original draft related to forwarding of inspection reports. In accordance with long-established regulations, it was provided for the transmission of these reports through the office of the Adjutant-General. It is proper here to note that there is not, at this time, in this office or in that of the Adjutant-General, a single inspection report, every one having been promptly referred to the Inspector-General. It will be noticed that General Breckinridge continued to serve in the Inspector- General's Department, with the rank of major-general of volunteers, for several months after the outbreak of the war; in fact, nearly up to the time when hostili- ties ceased. It is also of record that General Breckinridge, as early as April 30, recom- mended every officer in the Inspector-General's Department for commissions as general officers in the Volunteer Army. Four of these officers were commissioned as such. The senior colonel, George A. Burton, then remaining for duty with the regular establishment, was ordered to Washington for duty and put in charge of the office. 427 428 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Of the nine inspectors of volunteers with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, six were appointed from the Regular Army on their efficiency record; three from the National Guard, one of whom had distinguished service as an officer during the war of the rebellion. Of the twenty-three majors in the Inspector General's Department appointed to the volunteer service sixteen were from captains and lieutenants of the Regular Army, appointed purely upon their record for efficiency and established ability. The seven from civil life, with one exception, had had large experience with the National Guard of their several States. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. General Orders, 1 Headquarters of the Army, y Adjutant-General's Office, No. 18. ) Washington, March 30, 1895. By direction of the Secretary of War, the following is published for the infor- mation and guidance of all concerned : Department commanders will inspect the troops under their command at least once each year, and for this purpose they will be accompanied by one officer of the personal or department staff serving at their respective headquarters. They will assure themselves by personal examination and observation that all offi- cers and men under their control are efficient in the performance of duty; that the troops are thoroughly drilled and instructed in their field duties and tactical exercises; that supplies are properly distributed; that proper care is exercised in the purchase and preservation of public property; and that strict economy is exercised in all public expenditures. In their annual reports department com- manders will summarize the results of these inspections. Inspection districts are hereby established, to be designated as follows: The North Atlantic, the South Atlantic, the Middle, the Northern, the Southern, and the Pacific. The limits of the several districts will be designated in special instructions to be given hereafter. Col. Robert P. Hughes, inspector-general, is assigned to the North Atlantic district and will take station in New York City. Col. George H. Burton, inspector-general, is assigned to the Pacific district and will take station in San Francisco, Cal. Lieut. Col. Henry W. Lawton, inspector-general, is assigned to the Southern district and will take station in Santa Fe, N. Mex. Lieut. Col. Peter D. Vroom, inspector-general, is assigned to the Middle district and will take station in Chicago, Ill. Maj. Joseph P. Sanger and Maj. E. A. Garlington, inspectors-general, are assigned to the South Atlantic district and will take station in Washington, D. C.; they will also act as assistants to the Inspector-General of the Army. Maj. Francis Moore, Fifth Cavalry, is assigned to the Northern district as act- ing inspector-general and will take station in Denver, Colo. With the exception of Colonel Burton, these officers will be relieved from their present duties in season to join their new stations on the 30th of April, 1895. Colonel Burton will be relieved from his present duties on April 30, 1895, and will join his new station not later than May 31,1895. The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service. The Quartermaster's Department will provide the necessary office rooms, furni- ture, and stationery. Inspectors-general and acting inspectors-general will exercise a comprehensive ARMY INSPECTION SYSTEM. 429 and general observation within their respective districts over all that pertains to the efficiency of the Army, the condition and state of supplies of all kinds, of arms and equipments, of the expenditure of public property and moneys, and the con- dition of accounts of all disbursing officers of every branch of the service, of the conduct, discipline, and efficiency of officers and troops, and report with strict impartiality in regard to all irregularities that may be discovered. From time to time they will make such suggestions as may appear to them practicable for the cure of any defect that may come under their observation. All military posts and important detachments therefrom, all depots of supplies, and all arsenals, armories, and other ordnance establishments will be inspected annually. The inspection of accounts of disbursing officers will be directed from time to time in instructions from the War Department. Unless otherwise specially ordered, national cemeteries and ungarrisoned posts will be inspected once in two years, and this only when the visits can be made without materially increasing the work and travel of district inspectors-general. This order will take effect on April 30, 1895. 1 By command of Lieutenant-General Schofield: Geo. D. Ruggles, Adjutant- General. General Orders, ) Headquarters of the Army, y Adjutant-General's Office, 81. ) Washington, June 27, 1898. By direction of the Secretary of War, the following instructions relating to the inspection service of the armies in the. field are published for the information and guidance of all concerned: 1. Inspecting officers, selected when practicable from the inspectors-general of the Regular or Volunteer Army, are assigned by the War Department to the head- quarters of geographical departments and to the headquarters of armies and army corps in the field, and by the commanding generals thereof to divisions. In the absence of such assignment, and to fill temporary vacancies, commanding generals of armies, army corps, divisions, and geographical departments may detail officers from their commands for such duty, reporting their action to the Adjutant-General of the Army for the information of the War Department, sub- sequently to be transmitted to the Inspector-General of the Army for record. 2. In order to discharge his duties efficiently, an inspector should make himself familiar with everything relating to the different branches of service within the scope of his investigations. Industrious attention must therefore be given by him to the study of the regulations and laws for the government of the army, the systems of instruction, and the general principles of the military profession. The sphere of inquiry of an inspector includes every branch of military affairs, except when specially limited in orders or by the Army Regulations. 3. Upon arriving at his station an inspector-general, or acting inspector-general will report to the commanding general in person and by letter to the Adjutant- General of the Army, and thereafter will report to him monthly the inspections and investigations made by him; to this end he will keep a record of the various services performed and the dates thereof. The attention of inspectors is especially called to Articles LVII, LVIII, and LXXII, Army Regulations. 4. An inspector-general or acting inspector-general will make known his orders or instructions to commanding or other officers whose troops and affairs he is directed to inspect, and these officers will see that every facility and assistance, including clerical aid and the use of an orderly, are provided if requested. If 430 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. ordered to investigate accusations prejudicial to the character of an officer, he will make known their nature to the officer and give him an opportunity to make his own statement in writing, which he will append to his report. Harmony as well as justice to the individual and the public require that such reports be maintained inviolably confidential and that they should not of themselves be made the basis of official proceedings. In the investigation of misconduct or attempt to defraud the Government on the part of any officer or agent of the United States, the inspector is authorized to administer oaths to witnesses. Inspection reports of troops, of disbursements, money accounts, and unserviceable property will be rendered on the prescribed forms and will be submitted to the officer ordering the inspection. 5. An inspector-general, or acting inspector-general, will not give orders unless specially authorized to do so, and then only in the name of the superior giving such authority. He will report with strict impartiality all irregularities coming under his notice, as well as the remedies applied to correct them, and will refrain from informal conversation or comment upon subjects of inspection or investigation. When in the course of an inspection an inspector obtains confi- dential information respecting matters affecting the public service, he will com- municate such information in an oral or written special report. 6. All nonconfidential inspection reports will be forwarded, through regular channels, to the Adjutant-General of the Army, for transmittal to the Inspector- General of the Army. When irregularities, deficiencies, or misconduct are reported, the several commanders will state, in forwarding the reports, what remedies have been or will be applied to correct them. 7. Inspectors will make written memoranda on the spot of every defect, irregu- larity, or neglect observed during their inspections; also any particular excellence which may strike their attention. INSPECTION OF TROOPS. 8. Inspections of troops will be conducted as prescribed in the authorized drfl regulations, and when the command consists of more than one company, will be preceded by a review when practicable. All officers and enlisted men, except the guard, the sick, and one cook per com- pany, will be present at inspection under arms. The inspector will ascertain and report whether there be any officers or enlisted men in excess of the prescribed organizations; absentees will be accounted for and the precise status of all officers stated ; he will critically observe and report upon the military bearing and appearance of the troops and their discipline; whether regularly mustered and paid and the date of last payment; whether parades, guard mounting, and roll calls are in proper form; whether company, battalion, and regimental inspections are frequently and regularly made, and by whom; the condition of the arms, accouterments, field equipments, and uniforms ; the gun carriages, implements, equipments of batteries; of riding equipments and harness, and whether well fitted; of horses, whether well treated, shod, and cared for, and free from disease; whether troops are fully equipped for field service, and blanket bags uniformly and properly packed: the police of tents, grounds, kitch- ens, and sinks; whether camps are well located, properly drained, and thoroughly policed; the condition of the water supply; the composition and instruction of camp guards, and number of prisoners; whether the troops are proficient in the differ- ent drills, advance guard, and outpost, in target practice, signaling, pitching shel- ter tents, first aid to the injured, and whether every officerand enlisted man has a first aid packet; whether the required books, records, and reports are kept and ren- dered, and company and all public funds legitimately expended and accounted for; whether the transportation, including ambulances, stretchers, and travois, the quartermaster's, commissary's, medical, and ordnance supplies are sufficient and ARMY INSPECTION SYSTEM. 431 in good condition; the police and capacity of the hospital; number of sick and wounded, and whether they receive proper attention; the prevalence of epidemic or other diseases; whether all officers are zealous and intelligent, reporting any who are addicted to intemperance and gambling, or who frequent low company, or are incapacitated in any way for active service. 9. In the inspection of heavy artillery the inspector will report whether the bat- teries are assigned to guns; whether the guns, carriages, appliances, ammunition, platforms, magazines, parapets, etc., are preserved in good order ; whether maga- zines are frequently aired and the means prescribed for locating objects and the control of the fire are in good working order. 10. In the inspection of cavalry the inspector will classify cavalry horses thus- (a) Those to be condemned as unfit for any use whatever in any branch of the service. These will be disposed of according to Army Regulations. (b) Those unfit for cavalry service, but fit for team or draft horses. These will be turned into the Quartermaster's Department. (c) Those unfit for service, but susceptible of recuperation by timely treatment. (d) Serviceable horses. The number of each class will be given in every report of inspection. 11. Bearing in mind the specialties of each arm, the inspector will test the infantry and cavalry in making an attack, over a distance of at least 1,000 to 1,500 yards, against an enemy, either indicated or represented; in the proper dis- position of advance and rear guards, on the march, at a halt, and when attacked; in the formation of an outpost according to the cordon or group system, or both. In the inspection of field batteries they should be required to advance rapidly, and take up a position to attack or defend some point; the inspector will note whether the batteries are properly subdivided for marching and action, and whether the reserve, train, etc., are judiciously located. Similarly in the inspec- tion of the heavy artillery, the entire garrison should be disposed for battle, a squadron of the enemy will be assumed, the leading ship being represented by some vessel approaching or leaving the harbor; skill in aiming, the efficiency of fire control, supply of ammunition, and all the appliances of the defense will be tested, the object of this and the other inspections of troops being to determine the degree of their preparation for active service. These exercises being of paramount importance, will have precedence over the drills when time is pressing. In the inspection of permanent posts and garrisons the scope of the inspection and report will conform to the requirements of prescribed memoranda and the Army Regulations covering that subject. INSPECTION OF ADMINISTRATION, DISBURSEMENTS, AND ACCOUNTS. x2. In making these inspections the inspector will inquire as to the necessity, economy, and propriety of all disbursements, their strict conformity to the law appropriating the money, and whether the disbursing officers comply with the law and regulations in keeping the public funds, their accounts, and making their disbursements and deposits. The disbursing officer will prepare a statement of his accounts on Form 3, Inspector-General's Department, together with a list of outstanding checks, Form 3a. The inspector will verify the statement from the cashbook, Treasury receipts, vouchers, etc., and compare the vouchers with the check stubs and depository statements, and will count the cash on hand. It will be observed whether or not disbursing officers are familiar with their duties, and are prompt, accurate, and courteous in conducting their business; whether issues and payments are made strictly in compliance with law, and whether any unau- thorized funds are kept. Persons employed and things hired will be seen as far as practicable, and the necessity for their employment and hire established. 432 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. INSPECTION OF PROPERTY FOR CONDEMNATION. 13. This duty will be performed by inspectors-general or acting inspectors- general, assisted when necessary by such officers as may be specially detailed for the purpose. The attention of inspectors is directed to paragraphs 878-889, Army Regulations, which will govern in making these inspections. Whenever a want of proper care in the preservation of Government property comes to the knowl- edge of the inspector, he will report the fact. All reports of inspection of prop- erty will be submitted by the inspector through his immediate commander to the officer empowered to order final disposition of the property. Inspectors will state in their reports of damaged or inferior quartermaster, commissary, or medical stores, the source from which they were obtained, and, when practicable, the names of the officers or inspectors who furnished and passed the articles so reported. The necessary blank forms, which have the force and effect of Army Regula- tions, will be furnished by the Inspector-General of the Army.' By command of Major-General Miles: , H. C. Corbin, Adjutant- General. OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS FROM THE QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL, U. S. A. 7833-vol 1 28 433 OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS FROM THE QUARTERMASTER- GENERAL. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, October 1^, 1898. The Adjutant-General of the Army. Sir: In compliance with your communication of the 27th ultimo, I have the honor to submit the following report for the information of the commission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Department in the war with Spain. The unnumbered queries propounded by the commission will first be answered: Question. The amount and kind of camp and garrison equipage and other sup- plies that were on hand at the beginning of the war, the amount subsequently purchased, when and where purchased, when and where delivered to your Department, and when and where actually issued to the troops? Answer. The amount of the principal articles of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and clothing and equipage materials that were on hand at the general depots of the Quartermaster's Department on the 1st of April last, is shown in the accompanying statement marked "A," but in ordei' that the Commission may have a complete statement of the status of the clothing and equipage supplies on said date, a column has been added (though not called for) showing the articles that were due on contracts then in existence, thus making the statement of the resources of the Department at that particular time complete. The accompanying statement " B " shows in detail the principal articles of cloth- ng and equipage manufactured by this Department at the manufacturing depots from April 30 to August 15, inclusive, and statement "C" the quantities that were purchased or contracted for during the same period. The depots or places at which the articles were manufactured or purchased are also set forth. The issue of clothing and equipage supplies, as ordered by this office, is speci- fied in the accompanying statement marked " D." It shows in detail the quanti- ties of clothing and equipage shipped from the supply depots to the several camps, from May 1 to August 15, and the total quantities supplied for distribution to troops. The exact time at which the supplies placed at the camps were issued to troops is not of record here; nor is it believed to be possible to obtain the infor- mation within any reasonable period. It may be said in general that they were issued daily, or from time to time, during the existence of the particular camp. The answers made under questions 3 and 6 cover the data as far as now com- plete in this office, but if the commission desires the statement to be continued to a later date this office will cheerfully comply, although it will require con- siderable time to collect the information. The accompanying statement, marked " Exhibit E," shows the number of pub- lic animals, wagons, ambulances, harness, field desks, field ranges, bread ovens, and paulins on hand April 1, 1898, the number subsequently purchased, and the number issued. The other items of quartermaster supplies consist of such a great variety of articles that it is not considered practicable to list them within any reasonable time. Question. Which of the volunteers were armed and equipped in the various State camps, and which in the general camps? Answer. To what extent the volunteers were supplied with clothing and equi- page in the various State camps can not be obtained from the record of this office. In only a very few instances were they fully equipped. They were illy supplied. 435 436 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. with underwear, shoes, and tentage. Many were sent to camps without any uni- forms whatsoever. Every effort was made to relieve such cases by telegraphing authority to purchase, at point of muster, such articles as shirts, drawers, stock- ings, shoes, and tents procurable. Question. Full particulars relative to the transportation of troops by sea, giving an account of the provisions made for the accommodation and care of the sick and wounded? Answer. Full particulars relative to the transportation of troops by sea are given in the answers to the numbered questions. For the care and transportation of sick and wounded, the Quartermaster's Department purchased from the Maine Steamship Company of Portland, Me., the large steamship John Englis. The interior of this ship was remodeled under the immediate supervision of an officer of the Medical Department. An electric plant for lighting and purifying the air, condensing apparatus, sterilizing and laundry plants were installed, and two fine steam launches were provided. This ship is now named Relief. Also the steamship Missouri, owned by the Atlantic Transport Line, was simi- larly fitted up by this Department under the immediate supervision of an officer of the Medical Department, and every appliance put upon hei' foi' the care and comfort of sick and wounded. Both of these ships are under the control of the Medical Department of the Army, an officer of that department being assigned to duty on each vessel. The transport ships of the Quartermaster's Department were not fitted up for hospitals, except the steamship Olivette, upon which there was installed condens ing apparatus and other arrangements for the care of sick and wounded after her return to New York from Cuba, and an officer of the Medical Department assigned to have charge of those being transported upon her. Several other transport ships, after their return from Cuba, were fitted up for the more comfortable transportation of the convalescents and returned to Santiago for another load. Question. As to the proper tentage, beds, linen, medicines, food, and all other necessary equipment and supplies for the use of the Hospital Corps of the Army; if there was any lack of these things at any time, state the reasons therefor. Answer. As to proper tentage for use of the Hospital Corps, the demands have at all times been promptly met. The records of this office show no instance where calls for hospital tents, approved by the Surgeon-General, were not imme- diately ordered by telegraph. A total of 4,332 hospital tents were supplied, being ample accommodations for 25,992 sick; 473 ambulances were issued and any nec- essary cooking apparatus called for. The supply of the other articles mentioned does not pertain to the Quartermas- ter's Department. The answers to the numbered questions are as follows: Question 1. Upon the declaration of war, was the organization and were the regulations of the Department of such a character as to admit of the prompt equipment and movement of troops? Answer. The organization of the Quartermaster's Department at the time speci- fied admitted of the prompt equipment and movement of troops, not only of the Army as then constituted, but of one at least double its size, under a condition of peace, but not of an army ten times its size under conditions of war carried on in a foreign country. The prevailing regulations of the Department were framed under statutes and orders for a peace establishment, and in some respects the statutes were not elastic enough to meet the rapid equipment of a quarter of a million of men. Question 2. How many officers belonged to the Department when war was declared, and how many (with their rank) have been appointed in the volunteer service since that time? REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 437 Answer. When war with Spain was declared, April 22,1898, there were 57 officers belonging to the Quartermaster's Department, as follows: 1 brigadier-general, 4 colonels, 8 lieutenant-colonels, 14 majors, and 30 captains-57 officers in all. Volunteer officers have been appointed in the Quartermaster's Department since the declaration of war as follows (acts approved April 22 and July 7,1898): 2 col- onels, 9 lieutenant-colonels, 25 majors, and 85 captains-121 volunteer quarter- masters. Of the above 121 volunteer officers, 60 were appointed in May, 1898, 28 in June, 26 in July, and 7 in August. Of these appointees 23 qualified in May, 49 in June, 31 in July, 14 in August, and 4 in September. Twenty-two of the regular officers of the Quartermaster's Department received commissions in the volunteer service of this Department, and one received a volunteer commission in the Judge-Advocate-General's Department. Deducting these 23 officers from the total number of both regular and volunteer quarter- masters, left available 155 officers for service in the Quartermaster's Department during hostilities. Question 3. For an army of what size was the Department prepared to fully supply all necessary clothing, camp and garrison equippage on April 1, 1898? Answer. The Department on the 1st of April last was prepared to supply the existing Army, and from 8,000 to 10,000 men in addition for three months. This is predicated on a compliance of post commanders with orders which contemplated that at least three months' supply should always be on hand at each post for the requirements of its garrison. Question 4. Was the clothing on hand and ready for issue to troops, and that previously issued, of a character suitable for use in a tropical climate? Answer. The clothing on hand and ready for issue to troops on the 1st of April last, and that previously issued, was not of a character specially suited to tropical climates, being intended for use of troops stationed at places under the jurisdiction of our Government, at none of which a tropical climate prevailed. Question 5. What amount of tentage was available, and were the troops sent from garrison life to the field at once furnished with necessary tentage and other quartermaster supplies necessary for use in camp life? Answer. The number of tents available April 1, 1898, was as follows: Tents. In hands of troops. At depots. Total. Hospital 513 218 731 Conical wall 1,127 325 1, 452 Wall 2^ 262 487 2' 749 Common 4^996 1,761 6' 757 Shelter - 28,029 9,863 37^ 892 The regulation allowance of tentage for troops of the Regular Army was on hand at the garrisons where the troops were stationed, and was carried by them into the field. To a great extent they also carried with them the other quarter- master supplies necessary for use in camp life; any additional articles needed were quickly furnished. They likewise took with them about all the wagon transportation at the posts where stationed. This was limited to post require- ments, and, although answering for such purpose, was insufficient to meet needs in the field. Question 6. What steps were taken for fully supplying an army of 250,000 men with suitable clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and what amount of mate- rial of each kind had been obtained and what amount issued up to August 31, 1898? Answer. Prior to the declaration of war the work of manufacture of clothing and tentage was performed at our depots on a scale commensurate with the needs of the Army; a reasonable reserve stock being kept on hand. In March last 438 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. when complications with Spain seemed possible, this office instructed officers at manufacturing depots to push manufactures in certain lines, and authorized addi- tional material for tentage and clothing to be purchased, not, however, on an extensive scale, as the situation then did not warrant such action. On the 26th day of March the officers of the quartermaster's depots at Philadelphia, New York, St. Louis, and Chicago were instructed to ascertain and report what number, kind, and sizes of new tents complete were on hand and could be purchased, and how rapidly tents could be made by principal manufacturers, if required; this in order that knowledge of the market might be had in case of a hasty need of tents. Purchases were made during the early part of April to strengthen the stock, and about the middle of that month the depot quartermaster at Philadel- phia was instructed to communicate with all manufacturers and contractors for blankets, blouse and shirting flannels, kersey, shoes, leggings, and other neces- saries, and ascertain and report at what prices and in what quantities and by what time they can furnish them to the Department. On April 20 the same officer was instructed to advertise under five days' notice for a large quantity of materials, consisting of kersey, blouse flannel, blouse-lin- ing flannel, etc.; also to invite proposals under ten days' notice for blankets, shirting flannel, forage caps, drawers, leggings, ponchos, shoes, summer under- shirts, pickaxes, shovels, and other articles; also for the manufacture from mate- rial on hand of a large number of blouses, flannel shirts, and trousers. On the 25th of April he was also authorized to invite proposals under ten days' notice for a very large quantity of all classes of material, clothing, and tentage, approximating in value $3,039,998.87. Purchases were also arranged for during the months of April and May at New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, and Baltimore, aggregating over $3,000,000. It will be seen by reference to Exhibit D, accompanying this report, that among the items sent out for issue between May 1 and August 15 were the following: Blankets, 546,338; blouses, 390,775; trousers, 523,203; campaign hats, 476,705; can- vas field uniforms, 153,167; shoes, 782,303; leggings, 588,800; dark-blue flannel shirts, 622,211; undershirts, 1,257,002; drawers, 1,210,682; axes, 38,963; trumpets, 4,888; camp kettles, 34,344; mess pans, 58,662; various kinds of tents, exclusive of shelter tents, 64,980; shelter tent, halves, 372,379. Recourse was had to every expedient to obtain supplies, but great difficulties had to be overcome. There was practically no standard tent duck in the market of the United States, and the production of tents was entirely governed by the ability of the mills to turn out the proper material. That tents of proper quality could not be immediately supplied is apparent. To meet pressing and immediate demands of the troops first mustered in, the Department purchased all tentage to be obtained in the various cities of the country which seemed of fail- quality. The life of many of these tents was short. The same difficulty of production was met with in many other articles supplied by this Department; particularly was it the case with sky-blue kersey trousers, where the wool had to be dyed out of which to manufacture the cloth from which to make the garments. Owing to the inability to get sky-blue kersey, the Depart- ment was obliged to have made some dark-blue trousers. These trousers being lighter weight, were not equal in quality to those previously issued to regular troops, and were not desired by the troops on account of difference in color. This was noticeably the case at Camp Thomas, where the quartermaster com- plained of inability to get sufficient trousers, although there was on hand at the camp a considerable supply of dark-blue trousers. To those unfamiliar with it the labor connected with the securing and distrib- uting this vast amount of supplies is not appreciated. Take the item of shoes: it represents a daily delivery, were it evenly distributed, from April 22 to August 12, Sundays included, of about 4,000 pairs per day, and of all articles of clothing REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAT . 439 and equipage a daily delivery of over 56,000 articles. During all this rush the Department was obliged to be most vigilant to prevent articles of inferior quality being imposed upon the Government. To this end a large corps of inspectors had to be employed, and they in turn watched. In the distribution of these supplies there was certainly no "red tape" as far as the Quartermaster-General's Office is concerned. Without waiting for requi- sitions or requests of any sort, supplies in kind and quantity judged by this office likely to be required were shipped in bulk to the various points of concentration, and the depot quartermasters there urged from time to time to inform the Quartermaster-General as the supply of any particular article ran low. Question 7. How many public animals and how many wagons with harness were available April 1, 1898? Answer. There were 8,722 public animals (consisting of 6,701 horses and 2,021 mules), 1,188 wagons, and 4,963 sets of harness available in the Quartermaster's Department on April 1, 1898. (See Exhibit A.) Question 8. What steps were taken for obtaining additional animals, wagons, and harness; how were they obtained, and what number has been purchased and issued by August 31, 1898? Answer. Horses for cavalry were generally purchased in the States from which the regiment came, so far as practicable and economical, by boards of regular offi- cers appointed for the purpose, and these boards visited different points, not involving too much travel, where sufficient numbers of animals were offered for inspection. The mules and part of the horses were purchased by experienced and qualified officers of the Quartermaster's Department, who, after a call for figures, either by letter, wire, or verbally, made purchase accordingly. In the case of wagons and harness, this office, before the declaration of war, called upon all prominent wagon and harness manufacturers of the country for information as to how rapidly and at what prices they could supply wagons and harness suited to army use, if suddenly called upon in emergency, and to what extent their factories could be relied upon to supply the needs of the Army. Numerous replies to these inquiries were received, and all that offered promise of assistance in quantities and time to meet threatening demands were made the basis for action when the actual demand for these supplies came. These inquiries covered not only the ability to manufacture wagons and harness, but also secured information as to stock of ready-made wagons and harness on hand which could be made available in emergency. This enabled the Department to procure rapidly when called upon the means of transportation to actually equip the Army for field service by placing large numbers of wagons and wagon parts and quan- tities of harness at convenient points for issue as required. Such subdepots of supply were established at Tampa. Chickamauga, and other points of probable convenience. Subsequently the wagons and harness were purchased, after a call for figures, on short notice either by letter or by wire, from leading dealers, the purchase in all cases being from the lowest bidder for the most suitable article. Thirty-six thousand eight hundred public animals (consisting of 16,618 horses and 20,182 mules) were purchased, and 36,033 animals (consisting of 16,483 horses and 19,550 mules) issued by August 31, 1898; 5,179 wagons of various kinds were purchased, and 4,891 issued by August 31, 1898; 28,012 sets of single harness were purchased, and 26,634 sets were issued by August 31, 1898. (See Exhibit E.) Question 9. What arrangements had been made previous to April 1,1898, for the rapid movement of troops by land and by water? LAND. Answer. No arrangements were made for movement of troops by land previous to April 1, as none seemed necessary. 440 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. On May 8, in anticipation of the movements of the volunteer forces of the country to field duty, the Quartermaster-General prepared lists of those to be shipped from each locality and sent them to the officers of the Quartermaster's Department, who would be charged with the transportation. The following is a copy of the letter as sent out: Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Lakes, Chicago, III. Sir: The War Department has informed the Quartermaster-General that as soon as mustered in and equipped at the several points of rendezvous in the States referred to the volunteer forces of the United States mentioned on the inclosed statement will be sent to the national camps and points of defense and reserve as indicated thereon. You will examine this list with a view of determining the arrangements required for the transportation of the troops from the States embraced in the Department of the Lakes to points of destination when their movement is ordered. After familiarizing yourself with the necessary detail of this subject you will consult the railroads interested in the transportation of these troops and deter- mine, as far as practicable, such preliminaries as can be settled in advance of the movement. The exact number of troops to come with each organization is not known to this office, but will be communicated to you as soon as the information is obtained. is thought, however, that the necessary routes of travel can be definitely fixed, and such competition invited as will secure the most advantageous rates for each movement, so that when instructions are communicated to you to have the troops go forward there will be nothing to delay their prompt shipment. It is suggested, to avoid crowding where troops are to go out overnight, a double seat be given each man. The subject is therefore committed to your discretion, with the request that you will take all the preliminary steps deemed by you advisable, and keep the Quartermaster-General informed of the more important features of the matter. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, United States Army. The above letter was sent to the following-named officers: Chief quartermaster, Department of the Gulf. Chief quartermaster, Department of Dakota. Chief quartermaster, Department of the Missouri. Chief quartermaster, Department of the Colorado. Chief quartermaster, Department of the Columbia. Chief quartermaster, Department of California. Depot quartermaster, Washington, D. C. Depot quartermaster, Philadelphia, Pa. Depot quartermaster, New York City. May 11, 1898. The Adjutant-General United States Army. General: I have respectfully to inform you that instructions have been given to the proper officers of the Quartermaster's Department to immediately make, as far as possible, all preliminary preparations and arrangements for the transpor- tation of the volunteer forces from the several points in the States where they are mustered and equipped for service to Washington, Chickamauga, New Orleans, Mobile, or Tampa, as the case may be, and to decide upon rates, and see that roads interested furnish the necessary equipment upon short notice. These instructions have been circulated in advance so that no delay that can be avoided may occur in forwarding any of these troops to the field. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 441 If the Adjutant-General will give this office immediate notice when advised that any troops are ready to be transported to the field, with the name of the proper officer to address relative to their transportation, the Quartermaster- General will at once notify such officer by wire the address of the proper officer of the Quartermaster's Department to whom to apply for transportation, and at the same time the quartermaster will be instructed by wire to supply the required transportation with the least possible delay. If this proposed line of action is strictly carried out, it is thought that the vol- unteer troops will be placed in the field at the least possible cost to the United States and with the least practicable delay to the military service. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, United States Army. WATER. The needs of the Department for transport vessels was thoroughly canvassed prior to April 1, 1898, and as the necessity for provision to be made for the trans- portation of troops and supplies by sea became apparent, measures were taken to ascertain the best method for providing for such transportation. On March 24, 1898, the Quartermaster-General addressed a letter to Lieut. Col. A. S. Kimball, depot quartermaster, New York City, directing him to ascertain and report to this office all available ships of the coast-line trade which could be secured by charter, showing their capacity, etc. In reply, under date of March 29, 1898, Colonel Kimball reported, inclosing an abstract of the vessels which he had been able to ascertain could be secured from the various coast-line steamship companies in New York, and stating that a member of the Naval Board on Auxil- iary Cruisers had stated that the Navy had absolute option on all boats of the most prominent steamship companies. (Copy of correspondence referred to is herewith, marked Exhibit F.) When it became known that the Department required vessels for army trans- port service, tenders of vessels for charter and purchase were received from all the prominent steamship companies, and inspections of the vessels were made by officers of the Department and reported to this office with a view to the selection of those best suited for the service. Question 10. What arrangements were made and how many troops were actually moved by railroad and by vessel between April 1 and August 31, 1898? Answer. For statement as to "arrangements made" for proper transportation, see answer to question 9 and copies of papers therewith. RAILROAD. There were transported between April 1 and August 31, according to informa- tion collected by this office, 13,476 officers and 321,173 enlisted men, a total of 334,649 persons. VESSEL. The records of this office show that between April 1 and August 31, 1898, 44 steamships were chartered and 14 steamships were purchased for service on the Atlantic and Gulf waters, and that 17 steamships were chartered and 2 steam- ships were purchased for service on the Pacific Ocean, and all were fitted up for the transportation of troops, animals, and supplies. The total tonnage of the ships on the Atlantic coast was 166,987 tons, and they were fitted up for the accommodation of 40,732 officers and men. The total tonnage of the ships on the Pacific coast was 61,287 tons, and they were fitted up to accommodate 18,120 officers and men. 442 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The records show that there were transported by the Atlantic fleet of trans- ports between April 1 and August 31, 1898: Men. To Cuba 26,695 To Porto Rico 17,087 From Cuba to Montauk Point,N. Y.,and of sick and convalescent to vari- ous coast cities 19,676 From San Francisco to Manila 15,741 Total troops moved by vessel to August 31,1898 79,199 Question 11. Were full and complete arrangements made for supplying the troops operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines with suitable clothing and with camp and garrison equipage and quartermaster stores for armies oper- ating in the field? Answer. In entering upon this subject the question arises as to what may be considered "suitable clothing" for these countries. Opinions upon this matter differ. By some, light woolens are advocated; others advocate cotton; while in the Philippines, the most tropical of the three, opinions are equally divided. The question, even to this date, has not been fully settled. After issuing uniforms on hand at the outbreak of the war, all blouses were made without lining; and the material for trousers was reduced from 22 to 16 ounces per yard, as light as is consistent with good service. An abundant supply of light cotton underwear was furnished to all the Army and there was an abundant supply of it at Tampa prior to the sailing of General Shafter's army. As showing the difference of opinion existing about clothing, I quote the following telegraphic correspondence: War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 12, 1898. Colonel Lee, Battlefield, Ga.: It is observed that you and General Brooke frequently mention canton-flannel drawers as wanted, and we send such. Is it to be understood that canton-flannel is preferred to summer drawers? Patten, Quartermaster. Chickamauga Park, G-a., June 14,1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Replying your dispatch 12th instant. There seems to be preference in propor- tion of about three to one for canton-flannel drawers on account of their being stronger, and after the nap is worn off they are almost as thin and cool as the summer drawers. Lee, Chief Qziartermaster. Most of the troops taking part in the Santiago campaign were regulars, and as they were fnlly and completely equipped when war was declared, they naturally went to the front with little consideration as to whether or not their uniforms were especially suited to service in the tropes; they had worn the same in their campaigns in Texas and Arizona. I think this applies to the officers as well as the men. More than 5,000 suits of canvas clothing were issued to the Fifth Army Corps at Tampa before it sailed, and the Rough Riders were equipped with canvas clothing before they went to Tampa. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 443 Under the conditions to which the troops were exposed in the trenches, it is not improbable that those clad in canvas suffered more from sickness than those who endured the heavier woolen clothing. A general officer said to me, " The blue flannel shirt was the best friend the soldier had in Cuba." The conditions as to the Philippines were quite different. The climate in Cuba and Porto Rico is mild as compared with the climate in the Philippines. The Department was informed as to this, and, furthermore, there was time allowed to fully equip each expedition before it sailed from San Francisco. This was done by providing each man, in addition to the regular uniform, with an ample supply of the following articles: Nankeen underclothing, light cotton socks, white drill suits, and gingham shirts. All troops going to Porto Rico were furnished with canvas suits, and sufficient were sent to Cuba to equip all troops there. With reenforcements sent on the steamer St. Paul on July 6, there were shipped, to replenish equipment of Gen- eral Shafter's army, the following articles: 5,000 blankets, 5,000 blouses, 25,000 summer drawers, 25,000 campaign hats, 10,000 ponchos, 5,000 dark-blue shirts, 24,500 shoes, 40,000 stockings, 5,000 foot trousers, 25,000 cotton undershirts, 14,000 canvas uniforms, 1,000 axes, 1,500 helves, 250 pickaxes, 300 helves, 1,000 long- handled shovels, 350 short-handled shovels, 500 spades. It has since been learned that owing to difficulties in landing at Siboney, the stores were not unloaded there, but they were unloaded at Santiago on July 23, and issue commenced on Monday, July 25. Full arrangements were also made for the supply of the troops in Cuba and Porto Rico with quartermaster's supplies of all kinds. A large quartermaster's depot at Tampa was supplied with stores to meet all wants, but the difficulty of pro- viding sufficient water transportation to Cuba, and of landing the animals, wag- ons, and other stores at Santiago, resulted in much of this material being left at Tampa and never being used by the army in Cuba. Upon learning that Shafter's army was to be sent from Santiago to Montauk Point, and that they were instructed to leave all tentage behind, immediate steps were taken to place at Montauk Point new tentage for 30,000 men, including the sick, and also 20,000 uniforms, suits of underclothing, hats, blankets, shoes, etc. The records of this office show that the tentage and all the clothing was actually delivered at Montauk Point before a soldier had arrived there. That there was sufficient is demonstrated by the fact that I am now shipping from there thou- sands of each of these garments which were in excess of requirements. Question 12. How many and what vessels were purchased or chartered for transportation of troops? What was the capacity of each vessel? Was it properly arranged for the comfort of the troops so far as possible? Was there a full supply of water for use of troops arranged in every case, and was each and every vessel carefully inspected by an officer or agent of the Department and pronounced satisfactory before troops were permitted to embark? Answer. The number of vessels chartered and purchased which were fitted up for the transportation of troops is as follows: Steamships. Chartered 44 Purchased 14 For the Pacific Ocean. Chartered 17 Purchased 2 Total . 77 For the Atlantic and Gulf waters. 444 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Iii addition to the above there was purchased for use of the Medical Department the steamship John Englis, which was fitted up as a hospital ship and renamed Relief. The capacity of each of the vessels chartered and purchased for the transporta- tion of troops is as follows: List of steamships chartered and purchased by the Quartermaster's Department for the transportation of troops from April 1 to close of hostilities with Spain, showing name of vessel, tonnage, carrying capacity of troops and animals, and date of charter or purchase. ATLANTIC FLEET. Name of steamship. Tonnage. Carrying capacity. Date of char- ter. Officers. Men. Animals. Chartered. Olivette ...... 1, 611 25 600 40 Apr. 3,1898 Alamo 2' 943 35 700 10 Apr. 29,1898 Allegheny 2' 014 25 300 200 Do. Berkshire 2, 014 25 250 200 Do. Comal 2, 934 40 400 400 Do. D. H. Miller 2' 296 25 450 300 Do. Gussie 998 20 100 300 Apr. 30,1898 Whitney 1,337 20 250 250 Do. Florida 1386 25 500 175 City of Washington 2; 648 30 740 250 May 10.1898 Concho 3,704 35 700 10 Do. Leona 3^ 329 45 700 10 May 10,1898 Orizaba 3, 497 30 640 125 Do. Rio Grande 2, 566 50 500 10 Do. San Marcos 2' 837 45 800 350 Do. Santiago 2, 359 40 600 250* Do. Saratoga 2,820 40 800 250 Co. Seneca 2'729 27 600 250 Do. Seguranga 4,115 35 600 500 Do. V igilan cia 4; 115 45 800 Do. Yucatan 3'525 1, 000 250 Do. Cherokee 2357 40 ' 950 May 11,1898 Iroquois 2' 944 40 700 Do. Matteawan 3' 300 35 720 368 Do. Aransas - i; 156 10 200 200 May 12,1898 Breakwater 1,065 25 500 Morgan 994 20 250 230 Do. Miami 3, 050 27 900 May 13,1898 Stillwater 1'019 8 60 168 May 16,1898 Manteo 583 10 250 100 May 283898 Comanche 3, 202 50 500 50 June 3,1898 Knickerbocker 1, 642 45 900 Do. Louisiana 2; 849 30 325 300 Do. City of Macon 2, 098 25 600 June 6,1898 Gate City 1'997 25 600 Do.' Clinton 1' 187 20 200 200 June 8,1898 Hudson 1800 35 600 June 9,1898 Catania 3'700 40 800 June 13,1898 Lampasas • - 2,237 35 200 400 Do. Nueces 3, 367 25 800 300 Do. Arkadia 2,317 15 250 300 Do. La Grande Duchesse 5; 018 100 1, 400 170 July 5,1898 W anderer 531 10 ' 100 300 Do. Uto 899 600 July 20,1898 Purchased vessels. Panama, No. 1 2, 085 10 400 Port Victor, No. 2 2^ 792 25 400 July 8,1898 Rita, No. 3 2,194 15 700 July 9,1898 Mohawk, No. 20 5, 658 80 1, 000 1.000 July 14,1898 Mobile. No. 21 5, 780 80 1, 000 1, 000 Do. Massachusetts, No. 22 5' 673 80 1'000 k 000 Do. Manitoba, No. 23 5, 673 80 I, 000 h 000 July 20,1898 Minnewaska, No. 24 5396 100 1, 200 1, 000 July 26,1898 Mississippi, No. 25 3332 40 800 ' 800 July 14,1898 Michigan, No. 2G 3,722 40 800 800 Roumanian, No. 27 4, 126 45 1, 100 July 12,1898 Obdam, No. 30 3, 656 50 1.300 100 Berlin, No. 31 5, 641 75 2, 000 Chester, No. 32 4; 770 1,500 30 July 27,1898 REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 445 List of steamships chartered and purchased, etc.-Continued. Name of steamship. Tonnage. Carrying capacity. Date of char- ter. Officers. Men. Animals. Chartered. City of Sidney 3 000 23 673 May 10 1898 Australia 2, 755 43 732 China 5 000 58 1, 200 Mav 27 1898 Colon 2 700 20 572 V)o Zealandia 2, 489 35 666 Do Ohio 3, 488 26 916 Do Morgan Citv 2 300 32 677 Indiana 3.158 34 950 Senator 2, 409 43 957 Do City of Para 3,532 46 979 June 11 1898 V alencia 1,198 29 606 Newport 3. 000 30 520 »Tnne 20 1898 City of Puebla 2, 623 12 844 ♦Tune 23 1898 Peru 3'500 24 904 June 25 1898 City of Rio de Janeiro 3^548 50 856 July 7 1898 Pennsylvania 3,166 49 1, 280 Do St. Paul 2, 440 36 814 July 19,1898 Purchased. Scandia 4, 253 1, 500 July 5,1898 Arizona 5, 000 1, 700 July 16 1898 PACIFIC FLEET. The capacity of the chartered ships of the Pacific fleet, as shown in the fore- going statement, is taken from the'reports made to this office of the actual num- ber of officers and men which were transported on them. Of the Atlantic fleet the statement shows the number of officers and men th® chartered ships were reported to be fitted up to carry. It was, however, found upon loading the ships that the health and comfort of the men would not permit the full number to be put on board; hence in the transportation of General Shafter's army from Port Tampa to Cuba, on the fleet of transport vessels which had been fitted up to carry 20,000 or more troops only about 16,000 were put on board the vessels. This was necessary because the voyage was for six days instead of forty-eight hours, for which the ships had been fitted. Congress being averse to granting American registry to foreign ships, the only vessels available for charter for transportation of troops were the merchant ves- sels engaged in the coast-line trade on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. These were mostly small ships constructed for carrying freight and not designed for the transportation of large bodies of men. The first call upon the Department for transport ships was for the transporta- tion of 5,000 men. This was subsequently changed, and call was made for a fleet of vessels for the transportation of an army of about 25,000 to be landed at Mariel, or at some point near Havana. As soon as the movements were determined upon owners of vessels were called upon to supply as many ships as they could spare without crippling too severely their commercial interests. In many instances it was a hardship for these com- panies to spare the vessels that the Department required. Owing to the troops being ready for embarkation and the demand upon the Department for transpor- tation being urgent, these vessels had to be hurriedly chartered and fitted up. The Department did not feel warranted to demand these vessels from the steam- ship companies before they were absolutely needed, or justified in chartering them and maintaining them at a large expense in advance of their need. As fast as chartered, the vessels were fitted up under the supervision of experi enced officers of the Department and hired experts, working day and night, and every arrangement for the health and comfort of the men was considered and provided for so far as possible in the short time allowed for the work. In some 446 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. cases the materials were loaded on the vessels and mechanics placed on board, who did the work of fitting up while the vessel was en route to Port Tampa, the point at which the troops were concentrated for the invasion of Cuba. In these ships bunks were built for sleeping accommodations for the enlisted men, and wind scoops and wind sails provided for furnishing air through the hatches and ports. The ships of the Atlantic fleet being small, to accommodate the number of troops to be transported it was necessary to build bunks three tiers high. Addi- tional water-closets and washing facilities were also provided upon the vessels. No arrangements were made for cooking except to supply the men with hot coffee, it being understood that the troops would carry travel rations. After the embarkation of the troops of General Shafter's army information was received in this office that the bunks were not satisfactory and that the ven- tilation of the vessels was insufficient for the health and comfort of the men. Al vessels were subsequently provided with hammocks, frames being fitted in them with hooks for swinging the hammocks, so that they could be taken down during the day. and space given to the men to move about. Electric plants for lighting and running ventilating fans were procured, but for want of time some of the plants were not installed upon the vessels. The vessels chartered for the transportation of the army to Manila were of a superior class to the fleet on the Atlantic. They were vessels engaged in trade with the far East and South America. As the movement to Manila involved a voyage of over 7,000 miles, great care was taken in the fitting up of the ships, to provide the troops with comfort, cleanliness, protection to health, and the proper means for cooking during the long voyage. Increased galley facilities, lavatories, and water-closets were constructed in all these vessels. But the Atlantic coast vessels were supposed to have troops upon them for only forty-eight hours at most, and there was not time to supply them with more than comfortable sleeping accommodations under cover, leaving the decks free for them to move about dur- ing the day. The ships chartered and fitted up for the transport service were found to be unsuitable for carrying animals, and Congress being unwilling to give American registry to foreign ships, the only ones suitable for such service, the Government was compelled to purchase a numbei- of vessels, designated as cattle ships, of large carrying capacity, with bilge keels, to prevent rolling. Most of the ships purchased were of this character. These were temporarily fitted up to meet the immediate needs of the service, but it is the intention of the Department to have each one of them transformed from freight carriers to model troop ships, some being fitted for troops only, others for troops and animals, and others for freight and refrigerator ships. Two of these vessels are now being thus refitted, and others will follow as they can be spared from the service for that purpose. Exhibit G, herewith, is sample copies of instructions given by this office in ref- erence to the fitting up of transport ships, the correspondence on which subject is very voluminous. Also, accompanying is a report of the depot quartermaster at New York City, where a great number of these vessels were fitted up, which gives information as to the nature of the instructions given on this subject, and is accompanied by photographs illustrating the manner in which ships were fitted up for transportation < f the troops. The water capacity of every vessel was largely increased by the supply of addi- tional tanks, casks, and barrels. Attention is invited to the accompanying cor- respondence on the subject of procuring additional tanks for use on the vessels, marked " Exhibit H." Some of the vessels were also provided with condensing apparatus, and in addition four vessels were employed as water-boats, with a capacity of 480 000 gallons. Two of the water-boats accompanied General Shafter's fleet to Cuba REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 447 Before any vessel was chartered it was carefully and thoroughly inspected by an officer of the Department to ascertain its seaworthiness, its capacity, and its gen- eral fitness for the transportation of troops. When available, the services of an officer of the Navy was called upon to assist in this inspection. Upon this pre- liminary inspection, report of which was submitted to this office, if favorable, the vessel was chartered. The work of fitting it up and inspecting was then done under the supervision of an experienced officer of the Department, and when com- p'eted was turned over to the commanding officer of the troops which were to be transported on the ship, whose duty it was to designate the troops to be embarked, and to cause an inspection to be made by his surgeon and staff officer to satisfy himself as to the suitability of the vessel for the service required. Question 13. What arrangements were made for the disembarkation of troops when there was a possibility of it being done outside of a harbor? Answer. In order to facilitate the landing of troops on the Cuban coast, the pon- toon trains from Willets Point and West Point were assembled and shipped on the transport Alamo. They were intended to be used in coves or still water, running out from shore so that light-draft boats could lay alongside and disembark troops. Efforts were made to secure steam lighters to accompany the expedition. The officers at various ports on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts were asked to inquire and report on the number and class of such lighters as they could secure. Each of the officers replied that there were no light-draft steam vessels suitable for the pur- pose obtainable in the ports along the Atlantic coast. The steam lighters were all deep-draft vessels. In Galveston three steam lighters were found-the Bessie, Laura, and Cumber- land-and these were chartered and sent to Port Tampa to accompany the expe- dition, and also one ocean tug from Mobile. Three ordinary deck barges were also under construction at Port Tampa, Fla., by General Ludlow: two of these were finished when the expedition sailed and were taken along, but one of them was lost on the way over and was afterwards picked up and returned to Key West. The steam lighter Bessie broke down before she arrived at Port Tampa, and put in at Pensacola for repairs, which repairs were not completed before the expedi- tion left. The captain of the ocean tug Captain Sam did not carry out his instructions to catch up with the fleet at point designated, and was left behind and reported at Key West. Several attempts were made to have him continue his voyage, but in each case he reported back, stating that he was not able to keep up with the con- voy and was unable to go alone with his tug to Santiago. Aftei' arrival on the south coast of Cuba, General Shafter telegraphed that two or three steam lighters were necessary, and this office took immediate measures to supply his need for lighterage. Two decked barges were dispatched in tow of U. S. tug Fern from Key West, and two were sent from New Orleans in tow of the ocean tug Undenvriter, and three from Mobile in tow of the ocean tug Nim- rod. The Fern arrived in Cuba with her barges, both of which were wrecked the day after arrival, and all the barges from New Orleans and Mobile were lost at sea, and only the tug from New Orleans reached Santiago. (Copies of some of the correspondence had by this office on the subject of pro- curing light-draft vessels for landing troops and supplies is herewith, marked Exhibit "I.") It is proper to remark that no definite request for the supply of means for dis- embarking troops was received in this office until after the arrival of General Shafter's army in Cuba; and the efforts made by this office to secure light-dratt vessels, as shown by the correspondence, was in anticipation of any call that might be made upon the Department. 448 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The unsuccessful efforts to get decked barges to Santiago led the Department to enter into a contract with D. Van Aken & Co., of New York City, to fit out an expedition to proceed to Santiago with a large force of mechanics of various kinds and laborers, with machinery and materials, such as pile drivers, dock building and railroad-constructing implements, iron, and lumber, for building docks, light- ers, and for repairing railroads and engines. They were also provided with sev- eral tugs and lighters. The expedition has been usefully employed in Porto Rico. Upon the request of Lieut. Col. W. M. Black, Corps of Engineers, upon the staff of the Major-General Commanding the Army, efforts were made to secure light-draft vessels for service with the army in Cuba and Porto Rico, and many vessels were inspected on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The steamer Tarpon was chartered, which, with the chartered lighter Bessie and snag boat Suwanee, owned by the Engineer Department, were dispatched to Cuba for use as lighters. Question 14. When so-called permanent camps were located for a large force, what .arrangements were made for a full and complete supply of potable water for use of troops? Were tent floors furnished in any cases other than for hospitals? If so, where and when? Answer. At Camp Alger, Va., forty driven wells were provided, from which a good supply of water was obtained. Seven hundred water barrels and 214 army filters were also provided. At Camp Shipp, Anniston, Ala., water was obtained from city mains; itispiped from mountain springs. At Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., springs in the park, sup- plemented by a number of fine wells, was first resorted to, but proved deficient. A pumping plant, with machinery, standpipe, pump house, pipe, etc., was pro- vided and the water pumped into tanks from Chickamauga River. Drinking water was also obtained from Crawford, Blue, and Ellis springs. One thousand one hundred and fifty water barrels, 2,000 boilers for boiling water, and 1,200 army filters were provided. At camp at Fernandina, Fla., mains and branches were laid and connected with the water supply of the town, which is from an 8-inch artesian well, 720 feet deep, with a flow of about one and one-fourth million gallons per day. One hundred army filters were also supplied. At Camp Wheeler, Huntsville, Ala., water was obtained from the city supply by means of pipes laid to the camp. At Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Fla., water is provided by connection with the city water system and distributed to the camps by means of mains and branches. The Jacksonville source of supply is three 6-inch artesian wells, with a natural flow of three and one-half million gallons per day. One hundred and fifty army filters were also provided this camp. At Camp Hamilton, Lexington, Ky., water was provided from the city by haul- ing from the city to the camp, and later by means of pipe connections for dis- tributing water from the city mains. At the camp at Miami, Fla., hydrants and wells were provided throughout the camp, and 85 filters furnished. At the camp at Mobile, Ala., water was supplied by pipe connections with the city mains. At Camp Meade, Middletown, Pa., three wells were sunk, two with deep pumps and one with force pump, with tanks and necessary piping, water barrels and buckets; 482 army filters were also furnished. At Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, N. Y., a number of wells were sunk, three pumping stations put in, and two large tanks erected, with a capacity of 60,000 gallons each; water was distributed by about 8 miles of pipe laid for that pur- REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 449 pose. A filter plant was provided- and 135 army filters supplied. A Navy Depart- ment steamer with distilled water plant, having a daily capacity of 60,000 gallons, was also provided, but was not used. The Club House water plant was also taken possession of in connection with the water supply at this camp. At the camp at New Orleans, La., water was supplied by the Orleans City Railroad Company, including filters, free. At the camp at Tampa, Fla., there were three sources of water supply. A well, pump, tank, and piping were provided for the camp of siege artillery and that at Palmetto Beach. All other camps at Tampa were supplied from the city water works, piped by the Government to the various camps. The camps at Port Tampa and Port Tampa City were provided with water by the Plant System from their pump and tank at Ybor City, the Government paying for the hauling. The sup- ply of watei- at all these camps was ample and of good, pure quality. Distilling plants were provided at Key West Barracks, Fla.; Fort St. Philip, La.; and the Philippine Islands, for the use of troops. Tent floors were furnished (other than for hospital tents) from April 1 to Sep- tember 30, 1898, inclusive, at the following places: Fort Adams, R. I.; Camp Alger, Va.; Anniston, Ala.; Augusta, Ga.; Fort Baker, Cal.; Camp Black, N. Y.; ChickamaugatPark, Ga.; Fort Caswell and Fort Macon, N. C.; Fort Clinch, Fla.; Clarks Point, Mass.; Columbus Barracks, Ohio; Dutch Island, R. I.; Fort Point, Cal.; Fort Point, Tex.; Fort Grant, Ariz.; Fort Gris- wold, Conn.; Hilton Head, S. C.; Fort Hamilton, N. Y.; Jackson Barracks, La.; Jefferson Barracks, Mo.; Key West, Fla.; Fort Knox, Me.; Long Island Head, Mass.; Fort McHenry, Md.; Miami, Fla.; Fort Mott, N. J.; Camp Meade, Pa.; Fort Morgan, Ala.; Fort Monroe, Va.; Fort Pickens, Fla.; Fort Preble, Me.; Plum Island, N. Y.; Fort Popham, Me.; Fort Snelling, Minn.; Fort Sheridan, Ill.; Sheridan Point, Va.; Sullivans Island, S. C.; Fort Slocum, N. Y.; San Diego Bar- racks, Cal.; Fort St. Philip, La.; Fort Schuyler, N. Y.; Santiago de Cuba; Tybee Island, Ga.; Fort Trumbull, Conn.; Fort Wadsworth, N. Y.; Washington Bar- racks, D. C.; Fort Washington, Md.; Willets Point, N. Y.; Winthrop, Mass.; Camp Wikoff. Tent floors were also ordered for troops at Camp Wikoff, N. Y., and for all troops at Huntsville, but the actual cost of same is not yet on record in this office. Question 15. When troops were moved by rail for long distances, were there any arrangements made for supply of water? Were there any unnecessary delays in the movements of troops from the camps established on the return of the army from Cuba? Answer. The form of proposal requested of railroad companies in bidding for movement of troops requires that the company furnishing the equipment shall see that "all passenger cars will be kept well supplied with ice and water, and that the trains will be run with the greatest speed consistent with safety." This is insisted on in movements of troops. (See sample copy of form of proposal, marked Exhibit J.) No '1 unnecessary delays " have come to the attention of this office in returning to their homes soldiers upon arrival from Cuba. A delay of five and one-half hours in movement of First Illinois from Montauk was investigated and found to be due to impossibility of the Lehigh Valley Rail- road to get the necessary cars at Montauk at the time agreed upon. A delay of twelve hours occurred in the movement of the Eighth Ohio from Montauk, which, upon investigation, was found to be due to refusal of the colonel commanding to permit his regiment to be shipped as a whole to Columbus, as ordered by War Department, and orders to ship to company headquarters in various cities and towns where these troops were mustered had to be awaited. In this case no fault attached to the Quartermaster's Department. A quarter- 7833-vol. 1 29 450 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. master's agent was put aboard the train in order to save time, and arranged the necessary details of shipment to the several destinations of the companies while the train was under way. The District of Columbia regiment was delayed for several hours awaiting arrival of cars, but the regiment was fully notified in advance of breaking camp, so that no serious inconvenience resulted, and the regiment left Montauk for Wash- ington the same day, but in the afternoon instead of in the morning, as at first expected. These delays have been made the subject of a special investigation by the Quar- termaster-General, as will be seen by the following correspondence: Washington, D. C., September 10, 1898. Colonel Moore (care Major Sawyer), Montauk: Before leaving Montauk, please investigate thoroughly so as to report where responsibility rests for the delays and discomforts which the newspapers charge in bitter criticism as occurring in the movement of the Eighth Ohio, First Illinois, and District of Columbia Volunteers from Montauk to their destination. These occurrences are most unfortunate under the state of the public mind at present, and such concert of action must be had between the New York and Montauk office and the railroad company as will avoid any repetition in the future. Confer with Major Sawyer. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, September 28, 1898. The Quartermaster-General of the Army. General: In accordance with telegraphic instructions of the 10th instant, I have the honor to submit herewith a report of Capt. J. N. Patton, assistant quartermaster, United States Volunteers, Montauk Point, L. I., who has direct charge of rail transportation at that place. This officer explains the delays in the transportation of the First Illinois and District of Columbia Volunteers. The delay in the movement of the Eighth Ohio, Colonel Kimball informed me, was due to the fact that he was ordered to provide transportation to Columbus, Ohio. The colonel objected to his entire command going to that place, declaring that the President, when he visited the camp, said he would have an order issued distributing the various companies to towns and cities where they were enlisted or entered the service. The orders were finally received by Colonel Kimball changing destination as requested by the regimental commander. This shows that there has been no delay whatever in this case, for the reason that the cars were ready, and the destination of the regiment could have readily been changed before it reached New York City. It was, therefore, unquestion- ably the fault of the colonel of the regiment that any delay occurred. Very respectfully, James M. Moore, Assistant Quarter-master-General, United States Army. Montauk Point, Long Island, September 11,1898. Col. Jas. M. Moore, Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. A., Montauk Point, Long Island. Sir: In reply to your inquiries regarding shipment and delays in moving the Eighth Ohio, First Illinois, and First District of Columbia Volunteers, I have the honor to state as follows: The arrangement for the shipment of the Eighth Ohio was made by Captain Knight, and by him I was directed to issue transportation REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 451 for 971 men and 38 officers, September 6, 1898, to New York City. Whatever cor- respondence there was on the subject was between Captain Knight, chief quar- termaster, and Colonel Kimball. Statement upon this subject, made in writing to me by Captain Knight's chief clerk, as follows (Captain Knight having gone to Santiago): Montauk Point, Long Island, N. Y., September 11, 1898. On or about September 5, 1898, a communication was received from the head- quarters on subject of movement of Eighth Ohio. Attached to this communica- tion was a list of the number of officers and men in each company and a list of their home stations; also a notation designating the railroads by which the various companies desired to travel. Telegram was sent at once to the depot quarter- master, New York, requesting that arrangements be made accordingly. No reply was received to this telegram. Next morning a train was provided by the Long Island Railroad for transportation to New York City, but as it appeared transportation was provided from New York City to Columbus, Ohio, for the entire command, the commanding officer of the regiment declined to embark his regiment unless the destination of the various companies was changed to their home station. Telegram to this effect was sent the depot quartermaster, New York, about 10 that morning, to which no reply was received that I am aware of. Copies of both telegrams referred to are on record in office of chief quartermaster here. W. H. Campbell. The Third Texas moved out according to programme and without incident, except that they held the train for nearly an hour waiting for part of their bag- gage, which they finally left behind with six of their men. The First District of Columbia was scheduled to go at 2 p. m. Thursday. The railroad company was notified the day previous in writing, but did not have cars ready for the regiment to go aboard till 7.30 p. m. of that date (September 8), a delay of five and a half hours, caused by the Long Island Railrotid Company. The colonel was, however, notified by the adjutant-general of division head- quarters that the train would not be ready until 7 o'clock p. m. Colonel Moore saw the regiment embark, and no complaint of any kind was made by its colonel. The First Illinois made request to leave here Wednesday, the 7th instant, and I so wired the depot quartermaster, New York City; the regiment commenced preparations to move. At 10 o'clock a. m. Wednesday I received telegram from Colonel Kimball, saying Lehigh Valley Railroad could not furnish cars to move First Illinois till noon Thursday, September 8, and to hold shipment till Thursday morning (copy attached). The quartermaster of the First Illinois was in my office at the time this telegram was received. I showed it to him and told him his regiment would have to stay where it was till next morning. He replied that he did not think it would do so, as they were ready to go and did not propose to be stopped by the railroad company. I advised him to see his colonel and explain the situation to him, which he did. Later in the day I saw him again in Major Sawyer's office, when they still insisted they were going to move and the Lehigh Valley Railroad must get ready to receive them. Major Sawyer then notified him that the Lehigh Valley Railroad could not be ready till the time named in Colonel Kimball's message, and if they persisted in going they would have to incur the discomfort of the necessary delay in New York; that this department would not be responsible for the movement till Thursday morning, as arranged. The regi- ment finally left Wednesday evening. All this marching and countermarching spoken of in the newspapers is untrue, as the regiment did not come to depot here till near the time of leaving in the evening. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. N. Patton, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, United States Volunteers. 452 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Copy of telegram.] New York, September 6, 1898. Quartermaster, Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, L. I: Referring to previous correspondence concerning movement First Illinois, Lehigh Valley Railroad, which has contract, states absolutely impossible to get cars ready for movement to-morrow, but can have full equipment by Thursday. Please defer movement accordingly. Have troops leave Thursday morning ; arrive Long Island City about midday. Advise by wire in advance just when troops will arrive. Kimball. 7.41 p. m. Question 16. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Quartermaster-General in reference to the prompt compliance with proper requisi- tions or complaints of any character in reference to the operations of the depart- ment in connection with the movement of troops, the issuing of proper and neces- sary supplies, or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Quartermaster's Department? Answer. Numerous complaints have reached this office in connection with water and rail transportation and the furnishing of the various articles of quarter- master's supplies. The greater part of these complaints were made in the early part of the war, and related to the nonreceipt by volunteer troops just coming into the service of supply of clothing and tentage. In some cases there was foundation, resulting from the immense volume of work of packing and shipping to be per- formed at depots. In many others the complaints were unreasonable, as no con- sideration was given of the time necessary to transport the supplies to them. The most important complaints have been carefully inquired into, and many of such, after investigation, were found to be groundless, and in others the Quar- termaster's Department was found to be in nowise responsible. In cases where just complaint against this Department was found to exist, instructions were given to have the same remedied and steps taken to prevent its recurrence. A number of these complaints is submitted with this report, and the corre- spondence relating thereto will be found in Exhibit K. Question 17. What funds were at the command of the Department April 1,1898, and what additional funds were available by August 31, 1898, under general or special legislation? Answer. There was at the command of the Department April 1, 1898, available for war expenditures the sum of $2, 657,456.87 Allotments to Quartermaster's Department from appropriation "National defense" ... 1,500,000.00 There was appropriated by the act of March 15,1898, $6,555,000; by deficiency act of May 4, 1898, $19,550,000; by deficiency act of July 7, 1898, $103,200,000; and by act of July 8, 1898, $200,000; making total appropriated 129,505,000. 00 Total available by August 31, 1898 133,662,456.87 For details of appropriations to which the funds pertain, etc., see accompany- ing statements marked "Exhibit L," which shows that the sum of $2,374,464.97 was at the command of the Department on April 1, 1898, which is not available for war expenditures. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, United States Army. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 453 Exhibit A. Statement of principal articles of clothing and equipage and materials on hand April 1, 1898; also quantities due on contract. Philadelphia. Jeffersonville. San Francisco. Total Articles. On hand Mar.31, 1898. Due on con- tract, or to be manu- fac- tured. On hand Mar.31, 1898. To be manu- fac- tured. St. Louis. On hand Mar.31, 1898. On hand Mar.31, 1898. Due on con- tract, or to be manu- fac- tured. Total on hand Mar.31, 1898. due on con- tract, or to be manu- fac- tured. Blankets 57,317 3,229 12,970 2,210 2,186 7,116 6,712 9,684 11,042 2,306 39,762 4,885 4,040 140 5,902 6,061 1,590 11,636 7,204 7,998 25,670 2,244 76,573 7.290 63,378 22,402 27,375 19,216 19,480 44,307 9,484 91.160 19,796 8,897 55,063 19,084 7,525 4,811 24,376 40,365 38,014 18,376 305,523 126,773 17,979 20,251 15,616 131,406 83,841 4,334 4,561 1,216 4,415 60 5,902 5,500 25,611 2,144 1,342 53,352 6,000 100,000 8,000 3,229 8,173 4,300 15,000 7,504 22,613 Blouses 17,393 5,500 190 Caps, forage - - Canvas fatigue coats 25,611 2,144 1,342 20,000 6,000 100,000 8,000 3,229 8,173 4,300 12,504 7,500 11,999 2,769 1,456 1,647 2,083 528 8,346 7,649 9,438 Canvas fatigue trousers .. Drawers, canton flannel.. Gauntlets. 30,000 3,352 Gloves, Berlin 4,903 1,464 56 Hats, campaign Helmets, cork 6,535 10,560 6,020 1,879 2,508 11,367 16,076 20,803 3,133 90,492 17,638 2,796 8,892 6,865 26,982 23,412 2,091 2,548 642 Leggings - 4,403 3,420 328 Overalls 4,759 1,606 163 Overcoats 2,500 Ponchos .. - - Shirts, I). B. flannel 3,636 22,262 13,017 5,232 209,214 107,136 9,970 10,401 6,652 102,787 57,370 1,848 1,717 100 8,471 10,000 902 614 Shoes: Barrack __ 2,027 4,194 357 Leather 24,112 1,700 24,112 1,700 Stable frocks 9,654 Stockings: Cotton 13,817 1,999 5,213 958 Wool _ 40,000 40,000 Suspenders - Trousers: Foot - - 10,773 7,213 39,400 4,283 452 15,056 7,665 39,400 Mounted 2,099 1,637 3,059 395 Undershirts: Cotton - W ool Axes _ Ax helves 479 296 497 Bedsacks 474 Books, all kinds 3,235 53 945 235 Bugles, light artillery Colors and standards 7 160 36 23 219 Drums 33 50 59 13 105 50 Fifes 892 113 1,005 65 Flags: Garrison 58 4 3 Post 264 38 3 305 Storm and recruiting. Guidons 471 157 628 12 10 10 22 10 Hand litters 7 28 35 Hatchets. 673 3,639 1,016 4,478 287 1,097 1,371 316 6,425 6,849 1,745 19,962 7,296 1,870 1,606 2,517 2,513 3,376 Hatchet helves 1,000 907 Kettles, camp 235 Mess pans 1,654 5,563 1,807 242 12,819 4,944 1,562 63 545 Mosquito bars 171 Misqmto head nets Pickaxes 988 219 157 Pickax helves 533 918 1,066 Shovels: Long-handled 1,598 2,104 915 Short-handled 1,109 163 454 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Statement of principal articles of clothing, etc.-Continued. Philadelphia. Jeffersonville. San Fralicisco. Total Due on st. Louis. Due on Total due on con- Articles. On hand Mar. 31. con- tract, or to be On hand Mar.31, To be manu- fac- On hand Mar.31, On hand Mar.31, con- tract, or to be on hand Mar.31, 1898. tract, or to be manu- 1898. man u* fac- tured. 1898. tured. 1898. .1898. manu- fac- tured. fac- tured. Spades 876 723 7,057 651 9,307 Trumpets Tents: 179 100 1 - 313 29 522 100 Common 737 763, 391 633 - 1,761 763 Conical wall.. 240 278 85 325 278 Hospital Shelter halves 104 6,757 148 6,519 76 1,861 38 1,245 218 9,863 148 6,519 Wall 197 411 246 44 487 411 Various kinds Blouse: 53 11 - 8 71 - Flannel .. .yards.. 140,763 64,477 975 4,347 210,562 Lining flannel ..do.... 45,144 2,248 533 1,480 49,405 Canton flannel Duck: ..do.... 93,986 75,956 - 4,264 13,023 187,229 12-ounce ..do 102,280 35,500 102,280 35,500 10-ounce .. ..do 80,740 40,000 80,740 40,000 8-ounce ..do.... 57,953 - - - . "'4'988 57,953 Bleached ..do.... 26,200 2,520 31,188 Brown, Kersey: ..do 52,337 280 55,137 D.B ..do.... 7,636 32,874 6,133 1,636 32,874 S. B ..do.... 123,462 368 129,963 Shirting flannel.. ..do 86,057 24,800 537 2,352 - 113,746 Exhibit B. Articles of clothing and equipage manufactured at depots of Quartermaster's Department from April 30, 1898, to August 15, 1898. Articles. Depots. Total. Phila- delphia. Jeffer- sonville. San Fran- cisco. St. Louis. Wash- ington. Blouses, made and unmade 42,885 6,020 5,924 61,437 4,852 18,243 62,288 62,484 9,952 1,152 24 426 197,502 668 64,777 4,240 3,328 39,728 8,881 7 11 2,527 295 451 1,849 11,424 663 116,543 10,267 9,263 103,692 5,147 18,694 73,577 84,559 17,888 4,923 24 426 197,502 668 Canvas fatigue coats Canvas fatigue trousers pairs.- Drawers, canton flannel .. .do Overalls Overcoats Shirts, dark blue flannel. 9,440 Trousers, kersey: Foot .pairs.. Mounted - do Tents: Common . 10,651 7,273 3,771 Conical wall Hospital Shelter halves Wall REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 455 Exhibit C. Statement showing principal articles of clothing and equipage purchased or con- tracted for from May 1,1898, to August 15, 1898. Philadelphia, Pa. San Francisco, Cal. St. Louis, Mo. Articles. From Mayl, 1898, to June 30,1898. From Julyl, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From Julyl, 1898,to Aug. 15, 1898. Total. From Mayl, 1898, to June 30,1898. From Julyl, 1898, to Aug. 15, 1898. Total. Blankets 216,000 177,650 393,650 27,611 12,232 3,125 7,000 30,736 19,232 4,100 4,100 Blouses. lined . „ Boots pairs.. ts 1,025 1,025 Canvas fatigue coa Canvas fatigue tr •nairs _ _ 24,022 24,011 7,579 7,579 31,601 31,590 ousers, Caps, forage 230,000 50,000 260,000 230,000 50,000 360,000 Drawers: Canton flannel nairs Summer Wool . _ ?do do... 100,000 60,658 9,068 12,879 16,000 69,726 12,879 46,000 10,000 396 10,396 Field and summer uni- forms . . suits 30,000 Gauntlets, buckskin, pairs Giovos. Barlin nairs 62,377 80,000 240,950 45,480 20,600 50,000 112,377 80,000 420,950 45,480 45,600 Hats: Camnaiem _ 180,000 7,396 5,014 12,410 10,000 25,600 35,600 Canvas - _ _ Helmets: Cork 25,000 55 3,652 3,652 TTn trim mad Leggings Ovoreoats „ _ pairs.. 153,000 153,000 4,000 1,585 27,319 91,241 4,000 1,585 43,319 113,241 51,093 1,186 176,659 44,942 16,500 19,256 Ponchos 215,800 55,900 105,000 17,050 320,800 72,950 Shirts: D. B. flannel .. 16,000 22,000 51,093 6,367 9,033 15,400 Gingham and muslin Shoes: Barrack pairs.. .do 25,000 353,233 220,000 100,000 59,095 25,000 372,652 370,000 100,000 159,095 125,000 15,000 420,000 Calfskin 19,419 150,000 1,186 127,659 23,764 5,000 12,256 68 5,426 5,494 Stockings: Cotton. _do. 49,000 21,178 11,500 7,000 W ool .do Suspenders.. Trousers: Kornev, foot _ do.... 100,000 125,000 15,000 100,000 do _ Undershirts: Cotton 320,000 37,847 25,999 1,850 2,350 9,860 12,879 1,750 3,400 47,707 38,878 3,600 5,750 10,000 10,000 Woolen Axes 12,500 28,500 2,000 5,000 13,200 17,500 7,720 14,000 5,000 10,000 12,720 Ax halvas 41,700 2,000 24,000 Ax slings _ _ Barrack hags 3,000 7,000 3,000 7,000 40,029 Bedsacks 15,000 20,000 35,000 Rod shoots 40,029 1,000 2,093 225 3,000 1,200 100 4,000 3,293 325 Books: Company Post . sets .do. .. Regimental ... Br n sh es. scr n bbi n e do. 325 325 10,000 400 10,000 400 300 300 250 250 1,621 3,400 1,500 100 80 1,701 3,400 2,000 150 12 12 Drum slings . Fifes 500 Flags: Garrison 50 48 48 Post 200 100 300 Storm and recruiting. 350 250 600 15,000 250 15,000 250 Hand litters Hatchets 10,400 11,568 2,000 15,002 1,000 5,000 20,600 15,400 32,168 2,000 20,002 4,000 979 1,700 1,600 200 2,679 2,600 200 7,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 12,000 20,000 Hatchet helves 1,000 Hatchet slings Kettles, camp 5,000 3,000 1,779 1,080 1,000 7,000 40,000 5,000 2,859 1,000 7,000 40,000 30,000 7,500 2,499 9,999 Mattresses Mattress covers . Mosquito bars _ . 25,000 50,000 25,000 80,000 1,775 10,425 Mosonito hoad-nots 30,000 1,775 5,000 25,000 Pickaxes 5,425 1,450 820 2,270 9,000 9,000 456 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Philadelphia, Pa. San Francisco, Cal. St. Louis, Mo. Articles. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From Julyl, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15.1898. Total. Pickax helves .. 4,886 10.594 15,480 3.000 1,350 25 1,200 2,550 25 14,000 14,000 Pillows 3,000 Shovels: Long handles 2,100 4,600 1,500 1,500 39 2,100 9,600 7,205 2,500 39 1.200 550 1,750 1,020 1,207 3 4,000 5,000 7,000 1,260 5,260 6,800 8,500 Short handles 5,000 5,705 1,000 900 120 1,800 1,500 Spades. 1,007 200 Stencils. - . _ sets.. 3 Tents: Common . _ 200 1,200 265 1,400 265 2,715 150 743 3,458 150 Conical wall 1 1 Hospital 40 250 290 50 50 Shelter, halves 10,000 197 10,000 197 41,100 801 10,000 400 51,100 1,201 8,189 799 8,189 1,099 Wall .. . 300 Tent overcoats Trumpets 750 3,810 2,000 15,727 8,472 3,834 4,560 2,000 Whistles Mess pans _ 10,000 21,445 18,125 3,010 21,000 386,001 230,000 180,000 100,000 122,853 221,960 525,000 3,360 1,300 1,500 4,860 1,300 15,000 15,000 Buttons, line: Large gross.. Small. do 29.917 21,959 3,010 21,000 461,001 230,000 330,000 100,000 122.853 Cloth: Facing., yards.. Italian do 433 560 993 Drilling do Duck: 12-ounce do 75,000 6,009 2,000 8,009 10-ounce do 150,000 8-ounce do.... For canvas fatigue clothing yards.. Flannel: Blouse. do 221,960 8,519 737 3,200 11,719 737 Blouse lining do Canton do 525,000 449,082 225,000 232,000 671,620 270,000 200,000 649,082 225,000 232,000 675,620 271,509 62,500 560,000 5,500 200,383 500,600 170,200 41,620 834,828 419,250 27,650 27,650 Cape lining do Overcoat-. do Shirting,. __do Jeans: Corset -.do 4,000 1,509 White . do 62,500 Kersey: Sky blue do Dark blue do 560,000 1,098 16,110 17,208 5,500 Muslin, unbleached.do Padding: Black do 200,383 500,600 170,200 40,000 562,828 419,250 1,890 2,500 4,390 Canvas do 17,000 17,000 Serge ...do Shelter tent material, yards Silesia, black yards.. 1,620 272,000 4,022 4,022 New York, N. Y. Chicago, Ill. Boston, Mass. Articles. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15.1898. Total. From May 1, 1898,to June 30.1898. From July 1, 1898,to Aug. 15.1898. Total. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. Blankets 2,600 92,992 29,110 9,150 5,000 13,500 36,000 162,008 205,890 98,019 38,600 255,000 235,000 107.169 41,000 17,950 58,950 Blouses, unlined. Drawers, summer pairs.. Field and summer uni- forms suits.. 241,168 13,000 254,168 40,000 75,000 115,000 Hats, campaign. 5,000 375,000 125,000 150,600 152,600 361,840 2,745 20,000 2,745 60,800 Leggings.'...7 pairs.. Overcoats 361,500 125,000 121,344 102,473 180,200 40,800 Shirts, D. B. flannel 29,256 49,857 181,640 55.200 3,000 67,729 250,000 35,000 58,200 65,363 22,157 142,423 45,100 207,786 67,257 Shoes, calfskin pairs.. Stockings, cotton...do - 105,432 152,000 105,500 173,161 402,000 140,500 Suspenders do Trousers: Duck do 4,150 102,095 110,850 141,405 18,000 115,000 243,500 18,000 Kersey, foot - do- Kersey, mounted,pairs Statement showing principal articles of clothing, etc.-Continued. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 457 Statement showing principal articles of clothing, etc.-Continued. New York, N. Y. Chicago, Ill. Boston, Mass. Articles. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From Julyl, 1898,to Aug. 15, 1898. Total. From May 1. 1898, to June 30, 1898. From Julyl, 1898,to Aug. 15,1898. Total. From May 1, 1898,to June 30, 1898. From July 1, 1898, to Aug, 15, 1898. Total. Undershirts: Cotton. Woolen Axes Ax helves Books: Company sets.. Post .do - Regimental do Drum slings.. Hammocks .. Hand litters, Hatchets - Hatchet helves Kettles, camp Mosquito head nets Pickaxes Pickax helves Shovels, short handles - Spades... - - Tents: Common Conical wall Hospital ............... Irregular Shelter, halves - Wall Tent overcoats - - Trumpets Mess pans 110,949 5,448 1,800 1,800 2,100 100 225 3,000 37,000 600 600 394 16,000 3,360 3,720 3,000 2,700 4,518 300 100 848 30,896 1,014 19,900 12 10,485 324,051 1,500 250 250 70,000 750 21,500 1,000 10,502 2,262 25,104 1,612 5,100 435,000 5,448 1,800 1,800 8,600 350 475 3,000 107,000 600 1,350 394 37,500 3,360 3,720 4,000 2,700 15,020 300 2,362 '848 60,000 2,656 25,000 12 10,485 251,464 2,000 5,185 50 1,500 1,343 22,000 1,000 800 1,500 200 973,464 3,000 5,985 1,550 1,500 1,543 40,000 75,000 115,000 Jeffersonville , Ind. Baltimore, Md. New Orleans, La. Articles. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From Julyl, 1898,to Aug. 15,1898. Total. From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1, 1898,to Aug. 15,1898. Total. From May 1, 1898,to June 30,1898. From Julyl, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. Drawers, summer -pairs.- Shirts, D. B. flannel Shoes, calfskin pairs.. Stockings, cotton...do.... Underskirts,cotton, do Axes Ax, helves. Kettles, camp Mosquito bars Pickaxes Pickax helves. Shovels: Long handles Short handles.. Spades Tents: Common Hospital Irregular Shelter, halves Wall Mess pans. Buttons, line: Large .gross.. Small ..do.,.. Drilling. yards.. Ducki 293 343 6 6 300 834 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,001 3,000 3,000 2,160 2,520 23,011 3,293 3,343 3.000 3,000 3,007 3,006 3,000 300 2,160 2,520 23,845 379 360 5,375 207 173 41,588 516 ' 7,645 1,402 379 360 13,020 1,609 173 41.588 516 2,300 147 39,600 1,000 420 2,261 500 50 100 1,045 636,000 2,300 147 675,600 1,000 420 2,261 500 50 100 1,045 Bleached do Foi' canvas fatigue clothing yards.. Flannel: 20,000 400,000 20,000 400,000 Blouse do.... Canton do Lasting, black do Muslin, unbleached .do Padding, black do Silesia, black.. do.... - 100,000 300.000 69,600 93,600 60,000 18.000 100,000 300,000 69,600 93,600 60,000 18,000 458 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Statement showing principal articles of clothing, etc.-Continued. Washington, D. C. Detroit, Mich. <-< OS 1898, May L898. Totals. Articles. From May 1,1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1,1898, to Aug. 15, 1898. Total. From May 1,1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1,1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. Cincinnati, from Ju 1898, to Aug. 15,18 St. Paul, from May 1, to June 30,1898. Various places, from 1, 1898, to Aug. 15, From May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. From July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Grand total. Blankets 10,000 5,450 2,426 299,187 12,232 92,992 1,025 24,022 24,011 230,000 50,000 648,436 247,151 7,000 162,008 546,338 19,232 255,000 1,025 31,601 31,590 230,000 50,000 1,056,990 12,879 153,169 112,377 80,000 476,705 45,480 53,252 55 Blouses: Lined .. Unlined Boots ..pairs.. Canvas fatigue coats 7,579 7,579 Canvas fatigue trousers, pairs Caps, forage Drawers: " Canton flannel .pairs. Summer do 5,200 408,554 12,879 114,019 50,000 Wool do. Field and summer uni- forms suits.. 39,150 62,377 80,000 263,346 45,480 24,252 Gauntlets, buckskin, pairs Gloves, Berlin..-.pairs.. Hats: Campaign 213,359 Canvas Helmets: Cork. 25,000 55 Untrimmed Leggings pairs-. 207,300 4,000 220,385 239,784 381,500 125,000 105,000 308,850 22,000 51,093 243,640 1,270,500 21,178 146,500 588,800 129,000 325,385 548,634 113,241 Overcoats Ponchos 3,000 Shirts: D. B. flannel Gingham and muslin - Shoes: Barrack pairs.. 91,241 25,000 538,663 726.199 76,093 782,303 1,996,699 150,942 316,095 119,150 387,756 33,000 1,212,656 44,356 38,963 69,623 2,000 3,000 43,500 40,029 4,000 6,893 Calfskin do 3,000 3,223 5,300 Stockings: Cotton do Wool. do 6,000 129,764 169,595 4,150 114,351 Suspenders do Trousers: Duck. -.do 115,000 273,405 33,000 546,111 12,879 14,750 21,520 Kersey, foot do. .. Kersey, mounted, pairs Undershirts: Cotton 85 85 5,200 766,545 31,477 24,213 48,103 2,000 Woolen Axes 50 50 Ax helves . 150 960 1,110 960 Ax slings Barrack bags. 3,000 27,000 Bedsacks 1,500 16,500 40,029 1,000 4,193 325 Bedsheets Bedsteads 3,000 2,700 350 Books: Company sets.. Post do Regimental __do 550 250 800 Brushes, scrubbing- 10,000 400 10,000 400 Bugles, light artillery Chairs, barrack ~ 300 300 Color beltsand slings 250 250 Dispatch cases. 200 28 228 200 28 228 Drums . 1,621 6,400 1,500 100 92 1,713 6,400 2,000 198 Drum slings Fifes 500 Flags: Garrison 98 Post 200 100 300 Storm and recruiting Hammocks 350 250 600 52,000 70,000 1,000 122,000 3,250 Hand litters 2,250 REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 459 Statement showing principal articles of clothing, etc.-Continued. Washington, D. C. Detroit, Mich. T-1 1898, May 898. Totals. Articles. •om May 1,1898, to June 30, 1898. •om July 1,1898, to Aug. 15,1898. 3 •om May 1,1898, to J une 30,1898. •om July 1,1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Cincinnati, from Ju 1898, to Aug. 15, 18* . Paul, from May 1, to June 30,1898. irious places, from 1 1898, to Aug. 15,1 From May 1, 1898, to June 30, 1898. From July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Grand total. Ea ft cn Hatchets . Hatchet helves Hatchet slings Kettles,camp Mattresses Mattress covers Mosquito bars .. Mosquito head nets Music pouches Pickaxes .. .. Pickax helves - Pilllows Shovels: Long handles Short handles. Spades Stencils . sets.. Tents: Common .. Conical wall Hospital. Irregular.. Shelter halves Wall Tent overcoats. Trumpets Whistles Mess pans Buttons, line: Large .gross.. Small do Cloth: Pacing yards.. Italian do.... Drilling .do.... Duck: 50 150 50 50 50 100 316 50 150 50 50 50 316 100 250 2,500 3,300 3,550 2,500 500 । • । o । । i । । । । । iiii 1O 1 O CO •O iiit • । iii t । । OQ i । ■ i i i i i iiii O i QQ i <O iiii ii iii i ; i CD i i i i i ■ i i iiii t-< i Ci 1Ci iiii ii iii 19,029 23,318 2,000 25,765 1,000 27,261 91,000 19,285 23,956 25 7,306 13,506 12,257 1,500 18,887 451 447 1,244 135,773 5,270 19,900 762 39,990 22,745 18,125 3,443 21,000 392,844 11,700 32,950 200 8,579 4,000 7,000 40,000 56,500 1,775 8,870 14,794 3,000 4,811 10,920 10,405 1,503 24,190 265 5,473 39,104 2,712 5,100 4,126 29000 18,672 10,632 6,354 560 100,011 30,729 56,268 2,200 34,344 5,000 7,000 67,261 147,500 1,775 28,155 38,750 3,025 12,117 24,426 22,662 3,003 43,077 716 5,920 1,244 174,877 7,982 25,000 4,888 2,000 58,662 33,377 24,479 4,003 21,000 492,855 Bleached.. do 12-ounce do 10-ounce ..do 8-ounce do For canvas fatigue clothing.... yards.. Flannel: Blouse do Blouse lining.. do.... Canton do.... Cape lining do.... Overcoat lining, yards Shirting yards.. Jeans: Corset do White .do Kersey: Sky blue do.... Dark blue do Lasting, black do Muslin, unbleached, yards Padding: Black .yards.. Canvas do Serge ..do Shelter-tent material, yards Silesia, black yards.. 31,779 230,000 180,000 100,000 122,853 330,479 525,737 449,082 225,000 232,000 671,620 270,000 561,098 202,273 500,600 187,200 40,000 562,828 423,272 20,000 150,000 400,000 3,200 559,429 4,000 1,509 62,500 16,110 5,500 69,600 96,100 60,000 1,620 272,000 18,000 20,000 230,000 330,000 100,000 522,853 333,679 525,737 1,008,511 225,000 232,000 675,620 271,509 62,500 577,208 5,500 69,600 298,373 560,600 187,200 41,620 834,828 441,272 460 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Exhibit D. Part 1.-Statement showing the issues of clothing and equipage supplies as ordered by the Quartermaster-General's Office from May 1, 1898, to August 15, 1898. Articles. Philadelphia, Pa. Jeffersonville, Ind. St. Louis, Mo. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. Mayl, 1898, to June 30,1898. Ju 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. Blankets, wool 148,765 64,861 213,626 10,007 368 10,375 Blouses, lined and unlined 24,318 24,965 49,283 45,817 27,570 73,387 2,967 381 3,348 Caps, forage. 9,297 9,297 2,839 2,010 4,849 Canvas fatigue coats 5,409 1,039 6,448 3,793 2,753 6,546 8,557 687 9,244 Canvas f a t i g u e t r o u - sers... __ pairs __ Drawers: 4,721 2,290 7,011 3,549 2,610 6,159 9,087 471 9,558 Canton flannel .pairs.. 13,134 4,937 18,071 41,936 8,130 50,066 19,400 1,813 21,213 Summer do.... 145,612 141,251 286,863 8,512 1,884 10,396 Field and summer uni- 1,969 forms 16,488 1,969 1,601 2,330 Gauntlets, leather 14,229 30.717 729 Gloves, Berlin pairs.. Hats: 78,712 508,414 129,126 4,546 8,147 12,693 Campaign 153,892 291,394 445,286 58 142 200 14,426 1,779 16,205 Canvas 46,753 448 47,201 6,020 6,054 Helmets, cork 6,125 10,841 16,966 34 Leggings pairs.. 104,673 73,333 178,006 459 9,974 1.263 11,237 Overalls 2,074 4,208 6,282 22 481 3,149 2,345 5,494 Overcoats Ponchos and rubber 2,713 8,125 10,838 - 460 680 1,140 blankets. .. Shirts, flannel and ging- 178,787 92,863 271,650 2,020 505 2,525 ham Siwes: 84,540 78,616 163,156 20,114 215 20,329 18,688 9,832 28,520 Barrack pairs.. 9,017 12,619 21,636 15,052 591 15,643 Leather do 173.504 97,896 271,400 3,299 893 14,827 2,282 17,109 Stable frocks .. Stockings: 1,119 1,279 2,398 4,192 172 1,829 2,001 Cotton pairs.. 305,227 122.614 427,841 39 39 63,835 7,273 71,108 Wool do 2,548 3,159 5,707 11,320 3,351 14,671 Suspenders do.... Trousers: 56,017 13,694 69,711 - 2,538 856 3,394 Campaign pairs.. 45,~74i 9,325 9,325 13,326 2,415 15,741 Foot do 59,653 105,394 Mounted do.... Undershirts: 10,803 11,606 22,409 - 6,365 3,741 10,101 Cotton 49,725 57,213 106,938 18,033 11,732 29,765 Wool 4,852 1,308 6,160 293 255 548 336 6,706 7,042 Axes 6,924 5,286 12,210 5,675 1.368 7,043 Ax helves 3,477 11,095 14,572 343 255 598 8,464 2,079 10,543 Bedsacks Books, all kinds, number . 4,135 7,478 14,697 4,619 18,832 12,097 58 27 85 603 141 98 141 701 Colors and standards 8 60 68 Drums. 193 191 348 30 30 Fifes 437 83 519 12 12 Flags, all kinds 187 505 692 10 38 48 Guidons ., 50 57 116 Hammocks 13,091 2,002 13,093 Hand litters Hatchets. 51 3,958 5,738 51 9,696 2,730 2,730 1,748 2,182 3,930 Hatchet helves 5,952 8,820 14,772 5,760 2,717 8,387 Kettles, camp 7,316 3,485 10,801 11,177 32 11,209 3,574 1,166 4,740 Mess pans 3,753 4,956 8,709 2,444 1,064 3,508 Mosquito bars 4,092 13,602 17,693 43 284 327 Mosquito head nets. Pickaxes 2,601 3,868 92 4,790 2,693 8,658 803 - 803 3,903 21 1,007 21 4,910 Pickax helves Shovels: 3,926 4,818 8,744 233 233 6,316 1,522 7,838 Long-handled 2,661 11,647 14,308 6 1 7 1,571 737 2,308 Short-handled 1,798 1,038 2,836 6 6 3,357 1,449 4,806 Spades Tents: 2,873 1,552 4,425 507 507 3,789 1,241 5,030 Common. 1,960 406 2,366 23 23 5,633 740 6,373 Conical wall 464 23 487 355 3 358 Hospital Shelter halves. 230 144,735 342 34,962 572 179,697 2 169 2 212 8,033 17 5,200 229 13,233 Wall 1,064 159 1,223 134 303 983 222 1,205 Irregular J, 721 1,213 - 1,213 Trumpets Duck: 878 843 346 22 368 Tent, all kinds .yards.. 60,694 85,550 146,244 8,668 15,615 24,283 Brown .do.... Flannel: 13,417 - 13,417 Blouse do 62,981 27.307 80,288 88,332 27,481 115,813 1,178 2 1,180 Blouse and O. C. 1g .... 58,100 58,100 15,275 19,740 35,015 Canton ..yards.. 50,042 27,999 50,042 17,898 17,898 4,264 4,264 Shirting do 200 28,199 - Kersey, dark-blue... do.... - 10 40 - REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 461 Statement showing the issues of clothing and equipage supplies, etc.-Continued. San Francisco, Cal. New York, N. Y. Chicago, Ill. Articles. May 1, 1898,to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898,to Aug. 15,1898. Total. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898.' July 1, 1898,to Aug. 15,1898. Total. May 1, 1898,to June 30,1898. Julyl, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. Blankets, wool 25,099 14,156 8,775 11,720 33,874 2,000 92,650 8,100 57,582 10,100 150,232 2,000 14,562 16,562 Blouses, lined and unlined. Caps, forage 1,301 1,857 15,780 15,937 15,248 16,458 2,158 36,861 36,965 15,248 76,425 24,570 686 Canvas fatigue coats 21,081 21,028 Canvas fatigue trous- ers pairs.. Drawers: Canton- flannel.. do.... Summer .do Field and summer uni- forms _ 59,967 24,570 80 7,000 4,150 73,300 84,975 80,300 89,125 15,400 129,423 144,823 Gauntlets, leather 586 Gloves, Berlin 15,014 16,143 11,700 6,638 11,564 2,637 21,652 27,707 14,337 17,706 Hats, campaign 5,000 5,000 1,798 1,798 Helmets, cork Leggings pairs.. 6,512 11,194 12,656 86,859 99,515 31,206 31,206 Overalls _ . ... 159 954 1,194 3,405 22,822 127,725 23,719 Overcoats 1,243 2,162 8,990 Ponchos and rubber blankets 13,832 2,500 25,519 2,500 83,054 Shirts, flannel and ging- ham 100,495 14,237 27,230 9,482 57,535 26,022 26,022 Shoes: Barrack pairs.. Leather do Stable frocks 23,929 140 19,644 480 43,573 620 44,082 28,026 72,008 39,023 68,906 107,929 Stockings: Cotton ..pairs.. Wool do 126,049 17,269 47,430 13,826 173,479 31,095 80,275 100,702 180,975 34,606 214,984 249,590 Suspenders do 5,730 18,392 24,122 8,402 26,430 34,832 Trousers: Campaign do.... 38,078 74,421 12,629 136,616 38,078 176,516 12,629 201,247 5,448 3,322 5,322 3,045 Foot do 14,468 9,400 23,868 102,095 Mounted do 837 645 1,482 Undershirts: Cotton 32,537 23,768 2,310 2,800 17,652 15,473 1,413 2,955 50,189 39,241 3,723 64,631 5,448 1,800 1,800 20,104 156,811 176,915 W ool Axes 1,522 3,522 Ax helves 5,755 Books, all kinds, number . 3,045 Drums 5 9 14 Fifes 12 8 20 Flags, all kinds . 29 220 249 Hammocks 32,810 20,110 52,920 Hand litters 2 2 562 562 Hatchets 1,433 1,402 2,986 2,835 4,915 600 500 1,100 1,350 Hatchet helves 1,929 600 750 Kettles, camp 1,482 1,357 2,839 Mess pans 2,467 1,380 3,847 18,912 22,310 5,689 1,296 6,985 Mosquito bars 467 18,445 1,750 Mosquito head nets 20,560 26,000 538 26.000 Pickaxes 1.179 580 1,759 2,514 3,360 3,720 3,898 4,308 1,000 4,350 3,700 8,047 302 Pickax helves 1,514 1,000 588 Shovels: Long-handled 369 722 1,091 1,000 1,350 1,000 3,701 2 Short-handled.._ 796 402 1, 198 3,000 2,700 4,346 300 Spades 1,223 634 506 1,729 1,567 65 Tents: Common.. 933 1,355 4,114 5,469 Conical wall 9 56 Hospital 940 99 1,039 41,694 1,338 257 100 873 28,189 686 179 973 55,199 1,496 179 29 1,300 514 422 200 1,041 451 1,500 1,555 Shelter halves 25,059 1,170 207 16,635 168 27,010 810 Wall Trumpets 50 Duck: Brown yards.. 58 13 71 Bleached do 18 176 194 Flannel: Blouse do.. 13,092 116 13,208 Blouse and O. C. 1g 8,994 8,994 Canton yards.. 5,350 259 5,609 Shirting do.. 874 10 884 Kersey, sky blue 14,490 1,134 15,624 462 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Statement showing the issues of clothing and equipage supplies, etc.-Continued. Articles. Boston, Mass. Baltimore, Md. New Orleans, La. May 1, 1898,to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. May 1, 1898,to June 30.1898 July 1 1898,to Aug. 15,1898 Total. Drawers, summer .pairs.. 8,240 39,124 60 8,240 104,487 810 2,30( 2,300 Shirts, flannel and'ging- ham .... 65,363 750 379 360 375 36C Shoes, leather pairs.. Stockings, cotton ... do 14' 63,84C 1,001 147 65,840 1,000 472 1,045 1,261 500 2 2,001 Undershirts, cotton 9,533 9,533 Kettles, camp 475 1,041 Mess pans Mosquito bars 1,261 221 Tents: Common 1,978 207 40,950 516 69 11,032 857 326 13,01( 1,06-! 41,271 51 ( 65 28C Hospital .. .... Shelter halves Wall 61 3t 100 Irregular Articles. Detroit, Mich. St. Paul, Minn. Washington, D. C. Total. Grand total. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. July 1,1898, to Aug. 15, 1898. Total. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. I July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15, 1898. Total. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15, 1898. Total. May 1, 1898,to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Blankets, wool 5,200 25 5,225 193,071 179,908 4,140 38,840 38,385 74,470 236,491 28,720 17,297 98,272 189,519 46,753 23,845 133,815 5,395 4,416 197,139 315,098 38,306 299,475 4,730 617,990 31,137 72,687 96,691 122,218 13.164 20,259 21,308 30,128 372,856 86,944 16,416 65,199 306,677 448 13,512 203,855 7,966 10,967 102,358 238,574 22,692 216,961 4,481 556,882 20,336 59,372 47,403 145,889 28,621 390,557 23,487 9,834 20,866 14,838 8,676 60 230 102 763 289,762 302,126 17,304 59,099 59,693 104,598 609,347 115,664 33,713 163,471 496,196 47,201 37,357 337,670 13,361 15,383 299,497 553,672 60,998 516,436 9,211 1,174,872 51,473 132,059 47,403 321,519 46,626 575,672 57,891 26,836 37,900 18,973 16,947 68 428 551 989 Blouses, lined and unlined. Caps, forage.... Canvas fatigue coats. Canvas fatigue trousers, pairs Drawers: Canton-flannel.. pairs. _ Summer . .do Field and summer uni- forms . Gauntlets, leather Gloves, Berlin Hats: Campaign Canvas Helmets, cork . .. Leggings pairs.. Overalls . . Overcoats do Ponchos and rubber blan- kets-- . -- . . * Shirts, flannel and ging- ham _ - Shoes: Barrack . _.. _ pairs_ _ Leather do. 3,000 3,000 Stable frocks Stockings: Cotton . pairs 6,000 6,000 W ool _ - do, Suspenders do Trousers: Campaign _ do Foot do 175,630 18,005 185,115 34,404 17,052 17,034 4,135 8,271 8 198 449 226 Mounted .. . do Undershirts: Cotton 85 - 85 Wool Axes 50 150 "960 50 1,110 Ax helves Bedsacks Books, all kinds number Colors and standards Drums - - Fifes Flags, all kinds REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 463 Statement showing the issues of clothing and equipage supplies, etc.-Continued. Articles. Detroit, Mich. St. Paul, Minn. Washington, D. C. Total. Grand total. 1 May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898, to | Aug. 15,1898. Total. 1 May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. 1 July 1, 1898, to | Aug 15,1898. Total. May 1, 1898, to June 30.1898. July 1, 1898, to Aug. 15,1898. Total. May 1, 1898, to June 30,1898. July 1, 1898,to Aug. 15,1898. Guidons 59 57 116 Hammocks 45,901 22,112 68,013 Hand litters. 51 564 615 Hatchets 50 - 50 10,519 9,822 20,341 Hatchet helves.... 150 150 14.391 15,273 29,684 Kettles, camp 50 50 12,894 6,008 18,902 Mess pans 100 100 26,675 8,728 3o,403 Mosquito bars 4,602 33,592 38,194 Mosquito Head, nets 23.161 27,863 51,024 nckaxes 50 50 13.163 6,915 20,078 Pickax helves Shovels: - 50 50 15,759 7,928 23,687 Long-handled . - 4,607 14,107 18,714 Short-handled. 8,857 4,239 13,196 Spades Tents: - 50 - 50 11,142 4,299 15,441 Common 2,050 1,500 3,550 856 2,915 3,771 19,115 25,561 44,676 Conical wall... 1,128 84 1,212 Hospital - 1,722 2,610 4,332 Shelter halves. - 247,087 85,512 332,599 Wall 5,256 2,480 7,726 Irregular 316 1,282 1,410 1, 282 Trumpets Duck: - 316 1,431 2,841 Tent, all kinds. yards.. - 60,694 85,550 146,244 Brown ..do - 22,143 15,628 37,771 Bleached Flannel: ..do.... - 18 176 194 Blouse - do.... Blouse and 0. C. 1g - 165,583 24.269 54,906 77,840 219,489 102,109 Canton yards.. - 59,656 259 59,915 Shirting Kersey: ..do.... 18,972 28,009 46,971 Dark blue ..do.... - 14,490 10 10 Sky blue ..do.... - 1,134 15,624 464 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Part 2.-Statement showing the issues of clothing and equipage supplies as ordered by the Quartermaster-General's Office from May 1 to August 15, 1898. Articles. Chick- amau- ga. Dunn Lor- ing. Fer- nan- dina. Hunts- ville. Jack- son- ville. Key West. Lex- ington. Manila expe- dition. Miami. Blankets 41,000 14,000 3,000 15,000 106 1,800 Blouses 61,500 25,500 _ 27,100 1,397 1,800 Caps, forage 2,500 4,706 canvas latigue coats Canvas fatigue trousers, 5,000 - - pairs Drawers: 5,000 4,050 Canton flannel 59,505 5,000 - 15,000 2,000 20,452 5,400 Summer . 75,500 54,000 47,911 Field uniforms pairs.. 6,800 600 21,400 11,224 Gauntlets .. 120 Gloves, Berlin .do.... 50,000 9,800 - Campaign 60,250 27,948 - 5,000 36,050 3,082 742 Canvas 1,000 11,699 Helmets, cork pairs.. 75,375 34,714 5,000 23,000 1,080 Leggings - 5,210 Overalls -do 3,000 20,000 3,000 18,800 9,200 1,800 roncnos Shirts, D. B. flannel and 53,000 gingham Shoes: 116,940 49,900 - 5,000 35,200 53,084 9,600 Barrack.. 500 36,788 5,000 34,180 11,549 4,900 Calfskin 109,912 8,731 Stable frocks Stockings: Cotton pairs.. 3,000 135,000 78,000 15,000 60,400 83,874 3,600 Woolen .do 10,000 16,000 1,513 10,294 Suspenders Trousers: .do ,000 Duck .do 23,000 10,000 -- .- 5,000 5,000 2,500 1,800 Kersey, foot... .do.... 71,900 34,821 31,000 - Kersey, mounted, 11,500 pairs find er shirts: - Cotton 160,000 56,800 15,000 43,500 21,009 5,400 Wool. 10,000 2,808 390 1,1(10 512 Axes 3,653 3,526 - Ax helves 4,962 4,582 - 1,000 1,950 - 518 Bed sacks - / 36 1,530 534 Books, all kinds.... 3,750 Drums 100 58 Fifes 300 16 190 Flags, all kinds.... 12 Hammocks 200 3,650 6,000 Hand litters Hatchets 3,410 390 350 1,114 Hatchet helves - 4,950 4,104 - 600 700 506 Kettles, camp -- - 2,500 2,790 390 1,648 972 Mess pans 11,500 /, 200 1,404 120 Mosquito bars - - - - - 2,500 20,378 Mosquito neaa nets 3,550 3,526 195 1,100 18,775 jricKaxes - - 100 310 Pickax helves Shovels: - 4,000 3,720 - 390 1,950 ------- 100 420 Long handles.. - 1,960 1,600 - 390 300 - 50 240, - Short handles. 4,450 876 1,200 50 126 Spades 2,000 1,876 390 126 Trumpets.. Tents: 822 300 - 50 25 - Common - 9,968 3,395 - 300 2,851 156 359 Conical wall... -- - ----- 432 235 306 10,940 119 16 2,000 Hospital Shelter halves. o.__ 753 73,900 190 28,000 50 60 3,500 35 25 209 15,600 Wall 1,165 747 75 238 6 87 160 Various kinds. 84 REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 465 Statement showing the issues of clothing and equipage supplies, etc.-Continued. Articles. Mid- dle- town. Mobile. Mon- tauk Point. New Or- leans. Porto Rico. Santi- ago. Tam- pa. To posts and or- gan i zations in the field. Total. Blankets - - 530 7,000 30.000 3 000 13,000 18,000 146 326 289 762 Blouses 2,000 8,900 20,000 1,000 7,000 22,900 120,029 302;126 Caps, forage 500 14,304 17,304 Canvas fatigue coats 9,404 39,989 59,099 Canvas fatigue trousers, pairs 9,754 40,889 59,693 Drawers: Canton flannel 5,00C 2,000 31,093 104,598 Summer 2,000 9,500 40,000 32,000 '13,000 79,600 184,984 609;347 Field uniforms 23,800 16;000 10,100 33.140 115 664 Gauntlets pairs.. 500 6,100 19,593 33,713 Gloves, Berlin do 103,671 163,471 Hats: Campaign 2,(W 8,000 20.00C 1,000 10.00C 12,000 21,768 288,356 496,196 Canvas 32,700 13; 501 47,201 Helmets, cork 3,000 22,658 37,357 Leggings pairs.. 6,200 8,500 20,000 18,200 23,000 21,900 95,491 337,670 Overalls do 10,361 13,361 Overcoats 9,000 6; 383 15,383 Ponchos 2,000 9,000 20;000 1,000 12,000 45,000 104;697 299,497 Shirts, D. B. flannel and gingham 2,000 8,435 20,000 1,000 15,500 52,500 184,513 553,672 Shoes: Barrack . . 48,941 60,998 Calfskin 2,000 7,500 20,000 3,000 32,500 66,083 185,842 516,436 Stable Crocks e; 211 9,211 Stockings: Cotton pairs.. 2,000 19,000 40,000 5,00C 60,000 156,000 516,998 1,174,872 Woolen. do. '500 40; 973 51;473 Suspenders do... 1,000 10,000 500 71,752 132,059 Trousers: Duck _ _ . do 7,450 l,00C 953 47,403 Kersey, foot do 2,000 9,500 20,000 1,000 5,000 7,000 19,700 110,292 321,519 Kersey, mounted, pairs 500 2,500 32,126 46,626 Undershirts: Cotton 2,000 14,500 40,000 2,000 20,000 27,500 89,000 78,963 575,672 Wool 3i 000 16,009 26;083 57; 891 Axes 100 900 2^000 400 1,000 1,900 11,355 26,836 Ax helves 300 900 4;(MM) 500 1,500 3; 300 14,388 37,900 Bed sacks 10,000 8; 237 18,973 Books, all kinds 90 1,440 2,964 6,639 16,947 Drums 50 '220 '428 Fifes 100 135 551 Flags, all kinds 1 401 250 25 110 989 Hammocks 15,000 42,185 4,828 68,013 Hand litters _. '200 '215 615 Hatchets 100 500 2, (KM) 400 400 8,027 20,341 Hatchet helves 100 500 4,000 500 1,800 11,924 29,684 Kettles, cam p 200 900 3,000 300 L800 4,402 18,902 Mess pans 2,000 7,000 800 3,500 1,879 35; 403 Mosquito bars 1,200 3,000 8,500 2,616 38;194 Mosquito head nets 10; 000 22,249 51,024 Pickaxes _ _ 500 300 300 250 1,248 8,699 20,078 Pickax helves ...... . 200 500 450 400 300 L648 9,609 23; 687 Pillowcases 2,600 2,600 Shovels: Long handles 200 200 1,000 1,200 11,574 18.714 Short handles 100 800 200 '350 '950 5,294 13,196 Spades __ 500 300 400 500 950 7,199 15,441 Trumpets 144 100 175 1,225 2; 841 Tents: Common 225 620 9,095 500 1,000 3,002 13,205 44,676 Conical wall 6 11 155 254 L212 Hospital 52 28 701 225 504 202 976 4; 332 Shelter halves .. 8,200 1,000 5,000 45,828 138,631 332,599 Wall 75 '255 1,162 50 202 377 3,119 7,726 Various kinds 22 365 811 1,282 7833-VOL 1 30 466 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Exhibit E. Public animals, ivagons, harness, and other supplies necessary for camp life. Field desks. Field ranges. Bread ovens. Paulins, large. Paulins, small. Cavalry horses. Artillery horses. J Small horses for Pnlm'ns | Riding horses. 5. On hand and available April 1,1898 5. Purchased since April 1, 1898 7. Available April 1,1898 8. Purchased by August 31, 1898 . Total available April 1,1898, and purchased by August 31, 1898 On hand at depots August 31,1898 . 8. Number issued by August 31, 1898 700 4,934 600 5,730 150' 26 1,980 100 6,120 10,743 500 2,551 1,500 615 16,863 135 3,051 1,500 615 10,608 2,551 1,500 615 Bell mares. Draft and siege battery horses. Draft mules. Pack mules. I Small mules for P.11 "h ana Pack horses for | Alaska. Harness, single sets. Travois saddles. Army wagons, 6- mule. 7. Available April 1, 1898 8. Purchased by August 31,1898 Total available April 1,1898, and purchased by August 31,1898 On hand at depots August 31, 1898 8. Number issued by August 31, 1898 32 81 1,137 1,800 17,515 221 2,167 500 40 4,963 28,012 401 592 604 32 1,218 19,315 2 2,388 630 500 40 32,975 6,341 401 1 1,196 487 32 1,137 17,513 1,537 500 40 23,387 400 390 Escort wagons. Wagons, 4-mule. b P 0 G £ r • j) Wagonettes. 02 Q O . o P P s <1 1 Ambulances, Red Cross. Ammunition, Travois. Miscellaneous wagons. 7. Available April 1,1898 8. Purchased by August 31,1898. Total available April 1,1898, and purchased by August 31,1898 - On hand at depots August 31,1898.. 8. Number issued by August 31,1898 500 109 3,605 70 8 500 96 59 401 224 009 102 3,605 70 17 8 500 56 155 45 401 1 224 2 140 3,605 53 8 444 29 400 222 Respectfully submitted. C. P. Miller, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 467 Exhibit F. [Confidential.] Washington, March 24, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: I desire that you will at once quietly consult with the proper representatives of the various lines of steamers doing coast-line trade from New York to Key West, Havana, and intermediate points, with a view of ascertaining what num- ber of vessels, their capacity in passengers and tonnage, they could supply upon short notice, should it become necessary, in an emergency, to call them into service, and on what probable rates, either per day, per trip, or per ton. This information is desired in order that the Quartermaster-General may be prepared should any quick demand be made of him for any such service. It is desired that this should be kept as an official secret and not given to the public. Among the lines which I would suggest are the Mallory, Merchants and Miners', Miami, New York and Cuba, New York and Texas, Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah, Old Dominion, Plant Steamship Lines, and any others that you may deem proper. Only vessels sailing under our flag to be considered. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. Please reply as early as possible. [Confidential.] War Department, General Depot of Quartermaster's Department, Army Building, Whitehall Street, New York City, March 29, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: Referring to your confidential letter of the 24th instant, I have the honor to forward herewith an abstract of vessels in the coast-line trade, giving as far as obtainable at this time the information asked for in your communication. When the additional information promised from some of these lines, as noted on the abstract, is received, it will be immediately forwarded to you. I would say for the information of the Quartermaster-General that it was stated here by a member of the naval board on auxiliary cruisers that the Navy has absolute option on the boats of the following-named lines: Morgan Line; New York and Cuba Mail (Ward Line); New York and Texas Steamship Company (Mallory Line); Clyde Line; Old Dominion Steamship Company (on some vessels); Merchants and Miners' Line (Baltimore). No report has been obtained from the Merchants and Miners' Line, as the head- quarters of the company is in Baltimore, and there is no officer here with authorit to act in a matter of this kind. The New York and Cuba Line has made no report, and has stated that the infor- mation desired would be communicated to you by a representative in person or by letter. Very respectfully, A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. 468 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. (1) Exhibit G. May 2, 1898. Colonel Humphrey, Quartermaster, Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa, Fla.: Your telegram yesterday received. Following are the names of vessels char- tered by this department and their reported carrying capacity, respectively: Florida, one thousand men, one hundred animals, three hundred tons freight; Oli- vette, six hundred men. forty animals, three hundred and fifty tons freight; D. IT. Miller, nine hundred men, two hundred animals, one thousand tons freight; Berk- shire, nine hundred men, two hundred animals, one thousand tons freight; Alle- gheny, nine hundred men, two hundred animals, one thousand tons freight; Comal, one thousand men, one hundred animals, one thousand tons freight; Alamo, one thousand men, one hundred animals, one thousand tons freight. Three other vessels, named Gussie, Whitney, and Fanita, have been chartered, but capacity not yet definitely ascertained. Gussie and Whitney are fitted for carrying four hundred animals each, provided they can carry water sufficient; otherwise the animals may have to be distributed on other vessels where there is proper venti- lation and better water supply. The carrying capacity mentioned here for these vessels was arranged simply to see that we have sufficient capacity for five thousand men, one thousand animals, and three thousand tons freight. The distribution or loading of the ships will have to be arranged according to their facilities for carrying men and animals. Some of the vessels, where animals have to be put between decks, may not have enough ventilation; hence the Whitney and Gussie were sent because they had good ven- tilation and were fitted for the purpose of carrying stock. I learn that the water at Tampa, after being stored on vessels, is liable to spoil, and it is suggested that the water be secured from tanks up the railroad that is pumped from deep wells. Please look into this mattei' and inform Major Pope. The Fanita will not arrive until later than May fourth, and she is not intended, nor is the Olivette, for General Shafter's expedition. The Olivette is for special service, and the Fanita will be held as a reserve boat. Alamo is loaded with pon- toon-train stores, and so forth. Will stop at Key West, from where General Shafter will give her directions. Quartermaster-General. May 4, 1898. Maj. J. W. Pope, Quartermaster. U. S. Army, Tampa, Fla. Sir: Referring to the subject of vessels chartered by this Department to be used as transports for troops and supplies, it is desired to secure information in relation to each of these vessels as to the amount of men and animals, with cargo, they will carry conveniently. To this end, by direction of the Quartermaster- General, you will please report your idea of the extreme carrying capacity of each of the ships, so that this office can be informed of the number of ships that will be necessary to move a given number of men, animals, and freight. This office had few ships to choose from, and information is desired whether ample room for the command was obtained, or whether more men, animals, and freight could have been carried. The water question was a serious one; please give informa- tion on that point, as to sufficiency. Respectfully, Chas. Bird, Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Army. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 469 [Telegram.] Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa, Fla., May 9, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Referring to a letter of May 4 to Major Pope, requiring him to report the extreme carrying capacity of the ships chartered, would say that they will not be loaded to carry the number certified by the agents at time of charter. A board examined all the vessels yesterday and its report I will send you later in the day. Believe the water question for ships will come out all right. Major Pope is making additional casks, and I have directed that all the water taken aboard should be distilled water or the pure fresh water from St. Petersburg across the bay. This latter is what is used by the Navy, the Plant vessels, etc. The Florida and Olivette have condensing apparatus on board. General Shafter desires bunks three tiers high placed in the vessels. By this means more men can be carried comfortably than otherwise. 10.42 a. m. Humphrey. Office of Chief Quartermaster, United States Forces, Tampa, Fla., May 9, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: Your letter of May 4 to Major Pope, requesting information in rela- tion to each of the vessels chartered-as to the number of men and animals, with cargo, they will carry conveniently-was referred to me May 7, and yesterday a board, consisting of Colonel Lawton, Captain Dorst, and Major Jacobs, examined the vessels with reference to the matter, and reports as follows: "Florida will carry two troops of cavalry and 150 men more; Comal, two regi- ments of infantry and three batteries of artillery; Alamo, engineer outfit and two regiments of infantry; Allegheny, six batteries-of artillery, one regiment of infantry, and 150 men more; Berkshire, five troops of cavalry and one regiment of infantry; D. H. Miller, one regiment of infantry and 300 mules or 200 horses, and Whitney, three troops of cavalry. SUMMARY. Men. Cavalry, 10 troops; estimated strength, 54 men each 540 Artillery, 8 batteries; estimated strength, 75 men each 600 Infantry, 7 regiments; estimated strength 3,500 Engineer battalion; estimated strength 100 Total enlisted strength 4,740 Olivette, for headquarters, complete, and Gussie, with Captain Dorst. The ships have very limited water-closet accommodations, and no facilities at present for making coffee or cooking for the men. Additional water-closets and bunks three tiers high are now being put in, and facilities for making coffee and cooking are being added. On the advice of Captain McKay, I directed Major Pope to furnish an additional 100 water casks, same pattern as directed by you. Additional wind sails have been made to add to the comfort of the men, and slings are being manufactured to cast the animals overboard where necessary. General Shafter to-day requested the Secretary of War to authorize the charter of the Mallory Line steamer Marcus, which should be at Key West to-day. Authority was granted, and I have telegraphed the vessel to come up here for charter. I believe the above covers the information you desire. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. F. Humphrey Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster. 470 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. May 9, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, Nero York City: Arrangements are being made to charter a number of ships from the Ward Line and also from the Mallory Line, they to be prepared to sail as soon as they can be coaled. Names of vessels and instructions as to destination will be wired you later. You will see that each of the ships is supplied with at least twenty days' coal in bunkers. If an additional supply of coal can be stowed on vessels, to be used up on the trip down, so that all freight space will be clear, you will do so. You will also arrange to send a sufficient number of ship carpenters on each one of these vessels, together with the necessary lumber to provide bunks three tiers high, for the use of the men, in space allotted for carrying them, and also for building pens and nailing cleats on the floor or making grating if cleats are not allowed to be nailed on the floors, in space where the animals are to be carried. These men will be returned from Tampa to New York by rail, unless one of the transports should be returning to New York to carry them. Care should be taken to have a reliable man put in charge of these ship carpenters so that the work can be done while the ship is coaling and on its way down. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. May 9, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: As per telegram this date regarding charter of ships, would state that we have chartered to-day-Ward Line: Vigilancia, Seguranca, Yucatan, Seneca, Saratoga, Santiago, City of Washington; Mallory Line: Concho, Rio Grande, Leona; all of which are now in New York. These ships to be coaled as heretofore instructed, and to be prepared for shipment of troops by erecting temporary bunks, prepared for shipment of horses, and dispatched with as little delay as possible, each vessel, unless further instructed, to touch at Key West for instructions. Please acknowledge receipt and repeat names of vessels, that I may know that you have received them properly. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. [Telegram.] May 11, 1898. Colonel Scully, 1201 Prytania Street, New Orleans, La.: Notify Mr. Hutchinson and the Mecheca Line that Government accepts their offer for charter of the Arkansas and Morgan at $-100 pel' day each, and the Breakwater, $340 per day, Stillwater, $325 per day, minimum, thirty days, com- panies assuming marine risk, furnishing and feeding crew and running supplies, Government assuming war risk and supplying coal and water. These charters will date from noon, May 12. You are authorized to at once fit them up as sug- gested in your telegram of this date for carrying a regiment of cavalry with their transportation, forage, etc. You are authorized to employ carpenters and furnish lumber for bunks and pens for animals, also to procure as many water casks or tanks as you think necessary to furnish an ample supply of water. The water question is one of great importance and should be given careful atten- tion, so that there can be no possible complaint as to lack of water. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 471 June 14, 1898. General Miles, Tampa. Fla.: Your telegram expressing concern as to fitting up transports, and desiring that they should be supplied with condensers, arrangements for forcing fresh air to lower deck, and with ample life-preservers, and hammocks instead of wooden berths, received. If vessels after being chartered in New York are allowed suffi- cient time to fit up with condensers and other arrangements as suggested by you, it is thought it could be done, but it takes time, even if work is pushed night and day. Therefore, if vessels are delayed it is to be understood that they are being delayed in order that they may be properly equipped for transports. Could not the hammocks in the hands of the men be utilized on board ship ? Twelve thousand have been sent to Tampa and 5,000 are on the way. Major Summerhayes, who is fitting up ships in New York, reports that with hammocks the ships will not be able to carry nearly as many men as without them. Do you think it would be possible to swing these hammocks over each other two or three tiers high ? The trouble in iron ships would be to secure the rails to which to attach the hammocks. Report from Colonel Scully that the Clearwater is not at present available for Government service. Shall the four ships now at Fernandina be sent elsewhere to fit them up as you say? The Louisiana is already fitted for animals. The Gate City and City of Macon have had nothing done to them. These facts were reported to Colonel Humphrey as soon as vessels were chartered. The two ships at Mobile and one at New Orleans are already fitted. If you desire them changed please give instructions. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. June 14, 1898. Colonel Scully, Quartermaster, New Orleans, La.: General Miles wires me as follows: "The steamers here are not built for troopships, but for carrying freight, and are not properly ventilated. Many complaints are made as to the condition of the men. I believe that instead of putting wooden bunks in it would be better to put framework and supply the men with hammocks, which would be much cooler. The men would be able to hang their hammocks at night and put them away in daytime. In some of the ships they have knocked down the bunks on account of the heat and the space they occupy. Please telegraph your quartermasters to see if they can not arrange ships for hammocks and have hammocks provided. Con- densers should be on every steamer, and also fans for forcing fresh air between lower decks." Report if his instructions regarding hammocks, condensers, and fans for forcing fresh air between decks could be provided at reasonable cost and little delay. Ludington, Quart er mast er-General. Same to Major Pullman, quartermaster, Mobile, Ala.; Colonel Kimball, quarter- master, New York City. June 14, 1898. Major Summerhayes, Quartermaster, New York City: Telegram just received from General Miles states that he is apprehensive regard- ing fitting of steamers for transports; that as long as the sea is smooth it would be all right, but if ports and hatches have to be closed he is fearful that there would be serious results. He says: "Every transport should be provided with water condensers, with arrange- ments for forcing fresh air to the lower decks, with ample life-preservers, and hammocks instead of wooden berths." 472 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. You will carry out these instructions in fitting up the four ships that are now in New York, as far as possible. General Miles has been informed that it will take time to so fit these vessels, and if they are delayed, it will be because they could not be equipped sooner, even by working night and day. Wish you would report the plan you adopt for forcing air into the lower decks and arrangements of hammocks. Have asked General Miles if the canvas hammocks now in the hands of the troops will do. Do you think you can arrange so that you can hang two or more directly over each other, and could men get into them easily? I wish you would answer me fully and very promptly as to the feasibility of carrying out General Miles's instructions. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Mobile, Ala., Jure lj, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Yours this date conveying General Miles's suggestions ventilating troopships received. Ships fitted by me-Matteawan, Specialist, and Unionist-are well venti- lated and comfortable; and, while utilizing all space, special thought was given to comfort to men in space and ventilation by funnels, wind sails, and air catches in portholes. General Schwan inspected Specialist to-day and expressed complete commendation and satisfaction on above points. Hammocks could be arranged for, but would reduce carrying space for men from one to two thirds, as where we have three bunks now in tiers only one or two hammocks could be swung. Fans with necessary gearing and belts to work them from ship's engines would require great space and expense in fitting them in. In my ships, ample air catchers in ports, funnels on deck, and wind sails over hatchways throw ample air drafts 'tween decks when moving, but when moored at this season it is hot. and no remedy is applicable except reserving ample top-deck space for moving around sleeping deck. All my ships above mentioned have condensers. Specialist is finished, Unionist nearly so, and they are comfortably fitted and arranged as above described. No ship hammocks in this market. Pullman, Quartermaster. New York City, June 17, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, Present. Sir : In reply to inclosed telegrams covering the same ground, one to you and the other to me (the latter to be returned after perusal), I beg to report as follows: I am providing the four ships in port, the Arkadia, Catania, Lampasas, and Nueces, with one each of the "lightning" distilling apparatus, of which twelve were contracted for for the ships already to the front. I am providing stan- chions with hooks to hang hammocks on, same style as in the Navy, two high, and will ask you to please provide the hammocks so the ships may go south complete; and as these hammocks will have to remain aboard the ships, I have surveyed them for the purpose of locating fans to exhaust the foul air, and put in ventilators through which pure air will be drawn into the holds. I shall report the cost of them to-night. Your especial attention is respectfully invited to the .British steamers of the class of the Manitoba, listed last night. They are all provided to receive animals, and by reference to the sailing card attached to my report and communication with the general agents-the New York Shipping Company, 1 Broadway, this city- arrangements might be made to obtain one or more vessels of this kind at short notice. Very respectfully, J. W. Summerhayes, Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 473 [First indorsement.] Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, June 17, 1898. Respectfully forwarded to the Quartermaster-General, United States Army, with recommendation that the hammocks within referred to be authorized sup- plied from stock at this depot, it being understood that they are in every way suitable for the purpose, A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. June 18. Colonel Kimball, Quartermaster, New York City: Referring to telephone communication from Major Summerhayes, regarding the lighting and ventilating and putting condensers on ships, would say that the Secretary of War authorizes you to have a condenser put upon the Nueces, Lampasas, and the Arkadia, and also to arrange for fanning apparatus for these three ships, at or near the prices named by Major Summerhayes. He desires that this work be done as rapidly as possible, and if there is to be too much delay, that you can arrange to have men go down on the ships and com- plete work as the ships travel. Wire me promptly on receipt of this telegram of the probable time that the ships will be delayed in New York to complete the work. Would it not be well, also, to have on these three ships additional water barrels or casks, so as to insure plenty of water. The Secretary does not feel warranted in having electric lights put upon these vessels, and Major Summerhayes must try and arrange for lighting with lanterns, which were authorized to be purchased. You are authorized, also, to supply a large number of small tin vessels, to be used in case men are seasick, on these and all ships hereafter fitted up. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. June 18, 1898. Captain Bellinger, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: The steamships Hudson, Specialist, Unionist, Comanche, Louisiana, Gate City, City of Macon, and Catania have been ordered to report to you. These vessels, with the exception of the Catania, have not been fitted up for use of hammocks, nor have we been able to put fans or condensers upon them. You are authorized to make any alteration in the present fitting up that will give you ample supply of water and air for the benefit of either animals or troops that may be carried on the vessels. Report to me on arrival of these ships their condition and if you are able to properly fit them up so that they will be comfortable for transport service. Consult regarding air space, water supply, and sanitary matters generally with Colonel O'Reilly, chief surgeon, Fourth Army Corps. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (2) Exhibit G. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, May 9, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: Arrangements are being made to charter a number of ships from the Ward Line and also from the Mallory Line, they to be prepared to sail as soon as they can be 474 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. coaled. Names of vessels and instructions as to destination will be wired you later. You will see that each of the ships is supplied with at least twenty days' coal in bunkers. If an additional supply of coal can be stored on vessels, to be used on trip down, so that all freight space will be clear, you will do so. You will also arrange to send a sufficient number of ship carpenters to each one of these vessels, together with the necessary lumber, to provide bunks three tiers high for the use of the men in space allotted for carrying them; and also for building pens and nailing cleats on the floor or making grating if cleats are not allowed to be nailed on the floors in space where the animals are to be carried. These men will be returned from Tampa to New York by rail, unless one of the transports should be returned to New York to carry them. Care should be taken to have a reliable man put in charge of these ship carpenters, so that the work can be done while the ship is coaling and on its way down. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, May 10, 1898.) VIGILANCIA, SEGURANCA, YUCATAN, SENECA, SARATOGA, SANTIAGO, CITY OF WASHINGTON; CONCHO, RIO GRANDE, LEONA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, May 9, 1898. As per telegram of this date regarding charter of ships, would state that we have chartered to-day: Ward Line-Vigilancia, Seguranca, Yucatan, Seneca, Saratoga, Santiago, City of Washington; Mallory Line-Concho, Rio Grande, Leona, all of which are now in New York. These ships to be coaled as heretofore instructed, and to be prepared for shipment of troops by erecting temporary bunks, prepared for shipment of horses, and dispatched with as little delay as possible, each vessel, unles further instructed, to touch at Key West for instruc- tions. Please acknowledge receipt and repeat names of vessels, that I may know you have received them properly. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, May 11, 1898. Washington, May 9, 1898. STEAMERS CHEROKEE AND IROQUOIS. [Telegram. ] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., May 10, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: We chartered to-day the Cherokee and Iroquois, Clyde Line. Please have them prepared at once for shipment to Key West, there to receive instructions. Have them coaled so that when they arrive there they will have at least twenty days' coal for each vessel aboard, and also have carpenters with lumber necessary to fit these ships to carry as many men and animals as possible. Same instructions apply to them as were sent you yesterday regarding other vessels. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, May 12, 1898.) 475 REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. VIGILANCIA, SEGURANCA, SARATOGA, SANTIAGO, YUCATAN, SENECA, CITY OF WASH- INGTON; CONCHO, RIO GRANDE, AND LEONA; CHEROKEE AND IROQUOIS. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., May 11, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: The following vessels chartered to sail immediately to Key West: Ward Line- steamers Vigilancia, Seguranca, Saratoga, Santiago, Yucatan, Seneca, and City of Washington, chartered May 10, noon; Mallory Line-Concho, Bio Grande, and Leona, chartered May 10, noon; Clyde Line-Cherokee and Iroguois, chartered May 11, noon. Owners assume marine risk and man and victual vessels. Gov- ernment assumes war risk and supplies coal and water. You will furnish these and advise captains of terms under which they sail. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, May 12, 1898.) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., May 11,1898. Col. A. S. Kimball, Army Building, New York: The Associated Press dispatches from Key West report scarcity of water at that place. This only confirms official dispatches received from General Shafter, in which he asked the approval of Secretary of War for a contract for large amount of water at 2 cents per gallon. As there are a large number of horses going with expedition, and number of troops arriving there is very large, Secretary of War directs that in the chartered ships leaving New York from this on they take all the water possible to cask and to carry. Acknowledge receipt and report action taken, at the same time giving an estimate of what is possible for you to send without any considerable delay of ships leaving. This is of first importance. 10.30 p. m. H. C Corbin, Adjutant-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, May 12, 1898.) STEAMER CATANIA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, June 6,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: Assistant Secretary of War has decided to take the Catania at a charter price of $600 per day, provided the company cuts in four side ports and builds on the ship suitable accommodation in the way of staterooms and cabins for officers to be designated by you as necessary to fit the ship for transport service. You are authorized to put up the standees for as many men as she can comfortably carry; and also to provide lavatories and urinals for the men. It is understood that the company is to remove from the ship the arrangement for the Klondike service. Mr. Tweedie agrees to have this done by Monday, and if not the charter is to be canceled. Due care must be taken that the water-carrying capacity of this ship is supplied with proper drinking water. Report the advisability of putting a con- denser on her and the cost of same. Acknowledge. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 8, 1898.) 476 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. steamship catania. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, June 10,1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: It is not thought advisable to hamper the movement of the Catania with cement for Key West. Am awaiting report of Summerhayes, through you, when she will be ready for sea after having been fitted up with ample staterooms for officers and side ports cut to enable prompt loading. Understand she will be ready by Monday. Ludington , Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 10, 1898.) STEAMSHIP ARKADIA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 11, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Quartermaster, New York City: The Government has chartered the steamship Arkadia of the New York and Porto Rico Line, charter to commence Wednesday, the 15th instant, noon. The company are to cut in two side ports, one on either side, to enable loading up of animals and freight. Direct Major Summerhayes to have her at once fitted up with standees for troops and stalls for horses, if they can be carried. Have her fitted up largely for troops and some animals where they can be conveniently put. She already has on her 300 tons coal in bunkers, which you can take at $2.50 per ton, and place on board, if it can be conveniently stored, an additional supply. Report condition of drink-water supply on vessel and how soon the ship will be ready to go to sea. Ludin Gton , Quart ermaster- General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 12, 1898.) STEAMERS NUECES, LAMPASAS, AND ARKADIA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 13,1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: Have chartered steamers Nueces and Lampasas of the Mallory Line. Have them fitted for troops and animals, complying with Army Regulations, which General Miles says has not been adhered to heretofore in fitting up the ships. Also have these vessels coaled with at least twenty days' coal after they arrive at destination in Gulf. Also see that they are amply supplied with water casks if they have not already accommodations for an ample supply of water. As these ships are liable to go to southern Cuba or Porto Rico, and carry animals, an ample supply of water should be provided for them. Acknowledge receipt and report when these ships will be ready to sail from New York; also when the Arkadia will be ready to sail, that instructions may be given you. Hold all of the ships in New York for sailing instructions. Mr. Mallory has been notified that the ships have been chartered, the date of charter to commence noon 14th, to-morrow. Please furnish valuation of the Nueces and Lampasas for entry into charter. Lu din gt on , Quartermaster- General. (Copy to Majoi- Summerhayes, June 13, 1898.) REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 477 HOSPITAL SHIP RELIEF. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 74, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Quartermaster, New York City: You are authorized to make only such emergency purchases for additional naval, electrical, quartermaster's and signal supplies as may be absolutely nec- essary to properly equip the hospital ship Relief. This is reference to Major Torney's letter of June 13th. Requisitions in it that he states had not received attention were supplied on the 12th instant. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 14,1898.) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, June 74, 1898. Major Summerhayes, Quartermaster, New York City: Telegram just received from General Miles states that he is apprehensive regard- ing fitting of steamers for transports; that as long as the sea is smooth it would be all right, but if ports and hatches have to be closed he is fearful that there would be serious results. He says: " Every transport should be provided with water condensers, with arrangements for forcing fresh air to the lower decks, with ample life preservers, and hammocks instead of wooden berths." You will carry out these instructions in fitting up the four ships that are now in New York, as far as possible. General Miles has been informed that it will take time to so fit these vessels, and if they are delayed, it will be because they could not be equipped sooner, even by working night and day. Wish you would report the plan you adopt for forcing air into the lower decks and arrangements of hammocks. Have asked General Miles if the canvas hammocks now in the hands of the troops will do. Do you think that you can arrange so that you can hang two or more directly over each other, and could men get into them easily? I wish that you would answer me fully and very promptly as to the feasibility of carrying out General Miles's instructions. Ludington. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 14, 1898.) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., June 74, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Quartermaster, New York: General Miles wires me as follows: "The steamers here are not built for troop ships, but for carrying freight, and are not properly ventilated. Many complaints are made as to the condition of the men. I believe that instead of putting wooden bunks in it would be better to put framework and supply the men with hammocks, which would be much cooler. The men would be able to hang their hammocks at night and put them away in the daytime. In some of the ships they have knocked down the bunks on account of the heat and the space they occupy. Please telegraph your quartermasters to see if they can not arrange ships for ham- 478 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. mocks and have hammocks provided. Condensers should be on every steamer, and also fans for forcing fresh air between lower decks." Report if his instruc- tions regarding hammocks, condensers, and fans for forcing fresh air between lower decks could be provided at reasonable cost and little delay. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Report of Major Summerhayes of June 17, 1898, forwarded to Quartermaster- General June 17, 1898.) ALGIERS, CHALMOTTE, EL MONTE, EL MAR, EL PASO, AND EXCELSIOR. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, June 15, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: Colonel Scully, from New Orleans, reports that the Algiers, Chalmotte, El Monte, El Mar, El Paso, and Excelsior of the Morgan Line would make good transports for carrying troops in Cuban waters. Have them inspected if they are in New York, or as they arrive, and also any other foreign vessels that might be suitable for transport service. As General Miles wires that he wants cattle ships of the bilge-keel type, if any such are in New York and they do not draw too much water, you will report them, at the same time stating what will be necessary to fit them for transport service, including cabin accommodation for officers. Please give this matter prompt attention and report by wire if any such ships are now in New York and are being inspected. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 15, 1898.) NUECES, LAMPASAS, AND ARKADIA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., June 18, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Quartermaster, New York: Referring to telephone communication from Major Summerhayes regarding the lighting and ventilating and putting condensers on ships would say that the Secretary of War authorizes you to have a condenser put on the Nueces, Lampasas, and the Arkadia; and also to arrange for fanning apparatus for these three ships at or near the prices named by Major Summerhayes. He desires that this work be done as rapidly as possible, and if there is to be too much delay that you can arrange to have men go down on the ships and complete the work as the ships travel. Wire me promptly on receipt of this telegram of the probable time that the ships will be delayed in New York to complete the work. Would it not be well, also, to have on these three ships additional water barrels or casks, so aato insure plenty of water. The Secretary does not feel warranted in having electric lights put upon these vessels, and Major Summerhayes must try and arrange for lighting with lanterns, which were authorized to be purchased. You are author- ized also to supply a large number of small tin vessels to be used in case men are seasick on these and all ships hereafter fitted up. Ludingt on , Quai dermaster- General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, June 19, 1898. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes for his information and guidance, and with request that he will advise this office without delay as to the REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 479 probable time the ships will be delayed in New York to complete the work; also in reference to the additional casks required. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS-STEAMSHIP KIMON. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, June 19, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Quartermaster, New York: Report promptly after inspection of foreign vessels that may have been named to you by this office and any that Major Summerhayes mav have found in addi- tion. Secretary of War desires descriptions of these vessels as fast as inspected. Commissary-general must have two large ships, drawing about 20 feet when loaded as we load them, upon which he wants to put refrigerators to carry about 1,000 tons fresh beef each. No doubt Major Summerhayes can find such ships in New York. It is very important that these reports of foreign ships be sent in as fast as possible. Major Summerhayes, with the tug he is authorized to use, should be able to report on two or three ships each day. He should report whether they are troopships or suitable for animals only. We need quite a number of cattle ships, bilge-keel type, for carrying horses, etc.; also roomy vessels already fitted up for carrying steerage passengers which could carry troops. They should have ample ventila- tion and fresh-water capacity. Clyde line report that they have chartered a foreign ship, the Kimon, which it may be well to inspect and report upon. Make daily report by wire, stating charter price, and, if not willing to charter, lowest available purchase price direct from owners or agents, not ship brokers. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 19, 1898.) STEAMER PANAMA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 21, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: The captured steamer Panama purchased to-day. Now at pier 20, East River. You are directed to take possession of her at once and report her condition and what is necessary to fit her up for transport service. Communicate with Col. F. J. Hecker, if possible, who was instrumental in purchasing her for the Government. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summer hay es, June 23, 1898.) ARKADIA, NUECES, AND LAMPASAS. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 22, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York: Letter from Major Summerhayes referred to this office by yon regarding elec- tric lights for the Arkadia, Nueces, and Lampasas received. Same has been sub- 480 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. mitted to the Assistant Secretary of War, and before authority is given he desires to know whether, if electric plants are put aboard the ships, they will be the prop- erty of the Government and could be removed from the vessels after charter ceases; also, whether same holds true regarding condensers and the fans that are being put aboard the ships. Same letter mentions the fact that small tins are not considered suitable for seasick men, but that buckets should be put aboard. Gen- eral Miles suggests that they should have buckets on the decks as well as small tins with handles, that could be attached to the hammocks by a wire. The tins have already been authorized, and you are authorized to purchase sufficient num- ber of buckets for that purpose. (7.15 p. m.) Ludington, Quart ermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, June 23, 1898. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volun- teers, for his information, with the request that he will take immediate steps to procure the necessary tins and buckets authorized within. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. NUECES, LAMPASAS, AND ARKADIA. 9 War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, June 21/., 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: In addition to putting in fans and condensers in the steamships Nueces, Lampasas, and Arkadia, heretofore authorized, you are also authorized to put electric lights in those vessels, at an approximate cost of §2,000 each. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 25, 1898.) NUECES, LAMPASAS, AND ARKADIA. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, June 24, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: In addition to putting in fans and condensors in the steamships Nueces, Lampasas, and Arkadia, heretofore authorized, you are also authorized to put electric lights in those vessels, at an approximate cost of §2,000 each. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, June 25, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, New York City, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. REPLY OF QCaRTERMASTER-GENERAL. 481 LAMPASAS, NUECES, AND ARKADIA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 25, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Your telegram, stating Lampasas and Nieces are ready to sail to-morrow and Arkadia Monday, received. Give sailing order to Lampasas and Nueces to sail at once and report to Captain Bellinger at Port Tampa. Orders regarding the sail- ing of Arkadia to be wired as soon as we know whether it is necessary to send her to Newport News for subsistence stores. Acknowledge receipt and report date of sailing of these vessels. Ludington , Quartermaster- General. ''Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 26, 1898.) ARKADIA, NUECES, AND LAMPASAS. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 25, 1898. To the Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: Referring to your indorsement of the 23d instant, forwarding letter of Major Summerhayes of same date, reporting that the Vance Electric Company are the lowest bidders for putting electric-light plants on the steamships Arkadia, Nueces, and Lampasas, and that the additional cost for search lights for the Arkadia will be $300, you are respectfully informed, by direction of the Quarter- master-General, that the expenditure for search lights on these vessels will not be authorized. Authority for electric lights on the three vessels was mailed to you yesterday. Respectfully, Chas. Bird, Quartermaster, U. S. Army. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, June 28, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermuster, U. S. Volunteers, New York City, for his information. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. PORT VICTOR AND OBDAM. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 29, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York. We have purchased the ships Port Victor and Obdam. Please receive them and report when the Port Victor will be ready to turn over to the Commissary- General. Acknowledge receipt. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, June 29, 1898.) 7833-vol 1 31 482 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN, MOHAWK, MISSISSIPPI, AND PORT VICTOR. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 2, 1898. Secretary of War directs me to inform you that the action of Major Summer- hayes regarding victualing the steamships Mohawk and Mississippi, in addi- tion to putting subsistence stores aboard of them, is approved. You are also authorized to purchase seven awnings for hatches for use on the Port Victor. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 5, 1898.) STEAMSHIPS MOHAWK AND MISSISSIPPI. War Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, July 2, 1898. Hon. G. D. Meiklejohn, Assistant Secretary of War. Sir: I have the honor to report that the steamships Mohawk and Mississippi, purchased from Mr. Barnard H. Baker, have been fitted up for cavalry ships: the Mohawk to carry 1,000 horses and 1,000 men; the Mississippi 800 horses and 800 men. The Mohawk is being coaled with 2,000 tons of coal in bunkers and hold, and the Mississippi with 1,600 tons. Each of the ships has a refrigerating capacity of 1,000 tons cubic measurement, and the beef contractor's inspector, Mr. Gardner, has favorably reported on the refrigeration and accepted the same under their contract with the Commissary- General. I have instructed Major Summerhayes to letter the Mohawk "No. 20, U. S. A. Q. M. Dept.," and the Mississippi "No. 25, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept." Both ships can cross Tampa Bay on draft of 20 feet 6 inches with what coal and water they will have when they reach there, loaded to their full complement of cavalry and enough forage for the cavalry. Instructions should be issued to the officer under whose charge they will be loaded to use care in loading additional supplies and stores so as not to exceed the draft of 20 feet 6 inches. Yours, respectfully, Frank J. Hecker. War Department, July 2,1898. The equipment of the steamships Mohawk and Mississippi, as herein indicated, is approved and the expense thereof will be paid by the Quartermaster's Depart- ment from the appropriation for transportation of the Army. G. D. Meiklejohn, Assistant Secretary of War. True copy. Chas. Bird, Major and Quartermaster, United States Army. STEAMSHIP PORT VICTOR. War Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, July 2, 1898. Hon. G. D. Meiklejohn, Assistant Secretary of War. Sir: I have the honor to report the steamship Port Victor, purchased by the Gov- ernment. has been found suitable for a refrigerating ship and accepted by the beef contractor's inspector, Mr. Gardner. In addition to the fresh beef, she has been REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 483 equipped to carry 400 men and 130 horses and about 1,500 tons of supplies. It is expected that she will be ready to sail from New York on July 6. This is the ship it was decided this morning by the Quartermaster-General to take the Red Cross stores on. I have instructed Major Summerhayes to letter her "No. 2, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept." Yours, respectfully, Frank J. Hecker. War Department, July 2,1898. The equipment of the steamship Port Victor, as herein indicated, is approved, and the expense thereof will be paid by the Quartermaster's Department from the appropriation for transportation of the Army. G. D. Meiklejohn, Assistant Secretary of War. True copy. Chas. Bird, Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Army. STEAMSHIP OBDAM. War Department, Office of the Secretary, Washington, July 2, 1898. Hon. G. D. Meiklejohn, Assistant Secretary of War. Sir: I have the honor to report that on behalf of the Government possession has been taken of the steamship Obdam, purchased from the Holland-American Line. Major Summerhayes has had the ship carefully inspected as to her carrying capacity and is fitting her out to carry 1,300 men, 100 horses or mules; in addition to which she has a tonnage capacity for 1,500 tons of coal and 500 tons of supplies on a draft of 20 feet and 6 inches of water. Her maximum draft is 24 feet, and, of course, when loading to her maximum capacity she can carry much larger ton- nage of supplies than above stated. I have instructed Major Summerhayes to pro- ceed with the necessary fitting up of her with all possible expedition, and am assured that she will be ready for service one week from to-day, July 8. I have further instructed him to letter her ''No. 30, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept." Yours, respectfully, Frank J. Hecker. War Department, July 2,1898. The equipment of the steamship Obdam, as herein indicated, is approved, and the expense thereof will be paid by the Quartermaster's Department from the appropriation tor transportation of the Army. G. D. Meiklejohn, Assistant Secretary of War. True copy. Chas. Bird, Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Army. MOHAWK, MISSISSIPPI, OBDAM, AND PORT VICTOR. Washington, July 4,1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: Herewith are transmitted true copies of three letters of Mr. Frank J. Hecker, advising the War Department of the purchase of the steamships Mohawk, Mississippi, Obdam, and Port Victor; of their fitting up and carrying capacity, 484 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. and the names by which they are to be designated, wmcji.are as follows: The Mohawk to be "No. 20, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" the Mississippi to be "No. 25, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" the Obdam to be "No. 30, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" the Port Victor to be "No. 2, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept." A copy of the approval of the action of Mr. Hecker by the Assistant Secretary of War, with instructions that the expenses necessary for the fitting of the vessels will be paid from the appro- priation for transportation of the Army, Quartermaster's Department, is indorsed upon each copy of the letters. You will be governed accordingly. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. Copy to Major Summerhayes. STEAMSHIP OBDAM. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 5,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, Nero York: You are authorized to put on the Obdam gun racks for as many men as the ship is fitted to carry. They should be strong and well secured, to prevent arms from becoming detached from the motion of the vessel. Arm racks should be fitted up on all of our own ships suitable to carry either a musket or a carbine. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 6, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quarter- master, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. STEAMSHIPS PORT VICTOR AND PANAMA. , [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 5, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: Assistant Secretary of War directs that you put an electric-light plant, with search light, new galley, range, and furniture, and paulin for covering hatches, on the Port Victor, provided this work will not delay her sailing as soon as the refrigeration on the ship is completed. He also directs that you put on the No. 1- Panama-a new range and awnings. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 8, 1898.) Washington, July 5, 1898. STEAMSHIPS MOBILE, ARKADIA, AND GRANDE DUCHESSE. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 5, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: Confirming telephone message, inform you that the steamship Mobile has arrived in New York. You are instructed to direct Major Summerhayes to proceed at REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 485 once to fit the vessel up for transport service same as the Molta wk,• shipping crew, victualing ship. Work to be pushed with utmost dispatch, in order to get her ready for sea at the earliest possible moment. Report progress day by day by wire. Give shipping orders for the Arkadia to sail to-morrow, not stopping at Norfolk Harbor for subsistence stores, but to go direct to Port Tampa. Have chartered the steamship Grande Duchesse, now at Newport News, and she will take the commissary stores that were to have gone by the Arkadia. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 6, 1898.) STEAMSHIP ROUMANIA. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 7, 1898. Col. A. S. Kimball, Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. A., Army Building, New York City. Sir: The Allen Line steamer Roumania was purchased to-day for delivery in New York at the Allen Line Steamer Docks. Asst. Naval Constructor S. F. Smith reports: " That, before undertaking service as a troop ship, she should be fitted with increased galley and water-closets, and a system of forced ventilation should be put in, and can be done for about $3,000 and in ten days, which would greatly ameliorate the living conditions. An electric-light plant, for the 'tween decks only, would be inexpensive, cooler than lamps, safer, and could be installed in the same time. Summing up, this ship is sufficiently strong in all respects, but the above changes are essential. The company's estimate of 1,149 men on the main deck is far too large, as it is based on the cubical capacity of the deck and not on the possibility of swinging hammocks." You are authorized to have these repairs done and to have the vessel inspected, and if there is anything else that is necessary to fit her up for transport service report the fact to this office. She is to be inspected by General Egan's refrigerator men, with a view of hav- ing refrigeration put on this ship for carrying beef. Please acknowledge receipt. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York, July 8, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance and all necessary action required by within instructions. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. STEAMSHIP BERLIN. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 8,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: The steamship Berlin has been bought by the Government. The purchase includes everything pertaining to the ship excepting the steward's supplies. Direct Major Summerhayes to fit the ship up at once for transport service for at least 486 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. 2,000 men and enough horses for two regiments of infantry. If anything is needed in the way of ventilation, electric light, distilling plant, etc., you will at once notify this office by wire, so that they can be authorized. It is desired to get this ship out for service in four days. Acknowledge receipt and report action. Ludington, (Quartermaster General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, Neu: York City, July 8, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. STEAMSHIP CITY OF BERLIN. [Telegram.] Washington, D.C., July 9,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: Referring to telegram of yesterday, stating that the Government had purchased the steamship City of Berlin, would state that the Commissioner of Navigation is objecting to shipping English crews. Major Summerhayes should ship Ameri- cans on this ship if possible; notify me if there will be any delay in getting the ship out if she has to ship an American crew. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 9, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for his information. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. A., Depot Quartermaster. STEAMSHIP ROUMANIA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., July 10, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: Steamer Roumania will take emergency expedition to Santiago. Instruct Major Summerhayes to ship crew. Put full supply water and 2,000 to 2,500 tons coal aboard. Dakin & Co., who organize expedition, will be ready to go to sea Wednesday evening. Of utmost importance there be no delay. Acknowledge receipt and report whether the crew and vessel will be ready for sea by Wednes- day night or Thursday morning. Ludington , Quartermaster- General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes July 10, 1898.) STEAMER ROUMANIA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 10,1898. Steamer Roumania will take emergency expedition to Santiago. Instruct Major Summerhayes to ship crew. Put full supply water and 2,000 to 2,500 tons coal Reply of quartermaster-general. 487 aboard. Dakin & Co., who organize expedition, will be ready to go to sea Wednes- day evening. Of utmost importance there be no delay. Acknowledge receipt and report whether the crew and vessel will be ready for sea by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes July 11, for information and attention.) STEAMSHIP BERLIN. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 10, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: The Assistant Secretary of War authorizes expenditure of so much of $6,000 as you find necessary for construction of ventilating plant on the steamship Berlin. Her number will be 31 and the Roumania 27. You wiil have these numbers, together with the adopted letters, substituted for their names. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes July 11, for information and action.) [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 11,1898 Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: Confirming telephone message of this date, you are authorized to expend as much as necessary of $7,000, instead of $6,000 authorized in telegram 10th, for fitting up ventilating plant for the steamship Berlin-, also that the Panama is to be turned over to D. Van Aken & Co., to take emergency expedition to Santiago, instead of the Roumania, designated to you yesterday. The Rotimania will be fitted up for transport service. Report by wire to this office what will be neces- sary to fit with ventilators, etc., the Roumania, so that it can be authorized. Desire to get her out as rapidly as possible. Acknowledge receipt and report if the exchange of the Panama to do the work designated for the Roumanians under- stood, and when you think the Panama will get away. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. 11.25 p. m. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 12, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. A., Depot Quartermaster. STEAMERS MICHIGAN AND MASSACHUSETTS. [Telegram.] Washington, July 11,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: Am informed that the steamships Michigan and Massachusetts have arrived in New York. Direct Major Summerhayes to have them fitted up same as Nos. 20 and 21. They will be designated, Michigan, No. 26, and Massachusetts, No. 22. 488 INVESTIGATION GF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Have Major Summerhayes report what these vessels need in the way of fitting as to ventilation, etc., so that they can be authorized, and report when they will be ready to sail. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes July 11, 1898.) MOBILE, MASSACHUSETTS, MANITOBA, MINNEWASKA, MICHIGAN, ROUMANIA, AND BERLIN. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 13, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: The War Department has authorized the following-named steamships to be fitted up for army-transport service, the expenses thereof to be paid from the appropriation of the Quartermaster's Department for transportation of the army, viz: Mobile, "No. 21, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Massachusetts, "No. 22, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;'' Manitoba, "No. 23, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Minneivaska, "No. 24, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.; " Michigan, "No. 26, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Roumania, "No. 27, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Berlin, "No. 31, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept." You are also authorized to hire the officers and crews required for the proper manning of purchased ships and for their subsistence when not otherwise pro- vided for, as recommended in your indorsement of July 11, 1898. Authority for putting in electric lighting, distilling, and ventilating plants, or any special improvements upon any of above-named vessels will be granted only upon special application therefor, with full information as to cost, etc. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. New York Depot, July 15, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. A., Depot Quartermaster. MOBILE, MASSACHUSETTS, MANITOBA, MINNEWASKA, MICHIGAN, ROUMANIA, BERLIN. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 13, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: The War Department has authorized the following-named steamships to be fitted up for army transport service, the expenses thereof to be paid from the appropriation of the Quartermaster's Department for transportation of the Army, viz: Mobile, "No. 21, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Massachusetts, "No. 22, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Manitoba, "No. 23, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Minnewaska, "No. 24, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Michigan, "No. 26, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Roumania, "No. 27, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept.;" Berlin, "No. 31, U. S. A., Q. M. Dept." You are also authorized to hire the officers and crews required for the proper manning of purchased ships, and for their subsistence when not otherwise pro- vided for, as recommended in your indorsement of July 11, 1898. Authority for putting in electric lighting, distilling, and ventilating plants, or any special improvements, upon any of above-named vessels will be granted only upon special application therefor, with full information as to cost, etc. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 15, 1898.' REPLY OP QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 489 STEAMERS OLIVETTE AND CITY OF WASHINGTON. ' [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., July 16, 1898. Major Summerhayes, Army Building, New York City: Referring to telephone conversation this morning regarding damage done to Olivette by collision with City of Washington, desire that you have her examined and report extent of damage, probable cost of repair, and if it is necessary to haul her off at this time to have the repairs done. At the time of the damage the Gov- ernment was assuming marine risk. Since July 1 the company assume marine risk. They might not be willing to allow her to continue in service in her present condition, they assuming marine risk. Consult with the company and, if pos- sible, have one of their representatives go with you and examine the Olivette, so that you together can decide upon what is best to be done. Do not wish to have steamer delayed any longer than possible, as she may be needed for important work in the near future. Ludington , Quartermaster- General. STEAMER OLIVETTE. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, Jidy 18, 1898. Col. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. A., New York City. Sir: Confirming telephone message of this morning, you are, by direction of the Secretary of War, authorized to have repairs done to the steamer Olivette which are made necessary on account of damage done to her by her fouling the City of Washington, and that incurred when taking on water from the water transport while lying alongside of her in the roadstead off Santiago. Major Summerhayes indicated that it would cost from $3,000 to $4,000 to have these repairs made. You are authorized to use as much of $4,000 as you find necessary to put the vessel in the same condition that she was prior to the accident. Report definite amount expended on the Olivette. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quar termast er- Genera I, U. S. Army. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 19, 1898, for his information.) STEAMERS OLIVETTE, CITY OF WASHINGTON, AND SENECA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 18,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: Most of the ships that have arrived from Santiago with sick and wounded have on them the camp equipage and officers' luggage belonging to the commands that were shipped on them from Tampa to Santiago. You have in New York the Olivette, City of Washington, and Seneca, now ordered from Fortress Monroe to New York. Transfer to the Olivette all of the camp equipage and officer's luggage that you have on the City of Washington and the Seneca, together with the guard pertaining to these supplies. You are authorized to place upon the Olivette such ventilating apparatus and additional ice boxes as Dr. Appel will designate to you. The steam launch will not be provided. Acknowledge receipt nad report action. 8.20 p. m. L udin gton , Quartermaster- General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes. July 19, 1898.) 490 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. TRANSPORTS MINNEWASKA AND MANITOBA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 23,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, Neiv York: You report Minnewaska, No. 24, arrived New York. Have her thoroughly examined and fitted up for transport service under general iuthority already fur- nished you. If she needs any additional fittings in the way of condenser, venti- lating apparatus, electric lights, etc., let me know cost, so that matter maybe submitted to Secretary for approval. It is earnestly desired that both the Mani- toba and Minnewaska, now in your hands, be put in thorough condition for serv- ice in the way of repairs-additional parts to machinery where necessary, extra grate bars, hammocks for each man the ships can carry, and, in short, made so complete as a transport that when they arrive at point where shipments are to be made no complaint will be reported as their not being complete. Have the old wooden standees on the Seneca and other chartered ships that arrive in New York, where ventilation is not good, taken down, and arrange for hammocks, placing hammocks on board of each of these vessels for the number of men they are made to carry. Hereafter in making report that vessel is ready for service, I desire that you include in that report the condition of machinery, including spare parts, extra grate bars; also condition as to ventilation, coal, and water. Ludington, Quartermast er- General. (Copy to Major Summerhays for his information and guidance; also to Captain Mason,. July 23, 1898.) STEAMER SENECA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 2^, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: Confirming telephone message from Colonel Bird, the Seneca, after being coaled, is to leave noon25th with all dispatch and report to Major Wilson, quartermaster at Newport News, to join expedition going to Porto Rico; also that you are to put lighter alongside of her and take off all camp equipage and officers' luggage belonging to the command that originally sailed on the Seneca from Port Tampa to Santiago, same to be stored on your dock under proper guard and to be reloaded on a vessel designated later, that will take it, together with whatever other equip- age may be on incoming vessels and that now at Fortress Monroe taken from Breakwater, and deliver it to Colonel Humphrey, at Santiago. Acknowledge receipt and report hour of sailing of Seneca. Employ ample number of men to unload Seneca, so as not to delay her sailing at 12 noon to-morrow. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 25, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermas- ter, United States Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 491 MANITOBA AND MINNEWASKA. [Telegram.] Washington, D.C., July 25, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York: The necessity for an ample supply of forage at Porto Rico and Santiago is urgent. Arrangements should be made to keep sacked for shipment thirty days' oats for 1,000 animals, and on each vessel going from New York hay and oats for thirty days for the full capacity of animals for that vessel be properly loaded. The Manitoba and Minnewaska have each a capacity for 1,000 animals and should be loaded with thirty days' forage for that number. As ships arrive from Santi- ago have them inspected, and if they are fitted up for carrying animals, place on each thirty days' grain and hay for the number of animals they will carry. Report action in each case, so that I can advise officers where their forage can be found. On each ship going to Porto Rico with grain or subsistence stores 40 or 50 large paulins, according to the quantity shipped, should be sent for protecting the stores, if necessary, on arrival at Porto Rico. Ludington , Quartermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York, July 25, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J.W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for bis information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. CHESTER, MINNEWASKA, AND MANITOBA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 25, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: Have purchased this morning the steamship Chester, now in New York. Have her thoroughly examined as to capacity for troops and ventilation. Fit her up for as many hammocks as she can conveniently accommodate; also for about <50 stalls to carry battalion animals. If she needs extra ventilation, report at once by wire, and you will be authorized to put it in. Have just talked with Colonel Hecker, and he advised that the Minnewaska have ventilating plant put on to force air to the lower between decks, where troops are carried. State the time it will take for you to have the Manitoba, Minnewaska, and Chester put in condition for sailing, bearing in mind that the machinery is to be examined, spare parts furnished, extra grate bars supplied, ample water supplied, and forage, both hay and grain, for the number of animals they are fitted up to carry; also that the chartered vessels that arrive be examined, and the standees, where the ventilation is not good, be taken out and hammocks substituted, and forage put aboard for the number of animals they are fitted to carry, both hay and grain. Understand Manitoba is having ventilation put on. Report by wire the cost of putting in ventilation in the Minnewaska, as also in the Chester, if needed. Ludington , Quartermaster- General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes'July 25, 1898.) 492 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 27,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: General Brooke advises that the lumber for making stalls for horses should be dressed on the side next to the animal, and that an ample supply of burlap and twine should be put aboard each ship, so that if it is found that the animals are being chafed, these, together with the hay that is already aboard, may be used to pad the stalls. You are authorized to use such lumber, etc. He also suggests that the space occupied for the men-18 inches-is too small. It was decided before General Brooke's telegram came that we would reduce the carrying capacity of the ships about 20 per cent for men, giving a 24-inch space instead of 18. Direct Major Summerhayes that hereafter he is to arrange hammocks 24 inches apart, and in reporting ships ready for service the number of men she carries best stalled. Ludington, Qiiartermaster- General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 28, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U; S. Army, Depot Quartermaster. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 28,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, Neiv York: Referring to telegram of 27th, stating that space on Government transports for hammocks would be 24 inches instead of 18, desire to change centers to 21 inches instead of 24. The regulation will then be 21 inches between hooks for hammocks. Ludington, Quartermaster-General Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 29, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] Steamer Breakwater, Washington, D. C., July 28, 1898. Colonel Kimball: Your telegram regarding ventilation for Breakwater received. Confirming telephone message by Colonel Bird, you are directed not to put any ventilating plants on any of the present chartered steamers unless by special authority from this office. No ventilation will therefore be put aboard the Breakwater; to take aboard at Fort Monroe the camp equipage, officers' luggage, etc., come of off her there, and also that which was taken from the Hudson at that point. Do this. If any of the stores that have been presented to you for transportation by the 493 REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. Breakwater to Santiago are to be left over notify me at once what they consist of, so the proper officer can be advised. It is very important that the disinfectant material the Surgeon-General has provided for troops at Santiago should go. Give special attention to the requirements of this telegram and notify me. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes July 29, 1898.) TRANSPORT RIO GRANDE. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 28,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: The transport Rio Grande has been directed to proceed from Fort Monroe to New York and report to you. The blow pipe is so damaged as to disable the starboard engine. Direct the company to have these repairs made as soon as possible, so as not to delay ship. Have her carefully examined, and if she is not well ventilated between decks where her standees are, they can be taken down, excepting the frames, and hammocks substituted. Desire that the Leona and Concha, be treated in the same way, and that all three of these ships be fitted for transport service with as little delay as possible. Notify the Mallory people to have ships examined to see whether they have any repairs to make, so that your work and theirs can go on together. Acknowledge receipt and report action. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York, July 29, 1898. A true copy. Respectfully transmitted to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. CHESTER AND MINNEWASKA. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 29, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: Referring to your indorsement of the 27th instant, forwarding letter of Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, submitting a statement of the cost for fitting up the steamships Chester and Minnewaska as army transports, you are respectfully informed that the Assistant Secretary of War has authorized the expenditure of a sum not exceeding $19,640, for the purpose referred to, viz: On steamship Chester: Ventilating plant on single decks $6,500 50 stalls for horses 1,640 Painting smokestack and numbering the vessel 80 Total 8,220 On steamer Minnewaska: Ventilating plant 7,000 Fitting up for 1,000 horses 4,340 Painting smokestack and numbering the vessel 80 Total... 11,420 494 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The cost for hammocks, which you state can be supplied from stock on hand, is not included in the above authorization. It is remarked that the estimated cost for fitting up for horses on both vessels named is considered excessive, and should, if possible, be done for less money. Major Summerhayes will be instructed to fit up the vessels as authorized. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 30,1898, for his information and guidance.) LEONA, CONCHO, RIO GRANDE, HUDSON, AND ALAMO. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 39, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: In addition to the Leona, Concho, and Rio Grande, the transports Hudson and Alamo have been ordered to report to you at New York. Have them examined at once, and report their condition. In the meantime, where necessary, take out old standees, excepting frames, and fit them up for hammocks; also overhaul stalls for horses, and make them strong and comfortable as possible, putting aboard burlap and twine, to be used if needed. Have sanitary condition of ship carefully considered. Examine water supply, and if insufficient provide addi- tional capacity. Report arrival of ships and when they will be ready for service. See that forage, hay, and oats for thirty days is put aboard all of the ships for the number of animals they are fitted to carry. These ships are promised back at Newport News by Wednesday. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 29, 1898.) TRANSPORT MINNEWASKA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 30, 1898. Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York: You are authorized to provide four lifeboats and fittings, including davits: also four life rafts for transport Minnewaska, cost $3,000; also awnings for ship, cost $1,600. Understand, the procurement of these boats and awnings will not detain this ship from being ready to sail on Wednesday. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 31, 1898.) TRANSPORT MINNEWASKA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 30,1898. Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York: You are authorized to provide four additional boats and fittings, including davits, also four life rafts for transport Minnewaska, cost $3,000; also awnings for ship, REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 495 cost $1,600. Understand, the procurement of these boatsand awnings will not detain this ship from oeing ready to sail on Wednesday. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 31, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. STEAMER MANITOBA. [Telegram.] Washington, D. C., July 30, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York: The Manitoba has been reported ready for sea. Give her sailing orders to report to Major Wilson, at Newport News, for the purpose of carrying part of Grant's brigade to Porto Rico. Understand she is to be properly ventilated, has on board 1,000 hammocks, and forage, hay, and oats for 1,000 animals for thirty days. See that she goes to Newport News at once. Report date of her departure and whether equipped and loaded as above indicated. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, July 31, 1898. Official copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster U. S. Volunteers, for his information and guidance. A. S, Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, D. C., July 30, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York: Colonel Hecker reports that Major Summerhayes and Captain Mason do not think the chartered vessels can be fitted up to carry animals, but advise that they be fitted up for troops only, with a few stalls for officer's horses. Colonel Hecker s recommendation is approved, As soon as the vessels are fitted up report the num- ber of hammocks and stalls on each of the ships, and when they will be ready to sail for Newport News. Colonel Hecker also recommends that the Chester be as- signed to carry Colonel Griffin's regiment from Peekskill. Report when she will be ready so Colonel Miller can have supplied from here 250 animals and 50 wagons for the Peekskill regiment. You must see that forage, hay, and grain is put aboard the Chester for thirty days. Also notify Subsistence Department so they can sup- ply rations. The Alamo sailed last night from Fort Monroe and the Concho this morning. Understand, that for the movement of Grant's brigade, can have in ad- dition the chartered ships, the Manitoba and Minnewaska, and that we may not get the Alamo and Concho in time for this trip owing to their being in quarantine. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 30, 1898.) 496 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. ROUMANIA, ST. LOUIS, HARVARD, BREAKWATER, MANITOBA. [Telegram.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, July 30, 1898. Colonel Hecker, Army Building, New York City: Your telegram regarding the sailing of the Roxtmania received. Very important that the Roumania should have as near thirty days' forage-hay and oats-for 1,000 animals as possible. Would advise that she continue loading the forage until noon Thursday, so that she will arrive at Newport News Friday noon. St. Louis will be there Friday. Not yet informed as to movement of Harvard. Breakwater must be docked and bottom scraped. Have directed she must be available Satur- day morning. Wired General Brooke this morning that all the transports would be ready for him not later than Saturday morning, and that the Roiimania would have on her forage for 1,000 animals for thirty days. He will probably depend on that amount being on her. Desire that the Manitoba and all United States transports be loaded with thirty days' forage for the number of animals they are fitted to carry. Major Summerhayes reported that he had chartered a vessel for General Stone to carry his men and material from Jacksonville. Desire to know very much when she will sail. The plan is for her to go to Charleston, take on his laborers, and then go to Jacksonville and load on the material. General Stone has been notified to this effect. Just learned Harvard passed in Cape Henry to-day. She may be going to navy-yard to have some work done. Will ascertain. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, July 30, 1898.) STEAMER OBDAM. Washington, D. C., August 5, 1898. Colonel Kimball. Depot Quartermaster, New York: Transport Obdam arrived Fortress Monroe to-day and is reported in good condi- tion. No repairs needed except a few hammocks. Not placed in quarantine. She has been ordered to Newport News, to take part of Grant's brigade to Porto Rico. Captain of ship has made requisition for one fire pump and one feed pump, which he regards as important; also urgently recommends installation of another dynamo ordered when last in New York. Can you ship by steamer to-morrow to Newport News the fire and feed pumps? Can another dynamo be installed, or had this bet- ter be deferred until she comes North again? Hecker, Colonel, Assistant Quartermaster, Volunteers. A true copy. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, for immediate action and report. A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, U. S. Army. STEAMER LAMPASAS. [Telegam.] Washington, D. C., August 6, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York: Lampasas now at Fort Monroe ordered to report to you, to be fitted up with hammocks for carrying troops and about 10 animals; that is, if ventilation is good. She is reported to need three new lifeboats, which were destroyed in landing troops REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 497 at Guanica; also, some spare parts for electrical plant are required. Report her condition after inspection, and let me know how soon you will have her ready for sea and what is needed. Ludington , Quartermaster-General. (Copy to Major Summerhayes, August 7, 1898.) CHESTER AND MINNEWASKA. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, August 15, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, New York City. Sir: You are respectfully informed that the Assistant Secretary of War has authorized the expenditure of a sum not exceeding $1,720 for the purpose referred to in the indorsement of Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, August 1, 1898, viz: On steamer Chester, fitting for hammocks $860 On steamship Minnewaska, fitting for hammocks 860 1,720 This is in addition to the amount previously authorized, July 29,1898, for fitting up those ships. Respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. A true copy. Respectfully furnished to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes for his infor- mation and guidance. A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. New York, October 11,1898. I certify that the foregoing papers, numbered 1 to 53, inclusive, are true copies. Wirt Robinson, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army. (3) Exhibit G. War Department, General Depot of the Quartermaster's Department, Army Building, Whitehall Street, New York City, October 7, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, Present. Sir: In compliance with your instructions of the 4th instant (10650), I have the honor to report as follows: Standee bunks.-On the first transports fitted out, standee bunks were furnished. These are fitted up by placing a 2 by 4 inch spruce stanchion from deck to deck, secur- ing same at the head and heel. To this is fastened a frame to support1 unk boards and bottom boards, 1-inch boards being used for this purpose. They are built in blocks of 12 feet 9 inches by 4 feet 3 inches wide, divided into bunks of about 6 feet 3 inches by 2 feet wide, in the clear. There are three tiers of bunks where the ship's decks are high enough to permit. If decks are low, then they are built two tiers high instead of three. Alleyways are left alongside of each block about 2 feet wide fore and aft, and athwartship alleyways 18 inches wide are placed after 7833-vol. 1 32 498 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. every block for passage to and fro across the ship. This plan allows men to get into their bunks from the alleyway without climbing over each other. An out- side alleyway is usually left against the sides of the ship. After finding that these were too hot they were removed and hammock fittings substituted, consisting of the erection of 3 by 4 inch spruce stanchions from deck to deck, properly secured 21 inches from centers, and placing on same hooks to hang two tiers of hammocks, one above the other, keeping in view sufficient cubic-air space for the comfort of the men. This method permits of hammocks being taken down during the day and stowed away, in order that sufficient deck room can be given to troops when the hammocks are not slung. Lavatories-Are formed by building a shelf of suitable height and cutting out same to admit of galvanized iron basins to fit into the same. Water-closets are formed by selecting some suitable place on ship where an outlet can be secured to carry off the excrement of troops. These closets are built in proper lengths, accord- ing to the space which we can procure. They are lined inside with galvanized iron, with suitable outlets from which a chute is constructed to carry it overboard. Water pipes are connected with the ship's pumps, and a constant supply of water is passing through these troughs all the time. Ventilation.-Ships are supplied with a number of cowl-head ventilators, run- ning from above the upper deck of the ship, usually about G feet, and then passing down through the compartments. These cowl-head ventilators can be shifted to and from the wind. The size of these ventilators run all the way from 14 to 24 inches. Again, large Sturtevant steam blowers are placed on the upper deck. Shafts from them are run down to the decks below, and air ducts are run fore and aft of the ship on either side and athwartships, with suitable vents protected by registers about 12 feet apart, for the purpose of distributing the air into the different com- partments where the troops are carried. In some cases salt water sprays have been put in on top of the shafts for taking in pure air, in order to cool and moisten the air, so that when it is distributed in the compartments where the troops are it will possess all the requisites of fresh and pure salt air. Ventilation has also been provided by means of exhaust fans placed on upper deck, with shafts placed below to exhaust the foul air from the compartments where the troops are stowed. Water supply.-Distilling plants capable of distilling 5,000 gallons of water per day have been put up. Water butts and water casks have been placed'on board where the water-tank capacity of the ship was deficient, and hand pumps have been supplied, thus giving to each man an allowance of from 7 to 10 gallons of water per day. Washing tubs have been erected, lined with galvanized iron and fitted with suit- able cocks for drainage purposes and pipes for supply, thus giving an opportunity for troops to wash clothing and to indulge in the comforts and luxury of a bath. In some cases shower baths have been erected for the purpose of health and com- fort. An abundance of galvanized buckets have been put on board to reenforce ship's supply. Ice houses have been put in ships where the ship's ice house had been inade- quate. Coffee barrels, with worms in same, have been put in ships where the coffee boilers m ship's galleys have been too small. Musket, carbine, and revolver rack's have been put in for the use of troops. In many cases floors have been laid over iron decks where troops wee carried, but this was abandoned as it led to unsanitary conditions, as it permits of rejected food getting down through the floor, and this decaying makes a bad sanitary con- dition. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 499 ANIMALS. The manner of fitting up ships for horses is as follows: Space-Each animal is given a space of 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches, by 8 feet. Two horses are usually placed together; and in some cases four have been carried together. The stanchions are made of 4 by 6 spruce, well fitted and secured between the decks where the ani- mals are stowed. These stanchions are secured at the head and heel by suitable cleats. The breast plank consists of a 2 by 9-inch spruce plank, well bolted to the stanchions forming the uprights, the stanchions being set about 5 feet apart. The foot plank is composed of a 3 by 9-inch spruce plank, well bolted to the heels of the stanchions. The division plank is placed between the horses where separated, and consists of a 2 by 8 plank, slid into grooves formed on the backing of the breast plank, and backing, in order that they can be removed at any time where neces- sary, thus making a portable compartment for the horses. All breast planks are portable, and can be removed to allow the horses to be removed when necessary. The decks are sheathed with 1-inch boards or 2-inch boards; the former if of wood, the latter if of iron. On these are placed 2 by 3-inch footlocks, spaced according to the United States Government regulations for carrying animals, and properly secured to sheathing of deck. A suitable backing is placed in rear of all animals, protecting them from injury by chafing on ship's angle irons or any other sharp corners that may come in their way. Suitable waters pipes are arranged when practicable to supply water to animals fr->m the ship's pumps. These fittings cover the carriage of animals under deck. When animals are carried on exposed decks, on which there is no protection, there has to be an awning deck built as follows: Four by six stanchions are placed against ship's rails, properly wedged and hook boited to same. A suitable tenon is cut on the head of each outboard and inboard stanchion. A yellow pine beam, running from side to side of the ship, is then fitted with suitable mortises to fit into the tenon, driven down, well secured, pinned, and wedged over same. Where two rows are carried, one on each side of the ship, stanchions consist of two outboard and two inboard stanchions, placed about 5 feet apart. Where decks are wood l-inch sheathing is placed over same to protect the ship's decks against injury from animals' feet. On this 2 by 3 inch spruce footlocks are placed, according to the United States Government regula- tions. A breast plank of 2 by 9 inch, and foot plank of same size is well bolted to the inboard stanchions; suitable holes are bored in the breast plank to secure horses to same. In many cases rings are used for hitching the halters to secure horses. The ship's side from waterway to underneath part of beam forming deck is thoroughly covered in by IJ-inch sheathing. On the top of the beams are Q-inch plank, well bolted to same, forming a shelter deck. Suitable divisions are placed between every two horses, as below. Suitable troughs are formed in front of the animals by fastening same to breast plank, allowing space to get in bucket for watering animals, and arranged so that all feed can be dumped into the troughs for the use of the animals. On the top of this deck, on the outboard edge of same, stanchions are put up, well braced, and holes bored in same to permit of life-lines being rove through them to form a protection to the men that pass to and fro on this deck. Water casks are provided for cooling purposes, and these casks are placed on hatches or anywhere where room can be given nearest the animals. The animals have usually been placed above the men, as it has been consid- ered that if any annoyance should arise by reason of carrying men and animals together on the same ship, that the smell from the animals would be less liable to affect the men if they were carried above the troops than if the animals were 500 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. underneath the men. Again, this arrangement is an economy of space, because the animals can be stowed on the upper decks, that are not fit to carry men and are better adapted to carry animals. This applies in all cases where animals have been carried, and must always apply where proper stowage is to be observed. Again, keeping in view the necessity of giving as large an air capacity as possible, this can only be done by stowing animals above men. Very respectfully, J. W. Summerhayes, Major and Quartermaster, United States Volunteers. (Eight inclosures, as follows: Exhibit A, showing ventilators; Exhibit B, show- ing laundry tubs; Exhibit C, showing hammocks and their stanchions; Exhibit D, showing lavatories; Exhibit E, showing soup and coffee boilers; Exhibit F, showing exhaust fan of ventilating plant; Exhibit G, showing horse fittings, and Exhibit H, showing plan of standee bunks.) War Department, General Depot of the Quartermaster's Department, Army Building, Whitehall Street, New York City, October 11, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: Replying to your communication of October 2, 1898, requesting to furnish certain information regarding ocean-transport service, I have the honor to forward herewith copies of instructions received for fitting out transport vessels, also a report of Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, United States Volunteers, specifying the manner in which the vessels were fitted up with improvements for the comfort and health of the troops and for the transportation of animals. Attention is also invited to inclosed photographic illustrations showing arrange- ments of standees, plan of swinging hammocks for troops, lavatories, arrangements for washing clothes, steam cooking boilers, horse fitting on upper deck, and sys- tem of ventilating by exhaust fan and deck ventilators. Very respectfully, A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. (9 incls.) Exhibit H. April 28, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: Government has chartered the steamer Alamo of the New York and Texas Steamship Company from to-morrow morning to go to Key West, where she will receive orders. She is to be loaded with pontoon boats from West Point and Willets Point. Charter requires Government to furnish coal and water. You will arrange with the Mallory Company, or where you can procure the coal cheapest, for a supply to take her to Key West and for fifteen or twenty days additional, if she can carry that amount. She has water tank for 10,000 gallons. You are authorized to purchase 100 water casks, holding about 120 gallons each, to be filled with water and put aboard of the Alamo. Communicate with West Point and Willets Point. Further instructions regarding the charter of this ship and also the Comal of this line will be forwarded to you by mail. Acknowledge receipt by wire and state what can be done regarding the water casks. Ludington , Quartermaster- General. 501 REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. April 30,1898. Major Pope, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Purchase fifty 120-gallon casks, cost not to exceed $7 each. That is the price understood by your telegram. A large number of these casks have been ordered to be placed on the various vessels; these now ordered, so you can place them wherever you think they may be needed. It is very important that all of the transports be supplied with ample water for both animals, men, and steaming purposes during the expedition. If these are not sufficient you are authorized to purchase the number you think will be necessary. The casks should be clean to prevent water souring. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. 113874.] May 2,1898. Scully, Depot Quartermaster, New Orleans, La.: You are authorized to purchase as many 50-gallon casks as you think necessary to supply ample water for 400 animals for at least ten to fifteen days, including ships' tanks. Regarding the two lighters, I fear they draw too much water, especially the Wanderer. Hold them in readiness at owners' expense. Will wire positive instructions in tlie morning. Draft should not be over 5 feet. If such lighters can be had, notify at once by wire. Bird, for Quartermaster-General. May 14,1898. Capt. T. E. True, Depot Quartermaster, Washington, D.C. Sir : The Merchants and Miners' Transportation Company were directed to pur- chase all the water casks, large and small, they could in Baltimore, and to ship by the Allegheny. You have been directed to settle for this with the Merchants and Miners' Transportation Company. The water barrels should be invoiced to Colonel Humphrey, who is now in charge of all transports under the direction of the Major-General commanding, so as to satisfy your responsibility. By direction of the Quartermaster-General. Respectfully, Charles Bird, Major and Quartermaster, United States Army. May 25,1898. Colonel Humphrey, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Your telegram regarding additional water casks, etc., received. You are authorized to purchase 50 additional water casks at $6.40 each for transports; also to fit up 5 transports with facilities for men to cook coffee, cost about $350. There will be ordered shipped to you from New York at once one-half dozen coal tubs for supplying coal from one vessel to another; and also 9 single break deck pumps, smaller size, with 15 feet of suction hose each, and 150 feet rubber hose 1| inches diameter, without nozzles. Note what you say regarding the Kanawha, schooner Stevens, barges Bessie and Laura, etc. Also as to chartering Tarpon or Dutchess. The two latter will not be chartered unless recommended by you. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. May 26, 1898. Colonel Humphrey, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Telegram this date regarding water casks received. You are authorized to purchase 50 more casks. Ludington , Quartermaster- General. 502 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. June 13,1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City; Have chartered steamers Nueces and Lampasas of the Mallory Line. Have them fitted for troops and animals, complying with army regulations, which Gen- eral Miles says has not been adhered to heretofore in fitting up the ships. Also have these vessels coaled with at least twenty days' coal after they arrive at des- tination in gulf. Also see that they are amply supplied with water casks, if they have not already accommodations for an ample supply of water. As these ships are liable to go to southern Cuba or to Porto Rico, and carry animals, an ample supply of water should be provided for them. Acknowledge receipt and report when these ships will e ready to sail from New York; also when the Arcadia will be ready to sail, that instructions may be given you. Hold all of the ships in New York for sailing instructions. Mr. Mallory has been notified that the ships have been chartered, the date of charter to commence noon 14th (to-morrow). Please furnish valuation of the Nueces and Lampasas for entry into charter. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. June 25, 1898. Colonel Scully, Chief Quartermaster, New Orleans, La.: Your telegram regarding water tanks has been repeated to Captain Bellinger, with instructions to call upon you for such tanks as he requires. You are author- ized to supply them. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. June 25, 1898. Captain Bellinger, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Colonel Scully telegraphs as follows: " I can now have tanks same as on Hudson made here, 750 gallons at $20, and 1,500 gallons at $28." He has been authorized to furnish such tanks as you need and upon your request. Lu din gton , Quar termast er- General. Exhibit I. April 30,1898. Major Pope, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: It is desired to hire two good-sized steam lighters, say about 120 feet in length, to accompany General Shafter's expedition. Failed to get them in Mobile. Major Pond states Plant agent says his company may be able the furnish the lighters. Please wire at once whether these lighters can be procured at Port Tampa, and if so, their size, draft, and carrying capacity. It is important that they be procured if possible. Give rate per day. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa, Fla., April 30, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Mr. Plant says no such thing as steam lighter this part world; nearest to it Plant twin-screw steamer Tarpon, light draft, 203 feet long over all, 25 feet wide, large covered deck. Think might answer; left with Naval Reserves yesterday; might be obtained. Pope, Quartermaster. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 503 April, 30,1898. Major Pullman, Quartermaster, Mobile, Ala.: It will be necessary to have two steam lighters of good capacity, say 120 feet long, with good beam, to go with General Shafter's expedition. Please take the matter up at once and report as early to-day as possible, by wire, whether such lighters can be obtained in Mobile, and if so, give price per day without charter, Government assuming war risk and furnish coal and water. Also give draft of lighters loaded and carrying capacity, and if these lighters could be at Port Tampa by May 4 to go with expedition, the company to furnish the crew. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. May 4, 1898. Major Pope, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: It is important that some arrangement be made to assist in discharging the transports with General Shafter's command on the shore of the island of Cuba. It seems impossible to get the proper steam lighters. The Tarpon, of the Plant sys- tem, and the Wanderer and Goldsworthy, of New Orleans, have been suggested. None can be found in New York or Baltimore. It has also been suggested that strong seagoing decked barges be towed over with the expedition by strong tugs, and that they be used to make a floating dock by connecting them with timbers and flooring with temporary piles at outer edge, or that they might be put alongside the vessels and loaded and pushed ashore by the tugs. Please consult with Captain McKay regarding these methods and report at once by wire which he thinks will be the best; and if he thinks barges and tugs prefer- able, whether they can be chartered at Tampa, Mobile, Savannah, or other South- ern ports. The pontoon boats might be found too light. Ludington, Quartermaster- General. May 6, 1898. Post Quartermaster, Fort Barrancas, Fla.: It is reported that the tug Monarch, of Pensacola, would be a good, seaworthy tug to do towing with transports and lighters that may go to Cuban coast. Please ascertain at once whether she can be chartered by the day; and if so, how much per day, the company furnishing and feeding the crew and assuming marine risk, the Government to assume war risk and furnish coal and water. If she can be chartered, how soon can she report at Port Tampa? Are there any seagoing decked barges at Pensacola that could be chartered, Government assuming war risk; and if so, what is charter price per day? If so, could they be had at once, so that if needed the Monarch could tow them to Tampa? If these barges are light, at what price per ton can you obtain good bituminous coal for use of transports, and to partially load barges to make them tow easily? Ludington, Quartermaster-General. May 7, 1898. Colonel Humphrey, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Major Pope wires that Captain McKay thinks that if General Shafter has with him, in addition to present fleet of transports, the Plant Company's steamer Tarpon and the three-masted schooner Cora, now at Key West, and a seagoing tug, it will be all that is necessary to land the command on the coast of Cuba 504 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. with pontoon train on Alamo. If these vessels are authorized, will they be all that is necessary to make the landing of command on Cuban coast a success? The Fanita, to arrive at Tampa in a day or two, is not for General Shafter's command, but, as soon as discharged, is to report to Major Pullman at Mobile. Ask Captain McKay whether tug G. W. Childs, at Key West, would do for this service as well as the Monarch, from Pensacola. Your action regarding storing of coal on transports where you have space, and that you may need an additional four-masted schooner to carry a reserve supply, is noted. Could not this reserve coal be carried on the Tarpon and Cora, at Key West, if chartered? Report promptly by wire. Ludington, Quartermaster- General. May 8,1898. Madden, Quartermaster, Fort Barrancas, Fla.: Telegrams regarding Monarch and seagoing barges received. Will not need barges, but desire to know positively if Monarch can be chartered; and if so, give price. Government assuming war risk and furnishing coal and water, owners assuming marine risk and furnishing and feeding crew and running expenses. Captain McKay, at Tampa, who is employed to superintend the loading and dis- charging of transports, recommends very highly the Monarch. Please wire at once if parties will charter her, giving price. If Monarch can not be chartered, is there any other tug of seagoing capacity that could be chartered? If so, give name and terms under conditions stated. Captain McKay says there are several tugs at Pensacola that would do. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. [Telegram.] May 25, 1898. Colonel Humphrey, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Referring to your telegram of the 25th, asking for a tug for use at Port Tampa, would state that Major Pullman has been authorized to charter the one intended to be used for towing the water schooner and send her to you at once at Port Tampa. She is chartered from day to day, and as soon as you can spare her send her back to Mobile and annul charter. Major Pullman has been notified to communicate with you to know if you desire the tug to bring the Anne E, Stevens with her to Port Tampa. Please notify him. Acknowledge receipt as to whether this is satisfactory. Ludington, Quart ermaster-General. June 27,1898. Captain Bellinger, Assistant Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Colonel Black, Corps of Engineers, telegraphs to the War Department that he desires to have the Margaret purchased for use of lightering men and animals to the shore at different ports in Cuba. Before I present this matter to the Secretary, desire that you wire me a full report as to her size, capacity, draft-light and loaded-and any other information necessary to guide me in making my recom- mendation to the Secretary as to the purchase of this vessel. Colonel Black tele- graphs that they want $65,000 for her purchase, or to charter her for $200 per day, we furnishing crew and all expenses, marine and war risk. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 505 Exhibit J. COPY OF FORM OF PROPOSAL FOR MOVEMENT OF TROOPS. Headquarters Department of the Lakes, Office of Disbursing Quartermaster, Chicago, III., May 28, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to forward herewith, for the information of the Quarter- master-General, public notice issued in anticipation of future movements. This notice has been given the greatest publicity possible. Very respectfully, F. B. Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. (1 enc.) PUBLIC NOTICE. In view of the second call of the President of the United States for volunteers and in order to be ready to move such volunteer troops, you are respectfully requested to submit bids, to be opened at this office at 12.30 p. m., Saturday, June 4,1898, for the transportation of volunteer troops from their camps or nearest railroad track thereto at Springfield, Ill.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Lexington, Ky.; Island Lake, Mich.; Columbus, Ohio; Nashville, Tenn., to Tampa, Fla.; Chickamauga Park, Ga.; vicinity of Falls Church, Va. Proposals should show as follows: Rate per capita for officers. Rate per capita for enlisted men. Rate per berth in first-class sleeping cars. Rate per section in second-class sleeping cars. Rate per car, including rental of palace horse cars, for horses. Rate per 100 pounds for freight. That 150 pounds of freight will be carried free for each passenger. That first-class sleeping cars will be furnished for the officers. That second-class sleeping cars (3 men to a section) will be furnished for the enlisted men. That after twelve hours' notice required equipment will be furnished as called for by the Quartermaster's Department. That the troops, their horses and freight, will be "run" in solid trains from initial to ultimate point. That all passenger cars will be kept well supplied with ice and water, and that trains will be run with greatest speed consistent with safety. Blanks on which to make proposals accompany this notice. The United States reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids. All other conditions being equal, preference will be given to the line which furnishes tourist sleeping cars for the enlisted men. Very respectfully, F. B. Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. Volunteers, Chief Quartermaster. 506 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. PROPOSALS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF VOLUNTEER TROOPS. Lieut. Col. F. B. Jones, U. S. Volunteers, Chief Quartermaster, Chicago, Hl. Sir; In accordance with your public notice, dated May 26,1898, prefixed hereto, the - Railway Company will furnish transportation for United States Vol- unteer troops as follows: From Springfield, III., to Tampa, Fla. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Spring field, Hl., to Chickamauga Park, Ga. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men_ $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car § section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Springfield, Hl., to or near Falls Church, Va. Officers , . $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars § per car. Freight § per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Indianapolis, Ind., to Tampa, Fla. Officers .. $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Indiannpolis, Ind., to Chickamauga Park, Ga. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men_ $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 507 From Indianapolis, Ind., to or near Falls Church, Va. Officers § per capita. Enlisted men...... $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car § berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars.... $ per car. Freight $ per 150 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Milwaukee, Wis., to Tampa, Fla. Officers . § per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight § per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Milwaukee, Wis., to Chickamauga Park, Ga. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car ■ $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car § section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Milwaukee, Wis., to or near Falls Church, Va. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men..... $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Lexington, Ky., to Tampa, Fla. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car § berth. Section in second-class sleeping car.... $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Lexington, Ky., to Chickamauga Park, Ga. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight. ........ ... ... .... $ per 150 pounds One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. 508 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. From Lexington, Ky., to or near Falls Church, Va. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car. $ .. berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Island Lake, Mich, to Tampa, Fla. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men.. $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Island Lake, Mich., to Chickamauga Park, Ga. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car § berth. Section in second-class sleeping car.. $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight ... per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Island Lake, Mich., to or near Falls Church, Va. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men „ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car .. $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds, One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Columbus, Ohio, to Tampa, Fla. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 150 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Columbus, Ohio, to Chickamauga Park, Ga. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men. $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car § section. Horses, including rental of palace horsecars .... $ per car. Freight § per 100 pounds. ^One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 509 From Columbus, Ohio, to or near Falls Church, Va. Officers $ per capita* Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars .. $.... . per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Nashville, Tenn., to Tampa, Fla. Officers $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Nashville, Tenn., to Chickamauga Park, Ga. Officers .... ^ $ per capita. Enlisted men $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car $ berth. Section in second-class sleeping car .. $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight ... $ per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. From Nashville, Tenn., to or near Falls Church, Va. Officers S per capita. Enlisted men........................... $ per capita. Berth in first-class sleeping car § berth. Section in second-class sleeping car $ section. Horses, including rental of palace horse cars $ per car. Freight § per 100 pounds. One hundred and fifty pounds freight to be carried free for each passenger. This proposal is made as a part of the public notice prefixed hereto, and all the conditions specified in the former are understood and made a part of this bid, and any service awarded this company will be performed according to the true intent and meaning of the conditions in said public notice at rates herein stated. By ', Exhibit K 1. W ATER. [Telegram.] New Orleans, May 24,1898-11.20 p. m. Quartermaster-G-eneral, Washington, D. C.: I have just turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel Whiteside four good-sized ships to transport his regiment to Mobile. I, as well as several naval experts here, could put a division of troops on these ships in the old-time way. If it is reported that this transportation is insufficient, please do not blame me. Scully, Assistant Quartermaster-General. 510 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. New Orleans, La., May 24, 1898-5.05p. m. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: The estimate of number of horses to be carried on steamships was based on what they usually carried. Commanding officer Fifth Cavalry has a book about troopships, and will not put any more horses on board. Clinton is aground at Brazos Santiago. All the wagon transportation is being carried. Scully. [Telegram.] New Orleans, La., May 25, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Arkansas and Morgan left at 5 a. m. Stillwater also left, but, having been improperly loaded, returned, was reloaded, and left at 3 p. m. Breakwater, with soldiers and freight, left at 12.30 p. m. Only seven companies were carried and half the transportation. We were deceived on account of comparative size of cavalry horse and wagon mule with the animals these ships usually carry. It will take two more ships of the capacity of the Morgan to carry this cavalry regi- ment to Cuba. Wagon transportation with this command was enormously out of proportion to our calculation. Colonel Whiteside ordered what was left here sent by rail to Mobile. Stillwater proved not a good ship for live stock, but is a good freight and passenger boat. Arkansas and Morgan could have capacity much increased by fitting up lower holds, but it is unsafe to put animals there at this season. Orizaba is fitted up for 650 men and about 200 animals. Scully. Exhibit K 2. [Telegram.] Newport News, Va., July 24,1898. Quartermaster-General Army, Washington, D. C.: Your telegram of to-day received. The St. Paul has not arrived; neither has the Seneca. The St. Louis is here, but can not come this side of Fortress Monroe; neither will the St. Paul in all probability. The arrangements for men and ani- mals on these ships that I have just inspected are very much contracted. I have directed a large amount of gunny sacks to be prepared to wrap the bracing tim- bers, which will otherwise injure the animals, and have tried to improve the ven- tilation for the men. I would not be surprised if we would be several days getting away, as there is much to do in the lading of some of these ships, which should have received earlier attention. The four batteries from Chickamauga will not arrive until to-morrow afternoon, even though they should be much more fortunate in their trip than I was. If you have anything to say further let me hear from you. 8.41 p. m. John R. Brooke, Major-General, Commanding. July 26,1898. General Brooke, Newport News, Va.: Your telegram regarding the condition of transports at Newport News received. I am aware that these transports are not fitted up for either men or animals with that care as to their comfort as the case requires, but the conditions have been such that the transports were demanded of me for service and it was impossible to put them in better condition, even with the facilities at my hands in New York. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 511 I have requested that the three transports now in New York, that have just been turned over to me from the purchasers, be allowed to remain in my hands a suffi- cient time to put them in proper condition. In every case where requisition has been made for transportation for a certain number of troops, stores, and wagon transportation the command has increased so much above that which was stated that the transportation was found short. In order to provide for this an additional ship was sent to you carrying 720 men. It is understood by this office that the cav- alry from Camp Alger that was sent down here was to go, provided there was room; otherwise they were to remain in camp. Major Wilson has been given authority to employ help and do anything that is necessary in order to make the transports comfortable. I hope that you will find ample space for your men and animals, so that they may be comfortable on the journey. Would be glad to have you report any defects, so I may have them corrected in other vessels. It is the desire and intention of this office to make satisfactory arrangements in every way. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. July 27,1898. Colonel Kimball, Army Building, New York City: General Brooke advises that the lumber for making stalls for horses should be dressed on the side next to the animal, and that an ample supply of burlap and twine should be put aboard each ship so that if it is found that the animals are being chafed, these, together with the hay that is already on board, may be used to pad the stalls. You are authorized to use such lumber, etc. He also suggests that the space occupied for the men. 18 inches, is too small. It was decided before General Brooke's telegram came that we would reduce the carrying capacity of the ships about 20 per cent for men, giving a 24-inch space instead of 18. Direct Major Summerhayes that hereafter he so arrange hammocks, 24 inches apart, and in reporting ships ready for service that the number of men she carries be stated. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. [Telegram.] Newport News, Va., July 29,1898. Gen. M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: In reply to your telegram I would say that the ships fitted for animals are fixed with stalls made of rough lumber. The consequence is, if the ships roll, any portion of the animal touching this rough lumber will be chafed badly. All lum- ber used for making stalls on board these ships should be smooth. A large supply of burlap and twine should be supplied on each ship so that in case of chafing of any animal the rails of the stalls could be padded. There is always hay enough to make padding. These little things are too small for most people to notice; there- fore you will have to give directions so as to save our animals. I will take three troops of cavalry from Camp Alger, two from New York, and one from Phila- delphia on the Massachusetts. In regard to the space occupied by the men, I would say that it is only 18 inches; nothing less than 2 feet should be allotted. The stanchions are in such shape now that they can not be taken out without undue delay; therefore we are going as it is. I do not understand why these spaces were reduced. A man in his coffin is allotted 22 inches, but in these boats he is allowed 18 inches. The Seneca is here in the stream. The quarantine offi- cers are fussing about her for some reason or other. I have telegraphed the Adjutant-General. The little remarks cover the case so far as I am concerned. 512 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Try and have these ideas carried out and make stalls smooth where they are now rough. I have directed burlap and twine to be purchased for ships on which animals are carried. John R. Brooke, Major-General, Commanding. Exhibit K 3. Charleston, S. C., July 17,1898. Ludington, Chief Quartermaster, Washington, D. C.: No ventilating apparatus of any kind has been supplied or put into the ship Obdam (No. 30). She should have air compressors and ventilator, which, if ordered at once, could be placed after arrival here before we sail. This report is based upon careful examination by Colonels Bliss and Biddle and statement of the captain. Wilson, Major-General. July 18, 1898. Major Wilson, Quartermaster, Charleston, S. C.: On investigation find you are right regarding ventilation of Obdam (No. 30). Quartermaster at New York states there was not time to put this ventilation in. This office was not aware that it had not been done. He has been directed to send men down and material by express and have the ventilating plant put in while ship is at Charleston. Lu din gton , Quart ermaster- General. Exhibit K 4. Depot Quartermaster's Office, U. S. Army, 1201 Prytania Street, New Orleans, La., July 25, 1898. Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: The following is a true copy of a telegram sent you this date. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. Scully, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. " Have just examined manifest of Berlin. No hammocks. Master and officers assure me they are not on board. Buried too deep now to make personal exam- ination. Anticipated your telegram and had express company to wire along road without result up to present (5 p. m.). Expect them at 8, when they will be put aboard at once. Ship ready to sail when they arrive. Paymaster paying troops on board ship now. "Scully." Depot Quartermaster's Office, U. S. Army, 1201 Prytania Street, New Orleans, La., July 25, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: The following is a true copy of a telegram sent you this date. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. Scully, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 513 ' ' Hammocks arrived at 7.15 p. m. On board ship at 8. Ship ready to sail imme- diately, as far as Quartermaster's Department is concerned. Troops paid aboard ship to-day, consequently many soldiers ashore. Ship could have left at 9 p. m. were it not for fact that many firemen and soldiers were not aboard. Left ship at 10 p. m. Gave orders and believe she will leave at midnight. If this is done very little time will be lost, as ship can not pass jetties unless at daylight. "Scully." Depot Quartermaster's Office, U. S. Army, 1201 Prytania Street, New Orleans, La., July 26, 189S. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: The following is a true copy of a telegram sent you this date. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. Scully, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. " The Berlin is as good as any ship that left here. The trouble is the paymaster paid the Texas regiment yesterday. Had I known he would do so I would have protested. There was no discipline whatever. Soldiers are now roaming around the streets. Ship could have left last night but for the drunkenness and bad con- duct of Riche's regiment. That officer gave orders to Captain Coulling at 7 p. m., in writing, to anchor the ship in the stream as soon as he got orders to leave. They are getting up all sorts of excuses to remain here longer. Shall obey your instructions and attempt to straighten out matters at once. "Scully." Depot Quartermaster's Office, U. S. Army, 1201 Prytania Street, New Orleans, La., July 26, 1898. Quartermaster-G-eneral U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: The following telegram was sent you this date. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. Scully, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. "Steamship Berlin still anchored in river (12 m.). Quartermaster's Department not responsible. For causes read New Orleans Picayune, which I mail you to-day. Particulars by mail. " Scully." New Orleans, La., July 28, 1898. Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.: After departure of Riche's regiment boat was in such disgusting condition, due to sinks overflowing into men's quarters, it was absolutely necessary to keep boat here to clean and disinfect her, part of regiment sleeping on wharf. More sinks now constructed, carpenters from enlisted men working voluntarily to hasten departure. Everything possible has been done night and day to carry out desire of your department for quick departure. Ship sails in forty minutes. Hood, Colonel, Second U. S. Volunteer Infantry. 7833- vol, 1 33 514 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Exhibit K 5. [Telegram.] August 30, 1898. General Wheeler, Montauk, N. Y.: The following dispatch has been received: " Soldiers arriving on transport San Marcos report, in signed statements over their own names, Capt. Abner H. Merrill guilty of brutal and tyrannical treat- ment. They say that he confined them in filthy quarters, refused to permit them on deck, allowed them to be fed on food unfit to sustain life, and continually assailed sick and well with profane and abusive language." Investigate and report immediately to the Adjutant-General. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. August 30, 1898. Captain Knight, Chief Quartermaster, Montauk, N. Y.: Bittei' criticism in New York papers on condition of San Marcos when she arrived there. Please make personal inspection and report facts fully. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Montauk, N. Y., August 31, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Inspected the San Marcos and found her clean and well aired. Dr. Borden, the surgeon in charge on the trip from Santiago, accompanied me. He stated officially that the condition of the ship upon arrival at New York was due entirely to the filthy habits of the command. This transport has stationary double bunks, and the men would obey nature's call, using cans and plates, and leave the vessels under the bunks. Their conduct was insubordinate and almost mutinous, and officers did not or could not control them. The San Marcos is more suitable as a transport than the average ship and was befouled by her occupants. Knight, Quartermaster. Exhibit K 6. [Cablegram.] Santiago, via Hayti, August 7, 1898. Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington: The Gate City came here stripped of all its conveniences-carpets taken up, cushions off the seats, chairs taken out, no sheets, no blankets. It is an outrage that a ship in that condition should be sent here to carry troops and officers North. I am told this was done by orders given the ship in New York. Shafter, Major-General. [Telegram.] Santiago de Cuba, via Hayti, August 7, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington: The Gate City, one of the vessels to bring reenforcements while at Siboney, has just gone North with the Sixth and part of the Third Cavalry. I inspected the vessel and found that her chairs, settees, etc., have been taken off her, the cushions REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 515 in saloons removed, and all blankets, sheets, pillowcases, and everything of the kind taken from the staterooms. Who is responsible for sending ships in that condition? She has absolutely no comforts for officers, many of whom have no bedding. I understood that all these vessels chartered for carrying troops and passengers were to be in all respects, as regards furnishings, number, and rating of crew, the same as when running in regular service. 3.56 p. m. Humphrey. August 7 1898. Ocean Steamship Company, Savannah, Ga.: General Shaftei- reports from Santiago: " The Gate City came here stripped of all its conveniences-carpets taken up, cushions off the seats, chairs taken out, no sheets, no blankets. It is an outrage that a ship in that condition should be sent here to carry troops and officers North. I am told this was done by orders given the ship in New York. " If such is the condition of this ship, orders must have been given from your New York office, as no such orders were given from here or our New York office. Con- sider that the ship as she reported to General Shafter was not in serviceable con- dition for transport service. The charter money will be held from time she reported in this unsuitable condition, and settlement will be made only in pro- portion to number of troops they were able to carry on her after fitting her up as best they can in Santiago for trip North. It is to be hoped you did not take same steps with City of Macon. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. [Telegram.] Savannah, Ga., August 8, 1898. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Answer to your message of 7th was delayed on account of my absence from city until this morning. Carpet on main saloon was taken off ship before leaving here; vessel has hard pine floors, and in some cases, when cleaning carpets, they are removed altogether. Did not suppose it was necessary to have carpet on main saloon for transportation service. If cushions were taken from seats they were stored in some of the staterooms, where they could be obtained when wanted. Carpets and cushions on hurricane deck were left there, but may have been stored in one of staterooms by ship's crew. Sheets that were used on vessels were not removed during summer months; we generally remove blankets from berths, as they are not used, but counterpanes were left on vessels. N othing was taken from rooms on hurricane deck. The piano was taken from ship. If ship was stripped of what we left on her, we can not be held accountable for same, as we have not seen ship or had any report from its officers since they left here on June 6. Trust this explanation is satisfactory. There was no wish to remove anything that was essential to comfort of troops. 1.24 p. m. John M. Eagan. [Telegram.] Savannah, Ga., Augusts, 1898. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Supplementing my message of this morning, we have received reports from our officer in charge of Gate City and City of Macon that everything was satisfactory for convenience of troops when they left Tampa for Santiago. We are also 516 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. informed that General Miles used City of Macon as his headquarters at Ponce. This would indicate that if vessels were in the condition that we turned them over to you there should be very little cause for complaint. Jno. M. Eagan. August 9, 1898. Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, Quartermaster, New York City. Major: Inclosed herewith are copies of telegrams from General Shafter, this office, and Mr. J. M. Eagan, of the Ocean Steamship Company, on the subject of condition of the steamship Gate City. General Shafter's information that the vessel was stripped of furniture and conveniences in New York is erroneous, as the vessel was not in that port, but in Boston, when chartered, and was ordered thence to southern waters. Upon arrival of the vessel in New York you will, by direction of the Quarter- master-General, please make an inspection of her condition and report to this office. Respectfully, Chas. Bird, Colonel and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. (1 inch) [Telegram.] Savannah, Ga., Augttst 9,1898. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Letters received from officers of City of Macon, sister ship to Gate City, now at Porto Rico, state that men and officers on City of Macon, which is furnished same as Gate City, have been more than pleased with accommodations furnished them on that vessel. Letters also state that these vessels, on account of being so open, are cooler and better for the men than the other ship. If fault is found with Gate City we would be glad to have you return her to this company. Please say if this will be done, and when we may expect her. John M. Eagan. New York City, August 11,1898. Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: Referring to cablegram from Major-General Shafter, of August 7, 1898, in reference to condition of steamship Gate City, transmitted by Col. F. J. Hecker by telephone. I have the honor to report that the steamer referred to was neither chartered nor fitted up in this port. Very respectfully, A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. August 14, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, Neto York City. Sir: Referring to your letter of the 11th instant, in reference to the reported condition of the steamship Gate City, stating that the vessel was neither chartered nor fitted up in New York, you are respectfully informed, by direction of the Quartermaster-General, that this fact was known in this office. The adverse report of General Shafter of the condition of the Gate City after she had been so long in service, and supposed by this office to be fully and sufficiently equipped, caused considerable surprise, and an investigation into the matter was considered REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 517 necessary. Major Summerhayes was accordingly directed by letter of this office of the 9th instant to inspect the vessel on her arrival in New York, and report the result. Respectfully, Chas. Bird, Colonel and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. Exhibit K 7. [Telegram J Desoto Hotel, Savannah, Ga., August 10, 1898. Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C: I find upon more careful examination of Minnewaska that besides the deficiency of closets for men or any cooking apparatus whatever, even for coffee, she has on board but 70 hammocks, and her decks were not properly cleaned before laying the false decks. The officer who had charge of fitting her for a transport was either ignorant or criminally negligent, as it is causing delay, and unless remedied will cause much suffering and sickness and particularly dangerous on the duty the regiment is ordered. Ray, Colonel. Office of Adjutant-General. Official: Pen Note.-Respecfully referred to Major Summerhayes, through Colonel Kimball, depot quartermaster, for report as to condition of this transport leaving New York. Frank J. Hecker, Colonel and Quartermaster, Volunteers. Respectfully referred to Mr. Frank E. Kirby, for his statement in the matter. J. W. Summerhayes, ■ Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. August 12,1898. War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, August 9, 1898. Col. A. S. Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York. Sir: We are greatly disappointed this evening in receiving telegram from Major Wilson, quartermaster, Savannah, as follows: " Minnewaska arrived 2 p. m.; require two days to repair condensing and refrigerating machinery. Only 70 hammocks on board. Require 1,000. One thousand invoiced by Colonel Kimball not put aboard. " And the following telegram from Colonel Ray to the Adjutant-General: " Transport Minnewaska justarrived. Have inspected her. Found closet facili- ties for about 100 men. No cooking facilities whatever. Quartermaster Depart- ment has undertaken to make alterations. Will probably be delayed two days by it." Would like a full report from Major Summerhayes, Captain Mason, Mr. Kirk- ham, and Mr. Kirby. We are about discouraged over the condition in which our transports leave New York. Yours, respectfully, M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. [First indorsement.] Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, August 11,1898. Respectfully referred to Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, quartermaster, U. S. Volun- teers, for his report, as well as that of Captain Mason, Mr. Kirkham, and Mr. 518 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Kirby. One thousand two hundred hammocks were placed on steamer Minne- ivaska, for which this office holds shipping receipts signed by the officers of the ship. A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. [Second indorsement.] New York, August 17, 1898. Respectfully returned to depot quartermaster, inviting attention to the appended reports of Mr. Frank E. Kirby, George W. Mason, fleet captain, and George K. Kirkham, who. under my direction, attended to the equipping of the Minnewaska. I will add that the Minnewaska was the best fitted-out ship that has left New York. The trouble with the machinery was from the fact that the men in charge of it had not become fully acquainted with handling it, the ship having been rushed off so quick. The refrigerating machinery was reported to me as being in perfect order before the ship left, as well as the distilling plant. Col. Patrick Henry Ray's report is wholly incorrect, as inclosed statements will show. J. W. SUMMERHAYES, Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. [Third indorsement.] Depot Quartermaster's Office, New York City, August 18, 1898. Respectfully returned to the Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, inviting atten- tion to second indorsement hereon. A. S. Kimball, Colonel, Quartermaster's Department, Depot Quartermaster. Washington, D. C., August 22,1898. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army, calling attention to the statements of Major Summerhayes, Captain Mason, and Messrs. Kirby and Kirkham. This Department is satisfied that Colonel Ray's criticisms on the transport Min- newaska are not justified. Special attention is called to the indorsement of Major Summerhayes, who has fitted out all the transports owned by the Government on the Atlantic ports that sailed from New York. He states that the Minnewaska was the best fitted-out ship that has left New York. Twelve hundred hammocks were on board of the transport. The error Colonel Ray made as respects this was to take some other officer's verbal statement that there were 17 bales of hammocks, each containing 5 hammocks, whereas the bales each contained 65 hammocks. M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, U. S. A. I know nothing as to condition of cattle deck before it was sheathed, as the work was done before I saw the ship, but generally she was exceptionally clean. The galley capacity was larger than other ships carrying same number of troops. And there are sufficient water-closets. Frank E. Kirby. ' August 12, 1898. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 519 War Department, General Depot of the Quartermaster's Department, Army Building, Whitehall Street, New York City, August 13,1898. Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, Army Building. Sir: Replying to statement that the steamship Minnewaska had but seventy hammocks on board, and that sanitary arrangements were poor, that the cooking apparatus was insufficient, decks not properly cleaned before false decks were laid, I state, first, that the ship was washed as clean as was possible with deck hose and scrub brooms could make her. and all dirt was kept swept up while carpenters were at work; second, the cooking arrangements fully sufficient for a large number of men, if worked after ship's cooking was done; third, the sanitary arrangements were good; fourth, hammocks were all put on the ship, and receipts taken for them. Respectfully, Geo. W. Mason, Fleet Captain. STEAMSHIP MINNEWASKA. War Department, General Depot of the Quartermaster's Department, Army Building, Whitehall Street, New York City, August 13,1898. Maj. J. W. Summerhayes, Army Building, City. Sir: In reply to the statement that this ship was deficient in closets, respectfully beg to state that careful consideration was given to this subject, the officers of returning transports consulted, with the result that I found no complaint had been made or any inconvenience observed by them. This ship had larger accom- modation than any of these returning transports. The galley of this ship was exceptionally large, and it was understood that the enlisted men should do their cooking at night, as was done on the other ships. A complete complement of hammocks was placed on board, and receipts are now in the possession of the depot quartermaster. The decks, where raised floors were laid, were first cleaned out by the owners of the ships, and then by the carpenters as deck was laid. After these decks were laid the ship was coaled and possibly some of the dust from the same may have found its way under this deck, but this would have in no way caused sickness among the men. From my personal observation I can honestly say that the chief officer of this ship was very painstaking in his efforts to have her clean, and it was remarked by all those who saw her leave that she was in a first-class condition. Respectfully submitted. Geo. K. Kirkham. United States Transport Minnewaska, Santiago, Cuba, August 17, 1898. Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival here at 9 a. m. this day, after an uneventful voyage. The regiment is landing in good health and spirits. I found the condition of the vessel even worse than I reported from Savannah. I was compelled to close the only two water-closets placed amidship in New York, but the one fitted aft met all the requirements. The troughs fitted for washing on each berth deck are placed arthwart ship, instead of fore and aft, so that when 520 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF AVAR AVITH SPAIN the ship rolls, or has a list opposite to the discharge pipe, the water overflows and floods the deck. False decks have been placed in the berth decks; they are not well fitted around the stanchions and hatch coamings, or close matched and calked, so that refuse matter collects in the interstices and can not be removed. The ventilating shafts carrying saturated air all leak and flood the berth decks; the loose false decks hold the water, creating a condition of affairs dangerous to health, especially when taken in connection with the fact that the ship has never been properly cleaned since used as a transport for cattle, making the odor between decks offensive. The scupper and between decks aft I found stopped when the ship left port, and the deck flooded from the leaky air pipes. No one could be found on board the ship who could inform me of the location of the scupper, if any, and I was com- pelled to adopt drastic measures to get the scupper opened. When found, it had apparently been choked for many days, and had to be cut between the decks, letting the filth into the hold. The tanks for cooking coffee were placed after my inspec- tion at Savannah. There are no other facilities, and my regiment has been com- pelled to subsist on travel ration, which is not suitable diet for this climate. It has never been my misfortune to be on board a ship so utterly destitute of discipline and lack of knowledge of the location of appliances. Upon coming on board, I found that all the fresh meat taken on board in New York was spoiled, and destroyed it; 10,267 pounds were purchased in Savannah and placed in the alleged cold storage; after being at sea thirty-six hours it was reported to me the temperature of the cold storage stood at 70° F. and I found a part of the meat spoiled. Upon investigation by Major Wilson, quartermaster, it was found that the engi- neer had been pumping the brine in a chamber other than that in which the meat was stored. I cut the main cabin and crew down to one-half ration of fresh meat, but it will not leave sufficient to last for the return voyage. I was compelled to place guards over the crew before the ship left the wharf, to prevent desertions. The hammocks for men and stalls for animals ae intermingled on two decks, making it impossible to carry out sanitary regulations for the troops. Very respectfully, P. H. Ray, Colonel Third U. S. Volunteer Infantry. Exhibit 8. New York, September 2^, 1898. Charles Bird, Colonel and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, Washington, D. C. Sir: Your communication of September 7 to hand. Under direction of Quar- termaster-General, you request me to transmit a full and complete report as to the condition existing on board my vessel (steamship Concho') during the voyage from Santiago de Cuba to New York City and as to the treatment of the soldiers thereon. I will, therefore, endeavor to comply with this request to the best of my ability, but desire to say that I can only give a statement of conditions and treatment of soldiers as observed by me. On July 22 1 received orders to proceed to Siboney, Cuba, there to take on board convalescents and proceed from that point to Hampton Roads. On arriving at Siboney, I reported to Major Le Garde, surgeon in charge. He sent on board Dr. Lesser, Red Cross surgeon, as medical officer of the ship, and shortly after I commenced to take on board the convalescents. The condition of the ship at this time was that of a United States transport, fitted up to carry infantry, all of whose effects had been unloaded at Santiago de REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 521 Cuba, the vessel then having been cleaned, and at this time was in as good sani- tary condition as a troopship could be. No change had been made in ship's fittings or any other arrangements, as originally planned by quartermaster in New York. The Concho was fitted with 1,350 berths for enlisted men, 52 berths in saloons, and 58 berths in steerage. We received on board at Siboney 157 enlisted men, 20 officers, 8 Red Cross female nurses, Dr. Lesser and wife, and pharmacist, all of whom, except the Red Cross nurses mentioned below, were in a very low physical condition. Many of the men and officers were taken direct from shore hospital and fever camps on stretchers, almost wholly, and in some cases entirely, destitute of clothing. These officers and men were received and distributed under direction of Dr. Lesser and four volunteer lady nurses-Mrs. Nutall, Miss Adiele Gardiner, Miss Alice Bab- cock, and Miss Petersen; the other nurses, with Mrs. Lesser, were off duty-they being convalescents just out of hospital. All patients received on board the ship were placed in the best parts, viz, cabins, staterooms, steerages, and main deck, never being put below the main deck. All this was accomplished between the hours of 6.30 a. m. and 5.30 p. m., at which time we proceeded for Hampton Roads. With these men we received 1,000 rations and a few medical stores. 1 also gave Dr. Lesser all the supplies which the ship had, such as bedding, linen, blankets, kitchen utensils, medical stores, and ship stores, for use of the sick. During the voyage up new cases were constantly developing and the attention given the sick by the four ladies previously mentioned, assisted by a hospital stew- ard and an enlisted volunteer from Chicago, together with the entire ship's crew, was the best possible under the existing circumstances. Nearly the entire time of the crew of the deck and steward department was devoted to the care of the sick-washing, bathing, and caring for them-and the duty of burial devolved on the crew. Everything that could be done by the nurses and the crew was done for the com- fort and care of the sick and wounded, but the ship was not fitted for a hospital ship, and the medicines were limited and facilities for caring for sick were limited. Fortunately the voyage was pleasant as regards the weather. The vessel was kept as clean as possible, disinfectants belonging to the vessel being freely used, and the whole attention of the entire ship's company devoted to the comfort of the sick. Six enlisted men died during the voyage. Only one of these actually died at sea. The others died almost immediately on arrival at Hampton Roads, and one while in Hampton Roads; one also died on removal by quarantine authorities at New York City. Complaint was made during the voyage about the condition of the drinking water. I desire to state that this water came from two sources, and having been put into clean tanks only a short time previous, was, to the best of my judgment, good. Samples of same were forwarded some time ago to Washington by quar- termaster at New York. One thousand gallons water taken on at Hampton Roads was put into casks on deck and was very soon used up, the ship's com- pany and all on board then going back to the use of the original water on the ship, though never afterwards did I have further complaints of this water, though it was the same which had been used in the early part of the voyage, and which at that time had been complained of. Referring again to the source of water on the Concho, would say that some of it was furnished at Port Tampa and a further supply from the transport Matteawan. The Port Tampa water was the only water used for drinking and cooking purposes, while the Matteawan water was used for washing purposes only. The drinking water was naturally warm, as we had no ice. When ice was obtained in Hampton Roads there were no more com- plaints regarding water, although still using Tampa water. 522 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The Concho arrived at Hampton Roads on Wednesday evening, July 27, anchor- ing for the night below the mine field. The next morning I went into quarantine, where we were boarded by the national quarantine physician, accompanied by United States Depot Quartermaster Adams. Every attention was given us by Quartermaster Adams, who also instructed me to await orders. In the mean- time, assisted by the ladies at Fortress Monroe, headed by Mrs. General Miles and her daughter, he personally sent the sick on board the ship luxuries of all kinds, also ice, besides suits of pajamas, and he was untiring in his efforts to assist us in every way, both day and night. On arrival at Hampton Roads a representative of Messrs. C. H. Mallory & Co.- Mr. George R. Edgecombe, port steward-came alongside the Concho, and I requested that he furnish me with meat, ice, fruits, etc., and a short time after- wards these supplies in considerable quantity came on board and were used in relieving the wants of the sick and all others. On Friday, having received no orders, Quartermaster Adams advised me to pro- ceed to sea, bury the dead, and return, which was done. Saturday, July 30, about 8 a. m., I received orders to proceed to New York, where I arrived on Sunday, 31st instant, at 7 a. m. There the vessel was inspected by Port Officer Dr. Doty, and he ordered us into quarantine, where removal of the people commenced. After the ship was cleaned, disinfected, and all the ship's fittings being destroyed by fire, the vessel was sent to New York City Friday, August 5, 1898. Yours, respectfully, Sam Risk, United States Transport Concho (HIJ), Master, Exhibit K 8. New York, September 2^, 1898. Col. Chas. Bird, Colonel and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, Washington, D. C. Sir: Your favor of the 7th instant at hand. In reply allow me to say on August 13, at Santiago, Cuba, I received on board this ship about 500 officers and soldiers of the Fourteenth Infantry (regulars), with their rationsand equipment; sailed same date at 6 p. m. for Pons Bay, Long Island; had a fine trip up; arrived at Pons Bay August 18, at 4 p. m. We had a few cases of typhoid fever on arrival, but no one died on the trip. We had a doctor and plenty of medical stores aboard. The ship was clean and in fine order. The soldiers were well treated on the ship. They had plenty of room, as the ship was not overcrowded. The doctoi- who attended to the discharging of the soldiers said to me that the ship and soldiers were in the best condition of any that had arrived up to that date. Major Baker, the senior officer in command, was more than pleased with the voyage and treatment of the regiment aboard the ship. Respectfully, J. T. Decker, Master, S. S. Seneca. Exhibit K. rail. Tampa, Fla., June 1, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Great delay caused by quartermasters not receiving bills of lading in advance of stores. This should be corrected at once. Miles, Major-General Commanding. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL 523 June 2,1898. Depot Quartermaster, St. Louis, Mo.: Major-General Miles wires from Tampa, " Great delay caused by quartermaster not receiving bills of lading in advance of stores. This should be corrected at once." Please see that all bills of lading for shipments made by you to Tampa are promptly forwarded, so as to reach destination without causing any embarrass- ment in delivery of freight. Ludington, Quartermaster- General. (Send same telegram to following: Depot Quartermaster, Jeffersonville, Ind.; Depot Quartermaster, Army Building, New York City; Depot Quartermaster, Philadelphia, Pa.; Lieutenant Palmer, quartermaster, Fort McHenry, Md.; Depot Quartermaster, Washington, D. C.; Chief Quartermaster. Pullman Building, Chicago, Ill.; Chief Quartermaster, St: Paul, Minn.; Chief Quartermaster, Omaha, Nebr.) War Department, General Depot of the Quartermaster's Department, New York City, June 3, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of yesterday transmitting complaint of Major-General Miles that great delay is caused by quartermaster at Tampa not receiving bills of lading in advance of stores. If this complaint refers to the large shipments of subsistence stores, I would state that orders for their purchase and shipment made it necessary that the greatest haste possible be made, and for this reason the various concerns of whom the stores were bought were instructed to deliver the property to the transporta- tion lines direct, and turn in the shipping receipts immediately to this office. In spite of repeated requests, many dealers failed to send in these receipts promptly, the delay in one case being quite eight days. This office is making every effort possible to keep business moving promptly and properly, and, notwithstanding the unusual volume to be transacted, endeavors to avoid all cause of complaint. Very respectfully, A. S. Kimball, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. June 4, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, Jeffersonville, Ind.: Before freight for Tampa or Port Tampa is shipped, you will acquaint yourself as to its ultimate destination, and if it is to Port Tampa it must be shipped on through bills of lading to that point. The Secretary of War orders that these shipments to Tampa and Port Tampa be consigned over the Plant System and the Florida Central and Peninsular rail- roads equally. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Send same telegram to: Depot quartermaster, St. Louis, Mo.; depot quarter- master, Washington, D. C.; depot quartermaster, Philadelphia, Pa.; depot quar- termaster, Army building, New York City; chief quartermaster, Pullman build- ing, Chicago, Ill.; chief quartermaster, Battlefield, Ga.; chief quartermaster, 1201 Prytania street, New Orleans, La.; chief quartermaster, Mobile, Ala. 524 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Telegraphic orders.] June 6, 1898. In order to avoid confusion at destination which now exists, you are hereby directed in making shipments of stores to Tampa, Chattanooga, and other points to forward in advance to the receiving officers complete invoices and bills of lad- ing. The contents of boxes and packages will be plainly marked thereon. The numbers and descriptions of the cars with copies of waybills will also be for- warded as soon as they can be obtained from the railroad company. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. The above dispatch was sent to all the general depot quartermasters' depart- ments to-day. Quartermaster-General's Office, June 6,1898. Copy for the information of the honorable Secretary of War. M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. June 14,1898. Captain Bellinger, Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Much complaint has been made upon the congestion of freight at Tampa and Port Tampa. Desire you to report at once whether this congestion has been relieved, and whether freight is being unloaded promptly; also, whether you find that you now have sufficient storage room for the different classes of freight that arrives by rail. It has been intimated to this office that cars were standing on the side track, under demurrage, for a number of days. It is my desire that the freight be handled with that'promptness that will prevent the payment of demur- rage. You are instructed to pay no demurrage accounts above referred to, nor accounts for local freight or troops between Tampa and Port Tampa. Accounts can be stated and forwarded to this office for disposition. Have any steps been taken by you to secure reduced rates for the transportation of troops or freight between the points of Tampa and Port Tampa; and if so, with what success? Report whether, up to this time, you have paid any such accounts as are enumer- ated above. If demurrage on delayed cars has been charged, report, if possible, to what extent. Report situation fully. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Tampa, Fla., June 15, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Referring to your telegram of the 14th instant regarding state of freight at this point, there are 100 cars of the Florida Central and Peninsular and 111 of the Plant System at this point, and 50 cars at Port Tampa, remaining to be unloaded. There are several hundred cars on sidings north of this point. Cars are now being unloaded at the rate of about 70 per day. The new storage house is approaching completion, and portion now under cover is being used for storage. If matters proceed as they are now proceeding, the track will be completely cleared in a week, including everything to the north of this place. Have paid no demurrage accounts, and recommend that none be paid. The congestion at this point was due as much to the railroad as to the Government, and the unloading has often been impeded by the railroads not placing the cars when requested to do so. Some time ago I took up the subject of rates and freight charges, but have not had time to make a report. They charge 2 cents a mile for passengers, and were not REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 525 inclined to make a reduction, though my remarks upon their freight and passen- ger charges were very caustic. They claim that there is some arrrngement made with the traffic and- passenger associations which require them to make charges. Bellinger, Depot Quartermaster. (Received 11 p. m.) Lakeland, Fla., August 17,1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Have been directed by the commander of the Provisional Cavalry Brigade to inform you that the railroad here is sending the stock of the Tenth Cavalry in cars unfit for the transportation stock. These cars seem to be the only ones avail- able at present in this country. The cars are, in my opinion, good cars. Paul Reisenger, Second Lieutenant, Tenth Cavalry, Quartermaster. Washington, D. C., August 18, 1898. Major Bellinger, Depot Quartermaster, Tampa, Fla.: Following received from Lieutenant Paul Reisenger, Tenth Cavalry, Lakeland: "Have been directed by commander of the Provisional Cavalry Brigade to inform you that the railroad here is sending the stock of Tenth Cavalry in cars unfit for transportation stock. These cars seem to be the only ones available at present in this country. The cars are, in my opinion, good cars," - Give this matter any attention required and report facts. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Tampa, Fla., August 18,1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Your telegram received referring to that of Lieutenant Reisenger in regard to stock cars furnished at Lakeland. These cars are the ordinary stock cars ; are in every way suitable for the movement. The cars desired by commanding officer at Lakeland are cars with troughs for watering and feeding while stock is on board- a desirable luxury, but not a necessity, and something which would delay the movement of the troops possibly for weeks in order to get the number required at this point. The action taken by commanding officer in regard to equipment fur- nished at Lakeland is unreasonable and unjustifiable. He even went so far as to say to Mr. Michael that he must be receiving a percentage for furnishing the equipment, when Michael has nothing to do with it further than to see that the proper equipment is furnished and that it is in proper condition and moved out properly. General Hudson took the matter up and has ordered the movement to continue, he realizing the complaints were, under the circumstances, querulous. Bellinger, Depot Quartermaster. August 18, 1898. Lieutenant Reisenger, Tenth Cavalry, Lakeland, Fla.: Replying to yours with reference to stock cars being furnished for your regi- ment, depot quartermaster, Tampa, reports that they are the ordinary cars, in every way suitable for the movement. Their use is therefore approved. Ludingt on, Quartermaster- General. 526 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. September 8,1898. Major Sawyer or Captain Knight, Quartermaster, Montauk Point, New York: Bitter criticism in morning papers about delay and kind of transportation pro- vided for First Illinois Infantry yesterday. If any cause for such criticism, take immediately such steps as will prevent a recurrence. Wire fully all the facts, quick. Ludington, Quart ermaster-General, U. S. Army. Long Island Railroad Company, Office of the General Superintendent, Long Island City, N. Y., September 8, 1898. Dear General: In self-defense I have been obliged to give the facts about delay in movements of various regiments. We can not help even as we would unless we get advices of proposed movements. We have handled 3,000 men in the last twenty-fdur hours. We must get writ- ten or telegraphic orders from Colonel Kimball the day before each movement. Yours, truly, W. H. Baldwin. [Memoranda submitted by Mr. Baldwin with above.] The plan for moving troops from Montauk was to move one regiment of infan- try per day, provided the Long Island Railroad Company received notice the morn- ing of the day previous, from the quartermaster, of the number of men to be moved on any day; and it was agreed that no troops should be moved except on the writ- ten order of the quartermaster at New York. At 5 o'clock Tuesday evening we received a telegram from the quartermaster at New York to move the First Illinois Regiment on Wednesday morning. At 7 o'clock we received another message countermanding this order and stating that the First Illinois would not move until Thursday morning. On Wednesday morn- ing about 10 o'clock we learned from Montauk that the First Illinois were prepar- ing to leave, and, as I have said, we had no orders at all to move them. As they were to be sent over the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and as the Lehigh Valley Rail- road was unable to furnish cars, the quartermaster gave no orders for these troops to leave Montauk for Long Island City. On account of the difficulties in which the First Illinois found themselves, we sent special trains to Montauk, and Wed- nesday night moved them to Long Island City, the plan being to deliver them at Long Island City at daylight, which was done. I noticed that they did not leave Jersey City until 1.30 to-day. On Wednesday afternoon, when the question came up about moving the Illinois regiment, the quartermaster was asked if any instructions were issued about moving the District of Columbia regiment, and was told that advices from Mon- tauk indicated that the District of Columbia regiment was getting ready to move on Thursday morning. A message was then sent to the quartermaster advising him that the Illinois regiment was to move, and that we could not undertake to move the District of Columbia regiment. This message was not replied to. At 12.15 Thursday noon the quartermaster gave an order on the telephone to move the District or Columbia regiment immediately. Trains had been made up and crews ordered to move a detachment of a thousand troops which were to arrive on the Pennsylvania Railroad for Montauk. The quartermaster agreed to hold back the troops on the Pennsylvania Railroad, provided trains could be sent immedi- ately to Montauk for the District of Columbia regiment. Before crews and REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 527 engines could be ordered and provided, the troops from the Pennsylvania Rail- road arrived at Long Island City to go East. The result is that special trains have been sent to Montauk this afternoon, and that the District of Columbia troops will be loaded this afternoon and arrive at Long Island City about midnight and turned over to the Pennsylvania Railroad for transportation to Washington. In other words, there has not been a single movement of troops from Montauk made on proper orders from the Quartermaster's Department, and the Long Island Railroad Company in these two last cases furnished trains for the movement of troops on practically no notice. It is ridiculous to expect any railroad to undertake the movement of a regiment of a thousand men, with its baggage and equipment, unless it has an official order the day before, so that proper train arrangements can be made. We have never yet received an official order to move the Seventy-first Regiment, the two Michigan regiments, or the District of Columbia regiment. I noticed a note in some of the papers that Colonel Turner, of the First Illinois Regiment, is said to have wired the Long Island Railroad about the movement of his troops, and that he would have Pullman cars, etc. I have no doubt that this is an error, as Colonel Turner never telegraphed us. His message was sent prob- ably to some connecting lines between New York and Chicago. [First indorsement.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, September 10, 1898. True copy. Respectfully furnished for the information and guidance of Col. A. S. Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City. This statement of Mr. Baldwin seems reasonable, and it is nothing but right that the Long Island Railroad should receive written notice at least twenty-four hours in advance of each movement. Colonel Kimball will see that such notice is hereafter given; and he knows long enough in advance, of movements to be made-and as he is directed to confer with the commanding officer, Camp Wikoff, relative to the details of each movement-it would seem proper to ask him that the day of each movement be fixed, so as to enable the depot quartermaster to make proper arrangements to have proper equipage on the ground in ample time for the troop to break camp and arrive at station at Montauk Point and load cars comfortably. If further assistance is required, either by detail of additional officers of the Quartermaster's Department or by hire of employees, Colonel Kimball should at once wire the fact to this office. M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. [Telegram.] Washington, September 8,1898.-Noon. Col. A. S. Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, Army Building, New York City: The following telegram has been sent to the commanding general, Montauk Point, New York: The Secretary of War directs that in the matter of transportation of troops from your camp arrangements be made by Colonel Kimball, depot quartermaster, New York City, and not by your local quartermaster. Colonel Kimball has been 528 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. instructed to place himself in communication with you and will receive any sug- gestions or directions you may give looking to the speedy and comfortable move- ment of your troops. No end of confusion has come to us by two officers trying to do the same thing. It is reported that the movement of the First District Vol- unteers has been delayed. Arrangements have been made for the reception, not only by the people, but by the President himself, and it will be a disappointment that will reflect upon the entire service if this is not carried out according to pro- gramme heretofore agreed upon. H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. Quartermaster-General's Office, September 9, 1898. True copy. Respectfully referred, by direction of the Quartermaster-General, to Maj. J. E. Sawyer, quartermaster, United States Volunteers, Montauk Point, N. Y., for his information and guidance. Chas. Bird, Colonel and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, N. Y., September 9, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. : There has been mismanagement in forwarding troops from this place, but rep- resentation of press greatly exaggerated. The railroad is a single track, with side tracks in vicinity of station. Great care is required in handling troops to prevent confusion and have cars at time designated for loading in order to prevent delays. In future I have directed Major Sawyer to first ascertain from one of his employees that the cars have arrived there and notify commanding officer by letter of the facts. If the sick and well men are then sent to the train before the propel* time, the quartermaster will be released of responsibility. The chief surgeon of the corps will not allow a sick man to be removed to the train until ordered by commanding officer. This will prevent further bungling, and I urgently recom- mend that the Adjutant-General be requested to inform commanding officer of Camp Wikoff that hereafter the depot quartermaster will notify him by letter when transportation is ready; and in no case will sick be removed from hospital or commands leave camp until receipt of notification that transportation is ready. Moore. Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, September 9, 1898. True copy. Respectfully referred to the Adjutant-General of the Army with request that he will inform the commanding officer at Camp Wikoff, in accordance with the above recommendation of Colonel Moore, as to notification when transportation will be in readiness for movements of troops. M. I. Ludington, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, N. Y., September 9, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: Colonel Harris, commanding here, left last night at 7 o'clock. Cars should have been here at 2 p. m. Telegraphed Kimball hour of departure and to have trans- portation ready. Road could only provide 14 passenger coaches, which was not sufficient to give double seat to each man. Will correct this shortness in future REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 529 transportation if possible. Troops came here last night, and depot quartermaster not advised until short time before arrival. Same thing occurred at Middletown. I recommend that all quartermasters shipping troops here telegraph time of departure to the depot quartermaster at Montauk so that wagon transportation will be in readiness. Moore. Office Chief Quartermaster U. S. Army, Camp Wikoff, N. K, September 9, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C. General: I desire to report the following in reference to the First District of Columbia Volunteers, which left here at 8 p. m. on the 8th instant: On the 7th instant it was understood between myself, Captain Patton, assistant quartermaster, and Mr. Beach-the latter the Long Island Railroad representative here-that ample accommodation for the transportation of the First District of Columbia Volunteers would be ready at 2 p. m. on the 8th instant at Montauk to move the regiment. Before that time, however, I was informed by the Long Island Railroad officials that they would not be able to have transportation at the time agreed upon, but they would try to have it later. At 7 p. m. of the 8th instant 14 passenger coaches for the men were all they were able to get here, and while not sufficient for the 39 officers and 718 enlisted men, the rest accepted it. This is the last command to move that transportation was being arranged for when I arrived here, and such instructions have already been given as will prevent any trouble in the future. Very respectfully, J. E. Sawyer, Major and Quartermaster, Chief Quartermaster. September 10, 1898. Colonel Kimball, Depot Quartermaster, New York City: Colonel Moore wires from Montauk to-day as follows: " The men in that camp are, with few exceptions, weak and debilitated from the effect of fever contracted in Cuba, and the Commanding General urgently recommends that tourist cars or Pullmans be provided for transportation of his command going to Sheridan and Leavenworth, Snelling, and other distant points. I am satisfied from personal observation that such transportation should unquestionably be provided. It will enable these gallant soldiers to travel in comfort and save the lives of some of them, which will at least compensate the Government for the extra expense." You will take this matter up with the lines providing transportation and insist on tourist sleepers whenever obtainable. It is thought that such should be pro- vided for all long journeys, and you will spare no efforts to secure such accommoda- tions and thus avoid any criticism in the matter of transportation. If necessary, take the matter up with the Pullman Company at Chicago. Acknowledge. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. St. Augustine, Fla., August 17,1898. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: We have on hand at Miami about 130 carloads Government supplies that moved to that point between June 24 and July 1. Warehouses were built by us so as to enable quartermasters to unload cars. They failed to do so. On the 12th we com- pleted movement of troops from that point, and cars are still on the track not 7833 -vol. 1 34 530 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. unloaded. We served notice on Major Moody, quartermaster at Miami, to the effect that from August 12 demurrage charge of $1 per day would be assessed against each car. He refers us to you. Will you not arrange to take care of this charge and advise Major Moody at Miami? J. P. Beckwith. August 18, 1898. Major Moody, Quartermaster, Miami, Fla.: J. P. Beckwith wires as follows: "We have on hand at Miami about 130 carloads Government supplies that moved to that point between June 24 and July 1. Ware- houses were built by us so as to enable quartermasters to unload cars. They failed to do so. On the 12th we completed movement of troops from that point, and the cars are still on the track not unloaded. We served notice on Major Moody, quar- termaster at Miami, to the effect that from August 12 demurrage charge of $1 per day would be assessed against each car. He refers us to you. Will you not arrange to take care of this charge and advise Major Moody at Miami?" Report facts in matter and state why cars were not unloaded into storehouses while command was at Miami, and why cars allowed to remain there after com- mand has left Miami. This in order that I may know whether railroad has just claim for demurrage. What is class of stores now purported to be on tracks for which they claim demurrage, and what their destination? Use every effort to take stores off cars into warehouses, and keep them moving to avoid demurrage. Offi- cers, for want of proper action, make themselves personally liable for demurrage charges. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Miami, Fla. , August 18, 1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Telegram received. On 11th instant, by order of War Department, I relieved Major Niskern as depot commissary at this place, and received orders from Com- missary-General on 16th instant to ship stores here to Jacksonville, Fla. Since receiving orders have shipped 97 carloads, which leaves still here 53 cars of com- missaries, which will go away just as fast as it is possible to send them. There has never been a time since the army came here that the railroad could store 20 per cent of the stores on hand, although they were, as I understood, under con- tract to furnish store room. The first warehouse they built fell down when 5 cars of commissaries had been loaded into it, and they had to rebuild it. They also commenced another house, which was never finished, but was filled by Niskern and guarded by his clerks. All the warehouse room the road furnished was used to its fullest capacity. I often heard Niskern say the railroad had not furnished warehouses for his stores. Beckwith's demand is absolutely without foundation. Jas. M. Moody, Chief Quartermaster. 9.50 p. m. August 21, 1898. J. P. Beckwith, St. Augustine, Fla.: Your telegram of 17th was communicated to Major Moody, at Miami, and he replies as follows: "Telegram received. On 11th instant, by order of War Department, I relieved Major Niskern as depot commissary at this place, and received orders from Com- missary-General on 16th instant to ship stores here to Jacksonville, Fla. Since receiving order have shipped 97 carloads, which leaves still here 53 cars of com- missaries, which will go away just as fast as it is possible to send them. There REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 531 has never been a time since the army came here that the railroad could store 20 per cent of the stores on hand, although they were, as I understand, under contract to furnish store room. The first warehouse they built fell down when 5 cars of commissaries had been loaded into it, and they had to rebuild it. They also com- menced another house, which was never finished, but was filled by Niskern and guarded by his clerks. All the warehouse room furnished was used to its fullest capacity. I often heard Niskern say the railroad had not furnished warehouses for his stores. Beckwith's demand is absolutely without foundation." This is a bar against any claim for demurrage. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. St. Augustine, Fla., August 29, 1898. Quartermaster-General Ludington, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your wire No. 111084 relative to demurrage charges on Government property held at Miami in cars not unloaded, and in reply to same beg to advise that Major Moody, quartermaster at Miami, is mistaken in his statement, as we have made no contract with the Government or anyone to furnish free warehouses for the use of the Government at Miami. We did furnish on our own account three warehouses, one 450 feet in length by 50 feet in width, one 250 by 40 feet, and another 120 by 40 feet. These warehouses were used by the Government from June 24 to August 12. The troops and supplies commenced moving from Miami to Jacksonville on this date. In the meantime we held from June 24 to August 21 on our tracks at Miami 180 cars, upon which we have made no claim for demurrage charges, neither have we made any claim for rental of ware- houses. My notice to you was to assess demurrage charges from August 12 until the cars were moved from Miami. These charges we are entitled to, and I am satisfied, aftei* you review the situation, will meet with your approval. I would be glad to heai' further from you. Yours truly, J. P. Beckwith, Traffic Manager. Washington, D. C., September 1,1898. Chief Quartermaster, Battlefield, Ga.: Article has appeared in New York papers severely criticising the routing of a hospital train containing soldiers of the Eighth New York Regiment, destined to New York via Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Buffalo, as circuitous and attended with unnecessary delay. Do you know anything about this matter? Was train routed by Quartermaster's Department? The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad complains here that the Eighth New York is being routed via Bristol, Lynchburg and South- ern Railway. You have been twice directed to route the regiment via Bristol, Shenandoah Junction, and Baltimore and Ohio to New York. Is complaint of the Baltimore and Ohio herein stated correct? Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Chickamauga National- Park, Ga., September 1,1898. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: The train for the sick of the Eighth New York was not ordered nor made up at the instance of the Quartermaster's Department, but was made up especially by the railroads to accommodate the men, 260 in number, going on furloughs. The routing stated was at special request of the colonel of the regiment, who particu- 532 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. larly desired that the train should arrive at Forty-second Street Station, and not require tedious and painful transfer from Jersey City, besides accommodating men along the route. The time was thought to be but little longer and the track known to be smoother. In regard to routing the remainder of the regiment, your telegrams have been received, and there has been no thought of disregarding them. The regiment is not yet ready to start, and when shipped will be routed according to your orders. I earnestly protest against the entertainment of a report of rail- road officials as against my service of many years' standing. Lee, Chief Quartermaster. [Telegram.] Watson, Ind., September 17, 1898-11 p. m. Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: Train with first section held here by order of Big Four official. Can get no sat- isfaction. They assume to change our trains from three sections at Louisville without authority from Mr. Rations, and companies were arranged for four sec- tions. Are side-tracked without explanation. Will you order them to send us forward immediately in four sections, as originally arranged for by orders? McGurrin, Colonel. Adjutant-General's Office, September 18,1898. Official copy for the Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. September 18, 1898. General Traffic Manager, Big Four Route, Cincinnati, Ohio: Colonel McGurrin wires the Adjutant-General from Watson, Ind., last night 11 o'clock as follows: "Train with first section held here by order of Big Four official. Can get no satisfaction. They assume to change our trains from three sections to Louisville without authority from Mr. Rations, and companies were arranged for four sections. Are side-tracked without explanation. Will you order them to send us forward immediately in four sections, as originally arranged for by orders? " Please take the necessary steps to move these troops immediately. Also explain the delay to this office by wire. By order Quartermaster-General: Bird, Colonel and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. Cincinnati, Ohio, September 18, 1898. Colonel Bird, Quartermaster, Washington, D. C.: I am greatly chagrined, at necessity for your telegram. We had advice from Southern Railway of cars coming to us with Michigan regiment sufficient in our opinion for just three trains, and arranged for three crews to handle them. Our headquarters being at Indianapolis, it was impossible to comply with request of officers to move them in four sections. After one section had been made up and put forward, your officer in charge at Louisville ordered them stopped at Watson, Ind., 15 miles out, and instructed our men to send a switch engine after them and bring them back to Louisville, which we tried to do, but officer in charge of train at Watson refused to permit train to return. We then arranged to take a crew REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 533 off an excursion train and let them go in four sections, but some time necessarily elapsed. It was then necessary for us to run a crew nearly 250 miles to bring out the excursion train, whose crew we had taken. We could have handled them nicely in three sections, but I am afraid the officers were not a unit. We try our very best to handle these movements satisfactorily. President Ingalls has instructed us to spare no pains or expense in affording facilities, and our record up to this movement was without equal. I sincerely regret this occurrence. E. O. McCormick, Passenger Traffic Manager Big Four. Camp Hamilton, Lexington, Ky., September 25. Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: Colonel Third Engineers reports cars used by that regiment, St. Louis to Lexing- ton, old, dirty, inefficient capacity; two-thirds of men traveling at night, two in one seat. Marshall, Chief Quartermaster. Washing-ton, D. C., September 26,1898. Depot Quartermaster, St. Louis, Mo.: Following just received from Marshall, chief quartermaster, Lexington, Ky.: " Colonel Third Engineers reports cars used by that regiment ,St. Louis to Lex- ington, old, dirty, inefficient capacity; two-thirds of men traveling at night, two in one seat. " Report facts in the matter. Moore, Acting Quartermaster-General. St. Louis, Mo., September 27, 1898. Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: In reply to your telegram relative the complaint of the colonel Third Engineer Volunteers as to equipment furnished his regiment en route from Jef- ferson Barracks to Camp Hamilton, Ky., I have the honor to report that after investigation I find that the facts in the case warrant my belief that the command- ing officer of that regiment expected more than allowance under orders and regu- lations. The railroad company admit that a few of the cars were not of largest "standard" coaches, but explain that the 28 coaches furnished for the use of 1,072 enlisted men had a seating capacity for 1,492 men, the remainder of the regiment, 42 officers and 23 sick, having been accommodated in standard and tourist sleeping cars. I am not aware of any authority which requires the Quartermaster's Department to contract for two seats for each soldier while traveling, but it has been customary to provide that soldiers shall not be crowded in cars and to stipulate not to exceed from 35 to 40 men to be loaded in ordinary coaches. In the agreement for transportation of this regiment, on which a very low rate- about three-fourths cent per mile-was obtained, it was provided that sufficient coaches should be furnished, not to exceed 40 men per coach. The movement of the regiment was set for the 17th instant, and the railroad company had assembled a fine lot of equipment; and when about to send it to Jefferson Barracks, orders came postponing the movement; and the great scarcity of cars of all kinds, it is claimed by railroad company, did not permit them to have them lie idle, and they were used for other troops; and when orders to move were given a few days later, they had to furnish the best cars available. I have absolute proof, and reliable 534 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. information from nearly every line in this city, that for the movements of soldiers for some time past each and every company is obliged to arrange with other com- panies for the coaches required, and I also know that the coaches furnished the Third Engineers have been used by other troops in recent movements, and no com- plaint has been made. I am told. Since it has been the custom for some time past that officers of volunteers have found fault with equipment furnished by every line to and from Lexington, it is more than probable that the officers want more, perhaps, than they are entitled to. In this connection I venture to express the opinion that it will not be advisable to call for extraordinary and unusual special accommodations in excess of what the regulations provide for the general public are furnished, if it is desired to obtain low rates, which latter is usually enjoined in the orders to arrange transportation. This suggestion is in view of the fact above mentioned that equipment is insuffi- cient to handle troops at the present period and has to be rented at a good price usually. In conclusion, I believe that under the circumstances a little leniency might be exercised and the short ride involved in this case (about fifteen hours from East St. Louis) may be thought not to have worked too great a hardship on the men. Very respectfully, G. C. Smith, Colonel and Depot Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. Headquarters Camp Hamilton, Lexington, Ky., September 30, 1898. Adjutant-General, War Department, Washington, D. C.: The railroad equipments for the Twenty-first Kansas from here, also the Third Engineers and First Territorial Regiment from West to this point, has been unsat- isfactory; neither commodious, modern, or clean as that furnished at Chicka- mauga, but seems rather discarded rolling stock. Breckinridge, Major-General, Commanding. Washington, D. C.. October 1, 1898. Depot Quartermaster, St. Louis, Mo.: General Breckinridge wires from Lexington as follows: The railroad equipments for the Twenty-first Kansas from here, also the Third Engineers and First Territorial Regiment from West to this point, has been unsat- isfactory; neither commodious, modern, or clean as that furnished at Chicka- mauga, but seems rather discarded rolling stock." Please investigate and report facts, with recommendation. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Long Island City, Long Island, September 5, 1898. General Ludington, War Department, Washington, D. C.: We have 220 cars under load in Montauk yards. Many of these cars have been under load or part load for two weeks or more. It is imperative that these cars be unloaded at once to give us the proper track room for handling the troops out. I shall be unable to furnish train to move troops out if we do not have proper track room in the yard, which is more than ample for your needs. I also give notice now that we shall be compelled to charge regular car service of $1 per day for all 535 REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. cars held under load for more than three days after they are properly placed. I hope you will wire General Wheeler as to imperative necessity of emptying cars with reasonable dispatch. W. H. Baldwin, Jr. 12.48 p. m. September 5,1898. Knight, Quartermaster, Montauk Point, N. Y.: Railroad report there are 220 cars under load in Montauk yard. Many of these cars have been under load or part load for two weeks or more. It is imperative that these cars be unloaded at once to give proper track room for handling troops that will leave Montauk during the next ten days. Give this your immediate attention and put forth every effort possible to unload these cars. Ludington , Quartermaster- General. September 5, 1898. W. H. Baldwin, Jr., President Long Island Railroad, Long Island City, L. I.: Your telegram stating there are 220 cars under load in Montauk yard surprises me. I have wired chief quartermaster to put forth every effort possible to unload cars expeditiously. Can not assent to paying regular car-service charge for detained cars. You have no warehouses at Montauk, and much of the freight in detained cars must be warehouse freight. Ludington, Quartermaster-General. Long Island City, N. Y., September 5, 1898. Ludington, Quartermaster-General, Washington, D. C.: I have your message. There are cars on the track at Montauk Point that have been under load ever since first shipments were in there. To be sure, we have no warehouses at Montauk, because you agreed to furnish your own warehouses and I agreed to furnish necessary tracks for reasonable handling of the freight. Your statement that you will not assent to pay regular car-service charges for detained cars is not reasonable in view of the fact above stated, and I see no reason why you should not be treated in just the same way that the public is treated in similar cases, and must insist on charging car service for cars that are not unloaded within three days. W. H. Baldwin, Jr. 6.47 p. m. Montauk business for twenty-four hours ending 8 a. in., September 9, 1898. Montauk: Cars unloaded past twenty-four hours .... 25 Loaded cars on hand 8 a. m ... 202 Empty cars on hand 8 a. m 25 Loads in track 8 a. m 24 Long Island Railroad Company, September 9, 1898. General Ludington. Dear General: We still keep a large number of cars under load. I wish you would reduce the loads. Yours, W. H. Baldwin. 536 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Headquarters First Army Corps, Office Chief Quartermaster, Camp Hamilton, Lexington, Ky., September 28, 1898. Quartermaster-General of the Army, Washington, D. C. General: I have the honor to report that there has been considerable com- plaint of the quantity and quality of accommodations given troops being trans- ported to and from this point. Those coming in represent that the men were obliged to go into ordinary coaches at the rate of three men for each two seats (seats for four persons), which necessitated two-thirds of the men sitting up, two in a seat, during long trips occupying two days and nights or longer. When the Twenty-first Kansas left here a few days ago I refused to have the men loaded until sufficient equipment was furnished to permit of each man having a full seat to himself, about twenty-six or twenty-seven men to the coach on the average. The railroad officials claimed that this was not provided for in their agreement. I had not been furnished with a copy of the agreement, but insisted on the point and carried it. I respectfully recommend that in future all troops traveling by night or long distances be furnished with sufficient coaches to allow one full seat to each man. I believe that this will cost but little, if any, more than when they are crowded, as before mentioned, and will prove just as satisfactory and probably more health- ful than tourist sleepers. I request that hereafter when troops are to be transported from here that I be authorized to arrange for their transportation. An officer 300 to 400 miles away can not give it necessary attention. Very respectfully, J. M. Marshall, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster. [First indorsement.] War Department, Quartermaster-General's Office, Washington, October 3, 1898. Respectfully referred, by direction of the Quartermaster-General, to the depot quartermaster, St. Louis, Mo., with request for remark, with early return of papers. The instructions of this office have uniformly been that in shipping troops who would be out over night en route, a full double seat should be provided for each man if it proved impracticable to procure tourist sleepers. Chas. Bird, Colonel and Quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers. [Second indorsement.] Office Depot Quartermaster, St. Louis, Mo., October 6,1898. Respectfully returned to the Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. There is no record in this office, with the exception of instructions recently in one or two special cases, as to general requirements to furnish for each man two seats-a double seat. Contracts have never been made by this office stipulating that on each ticket a double seat shall be supplied. It has, however, been cus- tomary to provide and require that cars must not be crowded, and not more than 30 to 40 men to each coach should be placed, according to capacity of coaches furnished. According to instructions in first indorsement hereon, a full double seat will hereafter be called for and provided for each man in cases of shipment of troops not furnished tourist sleeping-car accommodations, although it will undoubtedly tend to advance in rates. There exists a wide difference of opinion as to what proper accommodations are necessary for men traveling in coaches for only one night out. It is believed REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 537 to be general that people get very little sleep the first night traveling, and it has always been considered that three men to a section, two double seats, were com- fortably provided. The practice for many years has been to allow not to exceed 35 men to be loaded in an average-sized coach seating 50 to 60 persons, and no complaint has been received here in regard to this until recently, and all and the only complaints were from Lexington about troops shipped from and to that point. No fault, to the knowledge of this office, has been found with any move- ment from any other point. It is a natural conclusion that the commanding officer at Lexington desires arrangements for transportation be made at that point, and it is quite agreeable to me that the chief quartermaster there relieve me of the task of handling and arranging for troops moved from that point. G. C. Smith, Colonel and Deputy Quartermaster-General. U. S. Army. Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway System, Passenger Traffic Department, St. Louis, Mo., October 3, 1898. Col. G. C. Smith, Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: This will acknowledge receipt of your favor of October 2, advising that General Breckinridge has reported to the War Department unfavorably on equipment furnished for the recent movement of the First Territorial Infantry, a portion of which regiment was moved under contract with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas from Fort Reno to Lexington, Ky., and a portion of which was moved from Whipple, Ariz., over another route. I think there must be some misunderstanding. I can not believe that the report refers to the Missouri, Kansas and Texas equipment, which was entirely used in the case of the Fort Reno movement. I am in a position to answer positively that the charge is incorrect, if it refers to the Missouri, Kansas and Texas movement, without reference to or getting statements from any of our officials whose duty it was to look after the movement. The writer was on hand at Union Station, St. Louis, when the train bearing the soldiers arrived. The coaches were those which are used almost every day on the line; in fact, some of them were taken out of our regular passenger service, and they were as commodious as it is possible to have day coaches. I can vouch for their cleanliness at the time the troops were loaded at Fort Reno, but I can assure you that they were in pretty bad shape on reaching St. Louis. The soldier boys had apparently been plentifully supplied with bananas, peanuts, and other such delicacies, the remnants of which were scattered, not only throughout the coaches, but on the platforms at Union Station as well. The writer had a talk with Major Stone when the train arrived at St. Louis, and he expressed himself as highly pleased with the equipment and the run made from Fort Reno to St. Louis. As a matter of fact, there are but a few out-of-date coaches on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas system, but there was not one of them used in this movement. Some of the coaches had been out of the shops but a few days. In this connection I hand you herewith extract from letter from our traveling passenger agent, who accompanied the train. While there was no intention on our part to make complaint relative to the rough treatment received by our equip- ment, I feel that, from your inquiry, you should like to be in possession of all the facts. Very truly, James Barber. The troops were handled up to St. Louis in a manner satisfactory to all. They were in a big hurry to get started from Fort Reno, but wanted to stop at all stations through the Territory, to bid good-bye to their families. The troops them 538 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. selves were a lot of rough fellows, and they abused our coaches by climbing in and out of the windows and striking matches on the sides of the coaches. I called the attention of several officers to the matter, but they seemed powerless to pre- vent it. I think it would be policy hereafter, in movement of this class of busi- ness, to give them a poorer grade of cars. A. C. Miner, Traveling Passenger Agent. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Co., Passenger Department, Topelm, Kans., October 8, 1898. Mr. G. C. Smith, Colonel and Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: Mr. Tedford, our general agent, St. Louis, has referred me to your letter of October 2, in reference to equipment furnished for movement of Terri- torial Infantry from Whipple Barracks to Lexington, Ky. By reference to pro- posals for this movement and correspondence subsequent thereto, I find that the proposals stipulated that we must furnish tourist sleepers for the enlisted men and standard sleepers for the officers; also, that it was necessary to start the regiment at the earliest possible moment. Immediately on receipt of advice that our bids had been accepted we notified the Pullman Company of the approximate number of men in the detachment, and asked them to at once provide tourist sleepers for the enlisted men and standard sleepers for the officers. Correspondence from the Pullman Company indicates that they immediately set to work to provide tourist cars, but that they had some trouble in doing so, for the reason that a large number of their cars were then in use transporting other regiments. In addition thereto, I understand that they were compelled to invoke the aid of the courts of Chicago in obtaining certain equipment, which was in the hands of northern lines, who declined to deliver it to the Pullman Company, preferring to retain it for the use of other movements via their lines; consequently, you will see that it was no easy matter to obtain tourist cars. I make this explanation merely to show that there were difficulties to overcome in connection with the movement. The running gear of our equipment was carefully inspected before it was put in service for this movement, and while it is possible that some of the cars were not of the latest pattern, I do not understand that this should affect the condi- tions so long as the cars were safe and comfortable. At any rate, this is a matter over which the railroad company has no jurisdiction, as in attempting to provide tourist or standard sleepers for such movements we must necessarily accept such equipment as the Pullman Company are able to provide. However, I shall take pleasure in referring your letter to the Pullman people, so that they may add such further remarks as may have a bearing on the case. With kind regards, we remain, very truly, W. I. Black, General Passenger Agent. Southern Railroad Company, Louisville, Ky., October 4, 1898. Col. G. C. Smith, Deputy Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: Your letter 2d instant is at hand. I am quite surprised to hear there was any complaint by General Breckinridge on account of equipment furnished Twenty-first Kansas Regiment. The cars were inspected before departure of this regiment from Lexington to Fort Leavenworth, and at that time there was no protest or complaint as to the condition or character of the cars. REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 539 We will, however, promptly investigate this matter, and send you, at the earliest possible date, statement in regard thereto. • Yours, very truly, Wm. H. Taylor, Assistant General Passenger Agent. Depot Quartermaster's Office, St. Louis, Mo., October 11, 1898. Quartermaster-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. General: In reply to your telegram of 1st instant, calling for report, etc., rela- tive complaint of General Breckinridge as to equipment for Twenty-first Kansas Infantry from Lexington, arranged for by this office, I have the honor to invite attention to my report in regard to movement and equipment of the Third Engineers Volunteers forwarded 27th ultimo; also to inclose herewith letters received up to date, concerning this matter, from Southern Railroad, Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, respectively, which, in my opinion, show sufficiently that the transportation companies did their best, in view of scarcity of all kinds of railway equipment at the time the service was rendered. Although these reports are not in full, I do not deem it necessary to further delay my reply to your telegram. I think, on the whole, there was little ground for complaint. It must be con- ceded that the Government can not expect railway companies to furnish a certain kind of superior equipment, which they do not possess, excepting a limited number of cars of "modern " equipment used by the companies in the regular train service, and which would be entirely insufficient for the demands made upon the companies to move troops. As to tourist cars, I know, and everyone familiar with the situation is aware of the fact, that there are only about 20 per cent of the number of cars demanded available now, and have been for some time past. This is the busiest period of the year in the passenger business, and it is a wonder that the railroads have been able to manage it as well as they did. Since complaint has reached this office concerning very few of the regiments recently moved under the direction of this office, and all contracts have provided uniformly for good cars and accommoda- tions for all alike, it seems obvious that it was not the fault of the Quartermaster's Department nor the railroad companies that accommodations were not to the liking of the complainants, but that, if there was anything not up to "modern" and "standard" accommodations, it was due only to the exigencies of the situation. Very respectfully, G. C. Smith, Colonel and Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. CLOTHING. Washington, D. C., July 26, 1898. Colonel Lee, Chief Quartermaster, Battlefield, Ga. The governor of Kentucky wires the Adjutant-General as follows: "The Sec- ond Kentucky went into camp at Chickamauga some time before the First and Third. The latter two are fully equipped, while in the Second 300 of the boys are almost naked and barefooted." Please investigate and report and supply neces- sary wants. Ludin gton , Quartermaster- General. [First indorsement.] Chief Quartermaster's Office, Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., July 27, 1898. Respectfully referred to Capt. M. G. Zalinski. assistant quartermaster, U. S. Army, in charge of clothing depot, Battlefield, Ga., for full report of issues of 540 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. clothing and equipage to this regiment, dates thereof, articles issued and remain- ing due on requisitions. The records of this office show requisitions received as follows: June 2, 1898, for clothing and equipage, approved for issue same date; June 14, 1898, for tentage, approved for issue same date; June 26, 1898, for clothing and equipage, approved for issue June 27, 1898. J. G. C. Lee, Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster. [Second indorsement.] Office of Clothing and Equipment Depot, Battlefield Station, Ga., July 27, 1898. Respectfully returned to Col. J. G. C. Lee, assistant quartermaster-general, chief quartermaster, Camp George H. Thomas, Ga., with report called for in first indorsement. Attention is called to the fact that the requisition, approved by chief quarter- master June 27, was only presented at this depot July 26, and filled as far as stock at depot would permit, as shown in report. The requisition calls for drawers (summer); but the regimental quartermaster refused to take them, saying he wanted jean drawers. This we were unable to supply. M. Gray Zalinski, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army. [Third indorsement.] Camp George H. Thomas, Chief Quartermaster's Office, Chickamauga Park, July 27, 1898. Respectfully returned to the Quartermaster-General of the Army, inviting attention to the preceding indorsement and to the inclosed statement of Captain Zalinski of requisitions received, date of issues, and articles issued, and articles remaining due which are not on hand or are not now wanted. This statement shows that very nearly all of the essential articles were quickly supplied. All requisitions received from this regiment have been promptly acted upon by this office and filled as far as practicable to do, orders having been given by higher authority that issues of clothing, etc., to the First Army Corps, under orders to the front, should take precedence over troops remaining. Everything possible has been done to fully equip the troops of this command throughout without delay, and the regimental quartermaster of this regiment verbally informed me to-day that with a requisition he is about to make for a few articles of clothing, etc., his regiment will have everything it needs. The receipt of this telegram was the first intimation received at this office that this regiment had any complaint to make regarding not having been supplied with clothing, etc. The commanding officer has never spoken or written to me on the subject, hence I had no knowledge whatever that any of his needs had not been met, and from the report above referred to there seems but little cause for complaint. J. G. C. Lee, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster. (One in closure.) Chief Quartermaster. [Extract from telegram of Major-General Breckinridge, Inspector-General, to Major-General Commanding, dated Chickamauga, Tenn., May 30,1898.] Lack of uniforms, especially underclothing, noted nearly every where, and many companies in mixed and some wholly civilian dress, and individuals purchasing REPLY OF QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL. 541 stores for public purposes, from stationery and light-weight clothing to provisions and medical supplies, is one phase of situation here. Regiments have complained that sizes of clothing issued, from hats to leggins, sometimes do not fit and the quartermaster will not exchange. Many men are overcome by heat. In tropical climate a cheap ventilator seems needed for hat under sweat leather. Hdqrs. First Army Corps and Department of the Gulf, • Chief Quartermaster's Office, Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., June If, 1898. Quartermaster-General of the Army, Washington, D. C. General: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt from your office of a copy of General Breckinridge's report of May 30, in relation to clothing of troops at this camp. It is not at all singular that there should be a lack of uniforms in a large body of enlisted men-45 regiments-thrown into camp from civil life, all within two weeks, and inspected before they had an opportunity to be supplied. The work has been pushed with the utmost vigor, every officer of the Quartermaster's Department (only three in all) working fully eighteen hours a day to accomplish it. The Quartermaster-General can judge by the amount of clothing sent what a task it must have been to issue it to green troops, wholly unaccustomed to forms and usages. It is easy for regiments to complain and inspectors-general to criticise, but I venture to say that if they had it to do they would understand it better. It takes long enough to issue now, but if a general exchange business were gone into it would be months instead of weeks before the regiments would be uniformed. Later on, when first issues are well advanced, it may be possible to make exchanges, but not now. Yours, respectfully, J. G. C. Lee, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster. Exhibit L. Statement showing in detail the amounts available for war expenditures April 1, 1898, the appropriations made thereafter, and the amounts available by August 31, 1898. Appropriations. At command of Depart- ment for war expend- itures Apr. 1,1898. Appropriated for war expenditures. Fiscal year 1899, act Mar. 15, 1898. Deficiency act May 1, 1898. Deficiency act July 7, 1898. Total appro- priated. .Regular supplies Incidental expenses . $671,183.14 150,929.51 24,570.39 214,227.96 825,158.20 771,387.67 $1,800,000.00 600,000.00 $1,000,000.00 750,000.00 $12,500,000.00 5,250,000.00 $15,300,000.00 6,600,000.00 Horses, cavafry and artil- lory . . _ 130,000.00 1,500,000.00 4,000,000.00 5,630.000.00 Barracks and quarters Army transportation Clothing- and camp and garrison equipage. National-defense allot- ments, approved April 1 and 19,1898 750,000.00 2,300,000.00 975,000.00 300,000.00 6,000,000.00 10,000,000.00 2,450,000.00 53,000,000.00 26,000,000.00 3,500,000.00 61,300,000.00 36,975,000.00 1,500,000.00 Bringing home the remains of officers and soldiers who die abroad, act July 8 1898 200,000.00 2,657,456.87 131,005,000.00 542 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Statement showing in detail the amounts at command of the Department April 1, 1898, not available for war expenditures. Appropriations. Fiscal years ending June 30- 1896. 1897. 1898. Regular supplies $453,128.25 46,275.46 558.60 $442,289.97 29,274.78 13.51 Incidental expenses . Horses, cavalry and artillery Barracks and quarters 9,500.61 86,566.81 209,142.80 33,392.33 ' 502. 04 Army transportation _ 292,074.93 23,501.88 • 1,389.96 Clothing and equipage National cemeteries" $30,509.56 10,258.17 31,624.86 Pay of superintendents national cemeteries 152.99 2.17 Construction and repair hospitals 353.21 313.89 Shooting galleries and ranges 768.40 250.62 308.77 Quarters for hospital stewards 8.18 49.87 206.79 Headstones for graves of soldiers 203.81 60.14 14,473.27 Military posts 1,393.22 79,882.02 190,981.90 Repairing roads to national cemeteries 225.17 .08 3,245.21 Burial of indigent soldiers 1,366.50 1,000.00 1,000.00 830,901.17 Fort Wayne Military Reservation ...... 160.07 Military post, Fort Riley, Kans 108.66 Military post, Spokane,Wash 74,526.17 Military post, Bismarck, N. Dak - 40,000.00 Target range, Jefferson Barracks, Mo .. 18,000.00 Road to the national cemetery, Presidio of San Fran- cisco _ _ ______ _ _ _ _ . 4.68 Road to the national cemetery, Springfield, Mo 570.00 Sewerage system, Fortress Monroe 3,393.88 Improvement of Yellowstone National Park 18.80 Total ... __ . 1,001,559.40 304,572.31 Appropriations. Indefinite. Road to the national cemetery at Hampton, Va__ - $2,000.00 3,500.00 5,000.00 11,019.13 100.27 Road to the national cemetery, Springfield, Ill Military road, Fort Washakie, Wyo Military storehouse, Omaha, Nebr . Road to the national cemetery, Presidio, San Francisco Purchase of land for target range, Fort McPherson, Ga 3.20 Purchase of buildings at military posts 9,977.48 406.67 Posf-nffi co, Fortress Monroe, Va Hospital, Fort Meade, S. Dak 423.63 Payment to John Finn 543.11 National cemetery, Fort Smith, Ark 14,458.60 Relief of neonle in mininor regions of Alaska ______ _ ___ _ __ _ 190,000.00 237,432.09 Total indefinite Total fiscal year 1896 Total fiscal year 1897 Total fiscal yeai" 1898 $237,432.09 830,901.17 1,001,559.40 304,572.31 Grand total 2,374,464.97 REPLY OF THE COMMISSARY-GENERAL, IJ. S. A., TO QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED BY THE COMMISSION. 543 REPLY OF THE COMMISSARY-GENERAL, U. S. A., TO QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED BY THE COMMISSION. War Department, Washington, October 6, 1898. Sir: I have the honor to hand you herewith answers to interrogations pro- pounded to the Commissary-General of Subsistence. Very respectfully, R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. The Chairman of the Commission to Investigate the War Department, etc., Lemon Building, Washington, D. C. War Department, Office Commissary-General of Subsistence, Washington, September 30, 1898. The Honorable the Secretary of War, (Through the Adjutant-General of the Army.) Sir: I have the honor to submit the following answers to the queries of the com- mission appointed by the President to investigate the conduct of the War Depart- ment in the war with Spain, transmitted under cover of letter from the Adjutant- General of 27th instant, viz: 1. What was the organization of the Subsistence Department April 1, 1898; the number and rank of officers, and number of commissary-sergeants? Answer. The organization on the date mentioned was as follows: Number. Rank. Commissary-General of Subsistence 1 Brigadier-general. A ssistant commissaries-general of subsistence 2 Colonel. Assistant commissaries-general of subsistence 3 Lieutenant-colonel. Commissaries or subsistence. .. 8 Major. Captain. Commissaries of subsistence 8 Total 22 There were then.96 commissary-sergeants in service. 2. What additions in number and rank of regular officers and what number of volunteer officers were appointed in the Subsistence Department between April 1 and August 31? Answer. There were no additions to the number of regular officers of the Sub- sistence Department made between April 1 and August 31,1898. Additions to the rank of those officers were, however, made under the operation of the first section of the act of July 7, 1898 (30 Stat. L., 715), which prescribed: " That during the existence of the present war, and for not exceeding one year thereafter, every commissary of subsistence, of whatever rank, who shall be assigned to the duty of purchasing and shipping subsistence supplies at impor- tant depots shall have the rank next above that held by him and not above colonel, 7833-vol. 1 35 545 546 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. but the number so assigned shall only be such as may be found necessary, not exceeding twelve; also, that the two commissaries of subsistence who may be detailed as assistants to the Commissary-General of Subsistence shall have the rank of colonel, provided that when any such officer is relieved from such duty his temporary rank, pay, and emoluments shall cease, and he shall return to his lineal rank in the department." There were five regular officers of the Subsistence Department commissioned in the volunteer service under the act of April 22,1898 (30 Stat. L., 361), by which they secured additional rank over their regular rank. They were also subject to a further increase of this volunteer rank by an assignment to the duties specified in section 1 of the act of July 7, 1898, above quoted. Under the second section of the act of July 7, 1898, above referred to, 8 majors and 12 captains were added to the Subsistence Department in the volunteer service during the existence of the war with Spain and not to exceed one year thereafter. There were appointed under the act of April 22,1898 (30 Stat. L., 361), 101 volun- teer subsistence officers up to the date of August 31. Of these 9 never qualified under their commissions. 3. On April 1,1898, an army of what size was the Subsistence Department pre- pared to fully supply with officers and the necessary field rations, and of what does that ration consist? Answer. The number of subsistence officers in service April 1, 1898, including the Commissary-General and his office assistants, was 22. This number, if they had all been ordered in the field, would have been sufficient to properly officer with subsistence officers one army corps, consisting of the maximum enlisted strength authorized by section 9, act of April 22, and one army corps of two-thirds maximum enlisted strength authorized by that section. From the stores on hand in the storehouses at the various military posts at the time, and with such stores as they could have hurriedly purchased before quitting the duties they were engaged upon, the officers of the Subsistence Department could probably have supplied an army of 75,000 or 80,000 men with field rations for a period of sixty days. The duties which they left behind would have had to be taken up and dis- charged by others before the lapse of that period, however, as the duties of pur- chasing and shipping stores for an army engaged in active operations can not be left unprovided for nor efficiently performed by officers who are integral parts of the active moving forces. A "field ration," as understood in the Army, consists of the following compo- nent articles: Bacon pound _ _ % Hard bread do 1 Beans do.... Potatoes, onions, and canned tomatoes, when possible do 1 Coffee, roasted do.... Sugar do V inegar gallon _ . Candles pound.. Soap do.... Salt do.... Pepper : do.... 4. Between April 1, 1898, and August 31, what arrangements were made for fully supplying with food an army of 250,000 men serving in the field and in camp; what was the field ration and what was the ration in camp? Answer. The purchasing commissaries on duty in the principal purchasing cen- ters of the country were already established on April 1, and received their orders from the Commissary-General of Subsistence on the breaking out of hostilities for the procurement and shipment of all subsistence supplies, except fresh beef REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 547 and fresh bread, needed by the various camps and in the field. These supplies were forwarded to subsistence field depots located contiguous to the troops assem- bled in large bodies, the officers in charge of which purchased the fresh beef and fresh bread needed. These depots were placed in charge of officers of the regular establishment who had had experience in the purchase and handling of supplies in large quantities. The laws and regulations governing the purchase and accountability for supplies are intricate and exacting, and the full duties con- nected with this branch of the business of the Subsistence Department are not properly to be intrusted to newly appointed officers, especially to those devoid of previous military training or wanting in experience in the transaction of govern- mental business connected with the Army. The duty of obtaining from the field depots the specific articles of food which the enlisted men are entitled to belongs to those subsistence officers who are assigned to duty on the staffs of corps, division and brigade commissaries, and to the commanders of companies and othei' organizations. It is their duty, as an integral part of the combatant forces, to look out for the wants of the enlisted men and make timely requisitions on the field depots for the food supplies to which their enlisted men are entitled. A large body of subsistence officers for staff duty was added to the Subsistence Department by appointments made under the act of Congress. They were amply supplied from the field depots, and after food supplies for the soldiers had been drawn by them from the depots those supplies were under the control of the commanding generals and their staffs and were as much in possession of the troops as were the wagons, horses, and other facilities necessary for their distribution among the men. The Commissary- Greneral of Subsistence could exercise no direct control over the stores nor the officers after issue except to require the officers to render accountability papers showing whether the disposition made of the stores was warranted by law, regulations, and proper orders, and to cause the officers to be charged with the money value in case of any improper application on their part shown by the accountability papers. The "field ration" was given in answer to question 3. The ration in camp, where fresh beef and fresh bread were attainable, was as follows: Meat: Pork (3^) pounds._ A Bacon (T%) do.... Fresh beef (T%) do or 3% of fresh beef in canned salmon do Flour do If or fresh bread do.... Vegetables: Dry- Beans do Rice do Fresh- Potatoes do.... 3% Onions do or canned tomatoes do 1 Coffee, green do Sugar do V inegar gallon.. Candles pound vw Soap do Salt do Pepper do 2... 548 INVESTIGATION OE CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The proportions of the meat ration are subject to variations by commanding officers, according to the necessity of the service in which troops are engaged. 5. What arrangements were made for supplying the army in Cuba, the army in Porto Rico, and the army in the Philippines, and of what did the ration actually consist in each case? Answer. The arrangements made were the same as for supplying other troops, the entire facilities of the Subsistence Department being utilized in the purchase and shipping of subsistence stores to the points of embarkation. Troops on ship- board were rationed for the period of the voyages, and, in addition, supplies in bulk were forwarded by transports to places of destination, amounting, in the case of the army in Cuba, to a four months' supply for the entire command; in that of Porto Rico, to a three months' supply, and in that of the Philippine Islands one portion of the expedition was furnished with a four months' supply and the remainder with a six months' supply. In the case of the army which went to Cuba the rations consisted of the articles enumerated in answer to question 4, with the exception that pork was omitted, and hard bread substituted for fresh bread, and roasted coffee added in large quantities for the convenience of troops when engaged in field operations. The fresh beef sent was fresh roast beef in tins. This was supplemented at the earliest practicable date with cargoes of refrigerated fresh beef, which reached Santiago the next day after the port was opened. Large quantities of stores for sales were also sent. In the case of the army which went to Porto Rico the ration consisted of the same articles which composed the ration sent to Cuba, including cargoes of refrigerated beef. Stores for sales were also sent. In the regiments sent to the Hawaiian Islands the ration was essentially the same as that furnished the troops in Cuba and Porto Rico, except that where the transports were furnished with refrigerating apparatus refrigerated beef was supplied on the journey, and where not so furnished beef cattle to as great an extent as possible were shipped in pens on the transports for slaughter and use on the way. Stores for sales were also sent. In the case of the army sent to the Philippine Islands the ration was the same as that of the troops for the Hawaiian Islands, including the provision for fresh beef on the way. On arrival at Manila refrigerated fresh beef was purchased temporarily from the supplies of the navy until contract could be made with Australian contractors for furnishing the army in the Philippines with regular sup- plies of refrigerated beef. Ample supplies of frozen beef and cooled vegetables are now on hand there. Stores for sales were also sent in abundance, including dried fruits. 6. Were the troops in the field and those in camps fully supplied at all times with proper food? If not, why not? Answer. As has been indicated in the foregoing answer to question 4, the Commissary-General of Subsistence, acting through his purchasing and shipping- officers, has been expeditious in ordering subsistence supplies in ample quantities to be placed in field depots near every large assemblage of troops, these depots being in charge of experienced officers of the regular establishment. This much of the task of supplying food to the enlisted men of the Army has been performed by the Commissary-General of Subsistence and his purchasing and depot officers with fidelity to their trust and with all due diligence of execution. Upon the first moment of receipt of official information of contemplated movements the orders of the Commissary-General of Subsistence have been sent by telegraph to the purchasing and shipping officers, and in no individual instance has delay of transmission of supplies to the points of concentration occurred, the depots thereat being fully supplied at all times with proper food. But it-must be borne continually in mind that after food in bulk has been put down in a commissary depot located in contiguity to a body of troops the remain- 549 REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. der of the task of conveying the food to the mouths of the men devolves upon a set of officers acting under the control of the commanding officer of the troops. The functions of these officers require them in their turn to take the initiative and apply to the depot. They can not be said to be under the orders of the Commissary- General of Subsistence in matters of detail and of routine. These officers are the chief commissaries of corps and divisions, the commissaries of brigades, and the commanders of companies and other organizations, who act undei' the orders of their commanding officers in rendering ration returns and in making requisi- tions on the depot commissaries, and in seeing to it that the enlisted men of the command get their regular daily individual allowances of food. No dereliction of duty on the part of these staff and company officers in the matter of conveying the food to the mouths of the men is cognizable by the Commissary-General of Subsistence in the first instance, they being under the exclusive jurisdiction of the commanders present, and whose orders they obey. The brigade commander directs the kinds of rations to be demanded of the depot commissary and orders the necessary transportation for its distribution to the company officers of his command. Once in the hands of the brigade commissaries for issue, the only juris- diction which the Commissary-General of Subsistence has over the stores is to see by the official returns that are rendered by the brigade commissaries that the stores have been issued and applied in accordance with the laws, regulations, and proper orders relating thereto. If there were individual instances where troops in the field and those in camp failed to be fully supplied with proper food, the reason for the failure is properly to be furnished by those who, by failure to take the initiative at the proper time, or for any other cause, left the enlisted men under their charge insufficiently pro- vided for. Subject to these qualifications, the Commissary-General of Subsistence can say, in answer to the sixth question, that, so far as his jurisdiction over the matter is concerned, troops in the field and those in camps have been fully supplied at all times with proper food. 7. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Commissary- General in reference to the prompt compliance with requisitions, the lack of food, poor character of food, or complaints of any character whatever in reference to furnishing supplies or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Subsist- ence Department? Answer. There have been no complaints from any source or from anyone of fail- ure or delay in filling requisitions, or lack of food, or complaints of any character whatever, in reference to furnishing supplies or the performance of any duty apper- taining to the Subsistence Department. I transmit herewith the originals of all complaints received, except a few now undergoing investigation, which will be furnished when returned to this office. They have all been investigated, as the indorsements show, by officers wholly disconnected with this Department, and the results are shown by the papers. The return of these original papers to the files of this office is requested. 8. What funds were under the command of the department on April 1 and what additional funds were available by August 31 under general or special legislation? Answer. There were on deposit to the credit of disbursing officers of the Subsistence Department and in their personal possession on April 1, 1898, available for disbursement for subsistence of the Army $138,045.88 There was undrawn in the Treasury on that date 314,314.50 There was appropriated by the act of May 4, 1898, $2,739,643.50; by the act of June 8, 1898, $5,000,000, and by the act of July 7, 1898, $15,367,112.28, a total available for the same purpose of 23,106,755.78 Total 23,559,116.16 550 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. In addition, the regular annual appropriation for the support of the Regular Army during the fiscal year 1899 was also available and could have been drawn upon, amounting to $1,550,000. It has been drawn upon to the extent of $32,800 for the purchase of supplies to be used in Alaska after January 1, 1899. Having answered the questions of the commission as fully as they seem to require, I beg to inform the commission that I am ready and anxious to furnish it with any further information it may desire touching each and every act performed by this department up to the present moment. There is no question that can be asked by the commission that I am not ready to answer; any and every document in this office or in the offices of any officer of this department is also at the service of the commission. In further explanation of the operations of this department it seems to me proper, and I beg to make the following observations for the information of the commission and for such action as the statements may suggest. At the outbreak of the war there was no provision for baking bread in the field, or roasting coffee; neither was there any proper provision for tentage for the appropriate shelter of the small quantities of subsistence stores issued from depots to brigade commissaries for immediate use, nor for sheltering the stores issued to brigade commissaries for companies. It is true tarpaulins were to be provided and were expected to answer this purpose. The Commissary-General presented this matter to the Secretary of War, who promptly authorized the purchase of field ovens for baking bread, and coffee roasters, and authorized an allowance of tentage for each company, brigade, division, and corps. The bake ovens have proved in every case where there was an opportnnity to use them, as at Jackson- ville, Camp Alger, Camp Meade, and other places, a great success, making better bread than could be purchased in the cities or towns, while at the same time making a saving in money which went to the companies for the purchase of other articles of food. The supply of coffee roasted, or roasted and ground, was con- sidered by the Commissary-General undesirable, because in the case of roasted and ground coffee its quality could not be guaranteed, and in the case of both roasted, and roasted and ground, its strength diminished rapidly. Coffee roasters were issued to each company, and undoubtedly, where used, furnished the troops excellent coffee, for the quality of green coffee furnished was first-class. Field bake ovens and coffee roasters were never supplied to an army before. COOKS. I have the honor to attach hereto and make a part of this paper, to which I invite the special attention of the investigating commission, extracts from the annual reports of my predecessors which show that for about twenty-five years each and every Commissary-General has urged, every year, upon Congress the propriety and necessity of enlisting a cook for each troop, company, and battery in the Army. No action was taken upon these recommendations nor upon the recommendations to enlist a baker for every garrison post. When the present army was recruited, no provision was made for the enlistment of cooks nor bakers, and to this omission I ascribe the fact that the food was frequently presented in an unpalatable condition, both before Santiago and to some extent in all the camps in the country. It will be observed that, the recommendations of my predecessors practically state in advance that without cooks the conditions which have prevailed in this war would result. I was promoted to the position of Commissary-General on the 3d day of May, 1898, and as soon thereafter as possible I drafted a bill for the enlistment of cooks, realizing as I did the paramount importance of this to the welfare, the health, and comfort of the troops. The bill authorizing the enlistment of cooks was approved by Congress on the 7th day of July, 1898, but too late to procure REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 551 them for the active operations in the field. As stated by my predecessors, and as must be known to each and every member of the commission, it matters not what the food, quality or quantity, if not properly prepared it can not be accept- able nor properly serve the ends or purposes for which it is issued. To the lack of cooks I attribute the just complaints, to the lack of cooks I attribute much of the sickness and ill-health, and the lack of cooks I consider the one weak link in a chain in every other respect of great strength. THE RATION. The ration is ample; it is the result of the experience of one hundred years. It has stood the test of the civil war and the necessities of the army under all con- ditions of camp, garrison, and the arduous service on the frontier after Indians. Every component of it has been carefully examined, scrutinized, and approved by the Medical Department. It combines in its components all the essentials necessary to a man's health and strength, and it can be stated here, and can be verified by the commission upon inquiry, that those troops who limited themselves to eating the articles of the ration withstood the climatic changes and the fatigue and exposure far better than those who on each pretext and opportunity ate anything and everything, including fruits, that came in their way. It is susceptible of proof, and can be readily learned by the commission, that the Regular Army found the ration not only ample, but generally made savings from it for the purchase of other articles of food. In this connection it may be stated that when, by direction of the President, a cablegram was sent to Manila calling upon the officers there to state if they desired a change in the ration, they replied they were not prepared to recommend a change. And in the more recent case of one regiment at Honolulu asking a change General Merriam, with his knowledge and experience as an old army officer, declines to recommend any change in the ration. But, however good the quality, however large the quantity, without cooks the ration is and always will be a failure. The troops will not be well fed, and dissatisfaction will be the inevitable result. CONCENTRATED FOODS. Numberless concentrated foods have been presented to this office to be pur- chased for the Army. In many cases they have been submitted and tested in camps, found agreeable to the taste and palate, and many officers expressed their willingness to have them, but in no case has any officer ever stated his willingness that any component of the ration should be given up and any of these concen- trated foods substituted therefor. The ration is defined by law, and no addition to it is authorized by law, nor is it legally within anyone's authority to add to it. I am not a believer in feeding American soldiers with concentrated foods nor with emergency rations. My experience as a line officer, serving with troops- for thirteen years, and my knowledge of the requirements of the soldier, does not incline me to adding expense and unnecessary additions to the ration. Great pressure, very great pressure, has been brought to bear upon this office to pur- chase these foods. Some of the owners of these articles have evidenced their hostility to me because I did not purchase them. They have sought by agents and others to press the purchase of their foods upon me. I have considered, and do consider, that the Government is entitled to some consideration in this matter. And while this department, as I will show, has gone beyond the law, purchased and gratuitously issued to soldiers what was never contemplated by law, it preferred to incur the hostility of the parties referred to rather than waste the money unnecessarily of the Government even, if it had the power in law so to do. 552 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. REQUISITIONS. The plan adopted by me for the supply of the Army was to place as near the large camps as possible a depot commissary, to the end that the line officers, from the commanding general down to the lieutenant, should not be embarrassed or hampered with impedimenta of any kind, or with the care of subsistence supplies beyond the few days' rations issued to them for immediate use, and also prevent duplication and excessive accumulations. This relieved these officers of the neces- sity for making requisitions other than on the depot commissary for a few days' supply, and the Commissar y-Gener al, in close touch and weekly report with the depot officers, anticipated their requisitions and in advance of their being made supplied them abundantly. When any of the components of the ration or articles for sale became depleted, a telegraphic notice to the Commissary-General to that effect by the depot commissary was almost instantly filled, by direction of the Commissary-General, by one or more of the purchasing commissaries stationed in the large centers and markets of the country. In such cases they were shipped frequently within twenty-four hours, and rarely was forty-eight hours required for their procurement and shipment. In this connection it is but fair to state that from the beginning of the war to the present date there has not been a single assemblage of troops, great or small, in all parts of the country, in every State and Territory of this vast geographical area, that has not been promptly and amply supplied with subsistence stores, and, when they were gathered into the large camps, were promptly supplied with articles for sale in addition. I invite the special attention of the commission to this statement. COMPLAINTS. From the beginning of the war to the 31st of August there has never been received by the War Department a single complaint of subsistence supplies, quan- tity or quality, from any officer of the Regular or Volunteer armies. When it is considered that it is not only the privilege, but the duty of an officer, no matter what his grade, to make complaint if ample supplies are not furnished, and no complaints, as I have stated, were made, it would seem, if the stories of starva- tion and lack of supplies were true, that each and every officer, from commanding general to lieutenant, must either have grossly neglected their duties or been in collusion with the Subsistence Department to starve the soldiers. Of course, either supposition is preposterous, but it serves to show to the commission that this office was not acquainted with nor informed of any deficiency of supplies. Such complaints as were received are forwarded to the commission herewith, with the action taken on them, the examination in each case, as the papers themselves show, being made by line officers, officers wholly disconnected with this depart- ment, and the results show there was no proper cause for the complaints, nor were they based upon truth. TRANSPORTATION. It seems proper to invite the attention of the commission to the fact that this department is not authorized by law to procure transportation for its supplies. It purchases the supplies and turns them over to the Quartermaster's Department for delivery to the commissary officers on duty with the troops. Neither has this department the privilege or authority for loading transports. RETURN OF THE SICK FROM SANTIAGO TO THE UNITED STATES. Grave complaints have been published in the papers that the transports for the sick from Santiago to the United States were not properly provisioned. If there is any truth in these published statements, then the fault should be placed wher- ever it belongs; it should not be laid at the door of the Subsistence Department, REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENFRAL. 553 for there was no time when there were not ample supplies at Santiago, not only for the transports, but for the troops, the Spanish prisoners, and the poor and des- titute. Indeed, so great was the abundance of supplies that many of the trans- ports bringing back the sick were fully or partially loaded with subsistence supplies intended for Santiago which were never taken out of the ships there. In the case of one transport-The Grand Duchess-there were over 1,000 tons of subsistence stores brought back by her without being unloaded at Santiago, and even then Lieutenant-Colonel Osgood, the depot commissary there, under recent date cables this office: " There are supplies enough on hand at Santiago for ten times the number of troops here." This, too, while the Subsistence Department was feeding all the Spanish prisoners and such of the destitute as the commanding general there deemed fit to feed. In face of this condition of affairs, the officers in command of the transports, or of the troops on the transports, are responsible for any failure to have drawn an abundant supply for the troops on board. GENERAL ORDERS 116 AND 136. Very shortly after the fall of Santiago, General Shafter telegraphed to the Sec- retary of War asking for $2,000 for the purchase of chickens for the sick. A copy of this dispatch was furnished the Commissary-General, who upon its receipt instantly waited upon the Secretary of War and informed him his department could furnish the money and very much more-as much as was required-for such purposes. The Secretary of War expressed surprise, as he had just directed that the amount asked for by General Shafter should be furnished out of his own pocket. The Commissary-General stated to the Secretary of War that the rations for the sick could be commuted, if approved by him, at 75 cents a day, which would be ample to furnish all kinds of delicacies of food, solid and liquid, required by the sick and as designated by the surgeons. This authority to com- mute the ration at 75 cents was immediately telegraphed General Shafter, who personally expressed to me afterwards his appreciation of the action. In anticipation of the requirements of the sick coming from Santiago to Mon- tauk Point, I framed General Order 116 (copy herewith), providing for the com- mutation of the rations of the sick at 60 cents per day, an amount three times greater than the cost of the entire ration, and ample for the purchase in New York of all delicacies-articles of food, solid and liquid-that might be needed by the surgeons of hospitals in feeding the sick. This order was submitted to the Secretary of War, who promptly approved it. It was afterwards amended by General Order 136 (copy herewith), extending its benefits, as will be noted in the order. General Wheeler, who was then in command of Montauk Point, was also informed that the benefits of General Order 116 could be extended not only to the sick in hospitals, but to those men who, while convalescent and not in hos- pitals, might be considered as not well and strong enough for the hearty food of the ration, and who could be borne as "sick in quarters." In fact, there was practically no limit placed upon the extent to which the order might be carried. This order is now in force wherever there are troops of the United States. In addition to the articles supplied under this order, the Subsistence Department, by direction of the Secretary of War, purchased and gratuitously issued to the sick at Montauk, in addition to the ration-in addition to all the benefits flowing from General Order 116-the following articles and amounts of food: Ice pounds. _ 1,085,200 Milk gallons __ 54,860 Halibut pounds.. 3,000 Lima beans do 47,047 Tea do 250 Apples (canned) 3-pound cans.. 6,020 554 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Apples (canned) gallon cans.. 1,774 Apples (evaporated) pounds.. 21,550 Apricots (evaporated) do 14,500 Butter do 34,799 Corn (canned) cans.. 13,889 Cocoa pounds.. 1,080 Soda crackers do 9,950 Ham (sugarcured).. do 19,927 Evaporated cream cans.. 31,140 Oatmeal 1 pounds.. 31,985 Peaches (evaporated) do 18,025 Peaches (canned) cans.. 14,973 Pears (canned) do 14,869 Pease (canned) do 16,128 Prunes pounds. _ 9,925 Beef soup cans.. 7,500 Chicken soup do 11,490 Pickles gallons.. 7,100 Oranges crates.. 300 Lemons do 150 Eggs dozen.. 53,070 It may be stated in this connection that there is no authority in law for the purchase or gratuitous issue of these articles of food. This fact, however, was well known to the Secretary of War, who nevertheless insisted that anything whatsoever necessary for the comfort and health of the troops should be provided, whether authorized by law' or not. I invite the special attention of the commis- sion to these facts in connection with the published stories in the papers of starva- tion of the troops at Montauk Point. It may be appropriate to say here that the sick were hungry, but it is a well-known fact that typhoid patients are always hungry, and that to feed them is to murder them. PERISHABLE STORES. In the vast quanity of perishable stores purchased by this department, sub- jected to exposure to the summer suns of Southern climates, detained in hot rail- road cars, and often exposed to the sun before being warehoused because of lack of them, it is not to be wondered at that some of the articles should deteriorate and at time of issue some parts of them be unfit for issue. This occurred in some instances, not many, but in each and every case where any article was found not absolutely of good quality the deteriorated articles were promptly replaced, and no command was at any time obliged to keep what was not entirely fit for use. Indeed, so anxious was I upon this point that some bacon only slightly deteriorated was ordered sold by me in Chattanooga, and I have it from merchants of that place that the very bacon was being sold to citizens and used by them. In the same way some flour which, from being stored in warehouses where grain had been, became slightly weevily, was also ordered sold, so that there could be nd possible complaint on the part of the volunteers. Had it been a case of the Regular Army the Government would not have been subjected to any loss entailed by the sale of these articles. The flour would have been sieved and used, the bacon overhauled and the good parts issued. REGIMENTAL AND COMPANY OFFICERS AND THE RATION. From statements and reports that have reached this office it is evident that due attention to the cooking and care of the ration was not paid by many regimental and company officers. In one case that has come to the knowledge of this office REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 555 a command moving from Camp Alger, which had drawn its supplies, moved off in the train, leaving behind them their rations, packed and ready for them on the platform of the railroad station. In consequence, they had nothing to eat that day nor part of the next day, which fact was fully exploited in the newspapers as a case of starvation. While I am led to believe from what I have heard from officers that due and proper care of the ration and cooking was not given by the regimental and com- pany officers, I am still firmly of the belief that no amount of care or attention on theii- part could overcome the lack of cooks, could overcome the inability of the men to cook-men who never cooked before, did not wish to cook then or now, do not expect to cook when they leave the service-men who look upon it as offen- sively objectionable to cook, and who, even when they tried, failed utterly to either cook proper quantities or to present the food in anything like acceptable or palatable shape. Nevertheless, this condition might have been improved if that same attention to the care, preservation, and cooking of the ration had been given by the volunteer officers that is considered in the Regular Army one of the first and imperative duties of an officer. I can not too strongly impress my firm convic- tion that most of the trouble lies in this want of cooks, and the fact that there have been practically no complaints from the Regular Army of food, and large savings made, emphasizes this view of the situation. While it is a well-estab- lished fact that volunteer troops threw away they rations before Santiago, there are no reports, that I have heard, of the regulars having done so. It is believed, however, that if this war had continued for three oi- four months longer, these inexperienced officers and soldiers would have learned to care for their rations and for themselves. SUPPLYING TROOPS IN CAMPS. At all the camps in the United States prompt provision was made for the sup- ply of fresh beef, fresh bread, and fresh vegetables. These articles were furnished in each case, though in one or two instances, I am informed, volunteer officers failed to call on the depot for them until reminded by the depot officer that they should do so. As an illustration, at Camp Alger, I am informed, a colonel com- manding excused his failure to call for or receive fresh beef by stating that he had no saw with which to cut the beef. There are many instances of ignorance or negligence somewhat similar to this. The travel ration was used only when absolutely necessary, and fresh beef, fresh bread, and vegetables supplied instantly when the troops went into camp. While the Subsistence Department was providing in this way for the very many large camps in the United States, Santiago, Porto Rico, Manila, and Hawaii, it was also supplying 135 military posts in the United States, from which a complaint has never been heard. MOVEMENTS OF TROOPS. I take pleasure and satisfaction in the positive statement that from the begin- ning of the wai' to the present moment, howevei- short the notice-and many times it was very short-there has never been a movement of troops, never a body of troops, great or small, retarded or delayed one single moment by reason of lack of subsistence supplies. I ask the closest examination of this statement, and as an illustration of the promptness with which troops were supplied and fitted out, I beg to state that this department was notified on Wednesday that the ships would leave New York for Porto Rico on Saturday, touching at Newport News, and in that time the Subsistence Department purchased, shipped, and placed on transports the entire supply for the expedition to Porto Rico, and, 556 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. indeed, some of the supplies were left by the ships on the wharves because they had not space for them. I mention this as an illustration of how work was done by this department in this war. FITTING OUT EXPEDITIONS. The expeditions to Manila, Porto Rico, and Hawaii were fitted out by the Sub- sistence Department, under the special instructions of the Commissary-General, in such a manner that the commanding generals and the officers under them were not subjected to any trouble, responsibility, or inconvenience of any sort. These expeditions drew merely the rations to last them to their point of destination. The Subsistence Department did the rest; shipped in bulk and delivered at their destinations ample supplies for the periods of time already stated in this paper, so that on arrival they had simply to draw again their stores as required. The views and wishes of the commanding generals were solicited by the Commissary-Gen- eral and complied with, to the end that there should be as complete satisfaction as possible. FRESH VEGETABLES. Some of the shipments of potatoes and onions spoiled by undue exposure to the excessive heat, but were promptly replaced as fast as transportation could be procured. HARD BREAD. It appears that some of the hard bread issued at Santiago was not in good con- dition. This was due to exposure to rains, coupled with excessive heat. The bread was fresh, and if it had not been wet by rains would not have deteriorated. There was, however, an ample supply of it that was not injured by rain, but limited transportation prevented its being brought up to the firing line to replace that damaged. VOLUNTEER COMMISSARIES. There has been a great deal said in the newspapers about the inefficiency of the inexperienced staff officers. I desire to state for the information of the commis- sion that with a few exceptions, I have found the volunteer commissaries to be zealous, painstaking, and anxious to perform their duties. Indeed, it is with pleasure that I testify to their general devotion to duty. Considering that they were just from civil life, without any previous experience in military matters, I take pleasure in stating that I think they have done marvelously well. Some of them have worked from early until late and under most trying circumstances. One, Capt. Morton J. Henry, was shot while on the firing line discharging to the utmost of his ability his duties as a commissary. Others of them were close up to the firing line distributing as best they could subsistence supplies to the troops, and thereby incurring quite as much danger as any of them. SUBSISTENCE OFFICERS OF THE REGULAR ESTABLISHMENT. The officers of the regular establishment have worked faithfully, and at times day and night. Some of them are now broken down and on sick leave because of their labors. There is no language at my command to do justice to their efforts in promptly carrying out the orders of the Commissary-General, in the perform- ance of which duty they knew no such thing as office hours or Sundays. When the commission stops to consider the vast amount of supplies purchased by them, the marvelous rapidity with which troops were enrolled, mustered, concentrated, and moved, the hundreds of places of rendezvous in each State and Territory of this vast geographical area, and the success which attended the meeting of the requirements of these troops, the commission can judge for itself the extent of REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 557 labor performed by the few officers of the regular establishment. So important was the work performed by each of them that the Commissary-G-eneral has been unable to spare any from his post of duty and has been obliged because thereof to carry on the vast business of his office with but one assistant, whereas in times of peace, with but 25,000 men in the Army, all located at well-regulated, perma- nent posts, his predecessors have had generally three, and never less than two assistants. I consider the work of these officers the highest possible form of patriotism. They quietly, honestly, and successfully met every demand made upon them, and I profoundly trust their labor may be appreciated. QUALITY OF FOOD FURNISHED BY THE SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT. I desire to state to the commission that the quality of food furnished the troops was not only good, but without going into fancy articles was first-class. I would respectfully suggest that the commission causes to be brought before it from any or all of the camps or posts in the United States where the food now is samples of each and every article of the components of the ration and of the articles for sale. I further suggest that this be done by the commission itself, to the end that the samples shall come to them direct, and from such camp or camps as they may see fit to select from, to the end that they shall have positive knowledge beyond peradventure of doubt that the articles they receive are precisely such as are and have been issued to the troops. In regard to the canned roast beef, it is respectfully suggested that it is largely used by the armies in Europe and is the best substitute, everything considered, that is known for fresh beef. Canned corned beef is used only for short journeys on railroad cars. It is not considered fit for troops on a march, as it engenders thirst. It is, however, supplied in large quantities, and when preferred can be obtained by the troops. In addition to the foregoing, I am quite ready to furnish any information in this office or the offices of any of the commissaries that may be desired by the commission. I have not deemed it necessary or appropriate to refer to the diffi- culties encountered in the prompt, ample supply of the troops by this department. The fact that they were supplied and the difficulties were successfully surmounted seems to me sufficient. I attach hereto and make a part of this paper a statement showing the amount of subsistence supplies purchased by this department and distributed to the various commands in the United States and elsewhere from the 1st of April, 1898, to the 31st of August, 1898. Very respectfully, Chas. P. Eagan, Commissary-General, United States Army. 558 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR. WITH SPAIN. MEMORANDUM TO ACCOMPANY REPORT OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL CHARLES P. EAGAN TO INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. ARMY COOKS AND BAKERS. On November 8, 1876, the Commissary-General submitted the following views and suggestions upon the subject of army cooks and bakers, stated that the effi- ciency of the Army would be increased and desertions lessened were a cook enlisted for each company, with extra pay-say $4 in excess of the pay of a private-and schools for the instruction of cooks established at recruiting depots at Fort Columbus, N. Y., and Columbus Barracks, Ohio, and that bakers should be especially enlisted with extra pay-say $4-and assigned to posts as commissary sergeants. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1877, the Commissary- General called attention to the above remarks on army cooks and bakers, with the view that the attention of Congress might be invited to it, and also recom- mended that should schools for cooks be established at recruiting depots, bakers should also be instructed at the same schools. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1878, he mentioned the fact that a board had been appointed to make the experiments in army cooking and prepare a manual foi' army cooks. Again in his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1879, attention was called to the subject above mentioned, urging the Secretary of War to invite the attention of Congress to the fact that the Army needed the enlistment of men who have an aptitude for cooking, and the establishment of a school for their education in the economy of the kitchen. "An important aid to good soldiering is good cooking. This can not be obtained without good cooks, and good cooks can not be obtained without educa- tion and adequate compensation. If one company cook, while actually perform- ing duty as such, were allowed 50 cents advance on his clothing allowance and a monetary compensation of 30 per cent per day, to be paid either from the Sub- sistence Department or the Quartermaster's Department, a class of men would be secured to the Army who would economically use the ration, cook it acceptably, and be anxious to retain their position for the extra compensation brought, whilst at present they are only glad to be relieved from kitchen duty for lighter work." The Commissary-General believes the subject one of the utmost importance in connection with the health, comfort, and efficiency of enlisted men of the Army. In his annual report for the fiscal year, dated October 11, 1880, he stated that the Manual of Army Cooks had been printed and distributed to the army, and invited the attention of the Secretary of War to his remarks made in the annual report for the preceding year, and urgently recommended that the attention of Congress be invited to the subject as one of the utmost importance, both in an economical and sanitary point of view. He also suggested that at the annual encampments of the State militia it would be well if the troops were furnished with the army ration by the States and cooked for the companies by men detailed from the companies for the purpose, to be done by the assistance and under the supervision of army cooks from the army cooking schools, should such be estab- lished and the State authorities so desire. He also stated that at some, if not all, REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 559 the encampments of State militia the food of the troops was furnished by caterers especially employed for that purpose, and the cost in some cases was stated to have been $1.50 per day, while the cost of the army ration was less than 20 cents. Disregarding, however, the cost of the food, he considered it a matter of great importance that militia in camps of instruction should learn what the army ration is and how it should be cooked and served, especially in the field. In his annual report for the year, dated October 10, 1881, he again repeated his recommendation contained in his report for 1879, and submitted a draft of a law intended to accomplish the object desired, to wit: " That there shall hereafter be enlisted, for each battery of artillery, troop of cavalry, and company of infantry in the service, under such regulations as the Secretary of War shall prescribe, a competent person as cook, whose clothing allowance shall be those of a private soldier, but whose pay proper shall be at the rate of $22 per month, whose duty it shall be to cook the rations of the battery, troop, or company, under such regulations as may be prescribed under section 1174, Revised Statutes: Provided, That cooks so enlisted shall not be entitled under any circumstances to extra-duty pay: And provided further, That the introduction of the grade into the Army shall not have the effect of increasing the strength of the Army beyond the number of men now authorized by law." In his annual report for the year ending June 30,1883, he pays particular atten- tion to cooks and bakers, and in speaking of flour he says that it is often required for use in a company kitchen, but under existing regulations all the flour rations drawn by companies must be turned into the post bakery, the savings of which do not go to the company, but to the post fund, and what flour is required in the kitchen has to be purchased out of the company fund, raised by savings on other parts of the ration. It is well known that the ration of flour allowed by law and issued by the Subsistence Department is ample, but only about two-thirds of it reaches the soldier. Referring to the matter of cooks and bakers, he states they are essential for preserving the health and securing the comfort and efficiency of the troops. It matters not how great in quantity or how good in quality may be the raw articles of food furnished by the Subsistence Department, the soldier will not be sufficiently or properly and wholesomely subsisted if the articles are not properly cooked. The best flour in the hands of a bad baker will produce bad bread, and the best of meat and vegetables will, from the hands of a poor cook, afford the soldier only unwholesome and unpalatable food. He favored special enlistment of men as cooks and bakers, and of cooks he favored one for each com- pany, troop, or battery, and of bakers one for each garrison, military post, or station. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1884, he again ventured to invite attention to the importance of providing for the enlistment of cooks and bakers for the Army, as the year before. The present system of temporary details from the small company strength, subject to frequent changes, for cooks and bakers, is vicious in the extreme for garrison service. The men so detailed are inexperienced, and, from the temporary nature of the employment, they take but little interest in it and frequently look upon the work with disgust. The natural result is good materials transformed into absolutely unwholesome food by bad baking or cooking. He further recommended that the net proceeds of the savings on flour in post bakeries be divided among the troops contributing the flour in proportion to their contributions, and that none of such savings be diverted to post funds. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, he reiterates what he has heretofore said in preceding reports. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, he again invites attention to the subject of cooks and bakers for the Army, and urges the enlist- ment of cooks and bakers, as in the report for 1881. That the Army of the United 560 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. States is provided with a ration ample in quantity and excellent in quality has been demonstrated in war as well as in peace, but the articles composing it are furnished in the raw state, and must be further prepared by the cook or the baker. Bake ovens, kitchens, ranges, cooking stoves, and utensils are now pro- vided by the Government, but no adequate provision has been made for their use in the best manner. Everything is provided save one, and that one is the skilled hand absolutely necessary to transform the raw materials into good, wholesome, palatable food-the cook or the baker. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30,1888, he renewed his recommendations made in his several preceding reports for the enlistment of cooks and bakers. He did not favor large and expensive cooking establishments at military posts, but believed that each company should do its own cooking and that the company messes should be continued, and that it would not be wise to substitute for them post messes, where the cooking would be done on so large and different a scale that it would all have to be changed in time of war or in field service. The company mess in garrison is, and should be, a school preparatory to the field mess, while a large and expensive post mess would be preparatory to no other, but would take away the important school and training inherent in the company mess. In his annual report for the year ending June 30, 1889, he reiterated what he had stated in his annual report of the preceding year. In his annual report for the year ending June 30,1890, he again called the atten- tion of the Secretary of War to the matter of enlistment of cooks and bakers, as heretofore. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, he again renewed the recommendations so frequently made by his predecessors, and commended the matter to the special attention of higher authorities, believing it to be one of the greatest importance for the welfare, comfort, and efficiency of enlisted men of the Army for the enlistment of cooks and bakers for the Army. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, he again renewed the recommendations made by preceding Commissaries-General for the enlistment of cooks and bakers, and cited the reasons heretofore given for their enlistment. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30,1895, he called attention to recommendations made in the years from 1876 to 1892 for legislation which would authorize the enlistment of cooks and bakers for the military service, and hoped that the Secretary of War might find it consistent to urge upon Congress the de- sirability of passing the necessary laws for the enlistment and payment of cooks and bakers needed for the service. He cited the fact that in the Navy stewards, cooks, and boys are enlisted for the service of officers and crew, and suggested that to perform similar work in cooking and baking for the enlisted force of the Army skilled cooks and bakers should be enlisted for these special services whose pay should be fixed by law. For instance, there should be a cook and assistant cook for every company, and at posts at which general messes are established or main- tained a chief cook at every post, and one baker and assistant baker, with addi- tional assistant bakers not exceeding one for every 200 rations of bread baked per day in excess of 300. The pay of the chief cook and the baker should be $30 each; the cook, $25; assistant baker, $18, and assistant cook $16 per month. The expenses of managing bakeries have become greater from the fact that the bakers and assistants are now allowed extra-duty pay at the increased rates now paid to all classes of extra-duty men. This extra pay is paid out of the money received from the sale of flour and bread. In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, he again renewed his recommendations for the enlistment of cooks and bakers, and cited pay as in 1895, REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 561 ARMY COOKS. After many unsuccessful attempts, covering a period of twenty years, to secure the passage of a law in the interest of cooks and bakers, Congress at its last session enacted a law, approved July 7, 1898, authorizing and directing the enlist- ment of cooks for every company, battery, and troop in the Regular and Volunteer armies of the United States, as a part of the authorized enlisted strength thereof, and to have the rank and pay of a corporal of the army of the service to which he belonged, and accordingly on the 12th day of July, 1898, instructions governing their enlistment were published in G. O. 94, H. G. A., of 1898. BAKERS. The recommendation for appointment of bakers failed to receive due considera- tion by Congress at its last session, but upon his request to the honorable the Secretary of War, July 9, 1898, authority was given him to employ such number of civilian bakers as might be necessary to bake the bread for the Army, and to be paid out of the appropriation ' ' Subsistence of the Army. " Accordingly, on the 13th day of July, a circular letter was issued by this office and sent to all officers of this department giving them detailed instructions governing the duties of bakers. On the 12th day of July, 1898, 12 were appointed at salaries ranging from $50 to $60 per month, and sent to Santiago, Cuba, for duty. On July 24, 6 were appointed and sent to Porto Rico. Many of them returned to the States after two months' service and were discharged. SECRETARIES REPORTS FROM 1876 TO 1898. In the annual report of Secretary of War J. D. Cameron, for the year 1876, no mention is made of cooks and bakers. In the annual report of Secretary of War George W. McCrary, for the year 1877, no mention is made of cooks and bakers. In the annual report of Secretary of War George W. McCrary, for the year 1878, no mention is made of cooks and bakers. In the annual report of Secretary of War George W. McCrary, for the year 1879, he repeats the Commissary-General's recommendation with regard to previous recommendations that cooks and bakers should be specially enlisted, extra pay given them, and schools established for their instruction. Also invites attention to that portion of the report of the Board of Officers on Army Cooks, which relates to this subject. In the annual report of Secretary of War Alexander Ramsey, for the year 1880, he repeats the recommendation of the Commissary-General that army cooks and bakers should be enlisted and cooking schools established, and recommends an appropriation of $1,000 for printing Manual of Army Cooks. Also states that in the annual encampments of State militia the militiamen should accustom themselves to the use of the army rations, the importance of which will be appre- ciated by those who have had experience with volunteers during their first service in the field. In the annual report of Secretary of War Robert T. Lincoln, for the year 1881, he invites attention to the remarks of the Commissary-General of Subsistence in reference to the introduction of cooks into the Army to prepare the rations of the companies, troops, and batteries, under such regulations as may be prescribed under section 1174, Revised Statutes, and recommends same. In the annual report of Secretary of War Robert T. Lincoln, for the year 1882, 1882, no mention is made of army cooks and bakers. 7833-vol. 1 36 562 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. In the annual report of Secretary of War Robert T. Lincoln, for the year 1883, he states that the Commissary-General of Subsistence renews previous recom- mendations looking to improvement in the cooking of the food supplied by the Subsistence Department to the Army, and suggests that if provision were made by law for the special enlistment of men for cooks and bakers the health, comfort, and efficiency of the troops would be materially benefited thereby. In the annual report of Secretary of War Robert T. Lincoln, for the year 1884, he states that the Commissary-General of Subsistence again invites attention to the importance of providing for the enlistment of cooks and bakers for the Army, and concurs with him in his belief that such a course would add much to the comfort as well as the health of the soldiers, who must now in many instances depend upon the cooking of enlisted men who have no special aptitude for the work. In the annual report of Secretary of War William C. Endicott, for the year 1885, he states that the Commissary-General renews his recommendation for a resolu- tion authorizing the enlistment of a cook for each troop and battery and for each general depot for recruits and a baker for each garrison post in the service. Is convinced that skilled men of this character are necessary for preserving the health and promoting the health, comfort, and efficiency of the enlisted men of the Army, and the Secretary most heartily concurs in this recommendation and trusts that the necessary authority will be granted by Congress, as it is of the first importance to the health and contentment of the men that their food is well cooked and properly served. In his annual report for the year 1886 Secretary of War William C. Endicott states that the army ration is ample in quantity, excellent in quality, and the utensils for cooking are all provided, but it is not cooked as it should be for want of proper skill. It is one of the great wants of the service, as reported both by the Commissary-General and the Surgeon-General, and nothing would add as much to the comfort of the troops as a corps of good cooks. Accordingly the Secretary unites with the Commissary-General in recommending that legislative authority be granted for the enlistment of one cook for each troop, battery, and company, and each general depot of recruits, and a baker for each garrison post. In his annual report for the year 1887 Secretary of War William C. Endicott makes no mention of cooks and bakers. In his annual report for the year 1888 Secretary of War William C. Endicott renews former recommendations that authority be obtained from Congress for the enlistment of a cook for each troop, battery, and company, and each general depot of recruits, and of a baker for each garrison post. In his annual reports for the years 1889-90 Secretary of War Redfield Proctor makes no mention of army cooks and bakers. In his annual report for the year 1891 Secretary of War Redfield Proctor makes no mention of army cooks and bakers. In his annual report for the year 1892 Secretary of War S. B. Elkins again invites attention to the great importance of having cooks and bakers enlisted for the Army, considering them essential to the health, comfort, and efficiency of the troops. Recommends that their enlistment be authorized by law. In his annual report for the years 1893, 1894, and 1895 Secretary of War Daniel S. Lamont makes no mention of army cooks and bakers. In his annual report for the year 1896 Secretary of War Daniel S. Lamont states that the consolidated mess for all the men of a garrison has many features to recommend it, but it has not met with general approval. For two years past all new barracks built or planned provide for company cooking and messing. In his annual report for the year 1897 Secretary of War R. A. Alger makes no mention of army cooks and bakers. Respectfully submitted. Chas. P. Eagan, Commissary-General of Subsistence, United States Army. 563 REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. GENERAL ORDERS 116 AND 136. War Department, General Orders, > Adjutant-General's Office, °' ' • Washington, August 10, 1898. The following is published to the Army for the information and guidance of all concerned: Medical officers in charge of general hospitals, hospital trains, hospital trans- ports, and the hospital at the camp at Pablo Beach, Fla., and at the hospital at the camp at Montauk Point, N. Y., will be allowed to expend from the appro- priation " Subsistence of the Army," for the diet of the enlisted men undergoing medical treatment under their charge, at the rate of not exceeding 60 cents per man per day for the period each is undergoing treatment. The allowance so made will constitute a special fund in the hands of the medical officer in charge, from which will be purchased the entire diet of the enlisted men while undergoing medical treatment. These purchases will be restricted to articles of food, solid and liquid, the quantities and varieties of which will be determined by the medical officer in charge. Chief commissaries of departments will transfer to medical officers in charge such subsistence funds as may be estimated for by the latter for carrying out the objects of this order. There will be rendered monthly to the Commissary-General of Subsistence, by the medical officers concerned, regular accounts current supported by vouchers showing the application of these funds, and regular returns of subsistence stores accounting for the articles of food purchased and issued. There will be submitted with each monthly return a tabular statement showing the number of patients present during the month as shown by the hospital records, and the money value of the articles issued to and consumed by them. The statement will be so arranged as to show the actual cost of subsistence per man per day for the month. Transfers of subsistence funds from one hospital, train, or transport to another without authority of the Commissary-General of Subsistence, and the purchase from subsistence funds of articles other than food intended foi' diet of the sick, are prohibited. This order will go into effect at once, and all surplus funds in the hands of medical officers in charge, arising from the commutation of rations heretofore allowed to enlisted men undergoing treatment under their charge, will be taken up on their accounts current for the month of August, and all articles purchased from such commutation remaining on hand unconsumed on receipt hereof will be taken up on their returns of subsistence stores for that month. By order of the Secretary of War: H. C. Corbin, Adpdant-General. War Department, General Orders, i Adjutant-General's Office, No. 136. f Washington, September 3, 1898. The following is published to the Army for the information and guidance of all concerned: The provisions of General Orders, No. 116, War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, August 10,1898, are hereby extended to include all field and post hospitals. In this connection it is to be understood that General Orders, No. 116, does not do away with the hospital fund, but applies to patients who, in the opinion of the surgeon, are too sick to use the ration. For patients that can use the ration and for the Hospital Corps savings can be made as heretofore. Nor does the order take away the privilege of using funds and supplies furnished by aid societies, the 564 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. using of which is left to the discretion of the surgeon, as is also the question whether or not there should be separate tables, kitchens, etc., having in mind the fact that the subsistence fund is to be used for those patients who need special articles of diet. General Orders, No. 116, is further intended to place in the hands of the surgeon a fund from which necessary articles of diet for patients too sick to use the ration can be purchased, without waiting for the formation of a hospital fund, and at the same time to prevent a large hospital fund accruing from those too sick to use the ration. To sum up, the allowance of subsistence funds is intended to furnish the sur- geon with the necessary funds for the purchase of such articles of the diet as in his discretion he may find necessary. It is not intended foi' those well enough to use the ration, nor is it intended to furnish the Hospital Corps with delicacies and special articles of the ration which could not be purchased from their own savings. By order of the Secretary of War: H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. INCLOSURES. No. 26864. Letter from Charles H. Dickson, Washington, D. C., dated May 25, 1898, stating that many soldiers, notably District of Columbia and Sixth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, complain that rations served at Camp Alger, Va., were insufficient, poor, and very poorly cooked. Complaint, he understands, is general at the camp. (One inclosure.) No. 27086. Letter from Hon. Rowland B. Mahany, M. C., dated Washington, May 24, 1898, in regard to suffering of members of the Sixty-fifth New York Vol- unteers at Camp Alger. Great privation from want of food and water. (Press copy letter Secretary of War inclosed.) No. 28462. Letter from Hon. Peter J. Otey, M. C., dated Washington, D. C., June 11, 1898, and June 23, 1898. (One inclosure.) In regard to rations of Third Virginia Volunteers at Camp Alger, Va., insufficient, consisting of only hard bread and salt pork, with beans occasionally. No. 28730. Secretary to President, dated June 15, 1898, sends telegram from E. B. Carey, stating that his brother, a member of the Sixty-ninth New York at Tampa, is being slowly starved. (Three inclosures.) No. 28783. Letter of Hon. Morris Page, M. C., dated June 16, 1898, inclosing letter from Julia E. L. Moore, dated Duluth, Minn., June 8, 1898, regarding the poor quality of food furnished troops at Chickamauga, Ga. (Two inclosures.) No. 29680. Letter from Mrs. M. D. Blake, Chicago, Ill., dated July 27, 1898, with regard to rations at Fort McPherson, Ga. Thanks the President and Secre- tary of War for their prompt action, and says that the soldiers are now well satis- fied with their food and have no complaint to make. No. 30156. Mrs. George Hopkins, Savoy, Ill., June 29,1898, complains that men of the Fourth Illinois Volunteers are being starved through the negligence of the officers in charge of the provisions at Jacksonville, Fla. (Copy-original having been returned to Mrs. Hopkins by the Secretary of War.) No. 31518. Letter of Lieut. Henry Roach, Thirty-fourth Michigan, dated at sea, June 27,1898, referring to statement made in Detroit paper that the Thirty-fourth Michigan were fed on moldy bread and rotten beef, and that upon examination officers and men of regiment found no just cause for complaint to exist. No. 32159. Letter from M. L. Tanner, Red Cross Society, dated Washington, August 3, 1898, complaining of the quality of food served troops at Camp Alger. No. 32279. Letter from Charles H. Adams, dated Pasadena, Cal., June 17, 1898, regarding insufficiency of rations furnished the Seventh California Volunteer Infantry at Camp Merritt. No. 27422. Copy of telegram from Maj. Gen. John R. Brooke, to Secretary of War, dated Chickamauga Park, Ga., May 31, 1898, stating there is no reason REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 565 whatever for complaint as to quantity and kind of food furnished the troops in this camp. This in answer to Secretary of War's telegram asking what are the facts. Press copy of Secretary's telegram and General Brooke's telegram inclosed. (Two inclosures.) No. 31174. September 7 telegram from Commissary-General to Smith, commis- sary: " It has been reported that the Sixteenth Pennsylvania has been receiving weevilly bread. Is that so?" To which Colonel Smith replies on the 8th: "All commissaries instructed to exchange any bread found spoiled, and only ten cases have been turned in. Half fresh bread issued since August 14." No. 27494. Letter from C. W. Rhodes, dated New York, May 29,1898, protesting to the President about troops at Camp Black being compelled to go without butter and sugar. Press copy of Commissary-General's reply inclosed. (One inclosure.) No. 29759. On September 15, 1898, the Commissary-General telegraphs Osgood, commissary at Santiago, Cuba: " Has been reported to the President there is a very great deal of actual starvation and a very great deal of sickness among troops." Asks if there is any truth whatever in the statement that there has been starvation. On September 16. Osgood telegraphs the Commissary-General that men in great numbers sick, but not from lack of food. Rations sufficient for ten times as many troops. Stories of starvation stupid rot. On September 16 the Commissary-General telegraphed Osgood at Santiago concerning complaints about meat supplied by Swift & Co. Asks if damaged meat is being issued. September 18, 1898, Osgood informs Commissary-General that unfit meat neither accepted nor issued. Anything to contrary false. No. 31830. Letter from C. Atkinson, Norristown, Pa., complaining that men at Camp Alger are on half rations. Refers to Pennsylvania regiment. No. 35046. From C. T. Madison, Second Louisiana Volunteers, Jacksonville, Fla., September 13, 1898, protests against the unjust criticisms against the Sub- sistence Department, and states that the department has always been punctual in supplying his regiment. No. 34901. Letter from J. Lee Adams, M. D., Washington, September 7,1898, complains that commutation of rations was refused his son, Arthur B. Adams, Company G, First District of Columbia Volunteers, journeying from Montauk Point to Washington, D. C. General Orders 116 and 136. Extracts from reports of former Commissaries-General. Abstract of subsistence stores purchased by Subsistence Department in the months of April, May, June, July, and August, 1898, at the various purchasing stations. Pork pounds.. 330,919 Bacon do 7,038,389 Fresh beef do 10,330,486 Beef, corned do... 2,044,355 Fish, fresh, dried, and pick- led pounds.. 52,352 Boiled beef do... 97,001 Mutton do 2,259 Flour for issue do... 17,898,299 Hard bread.... do... 11,512,608 Corn meal do... 945,276 Baking powder do... 1,434,829 Beans do... 3,732,934 Beans, baked cans.. 2,3'21,125 Peas pounds.. 56,712 Soft bread do.__ 2,610,187 Rice -do 1,086,644 Hominy pounds. _ 255,028 Potatoes do 9,197,882 Onions do 1,396,783 Ice do... 296,130 Roast beef do. _ _ 4,896,854 Milk, fluid quarts.. 48,380 Tomatoes 3-lb. cans.. 20,837,224 Coffee: Green pounds._ 1,603,054 Roasted do... 1,438,829 Ginger ale bottles.. 93,770 Teas, assorted pounds. _ 19,477 Sugar do 3,441,505 Molasses gallons.. 6,461 Vinegar do 289,059 Salt, issue pounds.. 1,444,317 Pepper, black do... 105,676 566 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Abstract of subsistence stores purchased by Subsistence Department, etc.-Cont'd. Soap, issue pounds.. 1,500,638 Candles do 529,972 Candles, lantern do... 40,195 Foods: Apples- 3-pound cans 13,092 1-gallon cans 5,722 Evaporated pounds.. 25,046 Apricots _ .3-pound cans. _ 37,290 Bacon,breakfast-pounds.. 128,194 Butter do.__ 55,857 Cheese- American do... 16,439 Edam ... numbei' .. 3,659 Chocolate- Plain pounds.. 8,122 V anilla do 5,153 Coffee, extra (Java and Mocha) pounds.- 104,278 Corn, green, 2-pound cans 127,901 Crabs- Pony cans 720 2-pound cans 600 Crackers, assorted, pounds 128,596 Flour pounds. _ 329,153 Gelatin. 2-ounce packets.. 7,791 Ham- Deviled. _I-pound cans. _ 62,580 Sugar-cured. - .pounds._ 121,781 Lard do 178,473 Lobster _. .1-pound cans. _ 4,426 Macaroni pounds _ _ 23,292 Milk 1-pound cans.. 286,620 Oatmeal pounds. _ 1,187,722 Oysters ...1 -pound cans.. 8,358 Peaches- 3-pound cans 96,438 Evaporated _. .pounds. _ 25,080 Pears 2-pound cans.. 69,209 Peas, green- American .pound cans.. 111,312 French, .one-half cans. _ 8,237 Pigs' feet- Fresh pound cans.. 2,274 Pickled .15-pound kits. _ 1,389 Pineapples. 2-pound cans.. 12,068 Preserves, damson, 2-pound cans 8,610 Prunes pounds.. 123,998 Salmon cans.. 2,016,469 Foods-Continued. Sardines- One-fourth boxes 35,899 One-half boxes 13,292 Shrimps cans.. 2,854 Soups qt. cans.. 90,616 Starch, corn pounds. _ 15,331 Maple sirup gallons. - 2,295 Sugar, white- Cut-loaf pounds. _ 97,397 Granulated do 343,752 Powdered do... 25,275 Tapioca do... 4,511 Tongue, beef do... 12,286 Eggs dozen.. 32,070 Dried fruits pounds.. 80,000 Spices, seasonings, sauces, jams, jellies, etc.: Cinnamon, ground, pounds 1,096 Cloves, ground . .pounds. _ 365 Flavoring extracts- Lemon bottles. _ 6,978 Vanilla do 11,612 Ginger, ground, .pounds.. 691 Cloves, whole do _.. 5 Jam, blackberry (cans and jars) pounds.- 68,746 Jelly, currant (cans and jars) pounds. _ 76,217 Lime juice bottles.. 41,415 Mustard- Ground pounds.. 4,251 French bottles. _ 9,645 Nutmegs pounds.. 210 Oil, olive .. quart bottles _ _ 6,304 Olives do... 13,040 Pepper, red- Cayenne pounds.. 684 Chile Colorado do... 153 Pickles, assorted, pint jars 88,444 Salt, table pounds.. 102,113 Sauce- Cranberry cans.. 7,731 Worcestershire, bot- tles 12,056 Cigars, tobacco, and pipes: Cigars, assorted .number. _ 826,165 Pipes, brierwood, assorted, number 70,073 Pipestems number.. 4,218 REPLY OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 567 Abstract of subsistence stores purchased by Subsistence Department, etc.-Cont'd. Cigars,tobacco,etc.-Cont'd. Tobacco, plug.. .pounds. _ 178,971 Tobacco, smoking, as- sorted pounds.. 227,085 Toilet soaps, kitchen and laundry materials: Soap, toilet and kitchen, cakes 295,804 Bluing, powdered, 2-ounce boxes 7,700 Starch,laundry. .pounds. _ 16,209 Borax... 1-pound papers.. 4,199 Electro silicon, 3-ounce boxes 8,161 Metal polish, 3-ounce tins 17,775 Tripoli flour, 4-ounce packages 7,162 Tailors' materials: Buttons, trousers, as- sorted dozen. _ 10,366 Needles papers.. 3,078 Needles, darning, .dozen.. 2,182 Needle books, with needles, dozen 1,254 Pins papers.. 4,858 Thread, assorted, .spools.. 33,215 Stationery: Envelopes, assorted, number 1,322,727 Ink, black, 3-ounce bot- tles 8,828 Paper, assorted. _ .quires. _ 66,570 Pencils, lead, assorted, number 23,021 Penholders number _ _ 9,426 Pens, fine, coarse, and stub number.. 31,200 Indelible pencils, num- ber 15,000 Sundries: Basins, hand __ .number.. 49,616 Blacking, shoe, assorted, boxes 30,868 Brooms, whisk, assorted, number. 19,288 Brushes- Blacking number. _ 18,233 Hair, large and small, number 10,571 Nail number. _ 3,706 Tooth, assorted _.. do... 32,546 Buttons, collar, with and without hinge. number _ _ 17,704 Can openers do_.. 26,411 Chamois skins do... 1,059 Clotheslines feet.. 181,452 Clothespins number _ _ 136,664 Combs, assorted do... 51,251 Handkerchiefs, linen and silk number.. 13,168 Ink, indelible bottles. _ 1,800 Matches, safety _. .boxes.. 1,769,079 Paper, toilet. _ .packages. _ 133,907 Razor strops, No. 1, num- ber 861 Shoestrings, porpoise and linen pairs. _ 82,258 Towels, assorted, num- ber 124,991 Toweling, bleached and unbleached yards _ _ 25,687 Razors number. _ ' 316 Cocoa pounds.. 1,080 Lemons boxes.. 100 Oranges do 200 Lima beans pounds. _ 31,975 Evaporated apricots.do... 10,000 Exceptional articles $20,282.87 In addition to these articles 41,500,000 pounds of subsistence supplies were purchased and issued to troops before and after muster in and before being sent to camps. Emergency ration-5,000 from American Compressed Food Company, of Passaic, N. J.; 5,000 from Freud Milling Company, of Detroit, Mich.; 529,980 rations J-pound tins bacon; 900,000 rations each of hard bread, coffee, sugar, pepper, and salt; 30,000 twilled bags, with compartments, purchased in Chicago, Ill.; 4,992 rations standard emergency, purchased in New York City, N.Y. Total weight of articles purchased, 156,343,248 pounds. I certify that the foregoing abstract is correct. Chas. P. Eagan, Commissary-General United States Army. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED BY THE COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION TO THE SURGEON-GENERAL, U. S. A. [Questions Nos. IO, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.] 569 REPLY OF THE SURGEON-GENERAL, U. S. A., TO QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED RY THE COMMISSION. Headquarters of the Army. Office of the Chief Surgeon, Washington. D. C., September 30, 1898. The Surgeon-General United States Army. Sir: In compliance with your verbal instructions, I have the honor to submit the following replies to questions 10, 11, 12, and 13, from the committee investi gating the War Department, so far as relates to the medical department under my immediate supervision: Question 10. In compliance with instructions from the Surgeon-General, all vessels used in transporting sick and wounded from the troops in Porto Rico were thoroughly inspected by a medical officer before the disabled were permitted to embark and were as fully supplied with surgeons, surgical instruments, medical supplies, potable water, and proper food as circumstances would permit, the con- dition of the transports and sick upon their arrival in the United States showing that this equipment was amply sufficient for their needs. My orders and other correspondence on this subject are hereunto attached, marked " Question 10, A to - Question 11. The personnel, excepting privates of the hospital corps, with the Porto Rican expedition was sufficient for an ordinary campaign, but owing to the large increase in the number of sick, from climatic conditions, the supply was insufficient later on. The deficit was, however, promptly met by the Surgeon- General, so soon as I reported it, and by details from regiments, on my applica- tion. The same remark applies to material which, in regard to medical supplies and comforts, such as delicacies for the sick, was supplemented by liberal contribu- tions from the Pennsylvania National Relief Association and from the National Red Cross Association. There was a temporary deficit of medical supplies for some days after the troops landed and until the transports were unloaded, but this was made good by purchases in quantities to meet all requisitions from medical officers. Of regular medical supplies an abundance was sent by the Surgeon-General on the hospital ship Relief in anticipation of and without any requisition from me. He also furnished me with $500 hospital fund to use at my discretion, and $4,780 of medical and hospital appropriation. Question 12. Yes. Attention is invited to copies of orders on this subject. Question 13. Regimental hospitals have not existed as a military organization in the United States Army since October 30, 1862, at which time they were abol- ished by orders from headquarters of the army in the field. When I assumed medical charge as chief surgeon of the troops in the field, May 3,1898,1 formulated a plan for their sanitary organization, a copy of which is hereunto attached. This plan was based upon the sanitary organization of our Army during the civil war and comprised a division field hospital of three brigade sections to accommodate 200 beds, a division ambulance company, and a dispen- sary service for each regiment. Provision was also made for a reserve division field hospital of 200 beds and a reserve ambulance company for each corps. The personnel was drawn partly from medical officers appointed by the President, partly from those belonging to regiments, and partly from civilian physicians employed under contract by the Surgeon-General. Two lieutenants of the line were detailed for each division hospital to act as quartermaster and commissary. 571 572 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The medical material was supplied by the Surgeon-General, and the mounts for the hospital corps wheeled transportation, tentage, hand litters, and working tools were drawn from the Quartermaster's Department. As these organizations were not complete when I left the country with General Miles for Cuba and Porto Rico I am unable to state whether or not their results in this country were satisfactory, but I can state that so far as the field operations in Porto Rico are concerned the results were satisfactory. The act of Congress approved April 22, 1898, did not provide for the enlistment of privates of the hospital corps into volunteer regiments, or for the appointment of commissioned medical officers for service in division hospitals and at other places where theii- services might be needed, and the expedient of transferring private soldiers from volunteer regiments to the hospital corps of the United States Army was adopted, but with very unsatisfactory results. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Stir geon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 573 DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 10-INSPECTI0N OF TRANSPORTS. Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, June 12, 1898. Col. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa, Fla. Sir: Your telegrams of June 11 have been received. I expect to have the hospital train at Tampa on Thursday, fully equipped to receive from 150 to 200 patients. Cases of serious illness, and such as are likely to require protracted treatment, should be put on the hospital train. I will give orders for their trans- fer to the hospital at Fort McPherson, or elsewhere, upon information conveyed to me by the surgeon in charge of the train or by yourself. The Relief will follow the expedition to Santiago as soon as she is ready for service, which, I hope, will be within a week or ten days. The navy ambulance ship Solace will, I understand, be ordered at once to San- tiago, and will receive the sick and wounded both from the army and navy for transportation home. ******* Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General. Adjutant-General's Office, Washington June, 25, 1898. Major-General Shafter, Playa del Este, Cuba: ******* Return the wounded on ships that are able to travel, using preferably the Har- vard and Yale,- returning to Newport News. ******* H. C. Corbin. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 18, 1898. Pope, Chief Surgeon, Fifth Army Corps: General Miles has authorized transfer to medical department of transport for yellow-fever floating hospital. La Garde will select it and outfit it as far as pos- sible; also has quarantined all transports. When immune doctors and nurses arrive make detail from them for ship- also for yellow-fever camp, and same at Siboney. I go to Porto Rico with the General. Keep in touch with me until you know of his departure from here. Ten ambulances are on Louisiana. Take them for your service; others are provided for Porto Rican expedition. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. 574 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Guantanamo Bay, July 18, 1898. La Garde, Siboney: General Miles has authorized the transfer of the Clinton, now at Siboney, to you for a yellow-fever hospital. The doctors and nurses coming from Washing- ton can furnish ultimate personnel, but use what you have for present service. I telegraphed Sternberg for a disinfecting plant. Orders quarantining transports have been sent to General Shafter. Put a doctor at the dock and give him your sanitary orders. If Clinton or other transport won't do, wire me and I will wire Sternberg. Transports will all soon go to Santiago Bay. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, on Board U. S. S. Yale, En route to Porto Rico, July 22,1898. Medical Officer in Charge, Transport steamer Specialist: You will at once transfer all the sick of your command to the transport Lam- pasas, sending with them a complete list, giving name, rank, and regiment, with diagnosis and descriptive lists; also sufficient quantity of medical supplies and rations to last them during the voyage from here to Fortress Monroe. You will retain a duplicate of this list so that you may account for the men transferred on your proper report. The hospital transport will be supplied with doctors and nurses. Very respectfully, x Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. This letter was sent to the medical officer in charge of the steamers Comanche, Rita, Nueces, Unionist, and to Major Crile, division surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, on Board U. S. S. Yale, En route to Porto Rico, July 22, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army: Sir: I have the honor to state that there are quite a number of sick on this and other transports of our fleet, probably in the neighborhood of 100. They are prin- cipally typhoid and other fevers. I recommend that so soon as we reach our des- tination that one of the transports most suitable for the purpose be placed at my disposal to receive these sick and take them to Fortress Monroe for assignment into the general hospital at that point. I will place on board 2 doctors and 15 nurses belonging to the Red Cross association now on the steamer Lampasas, and will require the medical officers on the different transports to furnish medical supplies sufficient for the use of the sick until they reach Fortress Monroe. In this way I hope to clear the army before it lands of all its sick. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. 575 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. Headquarters of the Army, on Board U. S. S. Yale, En route to Porto Rico, July 22, 1898. Lieut. Col. W. M. Black, Chief Engineer, United States Volunteers, Transport Steamer Lampasas. Sir: I have the honor to request you to inform Dr. Vogel and Miss Rutty, in charge of the Red Cross detachment on board your steamer, that a transport will be selected immediately upon our arrival at Porto Rico for the purpose of receiv- ing all the sick of this command and proceeding with them to Fortress Monroe, so that they may be admitted to the general hospital at that place. I should like to have Dr. Vogel designate two doctors, and Miss Rutty fifteen nurses, to go on board of this ship to take charge of the sick until their arrival in the United States. The remaining doctors and nurses I should like to have on duty in the provisional hospital about to be established at our base of supplies, wherever it may be. So soon as the hospital transport is selected and the transfer of the sick is ready I will notify you, so that the detachment may be also transferred from the Lampasas to the hospital ship. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Asssistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Ponce, Porto Rico, July 30, 1898. The Surgeon-General United States Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that 000 sick leave this port to-day for the United States on the transport Obdam. As information regarding her departure was received only a few hours ago, preparation for sending the sick has been of the most meager character. I have placed Maj. H. E. Bradley, surgeon of the Second Wisconsin Regiment, Acting Asst. Surg. C. Brewer, and ten hospital corps men on board and furnished them with the necessary food and medicines for the trip; the latter I have had to purchase, promising to pay as soon as funds are received from you. There is a very large sick report here, principally of typhoid fever and malarial disease, brought from camps of instruction. The means of caring for patients is limited; tentage, medical supplies, and doctors are lacking, and it is necessary to relieve the army at once of as many cases of this nature as possible. The men now sent were already on transports, having fallen sick en route from the United States. A transport, the Lampasas, is now in the harbor with 119 cases of typhoid on board and waiting only to unload her cargo of supplies necessary for the army before starting north. I trust there will be no delay in sending the hospital ships requested by my telegram and letters; they are badly needed now and will be indispensable in a short time. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-Ceneral, United States Army, Chief Surgeon, Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Playa del Ponce, Porto Rico, July 31,1898. The Surgeon-General United States Army. Sir: The headquarters expedition for Porto Rico and five transports loaded with troops and general supplies left Guantanamo Bay on the 21st instant, to be joined by transports now on their way from the United States, all to be rendezvous at Cape San Juan. On each of the transports a number of cases of illness developed 576 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. after leaving Charleston, most of them being typhoid fever. En route from Guantanamo Bay the number of cases on the Yale increased very rapidly until on arrival at Guanica there were 89 cases. One death occurred on the Yale, one on the Comanche, one at Guanica, and two at this port, the two former being buried at sea. Such medical supplies as were on the FuZewere inaccessible, being packed in the hold, and the cases were so severe that I was obliged to call on the ship's officers for mattresses and other bedding. Arriving at Guanica July 25, the general commanding directed me to transfer to the transport Lampasas all the sick. On this ship there was quartered a detach- ment of 4 doctors, 2 undergraduates, 2 pharmacists, and 30 female nurses belonging to the Red Cross Association, who had been given passage for the purpose of join- ing Miss Barton at Santiago. Miss Barton had left that port, which was under rigid quarantine, as was also Guantanamo Bay, and there was no place where they could be landed. They were, therefore, permitted to remain on the trans- port, and I utilized their services in caring for the sick. This was particularly necessary, as the troops were immediately landed, engaged with the enemy, and the services of all the medical officers and hospital corps men were demanded at once. The commanding officei' of the Yale transferred to me certain medical sup- plies for use on the Lampasas, which was without any. I inclose a list of them, with a list of bedding and fresh meat furnished by the Yale. Proper food could not be obtained for the fever cases on the Lampasas, because it was impossible to unload the transports to get at hospital stores, and the ordinary commissary sup- plies were not suitable for men in their condition. I had no funds from which payment to the ship could be made, and therefore arranged with Miss Rutty, the representative of the Red Cross nurses, to pay for the subsistence of the patients until their arrival at Fortress Monroe. No rations have been drawn for them by the medical department, and I have so notified the respective company com- manders. The money value of the rations that are due from the time they came on to the ship, July 25, 1898, until they leave it at Fortress Monroe is, therefore, a credit due from the Subsistence to the Medical Department. There are now on board the Lampasas 119 cases, as will appear from the list inclosed, and she has been ordered, as soon as her freight, consisting of engineering material, is unloaded, to proceed to Fortress Monroe, the captain of the ship being directed to report his arrival by telegraph to the Adjutant-General for instructions regarding the place at which patients shall be unloaded. As we have no telegraphic communication with the United States, I could not inform you. I have placed Acting Asst. Surg. H. C. Cline, U. S. A., in charge of her. The service rendered by the members of this detachment of Red Cross people has been invaluable, and they are entitled to great credit for their devotion to duty, their zeal, and their unremitting care of the sick under circumstances that were peculiarly trying. They have obeyed implicitly every order given to them and have never murmured through the real hardship to which they have been exposed. I shall be glad indeed to welcome them should they return, and I can always find suitable work for them in the base field hospital. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Playa del Ponce, Porto Rico, August 1, 1898. Acting Assistant Surgeon Cline, U. S. A. Sir: You are hereby placed in charge of the administrative care of the steamer Lampasas and will, in addition to this duty, render professional service to the sick. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 577 On the arrival of the steamer at Fortress Monroe you will be subject to such orders as you may receive from the Surgeon-General or proper military authorities. The captain of the ship has already received orders to report to the Adjutant- General of the Army. In your administrative work it is your duty to keep a correct record of all the sick on board in order that you may furnish the Surgeon- General with the necessary information about the patients. This duty you should perform personally at such time as may be at your disposal in your pro- fessional work. t You will also take charge of the enlisted men detailed for duty as attendants, preserving discipline among them and giving an oversight to their food and other comfort. The ladies belonging to the Red Cross Association should have entire charge of the comforts and care of the sick, every consideration being given to their humane efforts in behalf of our men. I inclose a copy of the orders under which the men of the Sixth Massachusetts are serving; you will deliver this to Corporal Gunter. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army. Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Cable.-From General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon United States troops in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 3, 1898. Relief sails for Ponce to-day. Do not send any sick on transports unless there is ample accommodation, medical supplies, suitable diet, and competent medical attendance. Acknowledge receipt. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Ponce, Porto Rico, August J, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Had decided not to send sick except on hospital ships. Establishing shore trans- fer hospital. Purchased outfit. Funds required. Was compelled to send those on Obdam and Lampasas. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port of Ponce, Porto Rico, August 4, 1898. The Surgeon-General, United States Army. Sir: Referring to yonr cable message of this date regarding the transfer of sick by transports returning to the United States, I have the honor to invite attention to my two letters of July 30 and July 31 regarding the Obdam and the Lampasas. The methods by which transports were loaded in the United States made the process of unloading a tedious affair, and our medical officers have been unable to get promptly after landing the proper quantity of either tentage or medical supplies for the care of the sick. I therefore directed that the sick remain on board the transports, where they at least had shelter, food, and such medicines as the doctors and attendants could carry on their persons, until arrangements could be made on shore for their care. After arrival at Guanica 7833-vol. 1 37 578 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the number increased rapidly and many of the cases developed typhoid symp- toms, so that, even with all the tentage that could be unloaded, there was not sufficient shelter for them. The unsanitary condition of the buildings in the town of Ponce deterred me from taking any of them for hospital purposes until after thorough cleansing and disinfection. It seemed, therefore, to be for the bes^. interest of the sick that this surplus, for which no provision was available, should be sent to the North at once, and they were made as comfortable as possible with the means at hand for the journey. I had decided, after leaving Siboney,not to permit any sick to be sent North except on hospital ships, and it was with this in view that I telegraphed you from that place for them; but the conditions here made it imperatively necessary to take prompt action, and therefore I had no hesitancy in departing in these two instances from my decision. In preparing the Lampasas at this port for her journey to the North I was very much embarrassed by a quarantine, which, in my opinion, was entirely unnecessary, that was placed upon her by the naval people because of a convalescing case of measles she had on board. Valuable time and several opportunities to secure delicacies for the sick, particularly ice, were lost while I was endeavoring to have some of the restrictions released; but in spite of my protests the quarantine was maintained until her departure. There is in the town of Ponce a large military hospital, in which, at the time of capture, there were 48 sick Spaniards, who had been abandoned by their people. The cases were principally venereal, and many of them were convalescing. These latter have been disposed of by parole, leaving only a few who need hospital treatment. I have had the building thoroughly policed and disinfected and the ward that was in use by the Spaniards fumigated, and expect by to-morrow to> be able to fit it up for use as a transfer hospital for our people, placing Assistant Surgeon Ten Eyck in charge. As the medical supplies here are only sufficient for use with the troops, I have purchased the necessary articles for fitting up this hospital, and will at a later date furnish you with a complete list of them. It is my intention to transfer from camps to this hospital cases that appear to demand shipment to the North, holding them for observation until the arrival of a hospital ship. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Cable.-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon United States troops in the field. Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 12,1898. Use tent hospitals. Send sick and convalescents home on Relief and properly equip transports. Will send money. Experienced hospital stewards not avail- able. Competent male nurses hard to find. Do you want trained female nurses? Acknowledge receipt. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce. Porto Rico, August 20, ISOS'. Sternberg, Washington: When will Relief sail? Is any other hospital ship coming? Can load two. Greenleaf, REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 579 [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 23, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Number sick increasing-intestinal disorders and malarial. A properly equipped transport to return sick should be here every week. Add Warburg's tincture to relief supplies. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 21/., 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: In view of the approaching transfer of sick and convalescents to the United States, I have the honor to recommend that the following instruction's be sent to the various commanding officers, so that the preparation for the comfort of the men may be secured. The generals of the several commands of this army will at once organize a board of medical officers in their respective commands to examine into the con- dition of the men now reported as sick in quarters, with a view of selecting those who should be transferred to the United States. In making this selection no one will be included who is liable to severe illness during the voyage or unable to bear transportation to the ship. Men with slight ailments, who will probably recover within seven days, will not be included. The convalescents belonging to regiments that are ordered north will be sent with their regiments. Of those belonging to regiments that are to remain on the island the aggregate number will be reported to the chief surgeon, awaiting at their camps orders for transportation. Such of the sick in the hospitals as are able to bear the journey will be sent to the north on the first regular hospital ship that arrives in port. Great care must be exercised in the selection both of the sick and convalescents to avoid the transfer of men who are unable to bear the journey or are likely to die on the road, or of men who are not proper subjects for transfer as convalescents. Transfer slips will be made in all cases and forwarded with the men when transferred. The officers who will be placed in charge of the convalescent ship will make provision for rations and descriptive lists, and be personally responsible that the ship and supplies are in good condition before she sails. Medical officers will be detailed for service with the command. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Note.-These recommendations were approved and embodied in a general order that was issued the same day by General Miles. C. R. G. ORDER. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 25, 1898. The chief surgeons of the several commands of this army will at once organize a board of medical officers in their respective commands to examine into the con- dition of the men now reported as sick in quarters, with a view of selecting those 580 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. who should be transferred to the United States. In making this selection no one will be included who is liable to severe illness during the voyage or unable to bear transportation to the ship. Men with slight ailments that will probably recover within seven days will not be included. The convalescents belonging to regiments that are ordered north will be sent with their regiments. Of those belonging to regiments that are to remain on the island the aggregate number will be reported to the chief surgeon, awaiting at their camps orders for transportation. Such of the sick in hospital as are able to bear the journey will be sent to the north on the first regular hospital ship that arrives in port. Great care must be exercised in the selection both of the sick and convalescents to avoid the transfer of men who are unable to bear the journey or are likely to die on the road, or of men who are not proper subjects for transfer as convalescents. Transfer slips will be made in all cases and forwarded with the men when transferred. Officers of the line will be placed in charge of the convalescent ship, make pro- vision for rations and descriptive lists, and be personally responsible that the ship and supplies are in good condition before she sails. Medical officers will be detailed for service with the command. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 27, 1898. Major Crile, Chief Surgeon, General Henry's Command, Utuado: Hospital ship Relief expected to arrive on Sunday. How many sick will you have to transfer to her, and from what point had they better be loaded? Very sick should not be allowed to make the journey. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 27, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that the plumbing arrangements on the steam- ship Obdam are very much out of order and should be attended to before she sails. The water-closets are reported to me as being offensive in odor and uncleanly. I recommend that the necessary steps be taken to put this part of the ship in per- fect order. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 28, 1898. General Brooke, Guayama: Thanks for your good words. With our limited transportation an allotment of numbers for the several commands is essential, both as to the sick and convales- cents. Am preparing the Panama for the latter and the Relief is expected to-day for the former. Will send both to Arroyo for you. I agree with you as to buildings for troops, which should be of double wall, brick, or of concrete with iron roofs. No wooden buildings should be permitted. Until proper buildings are constructed wall, hospital, or Sibley tents should be used or buildings in towns appropriated. Have made notes of all your suggestions and will lay them before the President on arrival. Greenleaf. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 581 MEMORANDUM OF SUGGESTED TELEGRAMS SENT TO COMMANDING GENERALS. Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 29,1898. Immediate information desired of number of proper cases of sick for transfer to the hospital ship Relief. No case must be sent to her that is likely to die on the road or to be injured by removal. By command of Major-General Miles: J. C. Gilmore, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Sent to- General Brooke (Guayama). General Wilson (Ponce). General Garretson (Utuado). Colonel De Russey (Mayaguez). Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 31, 1898. Maj or W oodbury , Surgeon, United States Volunteers, Port Ponce, Porto Rico. Sir: Dr. Gloninger, of the Fourth Pennsylvania, came to see me this evening about certain cases that he desired transferred to the Relief. These cases are now on the Chester. From his description of them I think that the majority ought not to be permitted to go north with the regiment, but should be sent to the general hospital. This suggests to me the propriety of your making or having made by some reliable assistant a very close inspection of the sick that are shipped with regiments in transit to the north. While the original examining board may have fully performed its duty, certain cases that appeared mild in nature when the troops left their camp may have developed into serious cases by the time they reached Ponce, and should therefore be stopped right here. A lack of vigilance in this particular can very easily lead to serious trouble at the other end of the route, when the troops are inspected by the authorities at New York or Montauk Point. Very truly, yours, Chas. R. Greenleaf. MEMORANDUM. I was called at midnight of the 31st of August to provide for 17 convalescents belonging to the Second Wisconsin Volunteers, who had been dumped on the wharf at Ponce and left there to take care of themselves. They had no food and no comforts for sleeping. The orders from the general commanding to place them in the convalescent camp were well understood by the officers, but were simply disregarded. I placed the men on board the steamship Panama for the night, and the next morning sent them to the general hospital at Ponce for care and such further disposition as the chief surgeon could see proper to make of their cases. Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce. Porto Rico, August 31,1898. Maj. George H. Torney, Surgeon, United States Army, Commanding Relief. Sir: I have the honor to inform you that prior to the arrival of the hospital ship Relief orders were issued by General Miles at my request for boards to con- sist of three medical officers to be convened at hospitals in the command of 582 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Generals Brooke and Schwan, for the purpose of examining the sick in hospital and determining who of them should be transferred to the Relief for shipment north. The board was instructed to select only such men as could bear the journey without prospect of permanent injury or prospect of death during the voyage, and to reject all men liable to be fit for duty within seven days. Similar instructions were given to the surgeon in charge of the general hospital at Ponce. Due precautions have therefore been taken to select proper cases to be trans- ferred to the north, and I have to request that, should you find that these orders have been disregarded, you will report the facts to the Surgeon-General of the Army in order that the responsibility for such disobedience of orders may be fixed. A copy of this letter will be forwarded to the Surgeon-General. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Camp near Ponce, Porto Rico, August 25, 1898. Colonel Woodbury, Deputy Surgeon-General, United States Army, Ponce, Porto Rico. Sir: Pursuant to your verbal order of to-day I inspected the transports in the harbor of Ponce, Porto Rico, with a view of selecting one for the transportation of convalescent soldiers homeward bound. I have the honor of submitting the result of the inspection, together with some recommendations, as requested by Colonel Greenleaf and yourself. The following ships were inspected: Rita, Uto, Panama, Gussie, Concho, Alamo, Chester, Mississippi, and Obdam. 1. The Rita arrived on the 23d instant loaded with miscellaneous supplies, which are to be issued at various ports from the ship. She will not be unloaded in this harbor. 2. The Uto is unavailable. She is loaded with engineers' supplies, and has no possible accommodation for troops-especially convalescents. 3. Panama. Not available. 4. Gussie. An old-fashioned side-wheeler. Slow, and totally unfit for the pur- pose desired. 5. The Concho (transport No. 14). Will not be available for two weeks. Ven- tilation between decks is wretched. Has capacity for 40 officers in staterooms and 150 men in hammocks. Tank capacity, 20,000 gallons. Has no condenser. No fans for artificial ventilation. No cooking facilities except for first-class cabin. Soldiers would have to subsist entirely on travel rations. 6. Alamo (transport No. 35, Quartermaster's Department). Formerly belonged to the Mallory Line. Will not be unloaded for six days. Capacity in cabin, first- class, 75; troops in hammocks, 400. Tank capacity, 10,000 gallons. Also, ballast tank 20,000 gallons (ordinarily filled with salt water, but could be used for fresh water). Not provided with condenser or ventilating fans. Has no accommoda- tions for cooking. Troops would be compelled to subsist on travel rations. Has two small copper boilers for preparing coffee. General sanitary condition of lav- atories good. Ship is clean. 7. Chester (transport No. 32). Now ready for sea. Brought nearly 1,500 passen- gers and crew, together with 230 mules on last trip. Is in excellent sanitary con- dition. Could easily accommodate 1,000 troops of the type referred to, also 100 officers. Has tank capacity of 19,000 gallons and (distilling) condensing plant of 3,000 gallons daily. Good cooking facilities for extra diet. Has four large Fergu- son ventilating fans in first-class order, which keep the atmosphere between decks clear and pure. Has a ship's hospital-20 beds in good sanitary condition-located on upper deck, well ventilated. All stabling has been removed and sent ashore. 8. Mississippi. An old Atlantic cattle ship, now heavily loaded. Not available REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 583 for from ten days to two weeks. Capacity, 800 troops, with deck room or venti- lated quarters. Tank capacity, 18,000 gallons. Condenser, 2,000 gallons daily. She is dirty, has poor lavatories, badly located. No cooking facilities except for crew. Her unsanitary condition renders her totally unsuitable for the purposes desired. 9. Obdam (transport No. 30). Will require six days to complete unloading. Has accommodations for 75 first,class and 500 convalescent troops. Tank capacity, 14,000; condenser, 4,000 gallons daily. Has small hospital with four beds. Poor cooking facilities for extra diet. Could make home passage in five and one-half days with favorable weather. No ventilating fans. Sanitary condition good. There can be no question as to which ships are most available from a sanitary standpoint. The Chest er ranks first; the Obdam second. The Chester will accom- modate a much greater number and has better ventilation between decks and better facilities for preparation of delicacies or foods for the weak convalescents. Regarding the class of patients to be taken to the United States I would respect- fully recommend that such as are convalescing from insolation, low fevers, and gastro-intestinal disturbances be selected. Respectfully, L. L. Seaman, Major and Surgeon, First Regiment United States Volunteer Engineers. Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 26,1898. Major Woodbury, Chief Surgeon. Sir: In compliance with orders, I have inspected the Panama, with a view of ascertaining her qualifications as a transport for convalescent troops, and beg to report as follows: The ship will be entirely unloaded to-day. She is coaled and can be ready for sea in twenty-four hours. She has all her tanks (capacity, 14,000 gallons) full; also 100 casks of Croton water, 200 gallons in each cask. She has no condenser and fans for ventilation. Her sanitary condition is good; excellent lavatories and shower bathroom for troops; also good washing accommodations. Is lighted throughout with electricity. Cooking accommodation for 300 troops. Can run to New York in six and one-half days. Three hundred is full number I would recommend her taking. Also good accommodation for 24 officers. Total capac- ity, 324. If this ship, the Panama, is selected, 2 barrels of lime should be sent to her cap- tain at once (also 6 whitewash brushes), with directions to have all spaces between decks thoroughly whitewashed. The captain should also be directed to retain the 100 casks of Croton water on the ship. Respectfully, Seaman, Major, Surgeon First United States Volunteer Engineers. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, on board S. S. Obdam, En route to New York, September 6, 1898. Capt. Walter Allen, U. S. V., Quartermaster. Sir: I have the honor to invite your attention to certain unsanitary conditions of this ship which, in my opinion, should be corrected before she goes again to sea. First. The plumbing in connection with the water-closets and urinals. This is very defective, the pipes clogging frequently and the flush being faulty. The cap- tain of the ship informs me that the whole apparatus is old and not worth repair- ing. I recommend that it be thoroughly overhauled and, if necessary, replaced with new pipes. 584 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Second. Ventilation. While the weather is good and the ports and hatches can be kept open and wind sails used, the air between decks is fairly good; but if any one of these sources of supply should be shut off in consequence of stormy weather the atmospheric conditions would be unbearable. This applies to the staterooms as well as between decks. I understand that there is sufficient motor power and machinery to drive the requisite number of electric fans, and I recommend that they be supplied to all parts of the ship and used systematically. Third. Cleanliness. This is essential, but particularly with reference to the toilet boxes in the staterooms, the water containers of all kinds, the filters, and the cold-storage box, in which food is kept. I do not know whether the present force of ship's company is sufficient to do this kind of work thoroughly, but if it is not it should be increased, since it is very inadequately done now. The water from the Pasteur filter is exceedingly malodorous and undrinkable, and the toilet boxes are uncleanly. Regarding the general regulations for cleanliness of the quarters occupied by the troops there is much to be said, and I propose making this the subject of a separate communication to the Quartermaster-General/merely adding that the passable condition of cleanliness among the troops has been obtained only through the greatest difficulties and by frequent inspections by the medical officers and myself. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. 585 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 11-SUPPLY OF PERSONNEL AND MEDICAL MATERIAL. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., May 11, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that there will be required for use with the med- ical department of the army serving in the field the following articles of quarter- master property, namely: 150 Red Cross flags (hospital) 150 national flags (storm) 650 Red Cross guidons . ..... Of hnntrng. 650 national-flag guidons 10,000 Red Cross brassards (arm badges). The national-flag guidon should be of the same size, shape, and material as the Red Cross guidon. Very respectfully, etc., Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., May 11,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headqua. ters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith an estimate of wheeled transportation and tentage required for use of medical department in the field. Transportation: Ambulances, 1 to 400 of combatant troops; army wagons, 1 to 600 of combatant troops; escort wagons, 1 to each brigade. Tentage: Hospital tent, 1 to 300 of combatant troops; common tents, 1 to 1,200 of combatant troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., May 12, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, exclusive of the animals for ambu- lance and other wagons used by the medical department in the field, there will be required for mounts and pack transportation: Hospital stewards requiring mounts, 420; 1,038 horses, viz, acting hospital stewards requiring mounts, 152; privates requiring mounts, 466; 200 mules (1 per regiment) and the necessary equipment. Also, 3,500 hand litters, with slings (one per company and two per ambulance). 586 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The estimate for horses, whicn is one-fourth less than the regulation allowance (par. 1421, A. R.),is based upon what is believed to be the least number that will do the work of the department under the present field organization, Under the law the Hospital Corps must now man all the transportation required by the Medical Department. Very respectfully, etc., Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., May 11, 1898. Pope, Chief Surgeon, Tampa, Fla.: Make local inquiry whether 200 horses bought for Hospital Corps have been sent from Chickamauga to Tampa. Answer. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., May 16, 1898- Pope, Chief Surgeon, Tampa, Fla.: Quartermaster Chickamauga was directed to distribute hospital-corps mounts with troops going south. If your quota not yet received request depot quarter- master to wire Chickamauga regarding them. Field desks and vaccine virus have been forwarded. Greenleaf. United States Camp, Florida, May 18, 1898. The Surgeon-General, United States Army: Authority is requested to provide mounts for all acting assistant surgeons, also for one orderly for every medical officer serving with foot troops. There are more than enough horses for the Hospital Corps now at this place. We have 167 private and 29 stewards at present with this command. Pope, Chief Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, May 20, 1898. The Chief Signal Officer of the Army. Sir: Referring to joint resolution authorizing the printing of extra copies of the military publications of the War Department (par. 2 G. O. 42, C. S., A. G. O.) I have the honor to report that the following will be required by the medical de- partment in the field, viz: 70 Cavalry drill regulations. 28 Manual, Judge-Advocate Department. 1,500 Manual of drill for the Hospital Corps. 250 Arm regulations. 56 Manual, Army Corps, cooks. 28 Manual, Subsistence Department. 675 Manual, Medical Department. 56 Manual, Quartermaster's Department. 56 Manual, Paymaster's Department. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 587 It is suggested that these publications be held in stock, subject to requisition that will be made from time to time from the field, until the estimated number is exhausted. Very respectfully, etc., Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., June 1, 1898. Pope, Chief Surgeon, Tampa, Fla.: Brown telegraphs Surgeon-General that he shipped 25 advance medical outfits to you on May 23. Ask quartermaster if he can hurry them. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., June 1, 1898. O'Reilly, Chief Surgeon, Mobile, Ala.: Wright telegraphs Surgeon-General that five times the quantity enumerated in the field-supply table was shipped to you by freight May 27. Ask your quarter- master to hurry them, if possible. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., June 1,1898. Hartsuff, Chief Surgeon, Chickamauga, Ga.: Wright telegraphs Surgeon-General that he shipped May 17 ten times the quan- tity of medical supplies noted in official supply table. On May 26 he shipped 10 advance medical outfits. Medicines and stores shipped by express; furniture by freight. Fifty more outfits have been ordered to follow. Ask Lee if he can ascertain cause of delay. Advance copy of order regarding transfers to hospital corps, etc., will be mailed you to-night. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram. ] Camp near Mobile, Ala., June 1,1898. Colonel Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon: Supplies just arriving, probably from Wright, and the ones about which you telegraphed. O'Reilly, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., June 3,1893. Hoff, Chief Surgeon, Third Corps, Chickamauga, Ga.: No hand litters on hand. Surgeon-General and Quartermaster will ship as soon as manufactured. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. 588 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Telegram.] Chickamauga Park, June 3,1898. Colonel Greenleaf, Washington: A large number of hand litters are necessary here. None to be had. Hoff, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, July 5, 1898. Lieut. Col. J. V. R. Hoff, U. S. V., Chief Surgeon, Chickamauga: Quartermaster has shipped (fast freight) 600 each Berkefeld and Maignen filters for troops Chickamauga. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., July 12, 1898. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon, Santiago de Cuba: Will send immune assistance as rapidly as possible. Sternberg, Stirgeon-General. [Cable.-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon, army in the field, Porto Rico.] July 15,1898. Will send forward medical supplies, immune nurses, and doctors as rapidly as possible. Siboney, Cuba, July 15, 1898. Dr. La Garde, Siboney, Cuba. Sir: There is only one battalion of volunteer troops so far as I know, and it is impossible to get the details from them that we require. Have been informed by the commanding officer that he can not do more than he is doing, and that falls far short of our necessities. The engineers are considered as a separate organization, with specific duties, and they are applying to the volunteer infantry here for details. The trouble with the volunteers is that they do not know what to do and do not care. As guards they are worth little or nothing. Complaints here from commissary in charge of stores that the guards do not protect the stores, and that they are stolen at night and even by day. So far as enforcing any orders of a sanitary character, they fall entirely short. Not only they, but the horde of Cubans here, make use of the grounds. Humphrey. [Cablegram.] Washington, D. C., July 17,1898. Colonel Greenleaf, Cuba: One hundred ambulances can not be sent to Cuba without taking away from those required at Chickamauga and Camp Alger. There are 27 at Tampa, fully equipped, belonging to Henry's division; at manufacturers, 24, will be ready to REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 589 ship on Tuesday. No others available now. How many have you at Santiago, and what number must you have additional? Those required for the Porto Rican expedition will be supplied from other points. Ten ambulances were shipped from Tampa on Louisiana the first of the month. Ludington , Quartermaster-General. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 18, 1898. Ludington, Washington, D C.: The 10 ambulances on Louisiana will answer for Santiago. All in Cuba will be infected and not available for Porto Rico expedition, for which 60 are required. Those with Henry's division and at manufacturers, with 9 additional, will be suf- ficient. Ship travois, also, if possible. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, on Board U. S. S. Yale, En route to Porto Rico, July 23, 1898. Maj. G. W. Crile, U. S. V., Second Brigade, First Division, Second Army Corps. Sir: The major-general commanding directs that as soon as possible after the arrival of this expedition at Porto Rico you establish at our base a provisional field hospital to accommodate as many patients as you can reasonably shelter under whatever tentage may be available. You will furnish its materials and supplies by drafts upon the medical department of the several regiments consti- tuting this command until such time as the reserve medical supplies as are with the expedition can be landed. Upon your recommendation proper medical officers? members of the hospital corps, will be detailed to form the personnel of the hos- pital. Such of the Red Cross doctors and nurses now on the Lampasas as are needed for the hospital transport will be assigned to you for duty in this hospital. In connection with this hospital you will establish a medical supply depot, where all the reserve supplies will be gathered, placing a medical officer temporarily in charge of it, instructing him to open all boxes that do not bear a mark of con- tents; an inventory of the medical supplies should be made. Requisitions for supplies should be promptly filled, using ambulances for the purpose of transport- ing supplies back to the regiments. No transfer papers are necessary for expend- ible articles, but wherever possible nonexpendible articles should be properly invoiced and receipted for. Upon completion of this duty you will report to me, so that an officer may be designated to relieve you of the charge of the base hospital, and you will pro- ceed toward the front and organize a field hospital as near to the lines as is consistent with safety. Very respectfully, , Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 4, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to request that the sum of $50, Porto Rican money, be furnished to me for use in the purchase of ice, milk, eggs, and other delicacies,for 590 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the sick in the transfer hospital, which is established in Ponce. I append below my receipt for the money. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Approved. By command of Major-General Miles: Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. Received at Ponce, Porto Rico, August 5, 1898, the sum of $50 for the usq of the sick in the transfer hospital. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Stir geon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 8, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Renew Siboney request for hospital tents and another hospital ship. Large number typhoids. Load Relief soon as possible. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 9, 1898. Captain Williams, (Quartermaster Steamship Panama. Sir: Will you be kind enough to let Lieutenant Crabbs, quartermaster hospital ship Relief, have ten laborers under one boss stevedore to assist in unloading medical supplies from the Relief to-morrow. These supplies are urgently needed by the large number of sick now in the soldiers' hospital and for issue to the troops. I do not know whether this communication ought properly to go through any other headquarters, but I take chances in sending it direct to you, and feel sure that if you can give us the men you will do so. Very truly, yours, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 10, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headguarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to request the detail of 10 enlisted men for duty as nurses in the military transfer hospital at Ponce, the men being directed to report to the surgeon in charge at the earliest practicable moment. I request that the officer making this detail will select intelligent, willing men, preferably men who will volunteer for the service. The hospital has been unexpectedly overcrowded REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 591 with sick from the troops that went to the front, and our means of caring for them are exceedingly limited. The men are very ill and require the best care we can give them, and in this emergency I feel that I am not askmg too much in making an appeal to the humane feelings of our soldiers f o ? prompt nd efficient response to my call for this aid. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United Stages Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Note.-Permanent detail made at once, by order General Miles, from the Nine- teenth United States Infantry, of men who did splendid service during their stay at the hospital. C. R. G. [Cable.-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon, army in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 10,1898. Ocean voyage very trying for severe typhoid cases. Can't you establish general hospital at Ponce in suitable buildings? Call on me for all you need. Will send hospital tents by first transport. Will send money to your supply officer if you will telegraph his name. Acknowledge receipt. [Cable.] Washington, August 10, 1898-jp. m. General Miles: It is deemed advisable to at once establish a large hospital at Ponce. Can you get the lumber, labor, and material necessary to put this order into execution immediately? Will send you nurses and doctors, as many as desired. This is of the utmost importance. Answer, giving number of nurses and doctors you deem will be required. R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. [First indorsement.] Respectfully referred to Col. Charles R. Greenleaf, chief surgeon army in the field, etc. [Second indorsement.] Respectfully returned to Headquarters of the Army, inviting attention to inclosed memorandum of conference regarding the subject-matter of this cable- gram. Chas. R. Greenleaf. [Telegram.] Headquarters First Army Corps. Col. C. R. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon, Ponce: Some money is badly needed here for the purchase of milk and other suitable food for the hospital. Can you not furnish some and send it up by my aide, Lieu- tenant McKenna, who will arrive in Ponce this morning with detachment of men we sent from here to the hospital at Ponce. John R. Brooke, Major General. 592 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 12, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Am depending on tents and transports from the United States. Can not prop- erly equip here. Prefer less number male nurses to any female nurses. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Cable.-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon army in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 13, 1898. Two hundred hospital tents go by the Concho, leaving New York to-day. How many more do you want? [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 14, 1898. The Chief Surgeon, General Wilson's Brigade: Wire daily to me number of sick in hospital and quarters. Have fresh vaccine. How many points do you want? Medical supplies now here. Send for what you want. Official list of wounded required at once. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 14, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: No more hospital tents or medical supplies than those sent required at present. Will wire when wanted. Health improving. Received money from Torney. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 24, 1898. Dr. G. G. Groff, National Relief Commission. My Dear Dr. Groff: In looking over your supplies I find that there is a large quantity of stimulants, brandy, whisky, wine, etc. I do not think it is advisable to use these except in very small quantities, since the Medical Department of the Army has a very large and sufficient supply. An excess of this character affords too great a temptation to men in camp, and I fear that it would be misapplied. I therefore advise that most of it be returned to the United States and exchanged for other and more desirable property. One or at most two packages of each kind might be left here. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 593 Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August Ui, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to request that telegraphic instructions be sent to the headquarters of Generals Wilson, Henry, and Schwan that no more sick be sent to the transfer hospital at Ponce without first obtaining telegraphic authority from the chief surgeon of the army. That when sick are sent they shall invariably be accompanied by a medical officer and necessary attendants, with food and water, and that company com- manders be instructed to send their descriptive lists and medical officers their transcript lists. At present the sick are gathered indiscriminately, without order or any official records, and are unloaded unexpectedly at the hospital, where confusion and often- times deprivation of food for a while is unavoidable. The above orders will correct this abuse. Very respectfully, Chas. H. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 15, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: In view of the change in the military situation I have now to renew my request for the detachment of a brigade section (or as much from the corps reserve hospital of the First Army Corps under General Brooke's command as can be spared) for duty at the military hospital in Ponce. The large number of typhoid cases gathered in the hospital require the services of extra nurses and there are none to be had from the troops stationed here. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 15, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to request that Maj. William H. Daly, chief surgeon, United States Volunteers, be directed to proceed from this place to General Schwan's headquarters, in charge of medical supplies for the sick of that command, and deliver them to the chief surgeon, returning to these headquarters after com- pletion of that duty. Major Daly will require the services of a mounted orderly. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. 7833-vol. 1 38 594 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Hospital supplies sent by Major Daly to General Schwan's command at Mayaguez or beyond. 50 pajamas. 1,000 quinine. 1 box housewives and bandages. 2 boxes tobacco (large). 6 dozen tobacco (shorts). 2 dozen socks. 18 dozen pipes. 25 towels. 1 box miscellaneous groceries. 8 boxes groceries. 1 ginger ale. 1 lime juice. 1 whisky. 1 blackberry brandy. 1 brandy. 1 port. 1 vinegar (raspberry). 1 grape juice. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 15,1898. The Surgeon-General United States Army. Sir: Referring to my cablegram of the 14th instant, I have the honor to state that since the cessation of hostilities and the probability that but a few more troops will be brought to Porto Rico, I think that the tent accommodation and the medical supplies already sent and on the way will be sufficient to meet all ordinary conditions. Should there be a change, however, I can cable you in ample time to provide for anything extraordinary. My estimate for hospital accommodation sent in previous telegrams was based partly on the assumption of an increase in force, which General Miles informed me would not be less than 25,000 men, and the order of the Secretary to keep all of our sick in this country. If these conditions had held, a very large hospital would have been necessary with all of its personnel and material. Such reports as I can get from medical officers at the front indicate a decided abatement in the number of typhoid cases and a much improved condition of health in the troops. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 15, 1898. Chief Surgeon, First Brigade, First Division, Coamo, Porto Rico: A number of sick from the Second and Third Wisconsin and Sixteenth Penn- sylvania arrived at the military transfer hospital yesterday in a very bad condi- tion. They had neither medical officer, medicine, food, descriptive, or transfer lists. Ambulances crowded with baggage. Report by whose authority they were sent and why adequate provision was not made for them for the journey. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 17, 1898. Surgeon Egan, General Schwan's Headquarters, Mayaguez: Employ necessary medical attendants for the sick, reporting your action to me. Major Daly left here yesterday with medical supplies and vaccine virus for your command and with orders to inspect it. You had better await his arrival unless prompt action is indispensably necessary. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. 595 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. [Cable.-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon army in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 17,1898. Your requisition for male nurses can not be filled. Can't you get hospital-corps men by transfer? If not have enlisted men detailed or employ civilians under contract at §30 per month ration. How many contract doctors do you want now? [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18, 1898. Gen. John R. Brooke, Commanding First Army Corps, Guayama: Will send. §50 to your command by Lieutenant McKenna. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18,1898. Chief Surgeon Crile, General Henry's Headquarters: Can you get any men for hospital corps by transfer from the line? If so, how many? If not, can you get details for hospital service from the line, and how many? Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18,1898. Huidekoper, Chief Surgeon First Army Corps, Guayama: Plenty of cots and supplies here. Will send all I can with General Grant's hos- pital train that leaves here on Saturday. Shall I load entirely with cots? Can you send wagons here for supplies? Do not learn anything about cots from Mas- sachusetts. None on wharf. Wire daily your condition. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18,1898. Lieut. Col. R. Huidekoper, Surgeon, United States Volunteers, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Sir: There is a great need in this command of nurses for the sick in the transfer hospital at Ponce. Will you please report to me by wire as soon as possible, first, how many of the hospital corps you can spare in addition to the brigade sec- tion ordered for that service; second, if more transfers can be made from the line to the hospital corps, and if so, how many; third, if these additional transfers can not be made, how many men are available for detail from the line as nurses? Also wire me daily the general condition of health of the command, aggregate sick, and character of disease. Respectfully, . P. S.- If you have not sent the required reports from the First Corps to the Surgeon-General regarding personnel and material, please do so as soon as pos- sible and. notify me. 596 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to recommend that General Henry be directed to detail two medical officers and six members of the hospital corps for duty with Gen- eral Schwan's command, in which the chief surgeon reports a large number of fever cases. In response to my telegram Major Crile, chief surgeon for General Henry's com- mand, reports Drs. McGillicuddy and Gross, with six hospital corps men, as available. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Am trying to get soldier nurses by transfer and detail. May succeed since armistice. Civilians here undesirable. Ten good doctors will answ'er now. Greenleaf [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18, 1898. Surgeon Eagan, Chief Surgeon, General Schwan's Division, Mayaguez, Porto Rico: Have requested a detail of two medical officers and six hospital-corps men from Henry's command to report to you. Get all the men you can by transfer to Hospital Corps. If you fail, ask for detail to care for the sick. Greenleaf. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18, 1898. Major Woodbury, Sanitary Inspector, General Wilson's headquarters: Examine into advisability of establishing a tent hospital of 250 beds in the vicinity of General Wilson's command, and if advisable select site. Make report to me in person, if possible, at earliest convenience. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 19, 1898. Assistant Surgeon Hartsock, Medical Supply Officer. Sir: Please deliver to Lieutenant McKenna for Lieutenant-Colonel Huidekoper, chief surgeon, First Army Corps, as many cots as the ambulances which he has will carry. Greenleaf. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 597 Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 19, 1898. The Surgeon-General, United States Army. Sir: * * * * * -x- * The peculiar character of this campaign has necessitated the detachment of small bodies of troops from the main commands, which requires the detail of a number of medical officers and hospital-corps men whose services are really needed in the field hospitals. Several of the organizations lately arrived, notably the First United States Volunteer Engineers and the New York cavalry, have no other members of the Hospital Corps than their hospital stewards, and so many objections to transfers from the line to the Hospital Corps are made by other regimental commanders that it is quite impossible to supply our needs from that source. I am, therefore, having the services performed so far as practicable by details from the line. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 19,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith three bills for disinfectants, one purchased by Major Daly, one by Major Woodbury, and one by myself, for use in disinfecting the buildings used as headquarters, the military barracks, and the military hospital, with request that they be referred to the Quartermaster's Department for payment. Under Army Regulation 1462, and paragraph 120, Manual of the Medical Depart- ment, the issue of disinfectants by the Medical Department for post sanitation is prohibited, such articles being considered as medicines for use with the sick. The conditions under which they were ordered were those of an emergency, immediately upon the arrival of the troops, and there was no time to go through the routine of requisitions or special authority in the matter. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 19, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: No new typhoids reported. Sharp increase of intestinal disorders. Can secure detailed nurses. Send by Relief hospital mess furniture for 500 patients. Also astringents, disinfectants, tonics, strychnia, farinaceous hospital stores, condensed cream, no liquors, clinical thermometers, pillow cases, thin mattresses. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 19,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: In compliance with telegraphic request made by me at Siboney to Gen- eral Ludington, quartermaster-general, 27 ambulances, complete, with civilian drivers, were sent from the United States as a headquarters ambulance train. Since their arrival the number has been diminished by assignments to troops in the field until there now remains but 15 attached to headquarters. * * * * * * * 598 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 20, 1898. Surgeon Egan, Brigade Stirgeon, Mayaguez, Porto Rico: Two medical officers and five privates, Hospital Corps, are on their way to report to you from General Henry's headquarters. Dr. Daly, from these headquarters, should reach you with supplies to-day. Wire me when he arrives. No hospital ship expected under ten days. Greenleaf. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 20, 1898. Colonel Huidekoper, Chief Surgeon, Guayama: Concho has arrived. Tents will be unloaded probably in two days. Agent Red Cross here with plenty of groceries. Will send him to you as soon as things are off ship. Can furnish medicines with the tents. No clinical thermometers here. Greenleaf. [First indorsement.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 21, 1898. Respectfully forwarded to Headquarters of the Army, approved and recom- mended. It is particularly desirable to use all of the hospital tents, which will be pitched in the vicinity of the transfer hospital, for the care of the sick, and the buildings mentioned within are so conveniently located that their use will be very desirable. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 21, 1898. Major Crile, Chief Surgeon, Utuado: McGillicuddy has reported and will be sent by rail and carriage to-day. Gen- eral Gilmore tells me that General Henry has full authority to move his com- mand anywhere within the lines he may desire on account of health. Use your discretion in sending Dr. Gross away. Ample medical supplies are here. Have filled requisition you sent. No means of getting it to you. Can you not send for it and any other medical supplies you require? Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 21,1898. Major Parkgill, General Wilson's Headquarters: Corps reserve have been drawn on for transfer hospital to their limit. Use men from ambulance company not engaged with horses for hospital service. Doctors with ambulance company must do duty in hospital if their services are needed there. Call on Sixteenth Pennsylvania for details as nurses if you need them. Will wire later about contract doctors. Greenleaf. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 599 Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 21, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that there is on the steamship Concho, now in this harbor, 200 hospital tents, sent here by the Surgeon-General United States Army, for the purpose of establishing tent hospitals ordered to be erected by the Secre- tary of War. The necessity for the erection of these hospitals is very great, and I ask that efforts be made to unload these tents at the earliest possible moment and that the quartermaster be directed to send by the first opportunity 20 of them to the chief surgeon of General Brooke's command, 50 to the chief surgeon of General Wilson's command, and the remainder to be sent to the transfer hospital at Ponce. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 21, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that Assistant Surgeon McGillicudy, with six privates of the Hospital Corps, arrived here last night from Utuado (General Henry's headquarters), en route to Mayaguez, in General Schwan's command. Their services are urgently required with the large number of sick at that place, and I request that authority be given the quartermaster to send them at once by train to Yauco and by carriage to their destination. If possible to send them by special engine this morning I requested this to be done. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 22, 1898. The Surgeon-General, United States Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the steamship Concho arrived at this port the day before yesterday. The quartermasters here inform me that the 200 hospital tents you sent are in the bottom of the hold, the whole ship's cargo being- packed on top of them, and that at least a week must elapse before they can be reached, since the ship is obliged to go to Arroyo to unload forage for General Brooke's command. The ground upon which the auxiliary field hospital at this point is to be pitched has been prepared by the engineers, and the flooring and frames for the tents prepared by the quartermaster. I could put 300 patients into them to-morrow if I had the tents. At present the hospitals here and at the front are filled to overflowing, but we are compelled to put up with the existing con- ditions until these tents are available. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., August 22,1898. Col. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Troops in the Field, Porto Rico. My Dear Colonel: ******* I hope you will not send any more critical cases of typhoid, as they are almost sure to die at sea. I have endeavored to send you the supplies asked for m your 600 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. telegram, but the Secretary insists that the Relief must sail to-morrow, and it is possible that Brown will not succeed in getting all the supplies on board. If you need more money of the medical and hospital appropriation, Torney will turn over to you that which he has. My special fund is exhausted, but there is scarcely anything that you can not pay for on proper vouchers from the medical and hos- pital appropriation. I have already sent you by the Obdam a number of contract doctors, and shall send some more by the Relief. Upon her arrival, if you still need more, let me know by cable. I also hope to get 20 trained male nurses from Boston to go by the Relief, but in view of the positive orders that she must sail to-morrow it is possible that they may fail to get on board. Very sincerely, yours, Geo. M. Sternberg. SAMPLE OF REQUISITION SENT TO CHIEF SURGEON OF THE ARMY AT PONCE PORTO RICO, AUGUST, 1898. (THIS IS MORE EXPLICIT THAN MANY OTHERS.) Supplies needed at field hospital near Coamo, First Brigade, First Division, First Corps, August 19, 1898. Delicacies tor the sick of any description, tea and sugar especially. Cots for sick. More blankets. Thermometers. Tonic medicines especially. Tr. Cinchon. Comp. Ext. Hydras. Fid. Sheets, pillows, pillow slips, shirts or pajamas (not necessaries). Cups for medicines and drinks. Spoons for same purpose. Platters or plates of any sort for same purpose. Surgeon's needles. Emergency cases for sudden sick calls. Canvas needles and twine for repairing tents. Wash basins. Large sponges for bathing sick. Soap. Towels. Headquarters of the First Army Corps, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Guayama, Porto Rico, August 1898. Col. Charles R. Greenleaf. Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Sir: * * * * * * * In the confusion of rapid transportation, for which the medical department was not responsible, of leaving Chickamauga, loading on transport at Newport News, and unloading by lighters at Arroyo, considerable property has disap- peared. I believe much of it never reached Newport News, and some there was not loaded on the transports. Our tentage issued as "new" in bales just before leaving Chickamauga proved to be much of it worthless. This has been replaced by good tents. We received to-day a number of cots from the Stillwater and Concho and a supply of useful foods and some medicines. I took a city building in Guayama, and after thorough cleansing and disinfecting moved in those cases REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 601 of fever needing special bathing and attention-about thirty-and the remainder of hospital sick are in a well-located tent camp. I have built furnaces and burn all excreta, even in the city hospital to that of the attendants. I shall extend this to the field hospital to replace the sinks. On June 25 I telegraphed the Surgeon-General for blanks for reports, and during July made requisition in writing and telegraphed, but received none. I will make, however, on plain paper a complete report of medical officers, First Corps, of enlisted men so far as my data permit, and of material. We have but 200 enlisted men, Hospital Corps, here. Some of these are sick, and I am overworking what I have, and could not detach any without serious detriment to the care of our own men. * * * * * * * When I have been allowed to get transfers from the line of hospital-corps men, I have been obliged to name the men. Some good ones have reached me. In other cases the officers have recommended worthless men they wanted to get rid of. Throughout I have had the opposition of the commanding officers in carrying out the organization desired. * * * * * * * We need clinical thermometers. No amount of requisitions at Chickamauga could procure them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Rush S. Huidekoper, Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief Surgeon, United States Volunteers, Chief Surgeon First Army Corps. [Cable.-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon army in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 26, 1898. Do not fail to make timely requisition for everything needed for the care and comfort of the sick. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Ponce, Porto Rico, August 26, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to invite attention to an existing and growing abuse in the use of ambulances of this command, more particularly with reference to the transportation of supplies of all kinds. The law and regulation on this subject is imperative and limits the use of an ambulance for hauling supplier to periods of great emergency. I recommend that the attention of division commanders be called to this matter, and that officers be directed to call upon the quartermaster's department for transportation of medical supplies, using an ambulance only when the quartermaster fails to meet the request. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 27, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Requisition for necessary articles cabled you August 19. G-reenleaf. 602 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. MEMORANDUM FOR COLONEL GREENLEAF. Major Black, quartermaster at Ponce, reports that the hospital tents sent on the Concho are in the bottom of the hold and can not be reached until all the rest of the cargo is unloaded. Concho arrived on the 20th of August; was sent to Arroyo to partially unload oats, and the tents were finally unloaded at Ponce, August 27. C. R. G. [Cable-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon army in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 28, 1898. When you have list of supplies sent by Relief, cable for additional articles required. Acknowledge receipt. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 28, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Please send Miss Rutty and 30 female nurses to general hospital, Ponce. REENLEAF. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 28, 1898. Snowden, Chief Surgeon, Coamo: Have you arranged for transportation of hospital tents, flooring, etc. The matter should be expedited as rapidly as possible. Same train should carry furniture for the hospital and extra supplies if you need them. Greenleaf. [Cable-General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon army in the held, Ponce, Porto Rico.] August 29, 1898. If you need more money let me know. Buy everything necessary for the care and comfort of the sick. Acknowledge receipt. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 29, 1898. Sternberg, Washington: Relief here unloading supplies. Plenty of money for present use. Have arranged for timely renewal of supplies. Nothing leaves here except in good order. Field and hospital arrangements satisfactory, but nurses needed, as cabled yesterday. Huidekoper and Woodbury fully competent to manage affairs here. Greenleaf. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 603 APPLICATION OF THE SURGEON IN CHARGE OF GENERAL HOSPITAL IN PONCE FOR FIFTY NURSES. [First indorsement.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 29, 1898. Respectfully forwarded to the Surgeon-General of the Army. Every effort has been made to obtain male nurses for this hospital. I succeeded in getting enough men to do the work (indifferently) before the addition of tents, but now, with a prospect of returning home before them, men can not be had who will give any- thing like satisfactory service. I therefore cabled you to-day for Miss Rutty and 30 female nurses to be sent here. I know her to be a good administrator and a valuable woman, and if she can bring with her the nurses who were on the Lam- pasas I shall be much pleased and you may be sure of good service. Chas. R. Greenleaf. [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 31,1898. Sternberg, Washington : Request that provisions of general order be extended to field hospitals in Porto Rico. General Miles concurs and urgently recommends it. Greenleaf. DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 12-SANITATION OF CAMPS. Circular ) War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, No. 1. J Washington, April 25, 1898. In time of war a great responsibility rests upon medical officers of the Army, for the result of a campaign may depend upon the sanitary measures adopted or neglected by commanding generals of armies in the field. The medical officer is responsible for proper recommendations relating to the protection of the health of troops in camp or in garrison, and it is believed that, as a rule, medical officers of the United States Army are well informed as to the necessary measures of pro- phylaxis and the serious results which infallibly follow a neglect of these meas- ures, especially when unacclimated troops are called upon for service in a tropical or semitropical.country during the sickly season. In Cuba our armies will have to contend not only with malarial fevers and the usual camp diseases-typhoid fever, diarrhea, and dysentery-but they will be more or less exposed in localities where yellow fever is endemic and under conditions extremely favorable for the development of an epidemic among unacclimated troops. In view of this danger, the attention of medical officers and of all others responsible for the health of our troops in the field is invited to the following recommendations: When practicable, camps should be established on high and well-drained ground not previously occupied. Sinks should be dug before a camp is occupied or as soon after as practicable. The surface of fecal matter should be covered with fresh earth or quicklime or ashes three times a day. New sinks should be dug and old ones filled when contents of old ones are 2 feet from surface of ground. Every man should be punished who fails to make use of the sinks. All kitchen refuse should be promptly buried and perfect sanitary police main- tained. Troops should drink only boiled or filtered water and coffee or tea (hot or cold), except where spring water can be obtained which is pronounced to be wholesome by a medical officer. Every case of fever should receive prompt attention. If albumin is found in the urine of a patient with fever, it should be considered suspicious (of yellow fever), and he should be placed in an isolated tent. The discharges of patients with fever should always be disinfected at once with a solution of carbolic acid (5 per cent) or of chloride of lime (6 ounces to gallon of water) or with milk of lime made from fresh quicklime. Whenever a case of yellow fever occurs in camp, the troops should be promptly moved to a fresh camping ground located a mile or more from infected camp. No doubt typhoid fever, camp diarrhea, and probably yellow fever are fre- quently communicated to soldiers in camp through the agency of flies, which swarm about fecal matter and filth of all kinds deposited upon the ground or in shallow pits and directly convey infectious material, attached to their feet or con- tained in their excreta, to the food which is exposed while being prepared at the company kitchens or while being served in the mess tent. It is for this reason that a strict sanitary police is so important. Also because the water supply may be contaminated in the same way or by surface drainage. 604 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 605 If it can be avoided, marches should not be made in the hottest part of the day- from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. When called upon for duty at night or early in the morning, a cup of hot coffee should be taken. It is unsafe to eat heartily or drink freely when greatly fatigued or overheated. Ripe fruit may be eaten in moderation, but green or overripe fruit will give rise to bowel complaints. Food should be thoroughly cooked and free from fer- mentation or putrefactive changes. In decidedly malarious localities from 3 to 5 grains of quinine may be taken in the early morning as a prophylactic, but the taking of quinine as a routine prac- tice should only be recommended under exceptional circumstances. Light woolen underclothing should be worn, and when a soldier's clothing or bedding becomes damp from exposure to rain or heavy dews the first opportunity should be taken to dry it in the sun or by fires. Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General United States Army. Note.-Circular No. 3 is the last of the series of 1897. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., June 9, 189S. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that, in compliance with instructions from the major-general commanding, I left Washington on Monday night, May 21, for the purpose of inspecting the medical department of the troops encamped at Tampa, Fla.; Mobile, Ala.; Chickamauga, Ga., and Falls Church, Va., and submit here- with the following report: I arrived at Tampa, Fla., on the morning of the 25th ultimo, and, after reporting to Major-General Shafter commanding and informing him of my orders, pro- ceeded to inspect the condition of the medical department. The chief surgeon had commenced the organization of his depot, establishing division hospitals and ambulance companies by breaking up the regimental hos- pitals and absorbing, as far as possible, their personnel and material. The deeply rooted prejudice in favor of the regimental hospital organization made this some- what difficult, since commanding officers disliked to part with medical and hos- pital property which they looked upon as belonging to the regiment, but after explaining the plan of organization (which is simply the one in use during the last four years of the late war, modified to meet modern conditions) this opposi- tion gave away, and, as a rule, our efforts were cheerfully seconded by the officers of the line. General Shafter took great interest in the matter and faciltated the work by the immediate issuance of orders placing the organization on its proper footing. The service of the department was, however, seriously handicapped by a scarcity of members of the Hospital Corps, the volunteer regiments being entirely with- out them, owing to failure of Congress to legislate for their enlistment, and as the measures taken by the War Department to provide for this deficit had not yet been formulated in orders, it was impossible to take any steps toward a regular formation of the troops for the volunteers. The necessary work, was, however, performed by men detailed from the line for duty until final provision is made for their transfer to the corps. While among the regular troops there is a number of hospital corps men, it is insufficient for active service. Efforts are being made to enlist the corps to its full strength, with good prospects of success. The men now on duty are well drilled 606 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. and very efficient. I telegraphed the Surgeon-General urging the prompt issuance of the general order governing transfers from the volunteer troops to the regular Hospital Corps, but this was not done until after my return to Washington. Dr. Guiteras, the yellow-fever expert associated with the chief surgeon of the Fifth Corps, informed me that there would be no difficulty in enlisting into the Hospital Corps a sufficient number of yellow-fever nurses to care for the sick in the event of the appearance of that disease among the troops. The quantity of medical and hospital supplies is limited. As a rule the regular troops brought with them a sufficient supply to last about three months, but in nearly every instance the volunteer troops on arrival at camp were destitute of everything of this kind. Before leaving Washington the Surgeon-General had informed me that he had ordered ample supplies of all kinds from the New York and St. Louis depots, but they had not arrived, and the chief surgeon had no notification that they had even left the depots. In order to meet the immediate wants of the sick it was necessary to draw upon the slender supplies brought by the regular troops, and at the time of my arrival many of their medicines were entirely exhausted. I telegraphed the Surgeon- General, requesting that the corps chief surgeon be authorized to purchase in the local markets such medicines as were necessary to meet the emergency. This was done, and a sufficient supply for the purpose was at once secured. Outfits for hospitals could not, however, be obtained, and the value of the division hos- pital organization was at once demonstrated by the ability of the medical depart- ment to furnish every care for the sick of the volunteer troops in addition to those of the regular service. On my return to Washington I took steps to push forward the lacking supplies, as will be referred to later on. It is propel' to state here that the Surgeon-General informed me he had received the promise from the governors of nearly all the States to transfer to the State troops the hospital outfits belong- ing to the militia until such time as regular supplies could be furnished. It appears, however, that in many instances this was not done, and several of the surgeons informed me that the State authorities declined to permit them to retain the State medical supplies after they had been mustered into the United States service. To facilitate the receipt and distribution of supplies to the several hospitals and regiments, a medical officer has been assigned as corps supply officer, who receives supplies directly from the depots and distributes them directly throughout the corps. While I was at Tampa report was received that four regiments of volun- teers, under command of General Lawton, had been halted at Jacksonville and were entirely without medical supplies. I directed the corps chief surgeon to request orders sending a medical officer with a field hospital, complete both as to personnel and material, to this point, with instructions to remain and care for the sick until the supplies intended for the command should be received. The officer left, as directed, the next morning. Regarding ambulances, the regular troops in most instances brought them along completely equipped, but the number is insufficient for field service. The volunteer1 troops were, as a rule, without any. The Quartermaster's Department informed me that the aggregate number estimated for was under construction, and was being shipped as rapidly as completed. I saw a large number of the freight cars en route to the several camps, and have reason to believe that they have by this time reached their proper destination. In the matter of equipment, harness, etc,, the supply is not quite so satisfactory, and there will doubtless be some delay before they are completely furnished. Of hand litters there is a large ^deficit among the regular troops, and none have as yet been provided for the volunteer troops. The Medical and Quartermaster's departments are having them manufactured as rapidly as possible. The former1 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 607 will forward them in lots to the ambulance companies and division hospitals and the latter to companies as directed, it having been decided that each company will carry one hand litter. Of mounts for the Hospital Corps there is a supply at Tampa and Mobile, but a deficit at Chickamauga and Falls Church. Here, also, the matter of equipment, saddles, etc., is deficient, but I am informed by the Ordnance Department that every effort has been made to meet it. Of tentage there is an unequal supply, some commands having enough, while others are quite deficient. I observed a number of hospital tents in use at the several headquarters and elsewhere among the troops, and directed the corps chief surgeons, whenever their hospitals were in need of tentage, to request the corps commander to have these tents transferred to the medical department. The health of the troops is remarkable good, the aggregate percentage of sick to the effective force being a trifle over 2 per cent at Tampa and Mobile. It is probably about the same at Chickamauga and Falls Church, although absolute figures could not be obtained at these latter-named places because of the inability of the corps chief surgeon to obtain reports from the volunteer medical officers. I, however, examined the regimental books and the division hospital records in a number of cases, and satisfied myself that the rate of sickness was not much greater than with the regular troops. The diseases are generally of the digestive apparatus, due to the change of habits by the recruit and unavoidable errors in diet and cooking incident to an early campaign. There are also a few cases of pneumonia and typhoid fever, the latter evidently originating in the homes of the recruits. There were a few cases of measles and mumps, which were promptly isolated and measures taken to prevent the spread of these contagious diseases among the troops. The several points dealt with in this report refer equally to all the camps that I visited. In general the sanitary condition of the camps was very good. Criticism was made regarding the water supply at Falls Church, and at my inspection of this command I was associated, by order of the Secretary of War, with his military aid, Major Hopkins, U. S. Volunteers, to make special inquiry into this matter, which we did, finding that the water supply, while sufficient for cooking and drinking, was entirely insufficient for laundry and bathing purposes. Work had been begun to increase this watei' supply by the sinking of driven wells, two of which were giving a large flow and two others it was expected would be com- pleted the next day. We recommend either an increase of the number of driven wells to the extent of one for each regiment or the concentration of a number of such wells in a plant to be operated by a motor and the water piped to the several commands. Under the conditions of an active campaign it is undesirable that men who are seriously ill shall be retained in the division hospitals, and it has therefore been decided to transfer such cases, as soon as they are determined, to general hospitals in the North, the Surgeon-General having selected McPherson Barracks, Atlanta, Ga., to receive the sick from Tampa, Mobile, and Chickamauga, and Fort Myer, Va., to receive the sick from Falls Church. In addition to this general hospital accommodation, there has just been donated by Mrs. Leiter, of Washington, a large hotel adjacent to the grounds at Chickamauga, which will accommodate 400 or 500 beds. The Surgeon-General is now having this fitted out with modern appliances and has assigned a medical officer to take charge of it. The transfer of the sick between these points and the general hospitals is to be effected by a railway hospital train which the Surgeon-General has already organized, con- sisting of a number of tourist sleeper cars with a dining and dispensary car attached. The headquarters of this train will be established at present at Tampa, 608 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. from which sections may be sent to Mobile or Chickamauga, as necessary. The whole train will accommodate about 200 beds, and at a later date this is intended to operate in conjunction with the hospital ship, which will ply between the United States and any other point at which the troops may be operating. Regarding personnel of the medical department, I found the medical officers zealous and indefatigable in the performance of their duty; fully alive to the responsibility which rested upon them, and, so far as professional foresight can go, active in the preparation of measures to preserve the health of the command. I directed the issuance of sanitary circulars to the troops, containing, in brief but plain language, general directions for the preservation of their health. On my return to Washington I found that the order authorizing the transfer of men from the volunteer troops to the Hospital Corps had not been issued. Being fully aware of the urgent necessity for this action, I secured the cooperation of the Adjutant-General, and on the evening of the day of my arrival it was printed and distributed. I also found that the medical supplies which had been ordered from the depots were still undelivered, but by a vigorous use of the telegraph at both ends of the line succeeded in getting a large amount through and delivered to the commands the next day. I have issued a circular letter to the corps chief surgeons requiring a weekly report from them of the sanitary condition and general efficiency of the hospital service, this report to be made with telegraphic brevity and to deal with such matters as may, in the opinion of the corps chief surgeons, require my adminis- trative action. The percentage of sick and wounded to the aggregate strength of the command is to be given, and remarks are invited upon any subject that may be necessary to enable me to keep the general commanding informed as to the health and efficiency of the troops. ******* I had the advantage of General Lee's presence throughout the entire time. The chief surgeon of the corps has made very satisfactory progress with the organ- ization of the medical department, having already secured a sufficient number of men by transfers from the volunteer regiments to perform all the necessary work of the medical department. Before making an official transfer of these men a careful examination was made as to their physical condition, the result demon- strating the fact that a certain number of men have crept into the regiments whose physical condition is unsatisfactory, and who should therefore be dis- charged from the service. In the examination of 140 men the chief surgeon found 15 so disabled. This fact suggests the propriety of a reexamination of the volun- teer forces at an early date, and in such manner as will avoid hostile criticism, for the purpose of eliminating this undesirable element. The medical department of this corps is still without its full equipment of supplies, but the chief surgeon has, by the exercise of judgment, obtained by purchase and other means sufficient material to provide properly for the sick of the command until the receipt of its regular outfit. Fortunately the health of the command is remarkably good, the average percentage of sick to the effective force being given to me by the chief surgeon as a trifle less than 1 per cent. I visited the division field hospital and found there a few cases of typhoid fever and pneumonia. There are also some cases of measles and mumps. All these have been isolated, and proper measures taken to prevent the spread of these diseases among the troops. The remaining cases were not serious, and all were as comfortable as sick men could be in camp. The water supply of the command is derived from artesian wells worked by motor power for the supply of the city, and is piped to the command. The water is of excellent quality. The disposal of the excreta is effected by cremation, dry-earth closets being used by the men and contents gathered by a city scavenger. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 609 Schools of instruction in military duties have been established for the volunteer medical officers, who are faithful in the discharge of their duty and zealous in their efforts for gaining information. * * * * * * * Very respectfully, etc., Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. CIRCULAR LETTER TO CORPS CHIEF SURGEONS. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, June 6, 1898. The chief surgeon, troops in the field, desires from chief surgeons of army corps a report on the sanitary condition of the troops with which they are serv- ing and of the efficiency of the medical and hospital service, this report to be mailed on Saturday of each week, whenever practicable; to be of telegraphic brevity in composition (after the manner of an information slip) and to deal with such items as may, in the opinion of the corps chief surgeon, require gen- eral administrative action by the chief surgeon of the troops or be desirable for his information. Particular mention should be made of existing deficiencies in supplies, with statement whether or not due requisition has been made to meet them; of the percentage of noneffective to effective strength; the notable preva- lence of any particular disease or the existence of any specially unsanitary condi- tion; the efficiency and general condition of the division hospitals, ambulance companies, and regimental dispensaries, and any remarks that may be desired to enable the chief surgeon to keep the general commanding informed as to the health of the troops. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. TELEGRAMS SENT TO SURGEON-GENERAL FROM TAMPA. June 11,1898. How long before the hospital ship and railway train will be available? The ship should, if possible, go with the expedition now on transports at Tampa. If it can not shall I call on the Red Cross ship? Transports very heavily loaded. Sickness to be anticipated. June 11, 1898. Military situation requires continued occupancy of Florida by troops. Have received the gradual assignment of 20,000 to Fernandina, 5,000 to Miami, both recently inspected by me. May send some to St. Augustine. Military quarantine to be established when necessary. Rigid sanitation among troops commenced and will be continued. Miami to be used as point of continued debarkation via Key West in detachments 500 to 1,000. Conference to-night with Guiteras, Pope, and O'Reilly, and later with State, Fernandina, and Miami health officials regarding municipal hygiene and quarantine. June 12,1898. Please request Wyman to direct his officers in the South to furnish me tele- graphic duplicates of their reports to him regarding the occurrence of yellow fever in their district: also to authorize them to cooperate with me when desired in quarantine measures. It is important that I should be fully and promptly informed in this matter. 7833-VOL. 1 39 610 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Headquarters of the Army, In the Field, Tampa, Fla., June 13, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 10th instant the chief surgeon of the Fourth Corps reported to me that seven cases of yellow fever had occurred at McHenry, a lumber camp or village in Mississippi, about 20 miles northward inland from Gulfport, and about 75 miles, more or less, northwesterly from Mobile. I at once called the principal medical officers on duty at Tampa together for conference upon the subject, at which it was decided to recommend that the troops near Mobile and the depot of supplies at Mobile be immediately moved to Mount Vernon barracks, and I so recommended to the major-general commanding. I also recommended that the town of Tampa and the several camps thereabout be at once put into the best possible sanitary condition, which was promptly com menced. It is further recommended that all troops and recruits enlisted west of the fever-infected district be not allowed to at once join the army at Tampa, but be sent to Alabama or some such point for ten days, to furnish assurance that they do not bear the germs of infection. Experience has demonstrated the necessity of camping troops in such places as may be made safe against introduction of this disease, and I recommend that pro- vision be made as soon as possible for transporting the troops now at Jacksonville (which would be a place of exposure should the disease advance from its present location) to Fernandina, and that other troops be transferred to Miami. I have recently inspected these points, under orders from the Secretary of War, and found them well adapted, after some preparation, to the purpose, since they can be com- pletely quarantined. This latter movement may be made gradually; but should the city of Mobile or any point in Alabama become the seat of infection the movement should be made at once and rigid quarantine be established, with inspection of all incoming trains and vessels. The Marine-Hospital Service and the health authorities of Florida have a regu- lar system for this purpose, and I am assured of their full cooperation in any measures the army takes to prevent the introduction of the disease. Very respectfully, Chas. R. G;REEnleaf, Colonel, etc. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Washington, D. C., June 22, 1898. The Surgeon-G-eneral United States Army. Sir: In connection with my recent inspection of the medical department at Camp Alger, Va., I have the honor to make the following recommendation: Disinfection of tents, etc. This problem is one of present necessity. In each of the several army corps that I have visited there have been a large number of measles cases, necessitating the establishing of special hospitals for their treat- ment, with outfits, complete. The property so used is now quite large, involving tents, cots, blankets, etc., all of which is liable to be needed at other and distant points as the army may move, and which should, before any movement, be dis- infected. While this may be done by means of sulphur fumigation, it seems to me that the more efficient disinfectant, formalin, might be used, and if apparatus for the purpose is practicable for field use, where it might be kept with other apparatus at the division field hospital, I recommend that one be selected and furnished for the use of each corps. If it is deemed necessary that the process of disinfection should be carried on in a closed room, authority to be given the corps REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 611 chief surgeon to rent for this purpose the nearest or any available building or room that may be found near the camp. Should, however, disinfection by sun- light and air be considered sufficient to render this property safe for future use, I recommend that the fact oe published in orders to the Department. Respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. [Extract from letter of June 23, 1898.] PHYSICAL DISABILITIES OF SOLDIERS. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., June 23, 189S. The Chief Surgeon, Army Corps. Sir: It has been reported to the Chief Surgeon of the Army that, notwithstand- ing the medical examination prior to muster in, there are enlisted men in service in the Volunteer Army who should have been rejected at that examination as unfit for military service, and the Chief Surgeon has in certain instances verified these reports. The attention of chief surgeons of corps is therefore directed to this subject as one of great importance. Systematic inquiry should be made in the various regiments and other commands by the medical officers on duty with them with a view to eliminating such men. A board of medical officers should be appointed in each division to examine carefully and make recommendation in each of the cases submitted by individual or regimental medical officers. In every case where discharge from service is recommended it should be seen that the cer- tificates of disability embody a statement to the effect that the cause of the dis- qualification for the military service existed prior to the enlistment of the man. ******* Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Stir geon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Circular letter.] June 25, 1898. WATER ANALYSIS. The Chief Surgeon, Army Corps. Sir: If in the establishment of camps of organization and instruction, or other comparatively permanent camps, it is deemed necessary to have a sanitary analy- sis made of the water supply in the laboratory of the Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., chief surgeons will forward samples by express to Deputy Surgeon-General Smart, Army Medical Museum, Washington, D. C., and will send a communication to the Surgeon-General, giving an account of the source and sanitary surroundings of the water. Not less than half a gallon should be sent as a sample. Care should be taken that the containing vessel should be per- fectly clean. Any vessel which requires chemicals to clean it should not be used. It should be cleaned by filling several times and washing with water from the source which is to be sampled. Wickered glass demijohns, otherwise unprotected or clear glass bottles boxed with packing, should be used in preference to stone- ware, jugs, or other vessels of opaque material. Care should be taken also that the corks used be new and clean. A cork tainted with any oxidizable substance, particularly alcoholic or saccharine liquids, destroys the value of the sample for the purposes of analysis. 612 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. INSTRUCTION OF VOLUNTEER MEDICAL OFFICERS. Attention is invited to so much of circular from this office dated May 20, 1898, as relates to this subject. Advantage should be taken of the presence of officers of the Regular Army who are serving in your corps as brigade surgeons, to form schools of instruction under their direction, the attendance of all surgeons of vol- unteers being required; reports of progress to be noted in weekly report to Chief Surgeon. CORPS CIRCULARS. A copy of general orders and circulars affecting the medical administration of the corps should be mailed to the Chief Surgeon, whose address, until further notice, will be Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Stirgeon Army in the Field. [Circular letter.] Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., July 5, 1898. The Chief Surgeon, Army Corps. Sir: Paragraph 1. In the absence of special instructions from the military authorities you will be governed by the following: When troops are moved from one corps to another by regimental detachments, you will recommend that there be sent with each regiment its regimental per- sonnel and dispensary outfit, viz, medical and surgical chests, tentage, etc., but not its wheel transportation. When the movement includes a brigade organization, recommendation should be made that a brigade section from the division field hospital and from the divi- sion ambulance company, complete as to personnel and material, should be sent with it. Paragraph 2. Should the headquarters of the corps with which you are serving be removed from the camp of instruction, you will recommend the detail from among the medical officers who remain at the camp of an experienced officer to act as chief surgeon until the arrival of another corps headquarters. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., July 7, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the general command- ing, a statement regarding the sanitary condition of the troops in the field, as obtained from the latest weekly reports which have been made to me by the chief surgeons of the several army corps. These reports are, in compliance with my directions, of telegraphic brevity and simply state the general facts without going into details, but they are sufficiently exact to enable me to present a statement that is reliable. As a general rule, the health of the troops in the three great camps of instruc- tion-at Camp Alger, Jacksonville, and Chickamauga-is good. The percentage of REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 613 sick to the effective strength is greater than at the date of my last report, June 9, being in the neighborhood of about 6 per cent, but is still very small for troops under their present circumstances. The largest number of sick is from the results of vaccination, the arms of the men being so sore as to prevent them tem- porarily from performing duty. Next in order come measles and mumps, of which there has been an epidemic. These are diseases which are almost inseparable from the aggregation of large bodies of recruits. Following these are disorders of the air passages and bowels, viz: Of the former, bronchitis and a few cases of pneumonia; of the latter, diar- rhea, with a few cases of dysentery. These are also inseparable from the changed conditions of life for the recruit, both as regards his exposure to the weather and the character and cookery of his food. Finally, and by far the most serious, is typhoid fever, of which in each camp there are a number of cases, which, in spite of preventive precautions, is steadily on the increase. As this is a water- borne disease, the greatest care has been exercised in the selecting of the sources of water supply and of the examination of the water by'every means known to sci- ence, the result showing that the regular water supply at the several camps is as yet free from any dangerous element, and there is a consensus of opinion among the medical officers that the germs of the disease are obtained from infected water sources outside the camp limits, such as wells in the neighboring farms and infected water in adjoining towns which are constantly visited by the troops. How long the camp sources can be kept free from infection is hard to say. Among the sanitary precautions taken are the recommendation of boiled water as a constant beverage for the soldiers, the perfection of drainage system, and the disposal of the excreta, either by burying in pits or by cremation. If the former precaution could be car- ried out, we might feel assured that further cases of typhoid fever would not occur, but as a practical fact it is as yet impossible to secure compliance with this order by the soldiers. The number of diseases attributable to malaria is compar- atively small. Considering the fact that troops are living under conditions entirely new to them, including insufficient tentage and clothing, indifferent cooking of food, and unaccustomed exercise, I think the general sanitary condition is good, but this should not be taken as an index of continuous improvement. On the con- trary, it is my opinion, in spite of the sanitary precautions, the percentage of sick will increase until the discipline of the volunteer troops has so far improved that we may be assured of compliance with the orders that are given for the preservation of their health. Regarding the health of the troops now operating in Cuba, I feel that there is reason for grave apprehensions. Added to the conditions I have mentioned above as existing in camps of instruction, there are in Cuba climatic and other condi- tions infinitely more harmful and difficult of control. The long-continued and excessive daily heat of the climate, with rapid lowering of temperature at night, the necessary exposure to rain in the absence of tentage, the scarcity and-poor cookery of food, the effect of prolonged physical exertion on the battlefield induc- ing nervous exhaustion, are all factors which must be seriously considered in forming an estimate of the health of the troops if their continued residence in Cuba is contemplated. To this should be added the almost certain appearance of yellow fever. While the medical officers are fully alive to the gravity of this situation and have prepared with the utmost care the sanitary measures which are necessary to prevent disease and have ample medical supplies to control it should it appear, it must be borne in mind that the military situation renders the carrying out of most of these precautions an impossibility. Without proper tentage and clothing the ill effects of temperature and moisture can not be prevented; without the 614 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. necessary means of cookery proper food can not be supplied. Under existing cir- cumstances the sterilizing of water supply for the entire command by boiling may be said to be an impossibility, and should yellow fever make its appearance it will be almost equally impossible to thoroughly prevent its spread. ****** Exemption from sickness may be reasonably expected if the military situation permits of the transfer of the troops to a more salubrious point in the West India islands and their retention there until the end of the sickly season. Very respectfully, etc., Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, etc. [Telegram.] Headquarters, July 15,1898. Colonel Greenleaf: General Shafter directs me to say that he is not willing to send a regular regi- ment from the front or any other troops at this time, as affairs there are critical, and that there are now available in Siboney a regiment of volunteers and two companies of engineers who have been exposed to the epidemic, and he does not see the propriety of sending troops who have not been so exposed, even if one or two men have been sent from there with the fever. McClernand. MEMORANDUM FOR SANITARY PRECAUTIONS IN MOVING THE ARMY FROM ITS PRES- ENT LINE TO THE LANDING NEAR THE PIER OF THE JARAGUA IRON WORKS IN SANTIAGO BAY. The line should break camp and move about 2 miles to the cleanest camp site, remaining there two days. During the time any cases of yellow fever that develop should be immediately removed to the yellow-fever camp now established in the rear of the present line. The ground in the immediate vicinity of the cases should be burned over. At the end of two days the camp should be moved another 2 miles, the same precau- tion being taken with developing cases, and so on every second day until the objec- tive point is reached. While in camp the utmost vigilance should be used in secur- ing a thorough police; sinks located with care, to be covered each night with soil; the personal habits of the men very carefully looked into by the officers, and close inspection made of the cooking. While in camp all bedclothing and other prop- erty of similar texture should be freely exposed from early morning to sundown and to the sun and air, frequently turning the property so that both sides may be thoroughly disinfected by sunlight. Every opportunity foi' bathing should be taken advantage of, and also for laundrying clothing. If heavy rains intervene there need be no movement of the camp unless fever cases develop; but if this should happen they must be isolated as if there were no rain. Particular care must be taken to avoid camping on the site of any previous camp, and fatigue parties should be sent in advance to burn over the site selected for a camp and also to destroy any buildings that may be on it. Under no circumstances what- ever should any man be permitted to enter a building of any character, and all persons not connected directly with our army should be forbidden to enter its lines. It is to be remembered that one of the greatest dangers to the army on the march or in camp is in the intercourse between the soldiers and the inhabitants, either civilian or Cuban, and Spanish soldiers of the country, all of whom should be considered as carriers of disease. Before arriving at the objective point competent and careful officers should be REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 615 detailed to select the final site of a camp, and fatigue parties sent forward to clear the ground as far as practicable of undergrowth and rubbish. The final camp should be occupied at least ten days, and during that time the same rigid precau- tions regarding the health of the troops should be taken. It is hoped that with these precautions there is every reasonable prospect that the disease may be stamped out in the army. Regarding the transportation of the troops to Porto Rico, it is very desirable that the time of residence on the transports should be reduced to a minimum, and that overcrowding of the men should be avoided, and also whenever practicable each transport should be fumigated with burning sulphur before any troops are placed on board. If it is deemed undesirable to take Santiago Bay as the point of embarkation, the following is submitted: A careful examination of the immediate vicinity of the line now occupied by the troops should be made, with a view of selecting a good camp and the troops moved by regiments or brigades to the point. The camp site should be on elevated ground, sloping for good drainage, and an abundant water supply. Troops when moved should observe the same precautions that are given in the above memoranda. Here they should remain for at least five days after the appearance of the last case of yellow fever. The present yellow-fever hospital on the line should receive all cases that might occur from the new positions. Instructions should be issued to destroy or disin- fect by burning all clothing worn by men who had yellow fever, and the Quarter- master's Department should be prepared to issue new clothing to them. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Note.-These recommendations were approved and embodied in a telegraphic order sent to General Shafter by General Miles the same day. C. R. G. [Indorsement.] Headquarters of the Army, On Board U. S. S. Yale, Off Siboney, Cuba, July 17, 1898. Respectfully referred to Major-General Shafter, commanding Fifth Army Corps. This sanitary recommendation has been drawn up by Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon of the army, and the commanding general directs that it be complied with as far as possible, the main purpose being the immediate isolation of those affected by the disease of yellow fever from the commands; second, frequent change of camp, and in all cases the selection of fresh ground uncontaminated with the disease, and in every case, prior to occupation, the ground must be rig- idly inspected and if necessary burned over; third, the command must be kept away from all habitations, blockhouses, huts, and shanties of every description that have been occupied by Spanish or Cuban people; fourth, the establishment of guards and a rigid quarantine to keep all native or Spanish inhabitants out of any of the camps and away from any intercourse of whatever description with the troops. This rule must be thoroughly enforced, The commanding general further directs that you make daily reports to General Gilmore, adjutant-general at army headquarters, of the condition of your com- mand, and any matters of importance, mentioning specifically the number of men affected with yellow fever and giving the organization to which they belong. You will also separate your camps as far as practicable, so that any organization that may be more seriously affected will not contaminate the whole command. By order of Major-General Miles: J. C. Gilmore, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. 616 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Telegram.] On Board Relief, Siboney, Cuba, July 19, 1898. Colonel Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon: Message received. Will sail this evening for New York, in compliance with orders from the Surgeon-General. Will give to La Garde all delicacies and goods over and above the quantity that will supply the sick on the ship from here to New York. Everything is going well on board, and am satisfied the ship is not infected. Torney, Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, on Board U. S. S. Yale, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 19, 1898. Lieut. Col. B. F. Pope, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Chief Surgeon Fifth Army Corps. Sir: The critical condition of affairs at Siboney existing at the time of my arrival rendered my presence indispensably necessary at that point. I had intended going to the front to inspect the medical department there, but the sud den departure of General Miles for this place to organize the Porto Rican expedi- tion prevented me from doing so. You have doubtless seen the sanitary plan referred to in my telegram of the 16th instant for stamping out the yellow fever which now infects the Army, and I hope by following its general lines, which were suggested by Guiteras and Parker, we may be able to check it. I have placed La Garde in full charge of affairs at Siboney and gave him implicit instructions; have also taken the Louisiana as a yellow-fever hospital ship, to supply which he has material that was unloaded from the Relief. I have wired the Surgeon-General recommending the outfitting of two addi- tional hospital transports with proper appliances for loading and unloading from a roadstead, and should the Fifth Corps remain in Cuba I can easily supply you from Porto Rico, to which point I shall carry anything that the Surgeon-General sends me. I find in looking over the supplies that it will be necessary to exercise economy in their use, particularly in the matter of medicines and surgical dress- ings. A large number of the surgical cases that have been transferred from the front to the field hospital at Siboney and on board the Relief were in a septic con- dition, and I learned from investigating the histories that most of them had been subject to redressings at the hands of medical officers through whom they passed. Now that there will be a considerable period of rest for the troops, I think it will be advisable for you to adopt strict regulations for the exercise of economy in the use of medicines and surgical dressings, and to caution medical officers against an interference with a surgical case in transit from the first dressing station to the base hospital if it has been properly dressed. To secure this end the diag- nosis tag should be marked " dressing not to be disturbed." I think the intelli- gence of medical officers will prevent any negligence where the indications for a removal of a dressing may be imperative, but precautionary notice will prevent their interference unless the conditions justify it. I am informed by General Miles that supplies of all kinds, including mounts for the Hospital Corps, proper tentage, and other necessary materials, will soon be dis- charged at Santiago, and I hope you will use every effort to reorganize our depart- ment and get it into good working order so that it may be efficient if the corps is called on to follow us to Porto Rico. I have written to the Surgeon-General for an additional number of members of the Hospital Corps to be sent you, and for a floating disinfecting plant for use with the transports. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 617 You can reach me by cable at any time, and General Miles will be glad to approve any suggestions that you may have to make for increasing the efficiency of our department. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistamt Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, on Board U. S. S. Yale, En route to Porto Rico, July 23, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following recommendation for preventing as far as possible the introduction of yellow fever into the command now about to land on the Island of Porto Rico: The assignment of an officer of rank, to be placed in command of the base of supplies, with authority to indicate the sites to be occupied by the various supply depots and the hospital and to enforce the regulations governing the health of the attaches of these departments and the persons who may visit them on business. The assignment of a sanitary inspector, whose duty it shall be to examine all vessels and persons arriving at our base from seaward ports and to prepare sani- tary regulations for the government of all transportation and persons arriving and departing from the station by land. This officer should have authority to quarantine all suspicious persons and means of transportation, and to disinfect their belongings, either by fire or such other means as may be deemed necessary. All persons connected with the army are forbidden to enter any building what- ever on the island without express authority from these headquarters, and all buildings in rural districts that may be suspected of harboring the germs of dis- ease should be destroyed by fire or otherwise thoroughly disinfected. As woven goods, particularly those of woolen fabric, are special carriers of dis- ease, the purchase or acceptance of articles of this kind from stores or inhabitants of the island is strictly forbidden; any such property found within the lines will be at once destroyed and the holder subjected to punishment. That commanders of regiments be instructed to prepare their camping grounds with great care and maintain a rigid police in them. Under no circumstances shall they camp on ground that has previously been occupied either by troops or by collective bodies of the inhabitants. That medical officers be required to make frequent inspections of the commands to which they belong, and that any suspicious case of fever be immediately isolated and the fact of its occurrence reported to these headquarters. Canteens should be filled daily with tea or coffee and these beverages used habitually instead of water, unless that has been previously boiled. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Note.-These recommendations were approved, and were embodied, as they were made, in a general order issued same day by General Miles. C. R. G. QUARANTINE REGULATIONS FOR THE BASE OF THE MILITARY EXPEDITION TO PORTO RICO. 1. Every vessel shall be officially visited by the inspector before communication is made with other vessels or with the shore. 2. A vessel having yellow fever or smallpox on board shall not be allowed to communicate with the shore or vdth other vessels, but shall leave the island. 618 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Vessels coming from sources of infection shall be detained five days without communicating either with the shore or with other vessels. If, at the expiration of this time, no cases of fever shall have developed, landing may be made under the following precautions: All fomites shall be disinfected by one of the following methods: Immersion for one hour in one one-thousandth solution of bichloride; sulphur fumigation in a chamber twenty-four hours (4 pounds of sulphur being used for each 1,000 cubic feet of space) or boiling half an hour, with complete immersion. The following need not be disinfected unless directly exposed to infection: All new and dry material unpacked; all iron and steel implements; all goods in new and original packages not having been broken or packed in an infected locality. Goods other than textile, contained in textile material, such as coffee in sacks, bacon, spices, etc., kept dry and not broken in an infected locality, do not require dis- infection other than the container, which shall be treated as fomites, as above. Fruits, sound, unless exposed in an infected locality, need no disinfection. Live stock may be admitted. Such ships shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by the free use of one one-thousandth solution of bichloride and by fumigation with sulphur before they may again receive men or supplies. Ships quarantined shall display the usual flag, and those in detention shall be visited by the inspector daily until the time of quarantine shall have expired. 4. Vessels carrying passengers or having fomites from localities of infection, though they (the vessels) may hail from healthy ports, shall be subject to the same quarantine restrictions as vessels known to hail from infected localities. 5. Due precaution shall be taken to prevent infection of the base of supplies through communication with infected localities along the line of march by team- sters and others. As far as possible they should not be allowed to remain at the base longer than necessary to load and unload, nor to come in such contact as to communicate infection. Stragglers, prisoners, and strangers should be immedi- ately sent away. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Playa del Ponce, Porto Rico, August 1,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to recommend that in the selection of camp sites all low and flat ground that is likely to be flooded by heavy rains, which are liable to occur at any time now, be avoided, and sites selected with a view to the surface drainage. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Surgeon-General, Ponce, Porto Rico, August 5,1898. Lieut. Col. R. Huidekoper, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Chief Surgeon First Army Corps. Sir: Referring to the report of the sanitary inspector on your present camp, I have the honor to invite your particular attention to the occupancy of buildings before thorough disinfection. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 619 You are of course aware of the possible existence of fomites of yellow fever in any building on this island, and the readiness with which nonimmunes exposed at this season of the year become infected. It was to prevent exposure that the sanitary order from these headquarters was issued, and I must caution you as to its observance in your sanitary recommendations to the corps commander. I have been compelled to allow the sick to be exposed to the sun and rain, with only the shelter of a poncho, until a building could be disinfected, rather than to expose them to possible infection by disregarding this precaution. It was a neglect of these precautions in General Shafter's army, by occupancy, as quarters, offices, etc., of buildings which were infected, which brought upon it the existing epidemic. You are authorized to buy disinfectants at the nearest town if you do not have them among your regular supplies. It is proper to inform you that the physicians of Ponce report the prevalence of smallpox among the people along the south shore of the island. You will please report to me by telegraph each day the number of sick in your command, and at your convenience come to these headquarters conference regarding the business of this department in the campaign. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 6,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that there is a marked increase in the sick report of the troops, particularly in those composing General Henry's division. The cause of the sickness is in the majority of instances typhoid fever, and I am of the opinion, considering the character of the country, the climate, and the raw condition of the men, that this matter will become an important factor in consid- ering the future of this campaign. I recommend that, unless a military necessity prevents, the army be halted at the most convenient place in the mountains for recuperation of the troops and to afford an opportunity to treat the diseases. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel. Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 7, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that Major Woodbury, sanitary inspector, reports that the Spanish military barracks in Ponce has been thoroughly cleaned, disin- fected, and fumigated, and is now in a safe condition for occupancy by our troops. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. 620 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Playa del Ponce, Porto Rico, August 7, 1898. The Surgeon-General United States Army. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of correspondence regarding the precautions that have been taken to preserve the health of this command. The results of Major Woodbury's (sanitary inspector) work have so far been excellent. The streets of the town are comparatively clean and no building has been occupied until it has been properly cleaned, disinfected, and, when necessary, fumigated. He is now putting m force at Arroyo the same regulations estab- lished at Ponce. Smallpox is reported to be epidemic in a little town through which the troops must pass to-day. There is very little vaccine virus in the town, but I have ordered Major Woodbury to collect it and furnish it to the local doctors here for use. under his direction, among the population. The same military hospital has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and the one ward that had been occupied by Spanish prisoners fumigated with sulphur. The other ward had not been occupied, and the whole hospital is now occupied by our troops as a transfer hospital. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 10, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that a considerable number of patients in the military transfer hospital at Ponce are now sufficiently recovered to return to duty, and others will be recovering from day to day. Owing to the over- crowded condition of the hospital with cases of great severity and the lack of clerical assistance it will be impossible to comply with the regulations regarding the preparation of lists, etc., of men, or for the surgeon in charge to take sepa- rate measures toward finding the locations of the regiments to which these men belong. I therefore recommend that some central command be selected to which these men may be sent without formality from the hospital, and from which they may be ultimately returned to their respective regiments. An early reply to this recommendation is requested, since every bed in the hospital is needed for incoming cases, of which there are a large number. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 10,1898. Col. Charles R. Greenleaf, Assistant Surgeon-General, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Sir: Referring to your letter of this date, requesting that a central command be designated to which men who have recovered from sickness may be sent without REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 621 formality, the major-general commanding directs that all such cases be sent to Lieut. Col. C. C. Hood, Nineteenth Infantry, who has been directed to receive them and return them to their proper commands. Your letter has been referred to Lieutenant-Colonel Hood. Very respectfully, J. C. Gilmore, Brigadier-General, United States Volunteers. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Surgeon-General, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 10, 1898. Lieut. Col. Nicholas Senn, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Chief of the Operating Staff. Sir: You will proceed to the town of Ponce, visit the military and other hospi- tals in that town, and such of the camps in its vicinity as you may deem necessary, for the purpose of investigating and, if possible, determining the cause of typhoid and other fevers now prevailing in this army, and report the results of your inves- tigation in writing to me. Should you find it necessary to have the services of an interpreter or other civilian to aid in your work, you are hereby authorized to employ him, sending the bill to this office for payment. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Cablegram.] Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 11,1898. Sternberg, Washington: After conference with Senn, Torney, and Daly, report no suitable building here. Pavilion can be built, but objectionable in this climate; tent hospitals preferable. Type of disease comparatively mild. Strongly advise, on climatic and other grounds, speedy return of sick and convalescents to United States on properly equipped transports or regular hospital ships. This essential to sick and for morale of troops. Fifty qualified doctors, 25 trained hospital stewards, and 150 experienced trained male nurses required. Send $2,000 to Asst. Surg. F. McG. Hartsock. Senn's investigation shows 250 cases typhoid, all infected in camps in United States, mostly from Chickamauga. Previous cases Camp Alger. Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 11, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that in consequence of the large number of strag- glers who are coming in and reporting at the military transfer hospital, I have to request that an infantry guard be detailed for duty at that place. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the field. 622 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE ON HOSPITAL SHIP RELIEF REGARDING THE CARE OF THE SICK OF THE ARMY IN PORTO RICO. To Sternberg: No suitable building here. Pavilions can be built, but are objectionable in this climate. Tent hospitals preferable. Types of disease comparatively mild. We strongly advise, on climatic and other grounds, speedy return of the sick and convalescents to the United States on prop- erly equipped transports or regular hospital ships. This we believe to be essential, not only to the sick but to the morale of the troops. Fifty well-qualified doctors, 25 well-trained hospital stewards, 150 experienced trained male nurses required. Send $2,000 to Asst. Surg. F. McG. Hartsock, U. S. A. Senn's investigation shows 250 cases typhoid, all infected in camps in United States. Most of them from Chickamauga. Previous shipments were from Camp Alger. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Geo. H. Torney, Major and Surgeon, United States Army. N. Senn, Chief Surgeon, Colonel, United States Volunteers. W. H. Daly, Major and Chief Surgeon, United States Volunteers. MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE ON HOSPITAL SHIP RELIEF REGARDING CARE OF THE SICK OF THE ARMY IN PORTO RICO. To General Miles: Hospital of lumber can be built, but one of tents is preferable. We, however, urgently recommend the speedy return of the sick to the United States on prop- erly equipped transports or hospital ships. Fifty doctors and 150 trained male nurses required at once. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Geo. H. Torney, Major and Surgeon, United States Army. N. Senn, Colonel and Chief Surgeon, United States Volunteers. W. H. Daly, Major and Chief Surgeon, United States Volunteers. [Telegram.] Headquarters of the Army. Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 12, 1898. Woodbury, Coamo, Porto Rico: Much gratified with your report. Your message about men of light battery has been attended to. If Aibonita is taken, put the big building there in sanitary order quick. I want it for a hospital. Keep me informed regarding sanitary affairs. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 623 ORDER. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 13,1898. Dr. G. G. Groff, of Philadelphia, having tendered his services to the Medical Department, United States Army, is hereby appointed deputy sanitary inspecto." at Ponce and vicinity. Dr. Groff will take charge of and distribute, under direction of the Chief Sur- geon of the Army, the medical supplies and comforts landed from Mr. Van Rensselaer's yacht May by the relief commission of Philadelphia, Pa., for the use of the sick and wounded in the army and navy. By command of Major-General Miles. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 13, 1898. The Surgeon-General United States Army. Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the health condition of this army is still a matter of grave consideration. In addition to the fever cases that have been sent north on the Obdam and the Lampasas some 300 caseshave developed, mostly typhoids, and new ones are coming in from the troops in the immediate vicinity of Ponce at the rate of about 10 a day. I have heard nothing from the command consisting of Generals Wilson's, Henry's, and Schwan's brigades since they left Ponce, but judging from their previous condition and the condition of those left behind, I feel satisfied that so soon as the ambulances can be returned a large number of sick will come with them. General Brooke's troops are so separated from me that I can not get any reports, but when the troops arrived here the Gen- eral reported about 125 cases of sickness, 25 of which he understood to be typhoid fever. I therefore sent the Relief to his landing point (Arroyo) to take charge of those cases, and expect her to return some time during the day. As reported to you in my letter of the 7th, I have taken the Spanish military hospital as the central hospital for our own troops. It will accommodate about 200 patients, and by crowding about 100 more might be under shelter. The few tents, hospital and others, that I could get hold of have been pitched on the ground adjacent to the hospital and will probably accommodate 50 more. Before the troops left I ordered the very sick, which was represented to me as numbering 60, sent to the transfer hospital, and had made provision for them, but in the care- less methods, which I regret to say are too common among the volunteer officers, my orders were disregarded, and during the night 138 additional men, some slightly sick, some venereal cases, and some who proved to be malingerers, were dumped on the hospital. The result was considerable confusion, due to the utter inability of my small force to properly care for this unexpected influx of stragglers. For- tunately the hospital ship Relief arrived the next morning and I was able to trans- fer about 125 of the worst cases to her. I at once organized a convalescent camp adjacent to the camp of the Nineteenth United States Infantry, which has been made the provost guard of the town, and weeded out the stragglers, convales- cents, and malingerers, numbering about 125 men, and had them marched under guard to this camp. The immediate congestion was thus relieved, and I am happy to report that the hospital is now in as good condition as is possible under the cir- cumstances. I c^etached Dr. H. S. Greenleaf from the Relief for temporary service at the hospital, and have found among the private soldiers ope or two graduated physicians, who I have also placed on duty. 624 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. A volunteer detail of nurses from the Nineteenth Infantry was made at my request and has done excellent service. I placed Major Daly in charge, and under his energetic and efficient management order was soon evolved from chaos. I can not too highly recommend him for the service he has thus rendered. The lack of medical officers and members of the Hospital Corps is due to the fact that the troops on leaving the United States failed apparently to bring with them their proper organization, and sickness and other casualties still further reduced this small number, until there was only remaining a supply barely suffi- cient for field service with the troops when they left. I have already telegraphed you of the necessity for additional doctors, stewards, and trained male nurses. General Miles referred to me a request from the Secretary of War regarding the reemployment of the female nurses who were on board the Lampasas. I replied that I could make them useful in this military hospital if they should come. Your telegram regarding the establishment of a general hospital here has been briefly answered. I can only add in detail that I called a consultation on board the Relief with Drs. Senn, Daly, and Torney, to which Dr. Terry was unofficially invited. We discussed the situation thoroughly, and were unanimous in our opinion that the sick should be sent home as speedily as possible. Many factors led us to this conclusion: First, the enervating effect of the climate upon the troops in general, rendering them easy victims to any disease; second, the extreme debility that follows convalescence from fevers; third, as a consequence of this debility the homesickness which is almost insupportable, and fourth, the evil effect upon the well troops by the appearance among them of their debilitated comrades. We were unanimous in the opinion that no one should be sent to the U nited States except in a properly equipped transport or upon a regular hospital ship, since it would be far better to have the men subject to the conditions here than to undergo the suffering incident to a trip on a hastily and therefore ill- equipped transport. I have therefore decided to recommend the use of a tent hospital, auxiliary to the military hospital here, and possibly another at the foot of the mountains, where fever cases could be kept and properly treated until the arrival of transport ships. As I was in some doubt regarding the local influences in keeping up the sick- ness among our men, I ordered Dr. Senn to make a careful investigation of the subject, and inclose a synopsis of his report, which has been laid before the major- general commanding. Every possible precaution is being taken to prevent the introduction of new diseases and to correct the effects of those existing among us. Drs. Senn and Daly have been indefatigable in their work, as has also Dr. Wood- bury, the sanitary inspector. A party of gentlemen arrived yesterday in Mr. Van Rensselaer's yacht, bearing a letter of introduction from you. I found that one of them, Dr. Groff, was will- ing to remain with us, and as he has been previously connected with the sanitary service in the United States, I made him deputy sanitary inspector of the army at Ponce and placed him in charge of the medical supplies which were brought down by the party. These supplies I will store in the building now used as head- quarters offices, and have placed their issue into his hands. I think it advisable to keep the Relief here a few days longer than originally intended, since there has been fighting in the last few days and twenty-odd wounded are reported as a result. These I wish to place on board the Relief, and for that reason will, if necessary, unload some of the fever cases and place them back in the shore hospital. I have unloaded all the supplies from the hospital ship Relief and stored them in the military barracks in the city. As I had no medical officer to take charge of them, I have taken Dr. Hartsock from the Relief, have appointed him as medical supply officer, and will keep him until some officer arrives to relieve him. In the REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 625 absence of supplies I have been compelled to make considerable purchases, which were absolutely necessary for care of the sick. I feel sure that my course will meet your approval and that the necessary funds will be forthcoming to meet the obligations I have incurred upon my own responsibility. We are now fairly organized, although sadly lacking in doctors and nurses; but these I am sure you will furnish as rapidly as possible. In the meantime I will do my best to keep your department in an efficient condition. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Telegram.] Headquarters First Brigade, Provisional Division, Adjuntas, Porto Rico, August 74,1898. Colonel Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon, Ponce, Porto Rico: On thorough investigation no healthful camping ground can be found here. Heavy daily rains. Troops constantly wet. Malarial country. George W. Crile, Major, Surgeon. Camp near Adjuntas, August 15,1898. Chief Surgeon Army in the Field, Ponce, Porto Rico: * * * * * * * It is absolutely necessary for the health of this command at Adjuntas to move from this vicinity. No good camping ground can be found here. Answer. Geo. W. Crile, Acting Chief Surgeon. Transfer Hospital, Ponce, Porto Rico, August 15, 1898. The Chief Surgeon Armies in the Field, , Port Ponce, Porto Rico. Sir: In compliance with instructions from your office I have the honor to report that I have examined the ground in the vicinity of this hospital with a view of erecting a number of hospital tents, with the necessary kitchens, sinks, etc., for the purpose of giving additional facilities for the treatment of the sick, and would state that there is room for about 100 tents. The ground, which I am informed by Acting Assistant Surgeon Morette belongs to Abeloido Otero and Miguel Mattii, has a considerable slope, which would necessitate the propping up of the tent floors to make them level. This, however, would be an advantage, as it would secure free ventilation underneath the tent, which is especially desirable in a tropical climate. A dry ravine divides the localities selected, which would require to be bridged by a trestle about 40 feet in length. I have employed and set to work a number of men and carts clearing the site and policing the place generally, and it will probably be in a condition to begin pitching the tents within three days. Very respectfully, H. P. Birmingham, Major and Surgeon. 7833-vol. 1 40 626 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 16,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to state that I inspected to-day the prison in the upper part of Ponce on the street leading to the transfer hospital, and find it in a very unsanitary condition. The privy is exceedingly offensive, and should be cleaned and thoroughly disinfected without delay. The ventilation of the room in which these men are confined should also be attended to. The best way to do this will be by making an opening in the ridge. There were several sick prisoners, to whom I directed the services of a physician. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. [Indorsement on report of Surgeon Birmingham, recommending site for hospital.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 16, 1898. Respectfully referred to army headquarters. Under instructions from headquarters I have examined the country in the vicinity of Ponce for the location of a tent hospital for the treatment of the sick of this army, and find as the most available place the ground in the immediate vicinity of the military hospital, which we now occupy, and where the con- venience and expense of administration will be reduced to a minimum. The high ground and excellent drainage make this a peculiarly desirable location for the hospital, and I request authority to occupy it. Flooring for tents and for connecting walks will be required, and I ask that the quartermaster's department be directed to furnish it; also that the engineering department be directed to construct the bridge across the dry ravine within referred to. I have conferred with Colonel Black upon this subject, and he informs me that it can be easily done. The Surgeon-General informs me that the tents for this hospital left New York two days ago and I desire to be ready to pitch them immediately upon their arrival. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. August 17, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Anny, Port Ponce, Porto Rico. Sir: I have the honor to recommend that the old Spanish fort at this place be used for the storage of the siege material and quarters of a small guard for the same during the present emergency. S. A. Day, Major, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Siege Train. [Second indorsement.] Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 17, 1898. Respectfully returned to headquarters of the army. I have inspected these quarters, and if they are thoroughly policed and disinfected with lime they may be used with safety for the purpose within indicated. Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 627 [Telegram.] Coamo, Porto Rico, August 18,1898. Chief Surgeon of the Army, Ponce: I have excellent location for tent hospital of 250 beds. Excellent water supply. High dry ground. If General Miles augments forces at Coamo, or if we are to stay here two weeks more, it will be extremely necessary to establish large tent hospital as soon as possible. I will report in person. Typhoid is disappearing. Malaria, diarrhea, principal disorders. Am disinfecting and arranging Caserne for provost guard. Woodbury, Sanitary Inspector. [Telegram.] Headquarters near Ponce, August 18,1898. Chief Surgeon, at Ponce: * * ***** Will inspect site for hospital baths, and report this location to-night. Woodbury, Sanitary Inspector. [Telegram.] Guayama, Porto Rico, August 18,1898. Colonel Greenleaf: * ****** My hospital location excellent. Will have good system at once. Doing all that can be done. Annoying criticism from line officers and laymen. Am short some medicines. Rush. S. Huidekoper, Lieutenant-Colonel. [Third indorsement.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 19, 1898. Respectfully returned to army headquarters. If suitable buildings can be found they should be thoroughly policed, disinfected, and fumigated by means of sulphur, or the walls, floors, and ceilings washed with a solution of bichloride of mercury, and the surrounding grounds thoroughly policed. With these precau- tions I think they could be safely occupied as quarters for the troops. Chas. R. Greenleaf. [Telegram.] Abjuntas, Porto Rico, August 20, 1898. Major Crile, Utuado, Porto Rico: Ambulance has arrived from Ponce with medicines. Instruct me as to for- warding. Hospital should be removed from hill to-morrow. Camp in horrible state from constant rain. Could select building in town for hospital if so directed Gross, Assistant Surgeon. 628 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 21,1898. Col. Chas. R. Greenleaf, U. S. A., Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Sir: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with Special Field Order No. 14, from General Miles through you, dated August 15, 1898,1 proceeded with two ambulances, an orderly, and Thomas Oxholm, as interpreter and guide, from this point to Mayaguez, Porto Rico. The ambulances were loaded with hospital stores, supplies, and delicacies, and found the headquarters of General Schwan to be at Mayaguez. The supplies carried by me were as appear on appended list herewith. Nearly all of these I turned over to Major Egan, after reporting in person to General Schwan. The other supplies I gave out along the road to such sick and other soldiers as I in my judgment thought needed them. I also turned over 500 vaccine points to Major Egan, as per your instructions. I found the town of Mayaguez in the most unsanitary condition, especially the Spanish hospital occupied by our sick. There is in one room in that hospital five cases of measles, which should at once be isolated. The hospital is situated at the southeast end of the town on low, filthy ground, surrounded by wretched hovels and a squalid population of the lowest order, who live in filthy small huts, into which are crowded their large families, in some instances ten or twelve people living in a structure not more than 12 feet square, where the ancestors of these families apparently have been born and died for generations. The vacant space about the hospital is filthy beyond description, strewn with the refuse from the wretched people who live all around the hospital, the houses being densely crowded, especially on the northeast and south sides. The refuse in the vacant ground about the hospital, wet with the recent rains, was reeking with offensive effluvia, which pervaded the entire neighborhood and especially the hospital building itself. The latter is a badly located building on this low ground, and its plumbing old and out of repair, and the hospital crowded with the sick both of the Spanish and United States armies, the cases consisting chiefly of typhoid and malarial fevers. I inspected the entire town and found only one of the streets, namely, the main street, at all clean, courtyards and back streets containing the accumulated filth of many years. The situation at Mayaguez is bad, the ground being low upon the sea. A stream running through the north of the town empties into it and receives the surface drainage. The land to the north and northwest of the town is higher, and a place can be had half a mile out on the road north leading to Los Marias as eligible as possible for this region to establish a tent hospital, which I would earnestly recommend; but as a first and immediate measure I would recommend a thorough policing and fumigating of the present hospital building and the mis- erable houses surrounding the place; also, an embarkation north of all the sick at the earliest possible time. Very respectfully, W. H. Daly, Major, Chief Surgeon United States Volunteers. N. B.-I have omitted to say that I found the troops of General Schwan's com- mand much worn by the very rapid forced marches and field movements in battles in which they had been engaged within the past few days. MEMORANDUM FOR CHIEF SURGEON. The scheme of hospital organization is to establish a tent hospital of at least 300 beds at the transfer hospital in Ponce. This work has already been authorized. Then a tent hospital at or near Coamo, of at least 100 beds, and in other divisions, if necessary. For this purpose 200 hospital tents are now being unloaded from 629 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. the steamship Concho, and there has been authority given to the quartermaster to furnish lumber for flooring, etc. When a hospital ship is reported as arriving she should be loaded from the transfer hospital to within 100 beds of her capacity, then sent to Arroyo for the sick from General Brooke's command, and then to Mayaguez for the sick from General Schwan's. All the available ambulance trains should then be put in serv- ice to unload the hospitals from the front. Belonging to headquarters and camped near the Nineteenth Infantry camp there is a train of 13 ambulances, under charge of Mr. Walton, the wagon master. These should be used exclusively for unloading the sick from the transfer hospital. A hospital fund of about $300 is in possession of the surgeon in charge of the transfer hospital, to be expended by him. Another fund of $2,783 is in the hands of Dr. Hartsock, the supply officer, to be expended by him. From these funds the nurses in the various hospitals are to be paid and also any other expenses con- nected with the medical department. Contract doctors are paid by the pay department. A full supply of blank forms to furnish a corps has been ordered from the Sur- geon-General and should be here in a few days. So soon as they arrive they should be unpacked and distributed to the various medical officers, and the regu- lar reports required by the medical department which have heretofore not been made should be insisted upon. The departure of the hospital ships loaded should be cabled at once to the Sur- geon-General, using only his name "Sternberg, Washington," giving as few words as possible in the message, and signing your own name without rank. A box of fresh vaccine virus is left in the office, also package of medicine. There are two or three private soldiers, particularly in General Wilson's com- mand, said to be graduated physicians. They should be examined by a. board of medical officers, and if competent should be discharged from the service and employed under contract at $150 per month. Blanks for this purpose are in the desk; also blanks for the employment of contract nurses, the maximum price paid being fixed at $30 per month. There is also a lot of mail in the office which is intended for people on the Relief and for Red Cross nurses. No sick are to be admitted to hospital except by order from the chief surgeon. Major Crile reports General Henry's command as in an exceedingly unhealthy position. There is a constant rain. The clothing of the men is never dry. There is a large sick report, principally of intestinal disorders, the tendency being to a decided increase. Major Crile has grave apprehensions regarding the future of the command. The road from this command over the mountains he reports as impassable to anything but pack trains, and exceedingly difficult even for those. A number have already been lost in attempting to make the journey. Two ambulances have been lost on this trail. One went over the cliff and the other sank so deeply in the mud that it had to be abandoned. I recommend that these troops be removed from their position at the earliest possible moment permissible with the military situation, or I am satisfied that disastrous results will follow in the shape of severe and continued sickness. This is the command at Abjuntas and Utuado. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 2^, 1898. Chief Surgeon, General Wilsoris Command. Sir: In compliance with instructions from the honorable Secretary of War to erect tent hospitals for the accommodation of the sick of this command, I have to 630 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. request that you will select a suitable site upon which sufficient tent accommoda- tion may be erected for 200 patients. The quartermaster's department should be called upon for the necessary flooring and planking and the engineering depart- ment for the necessary road making and contour lines on which the tents should be pitched. You will at once make due requisition on the medical officer for the bedding, furniture, and other outfitting necessary for the hospital, and report to the chief surgeon when you are ready to receive patients. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 2^, 1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to invite attention to the matter of the interment of the remains of soldiers deceased in the army. As I understand it, they are now buried, under the direction of the quartermas- ter's department, in the cemetery at Ponce, not altogether a suitable place for that purpose. I recommend that a proper location be determined upon and a sufficient amount of ground secured which may be used as a national cemetery, into which ulti- mately the bodies of all soldiers deceased on this island shall be removed. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 27, 1898. Dr. George G. Groff, Deputy Sanitary Inspector of the Army. Sir: You will please, during your visit to General Brooke's command, report to the general and request his permission to make a sanitary inspection under the direction of his chief surgeon of the camps and hospitals of the command. This for the purpose of completing the historical record of sanitary work performed with the army of occupation in Porto Rico. It should be understood that this work can only be done as a special favor from General Brooke, who, I am sure, in consideration of the object in view, will further our efforts in this direction, as will also Colonel Huidekoper, his chief surgeon. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 27,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to invite attention to the insufficient water supply at the general hospital at Ponce. Before the erection of the hospital tents this supply was barely sufficient for ordinary needs, and it is now quite insufficient. I have to request that the quartermaster's department be directed to look into the matter and secure a sufficient supply. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 631 Guayama, Porto Rico, August 28,1898. Col. C. R. Greenleaf, Ponce. ******* Sick in hospital are in very much better shape than they were twenty-four hours ago. My impression is that with fair weather conditions will improve markedly in a general way. There are possibly 150 to 200 men who ought to go north as soon as they can be sent. The cases of typhoid fever are not all well defined. Part of them may be determined to be malarial fever. These men are incapaci- tated for duty, and should be sent home. All those able to travel were sent to Ponce with the Fourth Pennsylvania. So soon as the hospital ship reaches our waters it should be sent to Arroyo, and these men who could go home loaded on it. The reason for this is, our stay here is possibly short. Will you give it your attention and let me hear from you without delay? Matters move very rapidly in these days. Further, do not forget our conversation about care of the men who are to be here for any length of time, in so far as shelter is concerned. So much of the soil here is under cultivation that I am more convinced than when I saw you that buildings-substantial buildings, too-not less than two stories high should be erected at such points as troops may be required to be stationed. I am more than ever convinced that we will need a great many troops here for some time to come considering the feeling existing between those so-called Porto Ricans and those called Spaniards. Do not forget this when you get to the United States. John R. Brooke, Major-General, Commanding. [Telegram.] G-uayama, Porto Rico. Colonel Greenleaf, Ponce, Porto Rico: ******* Establishing building hospital for most serious, and crematories for all dejecta and refuse. Will write; but supervision of medical and compliance with military details is about all I can do. ******* R. Huidekoper. 632 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 13-DIVISION AND REGIMENTAL HOSPITALS. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., May 20, 189S. The Chief Surgeon, Corps. (Through military channels.) Sir: I am directed by the Major-General Commanding the Army to inclose here- with a plan of sanitary organization for the troops in the field. It represents numerically the distribution of the personnel of the Medical Department and the relative proportion of the necessary wheel transportation and tentage to the com- batant force. It is a general standard, from which departure may be made (in your discretion) to meet the exigencies of the camp or battlefield, in which case the fact and reasons therefor should be duly reported to the chief surgeon. Your attention is invited to Circular No. 1 from the Surgeon-General, dated April 25, 1898 (inclosed), on the subject of army sanitation. An observance of its requirements is practically enjoined. Another circular* will soon be issued from the same source, detailing specifically the duties of the field administrative officers in the Medical Department. Attention is also invited to the preparation and transmission of reports and records, the accuracy of which should be assured. For this purpose an ample supply of blank forms should be procured, and as soon as practicable a school for officers of the Medical Department organized, where instruction in the use of these forms and in the various military duties incident to the sanitary service may be given. Frequent inspections of the hospitals, dispensaries, and camps should be made by you in person, including a careful scrutiny of the methods and work of the medical officers within your jurisdiction. No specific orders are issued in this con- nection, as the chief surgeon desires to leave in your hands the responsibility for the propel1 performance of your duties. Regarding the relation of unofficial civilian aid to the Medical Department, attention is invited to General Order No. 47, series 1898 (inclosed), and you are requested to inform the division chief surgeon that no permits for neutralizing members of aid societies will be issued until the Medical Department makes a formal call for their service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Charles R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. The above letter sent to the chief surgeon of each army corps. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 633 Sanitary subdivisions of Volunteer Army Corps.1 {About 25,000 combatant strength based upon present organization.) [Twenty-four regiments of infantry, three light batteries, one regiment of cavalry. Estimated.] Medical officers. Hospital stewards. Assistant hospital stewards. Privates. Total for corps. Medical offi- cers. Hospital stew- ards. Assistant hos- pital stew- ards. Privates. Each regiment of infantry 1 1 1 24 24 24 1 Each artillery battalion (3 light batteries) 1 3 1 1 3 Each regiment of cavalry 2 1 2 2 1 2 Total with troops 24 25 3 27 Administration: One corps 2 1 2 2 1 2 Three divisions 1 1 1 3 3 3 N ine brigades 1 1 9 9 Total with administration ... 14 4 14 Three division ambulance compa nies and one corps reserve com- pany each... 6 7 3 104 24 28 12 416 Three division field hospitals (of 200 beds each) and one corps re- serve hospital each 6 6 3 90 24 24 12 360 Total 48 52 24 776 Unassigned. .... 2 2 2 2 Grand total 89 83 29 817 1 The sanitary organization of a corps of the regular establishment, or one differing in combatant strength, should be based upon this ratio. Relative proportion of the necessary wheel transportation and tentage to the combatant force of an army corps. For wheel transportation: One ambulance to 400 men. One army wagon to 600 men. One escort wagon to brigade. For tentage: One hospital tent to 300 men. One common tent to 1,200 men. Note.-The above estimate is subject to change by orders from the War Department. 634 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. CIRCULAR LETTERS. Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., Jidy 5, 1898. The Chief Surgeon. Corps. Sir: Paragraph I. In the absence of specific instructions from the military authorities you will be governed by the following: When troops are moved from one corps to another by regimental detachments, you will recommend that there be sent with each regiment its regimental person- nel and dispensary outfit, viz, medical and surgical chests, tentage, etc., but not its wheel transportation. When the movement includes a brigade organization, recommendation should be made that a brigade section from the division field hospital and from the divi- sion ambulance company, complete as to personnel and material, should be sent with it. Paragraph II. Should the headquarters of the corps with which you are serving be removed from the camp of instruction you will recommend the detail, from among the medical officers who remain at the camp, of an experienced officer to act as chief surgeon until the arrival of another corps headquarters. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, Port Ponce, Porto Rico, August 11,1898. The Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to request that the commanding general of the First Army Corps be directed to detail one-half of the corps reserve field hospital, with its tentage and personnel, for duty with the sick at this station. Very respectfully, Chas. R. Greenleaf, Colonel, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, Chief Surgeon Army in the Field. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 635 DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 14-MEDICAL OFFICERS. The number of medical officers, 192, allowed by law to the Army is inadequate in time of peace. This number includes the additional 15 assistant surgeons authorized by the act approved May 12,1898. Later in May there were 13 vacan- cies; 6 officers were engaged in administrative duties in the office of the Surgeon- General and in the superintendence of the library and Army Medical Museum; 11 were on duty at medical-supply depots and as chief surgeons of military depart- ments, 1 at the United States Soldiers' Home, Washington, D. C., 56 at general hospitals and at garrisoned posts, 1 as colonel of a volunteer regiment, while 4 were disabled. One hundred officers were thus left for field service, 5 of whom were placed on duty as chief surgeons of army corps, 36 as brigade surgeons of volunteers, and 59 as regimental surgeons and assistants with the regular troops. The insufficiency of the last-mentioned number was made up by the assignment of medical men under contract. All volunteer regiments had 3 medical officers appointed by the governors of States. Volunteer surgeons to fill the staff positions authorized by the act approved April 22,1898, were appointed by the President; 8 corps surgeons with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and 110 division and brigade surgeons with the rank of major; 5 of the former and 36 of the latter positions were filled, as indi- cated above, by the appointment of officers of the Army Medical Department. The President also appointed three medical officers for each of the regiments of United States volunteer infantry, cavalry, and engineers. The very small pro- portion of medical officers having experience of a military character impaired the efficiency of the department at the outset, but many of the staff surgeons from civil life showed great aptitude for the service and speedily became of value as administrative and sanitary officers. The large number of sick which had to be cared for during the progress of the war in regimental, division, and general hospitals rendered imperative the employment of additional medical assistance. Under the provisions of the act approved May 12,1898, the services of over 650 contract surgeons were engaged. Most of these doctors from civil life did good service. Many of them were thor- oughly well-equipped physicians and surgeons, with ample hospital experience, but it was impossible to make a careful selection, owing to the great pressure of business in this office. Since it was impracticable to have the qualifications of each passed upon by an examining board, I endeavored as far as possible to obtain satisfactory professional indorsement before authorizing the contract. 636 INVESTIGATION OE CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 15-H0SPITAL CORPS. On April 25, 1898, in connection with the call of the President of the United States for 125,000 volunteers, I recommended that the law restricting the number of hospital stewards to 100 be changed, and that for each regiment of volunteer infantry or cavalry there should be enlisted 1 hospital steward, 1 acting hospital steward, and 25 privates; for each battery of artillery, 1 hospital steward and 5 privates, and for- each division of the army, 1 hospital steward, 1 acting hospital steward, and 50 privates, to serve under the direction of the chief surgeon of the division. These recommendations were acted upon so far favorably, that by the act approved June 2, 1898, Congress suspended during the existing war all pro- visions of law limiting the number of hospital stewards at any one time to 100, and requiring that a person to be appointed a hospital steward shall first demonstrate his fitness therefor by actual service of not less than twelve months as acting hospital steward, provided that the increase of hospital stewards under this act shall not exceed 100. In addition to the 200 stewards thus authorized, each vol- unteer organization received into the service was allowed 1 hospital steward for each battalion (act approved April 26- 1898). There was, however, no pro- vision made for hospital-corps men for the volunteer troops except that which empowered the Secretary of War (act March 1, 1897) to enlist as many privates for the Hospital Corps as the service may require. To provide this corps with the necessary number of men, recruiting officers were urged to secure suitable men and medical officers to effect the transfer of men from the line of the Army. Letteis were sent to superintendents ot training schools for male nurses in the prominent cities, advising them of the need for desirable men, and asking their assistance in securing unemployed nurses. A number of medical students, pharmacists, and young graduates in medicine, enlisted in the Hospital Corps for service during the war, and it is believed that the efficiency of the corps was thereby raised considerably. Recommendation was made May 14, 1898, that mustering officers be instructed to enlist desirable men, approved by medical officers, at the rate of 5 for each batallion, and subsequently that these be permitted to accompany the regiments on their future service. This recommendation was reiterated on June 18 in a communication to the Adjutant-General. Meanwhile General Orders, No. 58, Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-General's Office, May 31, 1898, author- ized the transfer of men from the line of the volunteers to the Hospital Corps of the Regular Army upon the recommendation of the chief surgeon, and sus- pended the provision of Army Regulations governing the Hospital Corps so far as they were inapplicable in time of war and with troops in the field. Com- manders of corps and of independent divisions and brigades were charged with the full control of the transfer from the line, the enlistment and discharge of members of the Hospital Corps, the detail of acting hospital stewards, and the appointment of stewards, the last limited by subsequent orders to 10 stewards for an army corps, in addition to those authorized for the volunteer regiments. Authority for immediate enlistments, without reference to this office except in cases where slight defects existed, was also given to a number of chief surgeons. The number of men enlisted and transferred during the war was, approximately 6,000. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 637 CONTRACT NURSES. The want of a sufficient body of trained Hospital Corps men necessitated the detail of enlisted men from the regiments for hospital duty in several of the camps and the employment of trained nurses at the general hospitals. Foresee- ing the necessity for a large force of the latter, I applied to Congress, April 28, 1898, for authority to employ by contract as many nurses as might be required during the war, at the rate of $30 per month and a ration, the pay proper to be paid from the appropriation for the Medical and Hospital Department. This was promptly granted. About the same time the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution offered its services as an examining board for female nurses, and a committee, of which Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee was chairman, was designated to take charge of the work. Thereafter most of the female nurses employed were selected by this committee, with the exception of those immune to yellow fever, who were recruited in New Orleans and other Southern cities, and a few who were enrolled at Montauk Point, Long Island, and Jackson- ville, Fla., by the chief surgeons at these places. A number of patriotic societies offered to provide the hospitals with nurses, but the committee referred to answered its purpose so well, that I did not feel the need of additional assistance, and was relieved from what would otherwise have been a serious responsibility. Over 1,700 female nurses have been employed at first at the general hospitals, and later at the field division hospitals, when it became evident that the field serv- ice purposes for which the latter had been organized would have to give place to the imperative need of caring for the many sick men coming from the regimental camps. These hospitals ceased to be ambulance hospitals, and their character of fixed field hospitals was promptly recognized by assigning contract surgeons and nurses to duty with them, and providing them with articles of equipment which can not be carried in the hospital wagons of a marching command. Female nurses were not sent to these field hospitals until their original function as an essential adjunct to a command mobilized for active service became lost in the current of immediate necessities. Many of the trained nurses were Sisters of Charity, whose services were highly appreciated by medical officers in charge, as well as by the individual sick men who benefited by their ministrations. Others were obtained through the kind assistance of the Red Cross Society for the Main- tenance of Trained Nurses, Auxiliary No. 3, and I desire to express my high appre- ciation of the valuable services rendered to the Medical Department by this organization. MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL SUPPLIES. Up to the time that war was declared it was not practicable to take any imme- diate steps to obtain supplies, as it was not known until that date that the troops would actually be called out, nor were there funds available from which to make purchases. But already before April 1, in view of the possibility of future needs, orders were given to have the field medical outfits, medical and surgical chests, instruments, etc., at the supply depots put in order for issue in case of need, and early in March the preparation of new pattern medical and surgical chests was begun, so as to have them ready for manufacture should the necessity arise. Immediately upon the declaration of war, April 21, steps were taken to obtain medical supplies for the new Volunteer Army. For the more important articles, and those of highest cost, bids were invited at short notice-such, for instance, as medical and surgical chests, litters and slings, field operating cases, pocket cases, orderly and hospital corps pouches, etc. Orders were given to have the manu- facture expedited with the utmost dispatch. 638 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 16. Very few complaints in regard to nonreceipt of supplies and lack of medical supplies have reached this office, considering the very large operations of the Supply Department, the wide extent of country involved, and the numerous camps and commands to be supplied. There were temporary delays in the arrival of supplies at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga, and Tampa, Fla., for General Shafter's army, but they were in all cases due to defective transportation facilities, and not to the want of foresight or prompt attention to requisitions on the part of the surgeon-general. Trifling, if any, difficulties have been experienced at the other camps and stations. It is not believed to be necessary or advisable to submit the telegrams referring to the delays in nonreceipt of supplies and orders given by the Surgeon-General for expediting, tracing, or duplicating them. In every instance prompt measures were taken to remedy the difficulty. It has come to the knowledge of the Surgeon-General indirectly, chiefly through the press, that some medical officers of volunteer regiments have complained that they could not get medicines and othei- medical supplies. Very few direct com- plaints have been made to this office. The complaints can be accounted for in several ways. Volunteer medical officers being taken directly from civil life were accustomed to prescribing from the extensive and varied assortments of drugs and preparations found in the drug store, not realizing that the Army field supply is limited in variety by the necessarily limited field transportation, and by the necessity of supplying medicines in tablet or solid form to obviate danger of breakage of bottles of liquids. In the Army field supply every important or necessary article of the materia medica is represented, and it is perfectly possible to treat diseases adequately by using one of the preparations allowed. It is pos- sible that some medical officers, not being able to get exactly the preparation or combination they wanted, were unfair enough to say that they could not get medicines necessary (as they considered) for the care of the sick. Again, diffi- culty has arisen, no doubt, from the ignorance of volunteer medical officers of the proper mode of making requisition for medical supplies, and because they did not always take the trouble to inform themselves or to consult the manuals and regulations, which were freely distributed. Some medical officers, it is believed, finding that the agents of relief associa- tions at hand were not only willing but anxious to supply medicines and stores, accepted them rather than make requisition, and thus incur accountability for the articles when received. It is therefore easy to see that the unjust impression might arise that the Medi- cal Department had failed to supply the needs of the sick, while the simple fact is that the proper authorities were not informed of their needs. Field hospitals, where fevers and other serious affections were treated, were not restricted to the articles on the field supply table. Not only so, but many articles never heretofore furnished by the Government have been supplied in order to gratify the wishes of those immediately charged with the care of the sick, and to place in their hands everything that would be likely to aid then- treatment. Papers filed in this office relating to deficiencies of medical supplies were sub- mitted to the commission in my communication dated October 8,1898. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General, United States Army. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 639 DATA RELATING TO QUESTION 17-FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., Octobei , 1898. The Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following as a summary of my report for the year ended June 30, 1898: FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS. Medical and Hospital Department, 1898. Appropriated by act approved March 2, 1897 $135,200.00 Refunded during the year 768.07 Total to be accounted for 135,968.07 Disbursed during the year: Expenses of purveying depots $77.20 Medical supplies 70,693.06 Pay of employees 34,255.09 Expenses of recruiting . 3,257.95 Medical attendance and medicines 14,415.27 Washing at post hospitals 1,296.91 Pay of nurses 1,037.26 Miscellaneous expenses 98.99 125,131.73 Balance on hand to be accounted for June 30, 1898 10 836.34 In the United States Treasury 31.22 In hands of disbursing officers: At New York 418.19 At St. Louis 0.00 At Washington_ _. _• 386.93 With Philippine expedition 10,000.00 10,836.34 The above balance of $10,836.34, remaining on hand July 1, 1898, has since been all expended. Medical and Hospital Department, 1897. Balance on hand July 1, 1897, act of March 6, 1896 $54,417.24 Refunded during the year - - - 48.54 Total to be accounted for 54,465.78 Disbursed during the year: Medical supplies $21,281.68 Pay of employees 100.00 Medical attendance and medicines 3,190.38 Washing at post hospitals 162.28 Miscellaneous expenses 244.22 24,978.56 Balance on hand to be accounted for June 30, 1898 . 29,487.22 In United States Treasury .. 24,841.56 640 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. In hands of disbursing officers: At New York $956.53 At St. Louis 2,672.85 At Washington 1,016.28 At San Francisco 0.00 $29,487.22 Medical and Hospital Department, 1896. Balance on hand July 1, 1897, act of February 12, 1895 $62,344.96 Disbursed during the year $50.00 Transferred to surplus fund 62,294.96 62,344.96 Medical and Hospital Department, January 1, 1899. Appropriated by act approved May 4, 1898 $50,000.00 Appropriated by act approved June 8, 1898. 50,000.00 Total to be accounted for 100,000.00 Disbursed: Medical supplies $49,344.30 Pay of employees 356.65 Expenses of recruiting 5,975.63 Medical attendance and medicines 1,270.80 Washing at post hospitals 47.44 Miscellaneous expenses 49.18 57,044.00 Balance on hand to be accounted for June 30,1898 42,956.00 In hands of disbursing officers: At New York 21,269.88 At St. Louis 13,418.30 At Washington 1,473.42 At San Francisco 1,794.40 With Major Torney, hospital ship Relief 5,000.00 42,956.00 National defense (war), act of March 9,1898. Allotment by the President, April 16,1898 $20,000.00 Disbursed for medical supplies $19,964.39 Balance on hand June 30, 1898 35.61 . 20,000.00 It is estimated that about $120,000 of the amounts reported in the above state- ment as expended up to and including June 30, 1898, have been used for extraor- dinary war expenses. Since July 1 the following sums have been appropriated for war expenses on account of the Medical Department of the Army, namely: By deficiency act, July 7,1898 $504,000.00 National defense (war), September 8,1898, by allotment of the Pres- ident 500,000.00 Allotment of the President, October 6,1898 500,000.00 1,504,000.00 Of this sum there are at this date (November 1, 1898) available $395,000, all of which will be required for the payment of claims and accounts on account of war expenses now in this office and to be presented before December 31 of this year. In addition to these sums there were also appropriated by the act approved March 15, 1898, $115,000, being the regular annual appropriation for the Medical and Hospital Department for the fiscal year 1899. Of this appropriation it is esti- mated that $50,000 have now been expended for war measures. Disbursed: REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL, U. S. A. 7833-vol. 1 41 641 ESTABLISHMENT OF HOSPITALS. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., October 22, 1898. The President Commission on the Conduct of the War. Sir: The sixth question addressed by the commission to the Medical Depart- ment of the Army inquires concerning the hospitals established at the various camps and the arrangements made for the care and comfort of the sick and wounded. In reply, I desire to state that each regiment of the Volunteer Army was authorized by law to have one surgeon, two assistant surgeons, and three hospital stewards. Inasmuch as at the time of its muster into the service of the United States it was of necessity a separate organization, the sick had to be cared for by the regimental medical staff, assisted, in the absence of hospital-corps men other than the stewards, by enlisted men of the line detailed for duty as hospital attend- ants by the regimental commander. Each regiment of the Regular Army had one medical officer and its quota of hospital-corps men detached from the mili- tary stations at which the companies of the regiments had been stationed prior to the outbreak of the war, and each had an ample provision of medical supplies derived from the same sources. Some of the regiments of the Volunteer Army were provided by the State authorities with more or less of the equipment needful to establish a regimental hospital, but the majority had little or nothing in the way of medical supplies. Provision was therefore made by me to supply the necessities of these regiments. The field supply table of the Medical Department, approved by the Secretary of War, May 9, 1898, shows the articles and quantities prepared for issue to each command. Some regimental surgeons did not get their supplies as promptly as was desirable. As all could not be supplied at the same time, the effort was made to supply first those that had been first organized, but delays occurred in transportation and delivery from excess of business on the roads and at the depots, and not unfrequently regiments were moved from the camps to which their supplies had been shipped before the arrival or delivery of these supplies. To relieve the necessities of individual regiments and provide for the treatment of their sick by regimental medical officers, medical purveying depots were established in all the large camps, and in special cases authority was telegraphed to the regimental officer to purchase from drug stores. Many medi- cal officers were short of supplies at this time because of their want of familiarity with the methods of procuring them. As soon as the regiments were organized into brigades and divisions, preparatory to active service, it became the duty of each chief surgeon of an army corps to see that the medical department of his command was organized to meet the casu- alties of battle. The object of the concentration of the troops was to accustom the regiments to operations in which they constituted the units of a higher organ- ization. The experience of the civil war demonstrated that for efficient service in an active campaign the medical department also required a higher organization. Circular No. 3, from this office, dated May 18, 1898, in specifying the duties of the various medical officers in an army corps, indicated the character of the organization to be adopted. The seriously sick were to be treated in division field hospitals, under the care of the most experienced physicians and able sur- geons on duty with each division. Medical officers left on duty with their regi- ments were to exercise sanitary supervision over the well men and to determine 643 644 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. whether a soldier reporting himself sick should be sent to hospital or remain as a trivial case under treatment in quarters. This consolidation of the medical force by divisions, implying as it did the breaking up of the regimental hospitals, met with a strong opposition from regimental medical officers, particularly from those who were not detailed for special service at the division hospitals. Regimental commanders also were in many instances opposed to it, forgetful that the object of the Medical Department, as of the line, was to get into training for field service. Similar objections were raised in 1862 and 1863 to the establishment of field hos- pitals and the practical disestablishment of the regimental institutions, but the civil war lasted long enough to demonstrate the efficiency of the system. The advantages of the plan of organization adopted are set forth in a paper upon " The organization of the Medical Department of the Army in the field," inclosed herewith, by Col. Charles R. Greenleaf, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, chief surgeon Army in the field. HOSPITALS FIFTH ARMY CORPS. The organization of the division hospital of the Fifth Army Corps was begun May 2 at Tampa, Fla. There is ample testimony to show that long before the corps embarked for Cuba its field hospitals were in condition for efficient service, and that although its ambulance companies were not filled up to their intended strength nor fully equipped with ambulances, wagons, horses, and harness, such sections of them as had their equipment completed were well drilled in hospital- corps work and ready for active service. Each hospital had about eight 6-mule wagons to haul its tentage and supplies. The equipment of the Second Division hospital was completed at an early date. It contained 85 cots, with a sufficiency of furniture and necessary fixtures, and as the demand for extra accommodations increased the capacity of the hospital was augmented to 150 beds. The operating tent was provided with enameled steel folding operating tables, steam sterilizers and water heaters, bath tubs, and other necessary appliances. The hospitals of the First and Third divisions and of the cavalry divisions were similarly outfitted. In addition to these field hospitals, certain medical supplies, with one acting stew- ard, one private, one hospital and one common tent, one ambulance wagon, and the necessary animals fully equipped, were retained as a minimum allowance with each regiment. (General Orders, No. 14, Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, June 6, 1898.) Subsequent events, however, rendered valueless these preparations of the Medi- cal Department for active service in Cuba. When the command embarked on the transport vessels the baggage wagons and mules were left behind " and were never seen again by the medical department of the Fifth Army Corps." The ambulance trains of all the divisions, with a large part of the outfit of each of the hospitals, were also left behind. Three ambulance wagons were taken apart and stored on one of the vessels. These did excellent service at San Juan and showed how efficient the ambulance companies would have been had they not been deprived of their equipment. Thirteen of the ambulances of the Third or reserve division were subsequently shipped to Cuba, where they arrived July 2, and were of value in moving the sick and wounded to the hospital at Siboney and to the hospital ships and transports. While the ambulance service of the division hospitals of this command was practically destroyed by these failures to embark or disembark its wagons, har- ness, horses, and mules, part of the tentage and property of the hospitals was left at Tampa with the sick left there, and of the property and supplies carried to Cuba a portion was not available for service at the time it was most needed, to wit, on July 1 and 2, when the wounded from El Caney and San Juan were coming from the front for care and treatment. This was because in general no oppor- REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 645 tunity was afforded to land the medical property, because there was no trans- portation on shore for such articles as might be landed, and because the mastersof transports took their vessels out to sea after the debarkation of the troops because of their fear of wreck by collision with each other or by drifting on the rocks. Earn- est efforts were made by medical officers to have supplies at the front with the troops. Some having succeeded in getting their medicine chests and other articles of medical property ashore had these carried forward on litters by hospital-corps men to the camps near Sevilla, while others turned their private mounts into pack horses for this purpose. A reserve supply of medicines shipped on the Seguranga from the purveying depot at Tampa was landed June 27. These issued to regi- mental medical officers materially relieved the stress caused by the loss of regi- mental medicine chests. The tents and property of the First Division hospital were landed by the efforts of the hospital-corps men under the direction of Maj. M. W. Wood, surgeon, United States Army. The hospital outfit was carried to the front by hand and on litters used as handbarrows by the nurses and attendants. The second field hospital landed was that of the cavalry division under Major McCreery; but the transport put to sea before the whole of the property was removed from her. This with the immediate incoming of the wounded from the fight at Guasimas led Major Havard, the chief surgeon of the division, to look for assistance from the Red Cross Society. Assistance was freely given then and afterwards, but a misunderstanding, the particulars of which are specially reported in the appended document,* gave origin to many press accounts of the refusal of the Red Cross assistance by army medical officers. Both Major Havard and Lieutenant-Colonel Pope, the chief surgeon of the Fifth Corps, testify to the value of the field supplies received from the State of Texas, the Red Cross supply ship, and to the earnest and untiring work of Miss Barton and her assist- ants in caring for the wounded. The Third Division hospital, which landed from the Saratoga after many delays afterwards became the base hospital at Siboney. To this was sent all the medical supplies recovered from the transports or landed from the hospital ship Relief. The fourth divisional hospital of the corps was retained on the steamer Olivette, which was thus extemporized into a hospital ship. The tents and camp outfit of this hospital were landed for service at Siboney. During and after the battles at El Caney and San Juan there was an insufficiency of tents, cots, bedding, and medi- cines, due to the causes already stated, but all the hospitals were well equipped for surgical work. Early in the second week of July a few cases of yellow fever appeared among persons who had occupied the huts at Siboney, and day by day thereafter a steady and rapid increase of the disease was observed. This necessi- tated the establishment of a yellow-fever hospital and of a detention hospital, in which cases of a suspicious character coming from the camps were held pending a decision as to their nature. The want of shelter was seriously felt at these hos- pitals, and was, under the circumstances, corrected, but slowly, when tents could be spared from the base hospital at Siboney and from the first divisional hospital as its wounded were removed for transportation from Cuba. After the capitulation of Santiago the troops at the front broke down rapidly under the fatigues they had undergone and the malarial influences to which they were exposed. Remittent and typhoid cases became exceedingly common. To relieve the pressure on the field hospitals such convalescents and sick as could bear the journey home were sent to the United States on transport vessels. Up to August 31 there were treated in the First Division hospital 890 cases, with a mortality of 116; in the yellow-fever hospital, 549 cases, with a mortality of 46, and in the reserve divisional hospital or base hospital, 2,654 cases, with 106 deaths. * Surgeon-General's Office, 430716. 646 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. By this time an ample supply of tents, furniture, bedding clothing, and medical stores had reached Siboney, together with a corps of trained nursesand a force of surgeons, those sent to duty at the yellow-fever hospital being immune to that disease. Reference has already been made, in my communication of October 13, to the embarkation of sick and wounded soldiers for transportation to this country. This was an emergency measure to relieve the hospitals at Siboney and permit of the transfer to them of the men who were sick in regimental camps. It should have been carried out under the supervision of the military authorities at San- tiago, who alone were cognizant of the necessity and of the means available for effecting the transfer. My circular of July 18, 1898, defining the duties of Army medical 'officers, requires that the chief surgeon of a corps " should supervise the movement of sick and wounded to the base or general hospitals, providing trans- portation and detailing medical officers and attendants for their care. " The transfer of troops from Santiago to Montauk Point, New York, was also an emergency measure, but it was conducted under proper supervision by the mili- tary authorities concerned. The great responsibility of excluding yellow fever infection from every transport rested on the medical officers who had charge of the embarkation. Had they failed in this duty, the effect would have been disas- trous during the voyage to the men confined on shipboard, and the risk of import- ing the disease into this country would have been greatly increased. Fortunately the delicate task was accomplished without the occurrence of any such outbreak of disease among the troops as was anticipated by many medical men and others who could appreciate the deadly character of the risks involved. The sanitary conditions on board of these transports were fairly good. By way of illustration attention is invited to a report by Maj. Walter D. McCaw, surgeon United States Volunteers, who accompanied the Sixth and Thirteenth United States Infantry on the Vigilanga.* The ventilation of the sleeping quarters of the men is shown to have been satisfactory plenty of deck room was available and the berths below were not overcrowded. The ship's officers and crews were attentive to the wants of the command, providing every means possible in the preparation of their meals and in making them comfortable in their quarters. The water supply was plentiful and good. The weather was excellent during the short voy- age and the health and spirits of the men improved every day. Ifn view of the necessity for the return of the troops of the Fifth Army Corps from Santiago, Cuba, preparations were made for encamping them at Montauk Point, Long Island. These included the establishment of temporary tent hospitals, not only for the treatment of the large number of sick brought by each command from Cuba, but for the isolation and treatment of those from transports lying under the suspicion of yellow-fever infection. The detention hospital received its first cases on August 15. At that time it consisted of separately pitched hospi- tal tents, but as the cases received from the transports increased in number, framed and floored tent pavilions were erected, consisting of six tents pitched end on to each other, with a fly inserted in the middle of the length of the pavilion to promote ventilation. On the 31st 14 of these pavilion wards were in use with 40 tents pitched singly for convalescents. At this time there were 15 medical men on duty at the hospital. At first the corps of nurses comprised only 41 members of the hospital corps and four volunteer Red Cross nurses. Policing was done by hired laborers. A temporary detail of men from the Two hundred and third New York was obtained to increase the hospital force until the arrival of trained female nurses. Sixty of these were employed at the hospital. The patients were provided with cots, bed linen, and blankets, and the limit of five patients to each tent was seldom * Surgeon-General's Office, 41472. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 647 exceeded. This hospital had about 500 beds. Civilian cooks were employed. Milk and eggs were always plentiful for special diet. Medicines were drawn from Montauk Hospital, which was but a few hundred yards distant. The difficulties in the way of administering the affairs of this hospital were very great, owing to the rapidity with which the transports followed each other in their arrival. As many as four reached the Point on some days, from August 13 to 31, most of them bringing sick requiring detention for medical observation. The obviously temporary nature of the establishment prevented efforts to pro- vide it with fixtures or furniture when the purpose could be effected by extempo- rizations. Thus in the tents used as offices, dispensary, and storehouses, empty packing boxes were utilized as desks, chairs, washstands, etc. This, no doubt, created an impression of discomfort and privation in the minds of superficial observers, but the sick men were as well cared for and as comfortable in their cots here as afterwards when transferred to the general hospital at M'ontauk Point. There was an excellent steam disinfecting plant on the grounds, with a formal- dehyde chamber attached. The laundry work was done at a steam laundry near the hospital. The temporary tent hospital, which was locally known as the General Hospital, Montauk Point, consisted of 18 pavilions, similar to those of the detention hos- pital. A central corridor running east and west had 9 of these pavilions opening on it on each side. An annex had speedily to be constructed to accommodate the large number of sick arriving on the transports, transferred from the detention hospital, or received from the regimental camps of the Fifth Army Corps. This annex consisted of 14 tent pavilions, arranged 7 on each side of a central corridor. Other pavilions were added in parallel rows as an extension of the accommoda- tions became necessary. Tent pavilions were used as dining rooms, but frame buildings were erected for use as kitchens. The capacity of this hospital was 1,600 beds. Its personnel consisted of 40 med- ical men, 3 stewards, 10 acting stewards, 120 privates of the hospital corps, 15 cooks, and 50 male nurses and an average of about 200 female nurses, one-half of whom were Sisters of Charity. In the hospitals at Montauk Point there were treated, to August 31, 4,430 cases, with a mortality of 124-3.56 per cent. Supplies of all kinds were amply provided on timely requisitions. Emergency calls were met by direct purchase in New York City. Large supplies of milk, eggs, chickens, canned articles, and other material for special diets were always on hand. Provision for special diet was made not only by the hospital, but by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, the Red Cross Society, and the Woman's War Relief Association. Cooks and helpers were kept on duty night and day to meet emergencies in special cases. In one or two instances inquiry has been made as to the treatment of the body in the case of soldiers who died at these or other military hospitals. As a rule, immediately after death the body was washed, the jaws bandaged, and the rectum closed. When cold, the body was dressed in uniform and placed in a coffin. If the relatives of the dead soldier desired his body to be sent home for burial, an undertaker removed it to his establishment, where he embalmed it and expressed it to its destination in a hermetically sealed zinc-lined coffin. If no communica- tion was received from the relatives it was buried in a suitable place twenty-four hours oi' more after death, unless hot weather rendered an earlier burial neces- sary. The grave was properly marked for identification. The Medical Department has been criticised adversely for granting furloughs to go to their homes from this camp and its hospitals to men who, it is claimed, were obviously unfit to travel, and cases were cited in the newspapers to sustain this criticism-cases of men who had fainted by the way and had to be cared for by 648 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the Red Cross agents or sympathizing strangers. To correct this abuse and pre- vent a recurrence of such cases, it was not the carelessness or recklessness of the army doctors which had to be restrained, but their sympathy with the patient and with the desire of the patient's friends to be intrusted with his care in view of a speedier recovery in the atmosphere of home. As a matter of fact, the officers charged with the duty of furloughing the sick men were kindly and sympathetic, and such mistakes as were made were attributable to the great pressure brought to bear on this side of their nature. It is needless to refer at this time to the complaints of starvation which appeared almost daily in the newspapers during the occupation of Camp Wikoff, for it is now generally understood that the weakness, prostration, anaemia, and emacia- tion of so many of the troops were the results of malarial, typhoid, and yellow fever, from which the Army suffered as a consequence of its exposure to the cli- matic influences and local infections of Santiago and its neighborhood, pending and subsequent to the surrender of the city. The Medical Department has been criticised also for moving typhoid cases from the camp to the hospitals in various cities, with the attending risk of propagating this dangerous disease not only in these cities, but throughout the country while en route to them. The movement was made to have these cases of prolonged duration carefully sheltered before the oncoming of the chilly and stormy weather, which is usually expected on that coast about the equinoctial period; but as the movement was effected by steamship the spread of the disease by cases en route was prevented, and as the city hospitals to which they were transferred have all the needful facilities for disposing of infected material without danger to the com- munity, it is seen that there is no basis for the criticisms cited. HOSPITALS OF THE HOME CAMPS. The regiments composing the other corps of the Army were camped, at first, in State camps, and afterwards aggregated in camps of organization and instruction. The First and Third corps were organized at Camp George H. Thomas, Chicka- mauga Park, Ga.; the Second at Camp Russell A. Alger, near Falls Church, Va.; the Fourth at Mobile, Ala., and Fernandina, Fla.; the Seventh at Jacksonville, Miami, and Panama Park, Fla.; and the Eighth near San Francisco, Cal., pre- liminary to its embarkation for Manila. The method of hospital organization in all these camps was practically the same, and there was much similarity in the conditions affecting them and correspond- ingly in their history. Regiments reported, as already stated, provided in but few instances with the material and supplies for their medical care and in no instance with that liberality which by consolidation or concentration of regimental supplies would permit of the formation of a well-equipped hospital for a division. But they brought sick men with them, and these required immediate care. Provision had to be made for division hospitals in view of future field service and for regi- mental hospitals in view of immediate necessity. The difficulties in the way of the contemporaneous accomplishment of these two objects were great, and they were greatly augmented by some of the very men who should have aided in over- coming them. The inexperience of a majority of the regimental medical officers and of many of the chief surgeons prevented them from seeing beyond the immediate necessity. .The sick had to be cared for, and to this end medicines and many other things had to be procured. Relief societies offered assistance, and this was eagerly accepted by these medical officers, not alone fm* delicacies or luxuries not otherwise provided for,but for "Supply Table" articles which could have been had from the medical purveyors in their camps or by telegraphic requisition on the Surgeon-General. It was easier to accept what was so freely offered them than to learn how to obtain REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 649 the articles from the proper source. The aid given by the relief societies did harm indirectly by demonstrating this fact. To explain their gratified acceptance these officers referred to the red tape of War Department methods, and the insinuation that the said methods were beyond the comprehension of the ordinary intellect was accepted by the sensational press as an explanation in full. In these early days of the camps the exuberance of the patriotic spirit of the people which led • them to aid the sick soldiers did much good, but, as I have implied, it also did much harm. Meanwhile chief surgeons of corps and divisions began the organization and equipment of their field division hospitals and ambulance companies, but they were met at the outset by the apparent impossibility of securing men for service, as cooks, nurses, litter bearers, ambulance drivers, teamsters, etc. The hospital corps of the Regular Army could not supply these men, because recruiting for this corps progressed slowly. The popular tendency to volunteer led men away from the regular recruiting offices. In the regimental hospitals the sick were cared for by details from the companies, but when transfers from the volunteer regiments to the regular hospital corps were authorized these men did not care to leave their local connections for service in the Army at large as regular soldiers. Concessions were made to them, among others, that when their former regiment became detached to another corps, camp, or duty, they also would be detached to accompany it; but notwithstanding these the hospital corps was recruited so slowly that had the military necessity required one or more army corps to take the field their medical service could have been perfected only by drafting men from the incomplete hospital organizations of those corps that remained in the home camps of organization and instruction. It may be mentioned also as a well- recognized fact that the transfers so much desired by the medical department to enable it to complete its organization were not regarded favorably by line officers, for although every line officer will probably acknowledge, as a general principle, that only the most intelligent and capable men should be employed to care for the sick and wounded, he is not likely to act on this general principle when it is a question of withdrawing for such service the most intelligent and capable men of his own company or regiment. The division hospitals of the First and Third Corps at Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga, Ga., and of the Second Corps at Camp Russell A. Alger, Falls Church, Va., were usually established in the immediate neighborhood of the regi- mental camps of the divisions. They consisted of two or three hospital tents pitched end on to each other as pavilion wards, or of four or five tents, two or three end on to each other at each end of an intervening fly, the latter inserted to break the continuity of the wall and thus to promote ventilation. The pavilions were arranged in various ways, according to the configuration of the area available as a site, but in general there was a tendency to crowd the area. In none of the camp hospitals were the pavilions separated from each other by a space equal to twice their width, a distance which is necessary to give restful quiet to the inmates, free ventilation, good policing, and to lessen the danger from fire. Surgeons in charge recognized that a tent should not be occupied by more than six patients, but sometimes this number was exceeded temporarily while waiting an increase of tentage. The intention of chief surgeons was to have each hospital equipped for 200 patients, but in some the number of beds had in July to be increased to 250. In some when first established there were not enough cots for all the patients, the convalescents or lighter cases sleeping on bed sacks on the ground, but this was promptly remedied when observed by chief surgeons or reported to them. As a rule, the hospitals were kept in campaigning condition; that is, the tents were neither framed nor floored, until the increased prevalence of typhoid fever attracted attention to their crowded condition, when the object 650 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. of their existence became suddenly changed from a school for field service to a hospital for the treatment of a local outbreak of disease. The pavilions and other shelters of the hospitals were well trenched and the camp surface well policed. A small pavilion did duty usually as an office and dispensary. A surgical ward was connected with an operating tent suitably fitted for antiseptic work. Bath tubs were provided to insure a cleanly condition of the patient before admission to the wards, and for the subsequent treatment of cases requiring them. In most of the hospitals there was also a special ward for venereal cases, and isolation wards for cases of measles and mumps. Commodes and bedpans were used in the wards with disinfectants; and the reports of the medical board which investigated the propagation of typhoid fever in the camps show that the medical officers on duty in these hospitals realized the importance of the use of disinfectants in limiting the spread of the disease; but it was difficult for them to have efficient service in this regard with untrained hospital corps men, and details from the line with even less experience. Sinks were dug for convalescents and attendants, but at first these were like those in the regimental camps, not far enough removed from the occupied tents, and not cared for with that strict attention which their importance demanded. Special efforts were made in all the hospitals to have good cooks. Seldom, how- ever, was there that knowledge on the part of medical officers which enabled them to accumulate a hospital fund for the purchase of special articles of diet for the sick; but this did not operate to the detriment of the patients, as special-diet kitchens, under the management of capable individuals, were opened at most of the hospitals. Money for that purpose was sent to them by me from funds contrib- uted and placed at my disposal. Money was also sent directly by individuals and by representatives of aid societies; and the Red Cross committees supplied quan- tities of ice and milk, chickens, eggs, lemons, etc. Pajamas, nightshirts, and other articles of hospital clothing were also provided by the Red Cross and other aid societies. The order of August 10, 1898, commuting the sick soldiers' ration at 60 cents made these hospitals wholly independent of outside assistance. In the Third Army Corps, particularly in the Second Division, many of the reg- iments continued to maintain regimental hospitals after the organization of the hospital for the division, because the epidemic of typhoid fever interfered with the progress of preparation for field service. As illustrating the condition of these field hospitals it may be stated that on July 27, 1898, the hospital of this division consisted of 37 hospital tents, 8 conical, and 6 common tents, with 285 cots, 250 of which were occupied by patients, cared for by 8 medical officers, 6 stewards, and 138 privates, of whom 45 were details from the line of the Army. The hospital streets were broad and the general police excellent. The general wards were in good condition, but the typhoid fever wards were crowded. Assist- ance was given by the Red Cross, including milk, special articles of food, comforts, and 1,500 pounds of ice daily. The division hospitals of the Second Corps at Camp Alger were relieved by transfers to the general hospital at Fort Myer, Va. As the Leiter Hospital in Chickamauga Park, Ga., proved insufficient to accommodate the overflow from the division hospitals of the First and Third corps, a large hospital was estab- lished in August to receive the rapidly increasing number of cases of sickness occurring in these corps. This hospital early in September was officially recog- nized as the Sternberg General Hospital. Its first report rendered after this change in its official status showed a capacity of 750 beds and a personnel of 15 medical men, 1 steward, 6 acting stewards, 107 privates of the Hospital Corps, and 167 female nurses. On the movement of the Third Division, First Army Corps, from Camp Thomas to Lexington, Ky., its sick and the equipment of its field hospital were left in situ, the establishment, then containing 500 beds, being known first as the Sanger and afterwards as the Alexander H. Hoff General Hospital. It was discontinued September 25, when its sick were in condition to be furloughed. 651 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. CAMP HOSPITALS OP THE SEVENTH ARMV CORPS. The division hospitals of the Seventh Army Corps, at Jacksonville and Miami, Fla., consisted of 6 tent pavilion wards of 5 tents each, with a fly between the second and third tents of each ward. The pavilions formed a semicircle of radii from a central point, at which was established the office, dispensary, etc., of the hospital. Two pavilions were to be regarded as the allowance of accommodation for each brigade under ordinary conditions; and the attempt was made to keep men of the same regiment together to satisfy the desire of the volunteer troops to preserve the regimental organization in the medical service of the corps. The prevalence of measles and mumps necessitated the pitching of extensive isolation wards in connection with the formally planned pavilions. In August preparations were made at the First Division hospital at Jackson- ville to give a better shelter than that afforded by the tents. The proposition to build frame pavilions, each for 60 beds, was approved and building was begun under contract. Concerning the hospitals of this corps a board of medical officers convened by Special Order 194, Adjutant-General's Office, August 1,1898, reported favorably. The board considered the equipment ample as to tentage, cots, bed- ding, etc., and was well pleased with the care and treatment given to the patients. The cots and bedding were sent from the supply depot in New York City. A rapid increase of sickness in the First Division, at Miami, as compared with the Second Division, at Jacksonville, led to a thorough investigation as to its causes. The tents were pitched a short distance from the town, on a rough tract of ground of coralline formation. The troops were fairly well supplied with tentage and cooking utensils, and the camp was well policed. Sinks were not generally used, as it was difficult to make them of proper depth. Metallic troughs or latrines, ilushed into the ocean by a constant stream of water, were used in the First Brigade, while the Second Brigade was provided with galvanized-iron tubs, which were taken away twice daily to be disposed of in the ocean. Garbage was col- lected and carried to the municipal dumping ground. Water was delivered by pipe lines from the supply of the town. It was derived from a mnd or lake in the Everglades, and was reported as being warm and having a disagreeable taste and odor, on account of which the men used that from wells. These wells were regarded by many as contaminated with surface drainage. In fact, the opinion that the water supply was the cause of the prevailing sickness was generally enter- tained. Samples analyzed at the laboratory of this office gave results confirmatory of this opinion. The division hospital was established on a vacant lot in the center of the town, an unsuitable and insanitary location. On account of insufficient area, cases of measles, many of which were under treatment, could not be properly isolated. Sinks and garbage emitting an offensive odor surrounded the lot. The hospital was fairly well provided with tents, folding cots, medicines, and other needful supplies to- care ordinarily for the sick of a division. The appended document, 41396 R., from the files of this office gives full testimony as to the insanitary con- ditions at Miami. Early in August the troops were moved to Camp Cuba Libre, at Jacksonville, Fla. The hospital of the Third Division was established at Panama Park, about 6 miles from Jacksonville. The admissions to these hospitals up to August 31 amounted to 3,331, the deaths to 56. In connection with the division hospitals of this corps a convalescent camp was established July 27, at Pablo Beach, 16 miles from Jacksonville, for the recuperation of men who had become debilitated through climatic influences. CAMP HOSPITALS OF THE FOURTH ARMY CORPS. A few regular and volunteer regiments concentrated at Mobile, Ala., formed the nucleus of the Fourth Army Corps and of the Cavalry Division. A division hospital of 200 beds was established here, but shortly afterwards the corps moved 652 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. to Tampa and Fernandina, Fla. Tent hospitals were established and an excellent reserve ambulance company was manned and equipped for service with troops expected to operate in Cuba or Porto Rico. The sanitary conditions in the camps at Tampa were not good. Malarial fevers became prevalent and typhoid fever common. The division hospital had to be relieved by removing serious cases in the hospital train of the Medical Department to the general hospital at Fort Mc- Pherson, Ga. About August 1 an overflow hospital was organized in a school building in West Tampa. The spread of disease among the troops remaining in Tampa after the departure of the Porto Rican expedition led to the removal of many of the regiments to the neighborhood of Fernandina. The hospital of one division was pitched on the beach about 3 miles from Fernandina. A convent in the city was also used for hospital purposes. About July 20 the troops for the invasion of Porto Rico embarked and sailed. The field hospital accommodation with this expeditionary force was ample and the supplies abundant. The chief surgeon of the Fourth Corps urged the shipment of his reserve ambulance company with this expedition, but General Brooke con- sidered this to be unnecessary. A short time after the arrival of the troops at Ponce malarial fevers appeared among them, and typhoid infection, brought from Chickamauga, Ga., and Tampa, Fla., manifested its presence in the camps. Some of these cases were sent home on returning transports, but as the voyage was found to be very trying to severe cases of typhoid fever, I telegraphed Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon, to estab- lish a general hospital at Ponce for such cases. Tent wards were considered to be preferable to the use of any of the buildings in the city. Two hundred hospital tents were sent by the Concho on August 13, and furniture, supplies, medical officers, and nurses on the Relief, Obdam, and other vessels. Colonel Greenleaf was also well supplied with funds to provide everything necessary for the well- being of the sick. No special report of the conditions at this hospital has yet been received, but it is known that up to August 31 546 cases had been received and 12 deaths had occurred. CAMP HOSPITALS ON THE PACIFIC COAST. The troops on the Pacific coast were concentrated mostly at San Francisco, Cal. Camp Merriam came first into existence on the Presidio Reservation, near the Lom- bard-street entrance. Nearly 10,000 men were encamped here; but when it was understood that the expeditionary force to the Philippines was to be increased to 20,000 men, a new camp had to be established. The site selected was near the northern boundary of the Golden Gate Park, including the sand dunes in its vicinity. This was Camp Merritt, at which 18,000 troops rendezvoused for ship- ment to Manila. Much sickness occurred among the regiments in this camp. Some of the commands brought with them the infection of measles, and this dis- ease spread rapidly. The cases were, in many instances, complicated with bron- chitis and pneumonia on account of exposure to the cold, raw winds which blew constantly over the site-a site selected without consultation with any representa- tive of the Medical Department. Cases of typhoid fever also appeared, with a few cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis. Document 39109, appended, gives a detailed account of the conditions coincident with these developments. Camp Merritt was therefore abandoned, and the troops of the Independent Division of the Eighth Army Corps were removed to the grounds of the military reservation at the Presidio. Eighteen thousand of the troops from Camp Merriam and Camp Merritt were dispatched to the Philippine Islands. They were carried on 20 transport steamers, the first expedition sailing on May 25. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 653 Each steamship, before being accepted by the Government, was inspected by a board of medical officers, and in each instance the vessel was thoroughly dis- infected before the troops went on board. Two or three medical officers, as many hospital stewards, and ten to fifteen privates of the hospital corps, fully equipped for field service, were assigned to each ship. With each expedition was a large quantity of medical supplies to provide the troops for six months and to equip suitable hospitals at Manila. These supplies included medicines, surgical instruments, dressings, hospital furniture, beds and bedding, and all the miscel- laneous articles required for the proper treatment and comfort of the sick. Many articles, believed to be necessary in the treatment of the diseases incident to the climate of the Philippine Islands, were largely in excess of the allowances of the supply table. Large reserve supplies were sent on the Arizona and the Scandia, which sailed late in August, to replenish the stores already sent, and an additional supply was also placed on both ships in case they should be required to make the return voyage in the capacity of hospital ships. The precautions taken to secure a good sanitary condition of the vessels prior to embarkation, and the sanitary supervision exercised over the men during their long voyage, must be credited with the excellent condition in which the troops arrived at Manila, for if any notable sickness had occurred on these vessels its presence would certainly have been announced in the press dispatches. I have received but few reports as yet from medical officers who accompanied this expe- ditionary force, but those which have come to hand give a most gratifying view of the conditions affecting the men while on board the transports. See the appended sanitary reports of the surgeons who made the voyage on the Australia and the City of Sidney. DIVISION FIELD HOSPITAL, PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. The service of this hospital began June 2, 1898, at Camp Merritt, with tents for 48 patients. At this time serious cases, mostly complications of measles, were treated in various civil hospitals in San Francisco. The site of this camp was, as stated above, unsuitable. Its surface was a cold damp sand, continually exposed to chilly winds and heavy fogs, which saturated the tents, clothing, and bedding of the men with moisture. On July 21 the hospital was moved to the Presidio, where two large brick barrack buildings and a few hospital tents con- stituted the accommodations. The ventilation was poor; watei' had to be carried from the lavatory, and the sewerage system, if not faulty, was at least inconvenient for hospital purposes. All necessary supplies and furnishings were promptly fur- nished by the chief surgeon of the department. A separate special diet kitchen which gave satisfaction was maintained. After the departure of the last Philip- pine troops on the Scandia, August 26, the hospital force consisted of 5 hospital stewards, 7 acting stewards, 73 privates of the Hospital Corps, 33 female nurses, and 10 Sisters of Charity, the capacity of the hospital at the time being 320 beds. The ladies of the Red Cross Society of San Francisco established a convalescent hospital of 25 beds in a sheltered place at the Presidio, to which patients were transferred from the division hospital to recuperate before going on furlough or being returned to duty. The chief surgeon of the department testifies to the value of the assistance given by these ladies, not only as regards this hospital, but in feeding troops on their arrival and departure, and in providing clothing and delicacies for the sick in the camps, hospitals, and transports. To complete this general review of the camp hospitals a further reference is needful to the history of the regimental hospitals. At first when regimental com- mands ceased to be separate commands, in becoming the constituent units of brigades and divisions preparatory to operating against the enemy, the regimental hospitals were disestablished to consolidate the working force of the medical 654 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. department and hospital corps into division hospitals and ambulance companies. The objects in view were, first, to complete the field organization of the depart- ment, and, second, to instruct untrained officers and men in their respective duties, so that when field service was undertaken the medical department would be effi- cient in rear of a marching or fighting command. The want of hospital-corps men was the main cause of the failure of chief sur- geons to accomplish their purpose promptly. Instead of organizing for field serv- ice their time was occupied and their energies spent in endeavoring to procure the necessary men by enlistment or transfer. Instead of instructing for field serv- ice they had to instruct untrained men in caring for the ordinary percentage of sick in a healthy command. But after a time, when sickness invaded the camps, the division hospitals became filled, and preparation for field service had to give place to the immediate necessity of caring for the sick. The division hospitals became expanded, as at Siboney and Tampa, into base hospitals with increased needs and increased responsibilities. To these I sent with the utmost dispatch physicians and surgeons under contract, to relieve the strain on the medical officers attached to the troops, and trained nurses to relieve the details from the regiments who were temporarily acting as hospital-corps men. At Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga Park, Ga., the expansions of the division hospitals, under the conditions brought about by the typhoid invasion of the camps, became officially recognized as general hospitals, and were promptly provided by me with the best available medical service, with male and female trained nurses, with all permissible medical and hospital supplies, and with funds for special purchases, contributed by relief societies and by individuals. The altered conditions under which the division hospitals were operating were immediately recognized by the chief surgeon of the Fifth Army Corps at Santiago on the breakdown of that corps after the surrender of the city, and every effort on the part of his medical officers to care for their sick locally was encouraged by giving them every available facility. The effect of this was seen in the camps at Montauk Point, Long Island, where regimental medical officers cared for many sick under hospital or line canvas, with details by the regimental commander as hospital attendants. Similarly, in the home camps, regimental hospitals were in many instances equipped to meet the necessities of the occasion. In view of the insidious prog- ress of typhoid fever in infected individuals, febrile cases in the regimental camps required such close attention as could not be given when the men were scattered in quarters, and this called for hospital shelter and supplies. There were, there- fore, in some of the camps regimental hospitals in which very serious cases were treated and in which deaths occurred, but these latter were few in number, as a transfer to the division hospitals was usually effected when the dangerous char- acter of the disease became manifest. The tabulation which I submit below does not include all the cases and deaths in the field hospitals, because medical officers have not in every instance rendered the required reports. The work, for instance, of the hospitals of the Second Army Corps is on this account not fully represented in the tabulation, and the reports for August from the command in the Philippine Islands have not been received. Were all reports available that are due but not rendered, the figures in this tabu- lation would be materially increased. Besides this the cases enumerated below do not represent all the men that were taken on sick report. They do not include the trivial cases that were treated in quarters, nor those cases of a serious character which were treated in regimental hospitals when the accommodations of the division hospitals were temporarily under strain. They do, however, include most of the cases that were tabulated in the reply to the fifth question of the Commission as the cases admitted into the REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 655 general hospital directly from the regiments. As the majority of those admitted into the general hospitals passed through the division or other field hospitals en route, the cases tabulated in the reply to the fifth question are the same cases enumerated below as admitted into the field hospitals. Tabulation of cases and deaths in field and general hospitals April 1 to Arcgust 31, 1898. Army corps. Location, etc. Cases. Deaths. FIELD HOSPITALS. First First! Dvision, Chickamauga, Ga ... . 97? 9K Second Division. Tampa and Chickamauga Park, Ga 1,156 Third Division, Chickamauga Park, Ga.. 412 2 First Brigade, First Division, San Juan Road, Porto Rico 267 6 Second First Division, Camp Alger, Va 693 a Second Division, Camp Alger, Va., and Thoroughfare, Va 353 2 Third First Division, Chickamauga Park, Ga . 1 442 Second Division, Chickamauga Park, Ga ... 2 620 25 Sternberg Hospital, Chickamauga, Ga... . '758 42 Fourth. First Division, near Mobile, Ala 279 9 Second Division, Fernandina, Fla._ . 374 10 Third Division, Fernandina, Fla 226 2 Field hospitals, Tampa . 2 353 36 Reception hospital, Picnic Island, Fla 39 3 Ponce, Porto Rico 546 12 Fifth Field hospitals, Tampa. 91 Camp near Santiago, Cuba 890 116 Siboney, Cuba, reserve division hospital 2,654 106 Siboney, Cuba, yellow fever hospital 549 46 Montauk Point, L. I 4 430 124 Seventh First Division, Miami and Jacksonville, Fla 1 800 30 Second Division, Jacksonville, Fla 2'013 58 Third Division, Panama Park, Fla . 633 10 Eighth Division hospitals 2 030 53 Separate camps - Camp Bushnell, Columbus, Ohio . 231 Camp Black, Long Island, N. Y . .. 163 Target Range, Waco, Ga 458 Saint Simons Island, Ga 48 1 Fernandina, Fla. (Colonel Coates) 122 Camp Hobson, Ga.. 715 2 In general hospitals 256 In post hospitals 47 In civil hospitals 60 Aggregate 29,517 1,122 Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General, U. S. Army. War Department. Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., October 10, 1898. The President Commission on the Conduct of the War. Sir: The fifth question addressed to the Medical Department of the Army by the commission calls for statements as to general hospitals, their number, loca- tion, equipment, and management, and the number of patients and of deaths in each from April 1 to August 31, 1898. In reply I have the honor' to submit as follows: Up to August 31 six general hospitals were established and fully manned and equipped. These had a capacity of 3,167 beds. At the same time there were in existence certain field hospitals which were practically general hospitals, and which, on September 3, 1898, were officially recognized as such. These were the Sternberg and Sanger field hospitals at Chickamauga Park, Ga., and the tent hos- pital at Ponce, Porto Rico. An extension of the post hospital accommodations at Washington Barracks, D. C., also received official recognition as a general hos- pital at the same time. Other post hospitals having good accommodations were 656 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. used for the treatment of army cases generally without alteration of their official status as post hospitals; those, for instance, at Forts Columbus, Hamilton, and Wadsworth, N. Y., in the East, and at the Presidio of San Francisco, Cal., and Vancouver Barracks, Wash., on the Pacific coast. These added 3,850 beds to the hospital accommodation, making an aggregate of over 7,000 beds. The vacant beds in the hospital of the Marine-Hospital Service of the Treasury Department were placed at my disposal, and the civil hospitals of the country were ready, on call, to receive and care for sick and wounded soldiers. These offers of hospital accommodations and medical care were accepted by me in many instances, par- ticularly in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Providence, to relieve the tent hospitals at Montauk Point when crowded by the rapid transfer of sick from San- tiago. There was also in progress of construction near Fortress Monroe, Va., the Josiah Simpson Hospital, a pavilion hospital of 1,000 beds. Authority for the building and equipping of this establishment was granted by the Secretary of War on my application July 12, 1898, and the Quartermaster's Department promptly made the necessary arrangements for its construction. It was' to consist of pavil- ion wards arranged en echelon on the plans which gave the best satisfaction during the civil war, with an administration building, quarters for medical officers, hos- pital corps men, male and female nurses, etc., and buildings for kitchens, dining rooms, storerooms, laundry, chapel, crematory, workshops, etc., all connected by covered board walks and lighted by electricity. This hospital is now ready for the reception of patients. The general hospitals in service during the period covered by the inquiry of the commission were equipped with all the needful furniture and appliances, cots, bedding, clothing, medicines, hospital stores, and disinfectants. An experienced medical officer was assigned to the command of each; but the medical men on duty under this officer were as a rule surgeons under contract with this office, as it was impossible to provide commissioned medical officers to fill the positions at the general hospitals without weakening the medical service of the troops in the field. The purpose of the Medical Department was to have all the nursing and other work of the hospitals, including the clerical and dispensary work, done by trained mem- bers of the Hospital Corps; but the act approved April 22, 1898, providing for temporarily increasing the military establishment, failed to include Hospital Corps privates for the volunteer regiments. It was found impossible in the short time available to enlist and train in the Hospital Corps of the Regular Army enough men for hospital service with the volunteer forces. The trained men of the Hos- pital Corps were required to form the nuclei of ambulance and hospital companies for service in the field, so that few could be spared for the work of the general hospitals. This work was accomplished mainly by male and female nurses under contract. Many of the latter were Sisters of Charity. The six general hospitals may be briefly described as follows: 1. The Leiter General Hospital, Chickamauga, Ga.-The building occupied is a summer hotel converted to hospital uses. It is a modern and apparently well-con- structed building, well furnished throughout, heated by steam, and lighted by electricity. It is situated in 5 acres of ornamental ground near Crawfish Springs, on a railroad direct from Chattanooga to Camp George H. Thomas. It is esti- mated to accommodate 175 patients, but cots for 30 convalescents have been placed in the verandas, and two wards of sixteen tents in all, with an occupancy of 80, have been established in the grounds. The total capacity is, therefore, 285 beds. The water supply is pumped from Crawfish Springs into a distributing tank. The personnel of this hospital consists of 14 medical officers, 38 members of the Hospital Corps, and 34 female nurses. Its kitchens, including special diet, are reported as excellent. The hospital was established June 6, 1898, since which time to August 31 there have been 496 admissions and 71 deaths. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 657 2. General Hospital, Key West, Fla.-On April 20, 1898, the convent and two school buildings and grounds of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Key West, Fla., were turned over by agreement to the Medical Department of the Army for use as a hospital during the war. Cots with bedding for 500 patients were immedi- ately forwarded and the surgeon in command was instructed to cal] for such sup- plies as were needful. The post hospital at Key West Barracks afforded many desirable facilities for the establishment of a general hospital at this place. Frame buildings were erected on the convent grounds for use as isolation wards, earth closets, etc. A pest house for the treatment of yellow fever and smallpox cases was established in connection with the general hospital. The number treated up to August 31,1898, was 547; the number of deaths, 6. The personnel consisted of .7 medical officers, 34 members of the Hospital Corps, 9 contract nurses, 23 sisters of the convent, and 29 employees-cooks, laborers, teamsters, etc. 3. General Hospital, Fort McPherson, Ga.-This hospital may be said to have been established May 14, 1898, when a train load of patients from Tampa, Fla., was received for treatment. Certain of the barrack buildings of the post were used in connection with the wards and offices of the post hospital. On June 20 the accommodations were extended by the use of 35 hospital tents, and shortly afterwards 100 more tents were pitched on frames and floors for use. The num- ber of available beds for patients is 922. The general mess hall of the post is used as a dining hall for convalescents, hospital corps men, trained nurses, and employees. There are also 4 special-diet kitchens, which suffice for the needs of those seriously sick. The personnel consists of 14 medical officers, 3 stewards, 5 acting stewards, and 112 privates of the hospital corps, with 2 hospital matrons, 71 female nurses, and 92 other civilian employees, cooks, waiters, and laborers. Up to August 31, 1898, there were admitted into this hospital 1,244 patients, of whom 59 died. These were mostly derived from the camps at Tampa, Fla., but one train load was received from Chickamauga, Ga., and two from Fernandina, Fla., with a number of cases from the large body of recruits, 2,000 to 3,800 men, aggregated at the post. 4. The General Hospital at Fort Monroe, Va.-Orders were issued June 26 for the establishment of this hospital in connection with the post hospital of the fort. One hundred hospital tents, with cots and bedding for 500 patients, were fur- nished by the Quartermaster's Department, and the surgeon in charge was directed to make requisition for other necessary supplies. The tents were pitched end on to each other in threes and fours, forming pavilion wards, with streets between. They were raised from 1 to 2 feet above the surface of the ground, floored, framed, and rafted, to give them stability, and connected with other parts of the hospital camp by a board walk. A frame building was erected for use as a kitchen and dining hall, the latter capable of seating 250 persons. Other buildings were con- structed for use as water-closets and bath houses, the latter furnished with hot and cold water. Water from the post supply was conducted to all parts of the camp and a condensing plant provided a sufficient supply of distilled water for drinking. All sewage was delivered by sewers into the mains of the sewerage system of the post. This hospital was strengthened by the conveniences of the post hospital, including, besides its wards, an operating room, laboratory, dispen- sary, X-ray room, offices, special diet kitchen, and storage rooms. The first patients were received July 13, 244 officers and men from the City of Washington, a transport from Santiago, Cuba. These were accommodated in the tent pavilions, but as the kitchen and mess-hall building was yet unfinished, Buz- zacott ovens, under tent flies, were used until July 18, when the hospital buildings were completed. This hospital received sick and wounded from the transports City of Washington, Breakwater, Solace, Hudson, Obdam, and Lampasas, and from the camp at Newport News, Va. To August 31 there were admitted 978 7833-VOL. 1 42 658 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. cases, 25 of which terminated fatally. The medical force attached to the hospital consisted of 15 officers, 2 stewards, 4 acting stewards, and 94 privates of the hos- pital corps, and 43 female and 11 male contract nnrses. 5. General Hospital at Fort Myer, Va.-On May 13, 1898, the Secretary of War approved my request to utilize the vacant barrack buildings of Fort Myer, Va., in connection with the post hospital at that place as a general hospital. The buildings were speedily fitted up, and the hospital provided with all needful sup- plies. One building had to be erected as a deadhouse. The riding hall of the post was floored and converted into a ward for 175 patients. At each end of the riding hall, but detached from it, two water-closets were constructed for the dis- infection and disposal of typhoid excreta. Water was brought into this hall, with two faucets at each end of the building for use in filling tubs for baths. The hospital kitchens were supplemented by a Red Cross special-diet kitchen. The capacity of this hospital is 544. Up to August 31 the number of admissions amounted to 734, the deaths to 70. Most of the cases were derived from the Second Army Corps, at Camp Alger, Va. The personnel consisted of 18 medical men, 2 stewards, 9 acting stewards, 67 privates of the Hospital Corps, 49 female and 12 male contract nurses, and 28 laborers. 6. General Hospital, Fort Thomas, Ky.-On April 27 I requested authority to make use of the vacant barrack buildings at Fort Thomas, Ky., as a general hos- pital. This was granted, and I immediately sent 200 beds and bedding, with instructions to the surgeon in command to make use of the quartermaster's bed- steads then in the barracks and to require for all the necessary personnel and sup- plies for active service in his hospital. The proposed establishment was intended as a reserve hospital, and patients were not sent to it until July 7. The num- ber of available beds was 416. The number of patients received up to August 31 was 394, among whom there occurred 25 deaths. Ten medical men were on duty at this hospital, 1 steward, 3 acting stewards, 67 privates of the Hospital Corps, 33 female and 3 male contract nurses. The post hospitals, which did duty as general hospitals during the period April 1 to August 31,1898, were chiefly six, although many others cared occasionally for sick and wounded men not members of the local garrison. The hospital build- ing at each of these posts is in excellent condition. It formed the administration building of the extended hospital and provided commodious wards for cases of grave sickness. Fifty or more cots, bedding, etc., for* 250 or more patients were sent to the surgeon in charge of each with orders to get in readiness for immediate service. These movements were instituted July 17-28. The tents were floored, framed, and pitched in pavilion wards and, prior to the reception of sick, the per- sonnel of the establishment was increased to meet the necessities of the case. At Washington Barracks, where the patients were mostly convalescents from the general hospital, Fort Monroe, Va., it was not at first needful to add to the number of medical officers nor to send any contract nurses, as the surgeon in charge had a hospital corps company of instruction to draw upon according to his needs. At Fort Hamilton, N. Y., on the other hand, where the cases came direct from Santiago, there were assigned to duty 5 medical men under contract, 1 stew- ard, 6 acting stewards, 24 hospital corps privates, and 4 male and 15 female con- tract nurses. Details made by the commanding officer from the troops in garrison did the policing and other heavy work of the extemporized hospital. The appended tabulation summarizes the cases and deaths reported to August 31, 1898, from the general hospitals and the post and civil hospitals. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General, United States Army. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 659 APPENDIX. Cases. Deaths. General hospitals: Chickamauga Tenn. (Leiter general hospital) 496 71 Ivey AVest Fla ...... 547 6 McPherson, Foit Ga. ..... 1, 244 59 Monroe Fort Va 978 25 Mver Fort,Va ............................- 734 70 Thomas, Fort, Ky 394 25 Total 4,393 256 Post hospitals: AVashin°ton Parracks T). C 665 5 Columbus Fort N.Y .... 258 7 Hamilton Fort, N. Y .. . 78 1 Presidio of San Francisco Cal .. 957 32 Vancouver Barracks, Washington 240 1 AV ads worth Fort, New York - 438 Honoliilu, Hawaiian Islands 54 1 Total - - 2,690 47 Civil hospitals: Charleston, S. C., City Hospital 118 7 (Charleston St. F. X. Hospital 74 4 TCey AVest Marine Hospital, Fla, 5 Mobile Ala, Marine Hospital . 77 5 New York civil hospitals - 1,084 19 Philadelphia hospitals 427 11 San Francisco Cal. Marine Hospital ......... 100 14 Stapleton, N. Y., Marine Hospital Total 106 1, 991 60 A ggregate - 9,074 363 General, post, and civil hospitals, cases and deaths, April 1 to August 31,1898. MEMORANDUM RELATING TO THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 661 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 6, 1S98. Gen. G. M. Dodge, President of Board to Investigate the War Department. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a memorandum relating to the Medical Department of the Army; subject, medical officers. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General United States Army. MEMORANDUM RELATING TO THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT MEDICAL OFFICERS. The number of medical officers allowed by law is inadequate in times of peace. The total number allowed is 192. There are at present 13 vacancies. The admin- istration of the Surgeon-General's Office and the Army Medical Museum requires 6. Eleven are on duty at medical supply depots and as chief surgeons of military departments. One is at the Soldiers' Home; 56 are at general hospitals, on hos- pital ships, and at garrisoned posts. Four have been disabled since the com- mencement of the war by sickness. Five are on duty as chief surgeons of army corps. This leaves 97 medical officers available for duty with troops in the field. Of these, 35 have been appointed brigade surgeons of volunteers and are distrib- uted among the various army corps. Since the declaration of war the loss by death has been 2, and 23 are now absent from duty on sick leave. This deficiency in regular medical officers has made it necessary to employ more than 650 contract surgeons. Most of these doctors from civil life are doing good service, and many of them are thoroughly well-equipped physicians and surgeons, with ample hospital experience; but it has been impossible to make a careful selection, owing to the great pressure of business in the Surgeon-General's Office, and the urgency has been so great that it has not been practicable to have exam- ining boards to pass upon their qualifications. I have endeavored, so far as pos- sible, to obtain satisfactory professional indorsement before making a contract with an applicant. The number of applications has been so great, and the per- sonal visits of applicants and their friends so numerous, as to constitute a serious embarrassment in conducting the business of my office. There have been appointed by the President 8 corps surgeons with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, 24 division surgeons with the rank of major,* and 86 brigade surgeons; also 3 medical officers for each of the regiments of United States vol- unteer infantry, cavalry, and engineers. All volunteer regiments have 3 medi- cal officers appointed by governors of States. The very small proportion of experienced medical officers has seriously impaired the efficiency of the Medical Department, but many of the division and brigade surgeons from civil life have shown great aptitude for the service and have *Six of the corps surgeons, 2 of the division surgeons, and 35 brigade surgeons belong to the Medi- cal Corps of the Army. 663 664 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. already become valuable medical officers. The same is true of many of the doc- tors employed under contract. Referring to the alleged deficiency of medical officers with the Fifth Army Corps at Santiago, I would say that this corps, upon leaving Tampa, had with it 36 regular medical officers, 15 commissioned volunteer medical officers, and 20 contract doctors, a total of 71, or over 4 per thousand of the strength of the com- mand, which I am informed was about 16,000. Additional medical assistance was sent by the hospital ship Relief, which arrived at Siboney July 7 with 20 doctors on board. There was also some volunteer assistance by Dr. Lesser, of the Red Cross Society; Dr. Rudberg of the Swedish navy; and several surgeons of the Navy from ships in the vicinity. It has not been the expectation of the Medical Department that every wounded man would immediately receive the attention of a surgeon. No modern army makes provision for so large a number of medical officers as this would require. But attached to our Army there is a corps of noncombatants known as the Hos- pital Corps, which is the organized and authorized Red Cross Corps of the Army. At the outbreak of the war we had 800 Hospital Corps men in service. At present there are more than 6,000. These men wear a brassard upon the left arm bearing the red cross of the Geneva Convention. We have done our best to instruct them in giving first aid to the wounded, and in a majority of cases a first- aid dressing properly applied by one of these men is all that is required. All of the surgeons who have come from the front have testified to the remarkable results attained from the prompt application of aseptic dressings by our Hospital Corps men and by the soldiers themselves or their comrades. The proper appli- cation of the dressings contained in the first-aid packet .'which is carried by every soldier, is, under existing regulations, a matter in which every enlisted man has special instruction. For some time past this instruction has been given first by our medical officers to the company officers, and by them to the enlisted men. Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General United States Army. Surgeon-General's Office, October 6,1898. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 6, 1898. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the report of Col. Charles R. Green- leaf, assistant surgeon-general United States Army and chief surgeon army in the field, made at my request as a partial reply to the questions 10,11,12, and 13. I respectfully invite special attention to the following telegrams, as evidence of my earnest desire that our troops in the field should be provided with all neces- sary supplies: [Cables from General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon United. States troops in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] "August 3,1898. "Relief sails for Ponce to-day. Do not send any sick on transports unless there is ample accommodation, medical supplies, suitable diet, and competent medical attendance. Acknowledge receipt." "August 10,1898. " Ocean voyage very trying for severe typhoid cases. Can't you establish gen- eral hospital at Ponce in suitable buildings? Call on me for all you need. Will send hospital tents by first transport. Will send money to your supply officer if you will telegraph his name. Acknowledge receipt." REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 665 "Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, " Ponce, Porto Rico, August 18, 1898. "Huidekoper, " Chief Surgeon. First Army Corps, Guayama: "Plenty of cotsand supplies here. Will send all I can with General Grant's hospital train that leaves here on Saturday. Shall I load entirely with cots? Can you send wagons here for supplies? Do not learn anything about cots from Mas- sachusetts. None on wharf. Wire daily your condition. "Greenleaf, Chief Surgeon. " " Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, " Porto Rico, August 21, 1898. "Major Crile, Chief Surgeon, Utuado: " McGillicuddy has reported and will be sent by rail and carriage to-day. Gen- eral Gilmore tells me that General Henry has full authority"to move his command anywhere within the lines he may desire on account of health. Use your discre- tion in sending Dr. Gross away. Ample medical supplies are here. Have filled requisition you sent. No means of getting it to you. Can you not send for it and any medical supplies you require? " Greenleaf." [Cables from General Sternberg to Colonel Greenleaf, chief surgeon army in the field, Ponce, Porto Rico.] "August 26,1898. " Do not fail to make timely requisition for everything needed for the care and comfort of the sick." "August 29,1898. "If you need more money, let me know. Buy everything necessary for the care and comfort of the sick. Acknowledge receipt." [Cablegram.] Headquarters of the Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, "Ponce, Porto Rico, August 29, 1898. "Sternberg, Washington: "Relief here, unloading supplies. Plenty of money for present use. Have arranged for timely renewal of supplies. Nothing leaves here except in good order. Field and hospital arrangements satisfactory, but nurses needed as cabled yesterday. Huidekoper and Woodbury fully competent to manage affairs here. " Greenleaf." Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General, United States Army. Gen. G. M. Dodge. President of Board to Investigate the War Department. REPORT RELATING TO THE HOSPITAL CORPS OF THE ARMY. PREPARED BY COL. CHARLES H. ALDEN. 667 HOSPITAL CORPS OF THE ARMY. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 13,1898. Gen. G. M. Dodge, President of Board to Investigate War Department. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report relating to the Hospital Corps of the Army, prepared by my direction by Col. Charles H. Alden, assistant surgeon-general, who has had charge of the Hospital Corps division of the Surgeon-General's Office during the past five years. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General United States Army. Hospital Corps Division, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 13,1898. The Surgeon-General, United States Army. Sir: I have the honor, according to your instructions, to submit the following answers to the queries addressed by the commission of investigation into the operations of the Army in the war with Spain, so far as they relate to the Hospital Corps: Question 1. What was the organization of the Medical Department on April 1, 1898? How many officers, with their rank; how many hospital stewards; and what was the size of the Hospital Corps? On April 1, 1898, there were in service 100 hospital stewards, the number fixed by law, 103 acting hospital stewards, and 520 privates; a total of 723. The number of acting hospital stewards and privates was regulated by the Secretary of War in accordance with the necessities of the service. The members of the Hospital Corps were scattered in detachments at the various posts throughout the United States, the number allowed at each garrison being fixed by Army Regulations, paragraphs 1409 to 1411. The following circular of information shows the requirements for enlistment as private and for promotion to the grades of acting steward and steward, by which it will be seen that no private could be detailed an acting hospital steward except after one year's service as private and passing an examination successfully, and no acting steward could be appointed hospital steward except after one year's service as such and after passing success- fully the required examination. CIRCULAR OF INFORMATION FOR PERSONS DESIROUS OF ENLISTING IN THE HOSPITAL CORPS, UNITED STATES ARMY. The Hospital Corps consists of hospital stewards, acting hospital stewards, and privates. This corps offers good pay and at the same time gives a training which will be of great usefulness in civil life. If promotion is in view, it opens the way to one of the best positions attainable by an enlisted man in the United States Army. All enlistments are for the grade of private, but provision is made for the pro- motion of those who show themselves to be earnest, intelligent, capable, and trustworthy. 669 670 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Original enlistments are confined to persons who are citizens of the United States, or who have made legal declaration of their intention to become citizens thereof. The term of service is three years. Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 30 years, unmarried, of good character and habits, able-bodied, free from disease, not less than 5 feet 4 inches in height, and able to speak, read, and write the English language. Minor defects of vision that can be corrected by glasses are not regarded as a bar to enlistment. They must defray their own expenses to the place of enlistment, satisfy the recruiting officer regarding age and character, and be prepared to furnish evidence thereof. Their fitness for the military service can only be ascertained by examina- tion at a recruiting station or at a military post. Under the act of June 16, 1890, and existing rules prescribed by the President in accordance therewith, a man in his first enlistment, having served one year, may be accorded the privilege of purchasing his discharge at any time for several months thereafter upon payment of a stipulated sum, the maximum purchase price being $120. The following is the rate of pay as now established: Grade. First enlistment. Pay per month. Pay per year. Pay for three years. Hospital steward $45. 00 25. 00 $540.00 300. 00 $1, 620. 00 900 00 Acting hospital steward Private 18. 00 216.00 648.00 In addition to the rates enumerated above, $1 per month is added during the third year of first enlistment. Members of the Hospital Corps reenlisting within three months from date of dis- charge receive a further increase of pay for the fourth and fifth years of service, and a still further increase for each five years of continuous service. They also receive from the Government (in addition to their pay) rations, clothing, bedding, medicines, and medical attendance. They can deposit their savings in sums not less than $5 with any Army paymaster, and for sums so deposited for six months or longer interest at the rate of 4 per cent per annum will be paid on final dis- charge. These deposits are nonforfeitable, except for desertion. For those who have become infirm during twenty years' service, or who have been discharged for wounds received or sickness brought on in service, a comfortable home is maintained in the city of Washington. The sum of 12| cents per month is deducted from each soldier's pay, to be applied toward the support of the Home. After thirty years' service enlisted men are entitled to be retired, and upon retire- ment to receive monthly three-fourths of the pay allowed to them by law in the grade they held when retired, with an allowance for clothing and subsistence. Furloughs to deserving men are granted during the term of enlistment when their services can be spared from their post of duty. When a man is honorably discharged at the expiration of his enlistment, or on account of sickness, his travel pay is ample to carry him to the place of enlist- ment. By care and economy he can save from his clothing allowance a consid- erable sum, payable to him on his discharge. The accepted candidate for enlistment is usually sent at first to a Hospital Corps school. He is there given the instruction that is needful to enable him to do his duty intelligently and to appreciate what are the requisites for promotion in the corps. When properly qualified he is sent to some military station for duty. Privates who have served one year or more and who have displayed particular merit may be recommended to the Surgeon-General for examination with a view REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 671 to detail as acting hospital steward. If graduates in pharmacy they may not be required to serve the full year of probation. Under existing law promotion to a stewardship is not authorized until the can- didate has demonstrated his fitness for the position by one year of service as an acting hospital steward. His application must be approved by the surgeon of his post and by the post commander, and must bear satisfactory certification as to character, conduct, general fitness, and habits, particularly in regard to the use of stimulants and narcotics. Successful candidates examined at or about the same time take precedence for appointment, so far as practicable, in the order of relative merit as shown by the results of their examination. Applications for enlistment, accompanied by testimonials as to character, phys- ical soundness, and special knowledge as of pharmacy, cookery, mechanics, etc., should be addressed to " The Surgeon-General, United States Army, Washington, D. C." (who authorizes enlistments); or candidates may apply in person to any recruiting officer of the Army, or preferably to the medical officer at any military post or station. Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General United States Army. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., June 23, 1897. In order to train the men for the hospital corps for their duties, there was a special school of instruction established at Washington Barracks, to which all recruits for the Hospital Corps enlisted in the Eastern portion of our country were sent for training from four to six months before being sent to a military post. To meet the necessity for instruction in the West, small detachments were stationed for instruction at the principal military posts at each of the several Western departments: Fort Sheridan, Ill.; Fort Leavenworth, Kans.; Fort Snel- ling, Minn.; Fort Crook, Nebr.; Vancouver Barracks, Wash.; Presidio of San Francisco, Cal.; Fort Logan, Colo.; and Fort Sam Houston, Tex. Men were drafted from these detachments when needed at posts in the departments to which they were attached. At these schools of instruction the men were trained in nursing, first aid, litter and ambulance drill, cooking, to assist the surgeon in operations, and in the elements of pharmacy and hygiene. Question 3. An army of what size was the department able to completely fit out with * * * stewards and hospital corps? * * * The hospital corps, of the strength above mentioned, was designed for service with troops stationed in garrisons, which was the condition of the Army before the declaration of war, and was sufficient. It was insufficient for the Army if mobilized for active field service, especially as to hospital stewards, of which the number-100-was fixed by law. It was possible to increase the number of acting stewards and privates as the needs of the service required. Question 4. Between April 1 and August 31, 1898, what steps were taken for fully supplying an army of 250,000 men with all the necessary * * * stewards, hospital corps? * * * Immediately upon the declaration of war and the call by the President for 125,000 men, the necessity for additional stewards and privates of the Hospital Corps was recognized, and on April 25, 1898, the Surgeon-General addressed the Secretary of War as follows: " By the act of Congress, approved March 16,1898, the number of hospital stew- ards of the Hospital Corps, United States Army, which up to that time had been restricted only by the needs of the service were reduced to 100. I have the honor now to request that this restriction be removed in view of the increase of military posts and the necessity of additional hospital stewards in the field." 672 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. An act removing this restriction, as requested, was introduced, but did not seem to meet with favor, as it was proposed to limit the increase to 100. On the 26th of April, the Surgeon-General addressed the following letter to the Hon. J. R. Hawley, of the United States Senate, chairman of the Military Com- mittee of the Senate: "Dear Sir: Referring to the House amendment to Senate bill 4556, I would respectfully state the limitation of the increase of hospital stewards to 100 may lead to embarrassment and may call for additional legislation in future, especially in view of the second call for 75,000 volunteers. We will no doubt have to estab- lish numerous general hospitals if the war is protracted (it is at present impossible to say just how many hospitals may be actually required); the limitation thereof appears to me to be very injudicious and unnecessary." In order to provide for members of the Hospital Corps for the Volunteer Army called out by the President, the Surgeon-General addressed the following com- munication to the Secretary of War: April 24, 1898. To the Honorable Secretary of War, Washington City. Sir: Referring to the call by the President of the United States for 125,000 vol- unteers, I have the honor to make the following recommendation: I recommend that for each regiment of volunteer infantry or cavalry mustered into the service of the United States there be enlisted the following members of the Hospital Corps: One hospital steward, 1 acting hospital steward, and 25 privates. For each battery of artillery, 1 hospital steward and 5 privates; also, that for each division of the Army there be enlisted, in addition to the above, 1 hospital stew- ard, 1 acting hospital steward, and 50 privates of the Hospital Corps, to serve under the direction of the chief surgeon of the division. These men, in accord- ance with the Geneva Convention, will be noncombatants, and will wear the arm badge bearing a red cross on a white ground, prescribed by article 7. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General, U. S. Army. This recommendation was not favorably considered by Congress, and no action was taken for a volunteer hospital corps. In view of this want of action on the part of Congress, the following letter was addressed by the Surgeon-General to the Adjutant-General of the Army: Washington, D. C., May 18,1898. To the Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington City. Sir: As no provision was made for a hospital corps in the act authorizing the enlistment of volunteers, it becomes necessary to provide the necessary number of hospital corps privates for service with the Volunteer Army by increasing the Hospital Corps of the Regular Army. This can be done under existing laws. I am informed that many men who formerly served in the National Guard as members of the hospital corps have enlisted in the volunteer regiments because there was no authority for the muster into the service of a volunteer hospital corps. In view of this fact, I have the honor to recommend that transfers of enlisted men from the volunteer regiments to the Hospital Corps may be author- ized, and that division commanders may have authority to direct such transfers upon the recommendation of the chief surgeon; the men so transferred to be assigned to duty with the regiment belonging to the command with the division hospital, ot wherever their services may be required. The Judge-Advocate- General of the Army has rendered an opinion favorable to such action in an indorsement dated May 16, 1898, which is as follows: "Respectfully returned to the Adjutant-General. " This is a question as to whether an enlisted man in the volunteer branch of the Army may be transferred to the Hospital Corps. It would seem that such 673 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. transfer may be held to be authorized by the act of March 1, 1897, creating the hospital corps, which provided that any enlisted man in the Army shall be eligible to transfer to the Hospital Corps as a private. "Norman Lieber, Judge-Advocate-General." Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg-, Surgeon-General, U. S. Army. On May 31, 1898, in General Orders, No. 58, Headquarters of the Army, the decision just referred to, together with additional provisions of regulations for the Hospital Corps in time of war and in the field, were published in accordance with the request of the Surgeon-General. His letter is omitted, but a copy of the general order referred to is given below; General Orders, i Headquarters of the Army, - Adjutant-General's Office, No. 58. ) Washington, May 31, 1898. I. By direction of the Secretary of War, the following is published to the Army for the information and guidance of all concerned: Enlisted men of the volunteer organizations may be transferred to the Hospital Corps of the Regular Army by the commanding general of the army corps in which the soldier is serving, upon the recommendation of the chief surgeon of the corps. The provisions of Army Regulations governing the Hospital Corps so far as they are inapplicable in time of war and with troops in the field are hereby suspended during the existence of such conditions. The commander of an army corps, or of a division or brigade acting independ- ently of a corps, is charged with the full control of the transfer from the line, the enlistment, reenlistment, and discharge of members of the hospital corps of his command, with the detail of acting hospital stewards, and the appointment of hospital stewards. Acting hospital stewards will be detailed from privates of the Hospital Corps who are recommended by their medical officers as possessing the necessary quali- fications. Hospital stewards will be appointed from acting hospital stewards who are recommended by their medical officers and who have served not less than three months in the Hospital Corps and are approved by a board of not less than three medical officers. Enlistment papers in duplicate, examination forms, and outline figure cards for members of the Hospital Corps will be forwarded to the Surgeon-General's Office, as now required, and monthly reports will be made by the chief surgeon of the corps, or division if acting independently, showing the number of stewards, act- ing stewards, and privates on duty, the names of men transferred from the line, of those enlisted or reenlisted, discharged, died, detailed acting hospital steward, or appointed hospital steward. The quota of members of the Hospital Corps for a corps of 25,000 men is: Hospital stewards. Acting hospital stewards. Privates. 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1'orc<ich brigade heudquarters For each division ambulance company and for the reserve corps com- 7 3 104 For each division field hospital and for the reserve corps field hospital. 6 3 90 7833-vol. 1 43 674 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The three volunteer hospital stewards mustered in with each regiment are included in this strength. The corps commander may make such distribution of the members of the Hos- pital Corps within his command as he considers for the best interests of the service. II. By direction of the Secretary of War, when recruits of the Hospital Corps are sent to posts or stations, recruiting officers will forward in each case the descriptive and assignment card required by army regulation 850 for the line of the Army. By command of Major-General Miles: H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General. At once on the declaration of war, measures were taken to increase the Hospital Corps by direct enlistments as rapidly as possible. Circulars of information, posters, giving the rates of pay, etc., were sent out to the recruiting officers and medical officers; and correspondence was entered into with superintendents of hospitals and medical men in many localities to enlist their aid in obtaining suit- able men for the Hospital Corps. It being evident that it would be impossible to obtain enough Hospital Corps men by general enlistment in this way for the needs of the whole Army, regular and volunteer, the Surgeon-General, on May 14,1898, wrote to the Adjutant-General of the Army as follows: 4 ' Sir: I have the honor to request that instructions be sent to each officer charged with the muster in of volunteer regiments to enlist, in accordance with existing regulations, desirable men who are approved by the medical officer for the Hospital Corps, United States Army, at the rate of 15 privates for each regiment and 5 for each battalion and battery. Further, that orders may be given that these men accompany the regiments to their future destinations. It does not seem to be clearly understood in some States that 3 hospital stewards are allowed to be mus- tered in with each volunteer regiment, and I would suggest that this provision be communicated to the mustering officer also." Action was taken in accordance with the Surgeon-General's request. Special efforts were made to obtain recruits for the Hospital Corps among men who had had experience as nurses in civil hospitals, but it was found that no considerable number could be obtained. Cooks, mechanics, and men who were used to the care of animals were also sought for. Among the men offering themselves were physicians, medical students, and pharmacists, many of whom were enlisted. Question 9. What number of * * * hospital stewards, nurses, attendants, etc., were employed between April 1 and August 31, in addition to those in the service of the United States on April 1, 1898? Men obtained by general enlistment at the recruiting stations were sent at once to the hospital school of instruction at Washington Barracks, D. C., and were given such training as the limited time at disposal allowed. Unfortunately, the demands of the service in the field were so great that it was impossible to give extended instruction, and in many cases men were sent direct from the recruiting stations to their duties in the field. It has been impracticable to obtain full and complete records of the Hospital Corps of men enlisted in the various parts of this extended country. It appears from the records of this office, on August 31 there were in service 176 stewards, 250 acting stewards, and 4,939 privates; total, 5,365. It is certain, however, that a largely increased number must have been in service at that date. Owing to the failure of officers to report enlistments to this office, the exact number can not be given. Question 11. Were the armies operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philip- pines fully supplied with efficient * * * stewards and Hospital Corps? * * * The army under command of General Shafter (Fifth Army Corps) was largely made up of regiments taken from the Regular Army, who had with them, in REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 675 accordance with orders, nearly all of the hospital stewards and privates of the Hospital Corps from their posts. Only enough stewards and privates were left to take care of the hospital and hospital property at the scattered stations. Some of the old stewards also were too infirm to take active service in the field, although still able to do duty at a military post. So far as information can be obtained, when the Fifth Army Corps left Florida for Cuba it took with it 18 stewards, 25 acting stewards, and 207 privates of the Hospital Corps. Under the operations of General Order No. 58, Headquarters of the Army, May 31, 1898, already referred to, the hospital corps of each army corps was recruited partly by transfers from the line and partly by direct enlistment; and in most cases the number of men obtained was nearly equal to the number fixed by that order. They were enlisted, however, without very much training for nursing, but there was ample opportunity for their being trained in first aid and hospital corps drill by the medical officers, under whose direction they served, and the prevalence of disease in many of the camps afforded an opportunity for their securing training in nursing, which they needed. Referring to the hospital corps with the expeditions sent to the Philippine Islands, stewards and acting stewards were sent from Washington Barracks and Eastern stations-all that could be spared. Direct enlistments of privates were made chiefly at San Francisco and other points on the Pacific Coast, as well as transfers from the line, to make up the necessary number of hospital corps men. It is understood from the reports of the chief surgeons of the Philippine and Manila expeditions that they were quite adequately supplied. It became evident as soon as malarial and typhoid fevers commenced to prevail among the troops that it would be impracticable to take proper care of the sick with only the hospital corps men and the male nurses that could be employed. Attention is invited to the report in regard to the employment of female trained nurses, whose aid has been indispensable in this emergency. Not less than 5,000 additional hospital corps men were employed between April and August 31 in addition to those in the Army on April 1, 1898. Question 15. How were the hospital stewards, nurses, and attendants selected? Under the regulations (see General Order, No. 58, before referred to) hospital stewards were appointed from acting hospital stewards who had at least three months' service in the grade of private and acting hospital steward. They were examined by a board of at least three medical officers and had to pass a success- ful examination before recommendation for appointment was made. Acting hospital stewards were detailed upon the recommendation of the medical officer under whom they were serving in the grade of private. Nurses and attendants were selected by the recruiting officers and army surgeons acting as such upon instructions from this office to the effect that "great care should be taken that the men accepted are in your judgment fit for the performance of duty for which they are enlisted. " Attention was invited to the requirements of regulations bear- ing upon this subject-existing regulations as to age and general qualifications of recruits were to govern in the acceptance of suitable men. They were par- ticularly instructed not to complete any enlistment unless they were perfectly satisfied that the applicant possessed all of the requirements needed for the special service. Very respectfully, C. H. Alden, Assistant Stirgeon-General, U. S. Army. REPORT RELATING TO THE MEDICAL SUPPLIES OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY. 677 MEDICAL SUPPLIES. LIST OF INCLOSURES. 1. Letter of Surgeon-General U. S. Army, transmitting report of the operations of the Medical Department of the Army as regards medical supplies. 2. Answers to questions 2, 3, and 4, respecting supply division, Medical Depart- ment, ambulances, litters, etc. 3. Pamphlet showing field supply table, Medical Department, U. S. Army. 4. Circular No. 6, from Surgeon-General's Office, relating to the ordering of medical supplies. 5. List of supplies sent to the army at Tampa, Fla. G. List of supplies furnished hospital ship Relief, leaving New York City July 2, 1898. 7. Letters of Deputy Surg. Gen. J. V. D. Middleton respecting medical supplies for the Philippine expedition. 8. Letter of September 12, 1898, from W. C. M. Clay, editor New York Sun, evening edition, to President McKinley, referring to conditions at Santiago, fol- lowed by reply of General Lawton, commanding at Santiago; also report of Edward L. Munson, captain and assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, commanding Reserve Ambulance Corps, as to service at Santiago; also letters from Chief Surgeon Hysell, Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, Surg. E. T. Comegys, and extracts from Brigadier-General Coppinger and chief surgeon, Colbnel Maus. 9. Memoranda showing date as to hospital stewards, etc. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 11, '1898. Gen. G. M. Dodge, President Board to Investigate the War Department. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report with reference to the oper- ations of the Medical Department of the Army as regards medical supplies. This report is made by Col. Charles H. Alden, Assistant Surgeon-General, U. S. Army, who has been in charge of the supply division of this office during the past five years. The temporary deficiency in medical supplies at Santiago is fully accounted for by the fact that some of the supplies of the Fifth Army Corps were left at Tampa, and owing to the rapidity with which the troops were disembarked at Siboney and pushed to the front a considerable quantity of the supplies taken were left upon the transports. This is shown by the letter of Capt. Edward L. Munson, assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, attached to Colonel Alden's report, and also by the following extracts from the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Pope, chief surgeon, Fifth Army Corps: " Three days prior to the order of embarkation, which was given on the night of June 8, I directed Capt. C. M. Gandy, assistant surgeon, the acting medical sup- ply officer at Tampa, Fla., to set aside one-half of all the medicines and surgical supplies remaining in the storehouses to be taken as a reserve upon the headquar- ters' ship, the Seguranca, under my own charge. At the time the order was given 679 680 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. supplies were beginning to be unloaded from the trains by the quartermaster's department, and issues were made to regimental surgeons of both volunteer and regular organizations of such articles as were needed. The reserve was not large and was gotten out of the storehouse by myself and two hospital-corps men at midnight of the 8th and put upon the train which left for Port Tampa at 2.30 a. m. of the 9th. There were two wagonloads taken that night and Cap- tain Gandy sent two more on the following morning. Among this lot of medi- cines there was, fortunately, a large amount of quinine, two barrels in all, and other material, and three sets of surgical chests, and sterilizer. The • medicines received on the morning of the 9th were ultimately placed on the steamer Olivette, where they were much needed. " My reason for taking only one-half the amount of supplies in the storehouses was that volunteer regiments were continually arriving at Tampa, and I felt cer- tain that they would need everything that I could spare, as these troops were usually destitute of everything. "Medical and surgical chests, with which the regular regiments were in nearly every instance provided, were, in the hurry of departure, unfortunately left on the transports, together with all extra medical supplies. A few medical officers took their chests with them only to abandon them within the first mile of the march, leaving them to be afterwards picked up by passing wagons or ambulances." Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 10, 1898. The Surgeon-General of the Army. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report containing answers to the questions of the committee of investigation into the operations of the War Department during the war with Spain, so far as they relate to the supply divi- sion, which is under my charge: Question 2. How many ambulances and litters were available April 1, 1898? At this date there were on hand at military stations 109 ambulances and 790 litters. In addition, the Quartermaster's Department had at depots 96 ambu- lances, and each battery, troop, and company was supposed to have 2 litters each, though it is probable many of these were of old patterns, and possibly some organizations were not supplied. Question 3. An army of what size was the War Department able to completely fit out with medical officers, stewards, and hospital corps, and necessary surgical instruments, and supplies of every character? The authorized strength of the Army April 1, 1898, was a little over 28,000 offi- cers and men. This force was stationed as garrisons at military posts, and while the supplies furnished were more especially adapted to the medical wants of troops serving under such conditions there was ample provision for field service, especially at posts where active service against Indians or riot duty was possible. Further than this, it is believed the medical supplies of every character that were available were sufficient for the then existing Army for any duty, though, neces- sarily, additions would have to be made in mobilizing it into an army for foreign service. Question 4. Between April 1 and August 31, 1898, what steps were taken for fully supplying an army of 250,000 men with all necessary surgeons, stewards, hospital-corps ambulances, litters, surgical instruments, and medical supplies of all and every character? REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 681 My reply to this question relates only to medical supplies, and naturally divides itself into the general measures taken at the Surgeon-General's Office and those carried out at the several supply depots and camps. Up to the time that war was declared it was not practicable to take any imme- diate steps to obtain supplies, as it was not known until that date that the troops would actually be called out, nor were there funds available from which to make purchases. But already, before April 1, in view of the possibility of future needs, orders were given to have the field medical outfits, medical and surgical chests, instruments, etc., at the supply depots put in order for issue in case of need, and early in March the preparation of a new pattern medical and surgical chests was begun so as to have them ready for manufacture immediately upon necessity arising. Immediately upon information being received that orders were about to issue from the Adjutant-General's Office directing the regular regiments to leave their western stations and concentrate in camps at Chickamauga and elsewhere the following recommendation was made to the Adjutant-General, under date of April 15: "Each regiment to take 2 ambulances, 4 extra litters, a field hospital for t10 men, medical and surgical chests, field supplies for three months. " Infantry regiments to have a steward or acting steward and 10 privates of Hospital Corps. " Cavalry regiments to have 2 stewards or acting stewards and 15 hospital corps men. • "A light battery to have 1 ambulance, field hospital for 5 men (1 hospital tent), an acting steward, and 5 privates of the hospital corps." Immediately upon the declaration of war, April 21, steps were taken to obtain medical supplies for the new Volunteer Army. For the more important articles and those of highest cost, bids were invited at short notice-such, for instance, as medical and surgical chests, litters and slings, field operating cases, surgeons' field cases, pocket cases, orderly and hospital-corps pouches, etc.-orders were given, and the manufacture expedited with the utmost dispatch. Requests for proposals for the usual spring purchases had been made in March, but to obtain medicines and other additional supplies in view of a state of war, advantage was taken of the authority granted by act of Congress and purchases were made in open market, the interests of the Government being guarded by obtaining informal bids when the amount needed-was large and time permitted. • On May 3, foreseeing that it would be impossible to have ready for issue to the volunteer regiments as soon as they were mustered in the medical and surgical chests above referred to, as well as other articles of field equipment, as it would necessarily take some time to prepare them, though their preparation was pushed with the utmost dispatch, the Surgeon-General sent the following telegram to the governors of the several States: Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, May 3, 1898. Governor of Massachusetts, Boston, Mass.: Please authorize the use by the medical department of volunteer troops from your State of the field medical equipment of your National Guard. These will be returned when our supplies ordered are ready for issue. Answer. Sternberg, Surgeon-General. Most of the governors of the States who had field equipment responded promptly and satisfactorily; but, unfortunately, many of the State medical departments had no such equipment. These deficiencies were supplied by the 682 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. issue of the advance field regimental outfits referred to hereafter. Most of the State field medical equipments so loaned have been, or probably will be, event- ually paid for by the United States. When it became evident what the size of the Army would be, the officers in charge of the medical supply depots in New York and St. Louis were directed to keep in stock or make arrangements so that supplies could be immediately obtained for 100,000 men for six months. The supply table published in the Manual for the Medical Department in 1896 gives allowance of medical supplies for troops located in garrisons, and was inap- propriate, consequently, for the troops in the field. A field supply table was prepared and approved by the Secretary of War, May 9, 1898. This supply table gives the contents of the medical and surgical chests, of the Hospital Corps and orderly pouches, field operating, surgeons' field and pocket cases, mess chest, food chest, field desk, and gives the allowance of medicines and disinfectants, hospital stores, stationery, furniture, bedding, clothing, and miscellaneous articles for a brigade or division field hospital and for division ambulance train. A copy of the field supply table is appended, marked "A." An examination of this field supply table will show that it was arranged with special reference to the needs of troops in active service, on the march, and in battle, and is in accordance with the advanced requirements of modern surgery and medicine. This field supply table was intended to provide for the allowance for commands in active service and where only a limited supply of articles could be taken owing to the necessity of restricting transportation. As soon as it was evident that the troops were likely to be retained in camps of instruction, notification was given that it was not expected that the provisions of the field supply table should apply, and that articles on the regular supply table could be obtained. On August 12, in circular No. 6, from this office (copy appended marked "B"), attention was again invited to this matter, and cheif surgeons of Army corps, of divisions, and of smaller commands were enjoined to make timely requisition for supplies, by telegraph if necessary, and that division and field hospitals in which typhoid fever and other serious cases were treated should be liberally supplied with all articles necessary for the treatment and comfort of the sick. The medical and surgical chests in use up to the outbreak of the war were issued in 1891, remodeled in 1895, and were in the hands of the regular regiments. They were serviceable, but advantage was taken of preparing a new supply for the increased Army, to make them more efficient and more thoroughly in accord- ance with modern practice. The patterns of these new medical and surgical chests were prepared in this office under the immediate supervision of the Surgeon- General of the Army, and the chests for issue were put up at the Army Medical Museum in the city of Washington. This was done, not only to obtain them more satisfactorily and more promptly, but in ordei- to relieve the supply depots of this work. New patterns for the field operating case had been already fixed upon in the fall of 1897. New forms of surgical dressings, especially designed for field use, composed of sterilized gauze, sublimated and iodoform; sterilized gauze bandages, absorbent cotton, catgut and silk, sterilized and packed in convenient envelopes; tow, com- pressed cotton sponges, and plaster of paris bandages were prepared under the immediate direction of this office. Samples of these were supplied to the three supply depots-New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco-and all issues directed to be in conformity therewith. Forty boxes of these specially prepared dressings were put up at the temporary REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 683 supply depot, Army Medical Museum, Washington. D. C., and sent to Tampa, Fla., for the use of the army about to sail for Cuba. The following is the list of contents: 1 Schering's formaldehyde sterilizer, lamp and 6 boxes pastels. 4 pairs rubber gloves. 2 rubber aprons, 38-inch. 2 dozen finger cots, assorted sizes. 2 pounds green soap. 4 Halstead's rubber cylinders. 300 gauze bandages (3 sizes). 300 packages sublimated gauze, 1 meter long. 150 ounces absorbent cotton, in 1-ounce packages. 50 packages iodoform gauze, 4 meter long. 150 packages catgut ligatures (3 sizes). 150 packages silk ligatures (3 sizes). 2 rubber irrigating bags. 24 dozen compressed cotton sponges (Burney's), large size. In order to provide temporarily for volunteer regiments organized and ordered to camps before the new medical and surgical chests were rfeady for issue, sup- plies of medicines, instruments, hospital stores, stationery, and miscellaneous articles, according to a prescribed list and packed in convenient boxes, were pre- pared at'the supply depots. An important article to be provided was the first-aid packet, containing anti- septic dressing for immediate use in emergencies and intended to be carried by each individual soldier. These were promptly and liberally supplied. Whenever notice was received from the Adjutant-General's Office that move- ment of troops or formation of camps had been ordered, the Surgeon-General anticipated their wants according to his best judgment, telegraphing to the officer in charge of the nearest supply depot to forward supplies for' the necessary num- ber of men according to the field-supply table. Requests for supplies from medical officers and orders based thereon for sup plies sent to the several supply depots have been largely by telegraph, and orders have been given that the supplies should be forwarded by express from the depots when they were needed promptly. Whenever the medical officer requested authority to purchase medical and other supplies for use in immediate emergen- cies, it has always been granted. Extensive purchases of medical supplies have been made direct from this office from dealers in Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia to provide for the immediate wants of the troops at Camp Alger, Va., and the general hospitals at Fort Myer, Va., Washington Barracks, D. C., and Fort Monroe, Va. This course was taken not only to meet urgent needs of troops and hospitals in this vicinity more promptly, but to relieve somewhat the great pressure upon the medical supply depot at New York. In addition to the field supply table already referred to, issued May 9, 1898, a revised edition of the Manual for the Medical Department was published. These, together with 2,400 copies of a revised edition of Lieutenant-Colonel Smart's Handbook for the Hospital Corps, were freely distributed throughout the Army, so that medical officers might become acquainted with the proper mode of obtain- ing supplies and their other many important duties. It is impossible to give a complete list of medical supplies that have been sup- plied, no complete report of purchases from the medical supply depots being at 684 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. this time obtainable, but the following will give some idea of the amounts of the principal articles: First-ai d packets number _ _ 272,000 Hospital Corps pouches... do 5,797 Orderly pouches do 509 Pocket cases do 962 Surgeons' field cases do 369 Field operating cases do 328 Medical and surgical chests do 1,204 Litters do 2,250 Litter slings do 7,600 Cots and bedsteads, with bedding do._.. 18,185 Blankets, gray do 23,950 Field desks do 440 Quinine pills do 7,500,000 Chloroform and ether bottles.. 13,220 Gauze, sublimated, 1-meter packages packages.. 100,625 Gauze bandages, 3 sizes number.. 331,776 There are three permanent medical supply depots, in charge of the following officers: Col. J. P. Wright, Assistant Surgeon-General, United States Army, St. Louis, Mo.; Lieut. Col. J. M. Brown, Deputy Surgeon-General, United States Army, New York City; and Lieut. Col. J. V. D. Middleton, Deputy Surgeon- General, United States Army, San Francisco, Cal. These officers were charged with the purchase of supplies except those ordered direct from this office to sup- ply needs in this vicinity, as already indicated. Each depot supplies the portion of country contiguous to it. The depot in New York supplies the posts in New England, the Middle States, and along the Atlantic coast, including Florida, and troops that have been sent to and are now serving in Cuba and Porto Rico. Ordinarily requisitions received from officers serving in the district supplied from the New York depot are acted on and sent by the next mail to the depot for issue, but owing to the rapid movement of troops and the necessity for prompt action, many requisitions have been made by telegraph, and telegraphic orders have been issued to the officer in charge of depot directing immediate action. When- ever there was urgency in the demand, and always for some time past, it has been ordered that medicines, hospital stores, and the less bulky articles asked for be sent by express, leaving the furniture, bedding, and such articles, as a rule, to be sent by fast freight. In many cases, however, where the necessity for cots and bedding was urgent, these also have been expressed. When Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, was about to be established, there being great necessity for prompt action, the officer charged with the medical affairs at Montauk Point being one of experience and discretion, he was given authority to draw on the medical supply depot, New York City, for any articles that he deemed necessary for the care of the sick at Camp Wikoff, and in any quantity, and the supply officer at New York was ordered to honor all his requisitions without obtaining special authority from this office. The pressure on the supply depot at New York City has been extremely great, and there have necessarily been delays in putting up some requisitions, but it is believed that no serious inconvenience has resulted. The officer in charge was authorized to increase his working force and to secure additional room. In addition to the expeditions that have been sent to Cuba and Porto Rico, the large camps at Falls Church, Va.; Middletown, Pa.; Hempstead and Montauk Point, N. Y.; Jacksonville. Fernandina, and Miami, Fla., have been supplied from the New York depot. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 685 The medical supply depot, St. Louis, supplies the States extending along the Mississippi Valley and region east of the Rocky Mountains, including Texas. The large camp at Chickamauga was supplied entirely from this depot, also those subsequently formed at Knoxville, Tenn.; Lexington, Ky.; Anniston and Hunts- ville, Ala.; also Mobile and New Orleans. In order to provide for the large aggregation of troops at Camp George H. Thomas, Chickamauga, Ga., a special supply depot was organized immediately upon its establishment and put under the charge of Maj. E. T. Comegys, surgeon, United States Army, which depot was supplied from St. Louis, and in turn sup- plied the regiments and hospitals at Camp Thomas. This depot was discontinued on the departure of the troops from Camp Thomas. Owing to the distance of the camps at Lexington, Knoxville, Huntsville, and Anniston, the chief surgeons in charge of these several camps were authorized to draw direct upon the depot at St. Louis for any article on the supply table without submitting requisitions in advance to this office. By this means much time was saved. The officer in charge of the St. Louis depot was directed, July 8, to keep in stock 1,000 iron beds or cots with full supply of bedding, ready for immediate issue. The same instructions were sent to the officer in charge of the New York supply depot. As in the case of the New York depot, both the working force was increased and additional space was secured to meet the pressure of the largely increased demands-. In addition to supplying the region directly depending upon the St. Louis depot, many articles were sent from that depot to the supply officer at San Francisco for the use of the Manila expedition. The supply depot at San Francisco was charged not only with supplying posts on the Pacific coast, but with outfitting with medical supplies the troops leaving for the Philippine Islands. As much delay and expense of transportation would have been incurred by sending supplies from eastern depots to San Francisco, the officer in charge of that depot was authorized to purchase at discretion all neces- sary medicines, hospital stores, instruments, and miscellaneous supplies of every kind needed for the troops going to Manila. Articles of special manufacture, such as medical and surgical chests, litters and litter slings, hospital corps and orderly pouches, and especially prepared field dressings, already referred to, were shipped to San Francisco from St. Louis, not being obtainable on the Pacific coast. The distance of San Francisco from the center of Government was so considerable that the officer in charge of that depot was necessarily given large discretion in the purchase of supplies and expenditure of funds. Question 8. * * * What arrangements were made, and how were the armies operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philippines supplied with medical officers, medical supplies, and food for the sick and wounded? The army destined for operations in Cuba, which was organized at Tampa, Fla., under the command of General Shafter, was, it is believed, amply supplied with medical supplies and hospital stores. Not only were the requisitions of the chief medical officer and supply officer of that army supplied, but many additional supplies not called for, but deemed advisable in the judgment of the Surgeon- General, were sent. Reference has already been made to the fact that the regular regiments, of which General Shafter's army was chiefly formed, were directed to take with them from their respective posts their medical and surgical chests, complete field outfit, and three months' medical supplies, but this was not relied upon as being sufficient, and additional medical supplies were sent them, as already indicated. Further, on April 20,1898, instructions were issued to Lieut. Col. B. F. Pope, chief 686 INVESTIGATION of ('ONDl'CT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. surgeon, Tampa, directing him to inspect the medical department of each regi- ment upon its arrival and report to this office its deficiencies in medical supplies. Difficulties arose owing to delay in receiving these supplies caused by insufficient transportation facilities on the railroads leading to Tampa. There was for a short time not actual scarcity, it is believed, but a fear that the supplies destined for use of the expedition would not be received in time. Before sailing, however, they were delivered in sufficient quantities. It is probable, further, that on account of insufficient transportation all the supplies that were intended for Gen- eral Shafter's army were not actually loaded upon the transports accompanying his expedition, hut no definite information on this point is obtainable. The appended list "C" shows the dates when ordered and supplies sent to Tampa, Fla., for General Shafter's army; list " D " those sent to Cuba by Relief and other vessels. The expedition sent to Porto Rico under the command of General Miles was fully outfitted at the camps from which the troops were taken, and supplieshave been sent to Ponce in accordance with the judgment of the Surgeon-General as to what might be needed, and every requisition of the chief surgeon of the com- mand operating in Porto Rico has been filled by the next opportunity afforded for shipment. As already indicated in remarks upon the San Francisco depot, the Manila expe- dition was almost entirely fitted out with supplies from that point; only special articles that were manufactured at the East, such as medical and surgical chests, hospital corps and orderly pouches, litters and litter slings, surgical instruments, desks, mess chests and surgical dressings, were sent from New York and St. Louis. Appendix E is a report of outfitting of Manila expedition. Question 10. Were all vessels used in transporting sick and wounded thoroughly inspected by a medical officer before troops were permitted to embark, and were they fully supplied with surgeons, surgical instruments, medical supplies of every character, potable water, and proper food for sick and convalescents? The two hospital ships the Relief and the Missouri were fully supplied with everything necessary for the treatment, the comfort, and the diet of the sick. Ordinary transports upon which sick and convalescents were sent to the United States from Cuba and Porto Rico were under the supervision of the authorities at the points of sailing from those islands. Question 11. Were the armies operating in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the Philip- pines fully supplied with efficient surgeons, stewards, and hospital corps, and with ambulances, litters, surgical instruments, medical supplies of all kinds, and proper food for the sick and wounded? So far as it was possible for the Surgeon-General to provide, it is believed that the armies operating during the present war with Spain have been fully furnished with medical supplies. It is believed that the remarks already made showing the measures taken by him will sustain this belief. That supplies have not in all cases been on hand just at the time they were needed has been due to cir- cumstances such as delay on the part of medical officers in making requisitions, and delays in receipt owing to defective or inadequate transportation facilities, beyond the control of the Surgeon-General. Question 16. What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the Surgeon-General in reference to the prompt compliance with requisitions, the lack of proper medical attendance, the lack of surgical instruments, the lack of proper care, food, and water for the sick and wounded with armies in the field or with troops in camp or men in general hospitals and field hospitals or on railroad trains or transports at sea; in fact, what, if any, complaints have been made in writing in reference to the issuing of proper supplies or the performance of any duty appertaining to the Medical Department of the Army? REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 687 Very few complaints in regard to nonreceipt of supplies and lack of medical supplies have reached this office considering the very large operations of the supply department, the wide extent of country involved, and the numerous camps and commands to be supplied. There were temporary delays in the arrival of supplies at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga, and Tampa, Fla., for General Shafter's army, as already stated, but they were in all cases due to defective transportation facilities and not to want of foresight or prompt attention to requisitions on the part of the Surgeon-General. Trifling, if any, difficulties have been experienced at the other camps and stations. It is not believed to be necessary or advisable to submit the telegrams referring to the delays in nonreceipt of supplies and orders given by the Surgeon-General for expediting, tracing up, or duplicating them. In every instance prompt meas- ures were taken to remedy the difficulty. It has come to the knowledge of the Surgeon-General indirectly, chiefly through the press, that some medical officers of volunteer regiments have complained that they could not get medicines and other medical supplies. Very few direct com- plaints have been made to this office. The complaints can be accounted for in several ways: Volunteer medical officers, being taken directly from civil life, were accustomed to prescribing from the extensive and varied assortment of drugs and preparations found in the drug store, not realizing that the army field supply is limited in variety by the necessarily limited field transportation and by the neces- sity of supplying medicines in tablet or solid form, to obviate danger of breakage of bottles of liquids. In the army field supply every important or necessary article of the materia medica is represented, and it is perfectly possible to treat diseases adequately by using one of the preparations allowed. It is possible that some medical officers, not being able to get exactly the preparation or combination they wanted, were unfair enough to say that they could not get medicines neces- sary (as they considered) for the care of the sick. Again, difficulty has arisen, no doubt, from the ignorance of volunteer medical officers of the proper mode of making requisition for medical supplies, and because they did not always take the trouble to inform themselves or to consult the Inanuals and regulations, which were freely distributed. Some medical officers, it is believed, finding that the agents of relief associa- tions at hand were not only willing but anxious to supply medicines and stores, accepted them rather than make requisition, and thus incur accountability for the articles when received. It is therefore easy to see that the unjust impression might arise that the Med- ical Department had failed to supply the needs of the sick, while the simple fact is that the proper authorities were not informed of their needs. As already stated, field hospitals where fevers and other serious affections were treated were not restricted to the articles on the field supply table. Not only so, but many articles never heretofore furnished by the Government have been sup- plied in order to gratify the wishes of those immediately charged with the care of the sick and to place in their hands everything that would be likely to aid their treatment. I find that an answer to question 16 has already been prepared for your signa- ture by Lieutenant-Colonel Smart, and has, together with complaints that have been received at this office in regard to failure to receive medical supplies, already been forwarded to the president of the investigating commission. A few addi- tional papers relating to this subject are herewith appended, marked " F." Very respectfully, C. H. Alden, Assistant Surgeon-General, U. S. Army, in Charge of Supply Division. 688 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Appendix A. MEDICAL DEPARTMENT UNITED STATES ARMY, FIELD SUPPLY TABLE. [Approved, by the Secretary of War May 9, 1898.] Outfit and Allowance for Six Months for One Thousand Men. [Articles in italics are not expendable.] MEDICAL CHEST No. 1. TOP DRAWER. LEFT. Twelve 120-cc. bottles. Ammonii chloridi trochisci. Camphora. Glycyrrhizse mist. comp, tablets. Linimentum rubefaciens, tablets. Pilulse carminativse. Pilulse catharticse compositse. Potassii bromidum. Quininse sulphas, pills. Sodii bicarbonas, tablets. Sodii bicarb, et menthse pip. tab. Sodii salicylas, tablets. Warburg's tincture, pills. (1 pill=l drachm.) RIGHT. Twenty 60-cc. bottles. Aciduin nitricum. Acidum tannicum. Antipyrinum, tablets. Bismuthi subnitras. Chloral. Coilodium. Ferri chloridi tinctura. Hydrargyri massa, tablets, lodum. Ipecacuanha, tablets. Ipecacuanha et opium, tablets. Phenacetinum, tablets. Pilulse camph. et opii. Potassii arsenitis liquor. Potassii iodidum, tablets. Potassii permanganas. Salol, tablets. Sodii boras. Veratri viridis tinctura. Zinci sulphas, tablets. CENTER OF DRAWER. Corkscrew number.. 1 Corks for vials dozen.. 2 Cup number.. 1 Envelopes for tablets gross.. 1 Labels for vials dozen.. 2 Measures, graduated, glass, 100-cc. (incase) number.. 1 Medicine, glass (in cup) number.. 1 Paper, filtering pack.. 1 Paper, litmus book.. 1 Pillboxes, small dozen.. 2 Spatula number __ 1 Tongue depressor do 1 Urinometer (incase) do 1 SMALL DRAWER AT RIGHT OF UPPER DRAWER. Hypodermic tablets. Apmorphinse hydrochloras Atropinse sulphas. Cocainse hydrochloras. Digitalinum. Hyoscinse hydrobromas. Morphines sulphas. Nitroglycerinum. Amyl nitris (5-drop pearls), 12 in box box.. 1 Clinical thermometer number.. 2 Hypodermic syringe do.... 1 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 689 Medicine droppers number.. 6 Pencils, camel's hair do 6 Pencils, indelible do 1 Pencils, indelible, leads for box.. 1 LOWER DRAWER. LEFT. Twelve 235-cc. bottles. Acidum carbolicum. Acidum sulphuricum aromaticum. ZEther spiritus compositus. Aether spiritus nitrosi. Alcohol. Ammoniae aqua. Ammonias spiritus aromaticus. Brandy. Glycerinum. Oleum terebinthinae. Squibbs mixture. Tinctura opii camphorata. RIGHT. Alcohol lamp number. _ 1 Atomizers, hand do 2 Copaibae pilulae comp bottles.. 2 Probangs number.. 2 Speculum, rectal do 1 Sponge holders for throat do 2 Stethoscope, double do 1 Test tubes do 6 Vials, 1 doz. 1-oz.; 1 doz.2-oz_.dozen.. 2 Tape measure number.. 1 SMALL DRAWER AT RIGHT OF LOWER DRAWER. Thirty-five 15-cc. bottles. Acidum arsenosum, tablets. Aconiti tinctura, tablets. Aloini pilulae comp. (bott. 2). Ammonii carbonas. Argenti nitras, in crystals. Argenti nitras fusus. Bismuthi subgallas. Caffeina citrata. Cannabis indices tinctura, tablets. Capsicum, tablets. Cocainae hydrochloras, hypod. tablets. Codeina. Cupri arsenis, tablets (bott. 2). Digitalis tinctura, tablets (bott. 2). Ergotinum, tablets. Guaiacolis carbonas. Hydrarg. chlor, mite cum sodi bicarb., tablets (bott. 3). Hydrarg. iodidum flavum, tablets. Hyoscyami pilulae composite. Ichthyolum. Menthol. Morphinae sulphas. Morphinae sulphas, tablets. Oleum tiglii, tablets. Opii pilulae. Plumbi acetas, tablets. Podophylli resina, tablets. Quininae hydrochlor is, hypod. tablets. Strychninae sulphas, tablets. Sulphonal, tablets. Zinci oxidum. REAR COMPARTMENT Four tin cans. Magnesii sulphas. Oleum ricini. Potassii et sodii tartras. Sinapis nigra. Bandages, gauze, 3 sizes ..number.. 18 Bandages, suspensory do 4 Belladonnae emplastrum, in 2-meter tin tin 1 Cantharidis emplastrum, in 1-meter tin do 1 Gauze, sublimated packages.. 6 Plaster, adhesive, 1-in .spool.. 1 7833-VOL. 1 44 690 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Plaster, isinglass tin.. 1 Pocket case number, l 1 Sinapis emplastrum, in 4-meter tins tin.. 2 Sponges, compressed cotton box.. 1 Syringes, penis, glass number.. 6 Tooth-extracting case do 1 MEDICAL CHEST NO. 2. UPPER DRAWER. Bags, rubber, hot water number__ 2 Bags, rubber, ice, for head do 1 Bougies and catheters, 6 of each in box box. _ 1 Pump, surgical .number. _ 1 Thermometer do 1 Towels do 6 Trusses, single do 3 LOWER DRAWER. Blank book number.. 1 Hygiene, Nott er and Firth do 1 Medicine, Practice of, Osler do 1 Surgery, operative, Zuckerkandl do 1 Surgery, wounds in war, Stephenson do 1 Therapeutics, Hare do 1 REAR COMPARTMENT. Acidum tannicum, in 25-gm. bottles bottles.. 4 Antipyrinum, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle do 2 Bismuthi subgallis, in 250-gm. bottles do 2 Bismuthi subnitras, in 500-gm. bottles do 6 Capsicum, 32-mgm. tablets (150 in bottle) do 4 Hydrargyri chloridum mite cum sodii bicarb., tablets (200 in bottle) do 6 Ipecacuanhas et opii pulvis, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) do 1 Morphinae sulphas, 8-mgm. tablets (100 in bottle) do 6 Phenacetinum, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) do 2 Pilulae camphore et opii (or tablets) (200 in bottle) do 4 Pilulae catharticae composite (or tablets) (200 in bottle) do 6 Podophylli resina, 16-mgm. tablets (100 in bottle) do 4 Potassii bromidum, 324-mgm. tablets, in 500-gm. bottles do.... 2 Quininae sulphas, 200-mgm. pills (500 in bottle) do 6 Strychninae sulphas, 1-mgm. tablets (500 in bottle) do 2 Sulphonal, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) do 1 HOSPITAL CORPS POUCH. [One for each private of the Hospital Corps. J Ammoniae spiritus aromaticus in flask with cup, cubic centimeters _ 60 Bandages, gauze, sterilized, num- ber 6 Case containing pins, common and safety, scissors, and dressing for- ceps number.. 1 First-aid packets number.. 6 Jackknife, with saw blade ...do 1 Rubber bandage do 1 Splints, wire gauze for, in roll, num- ber 1 Surgical plaster spool.. 1 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL 691 ORDERLY POUCH. [One for each medical officer's orderly.] Ammonias spiritus aromaticus in flask with cup, cubic centimeters. 60 Bandages, gauze, sterilized, num- ber 6 Case pocket number.. 1 Chloroform in case grams.. 100 Catheter, Eng., rubber in box, num- ber 1 Diagnosis tags and pencil...book. _ 1 First-aid packets number.. 4 Gauze, sublimated, 1-meter pieces, number 4 Jackknife, with saw blade, number. 1 Ligatures, catgut, sterilized, pack- age 1 Ligatures, silk, sterilized, package. 1 Mist, chloroformi et opii, in case, fluid or tablets, cubic centimeters. 30 Pins, common and safety, of each, paper 1 Rubber bandage number.. 1 Scissors do 1 Splints, wire gauze for, in roll, num- ber 1 Surgical plaster spool. _ 1 Syringe, hypodermic number.. 1 POCKET CASE. Bistoury, curved, probe pointed number.. 1 Bistoury, straight do 1 Catheter, plated do.... 1 Caustic holder do 1 Director, grooved, with myrtle leaf do 1 Forceps, dissecting, mouse tooth do 1 Forceps, haemostatic and needle do 1 Forceps, haemostatic, short do 1 Forceps, haemostatic, long do 1 Horsehair coil.. 1 Needle, aneurism number.. 1 Needle, exploring do 1 Needles, surgeon's do 12 Probe, with Nelaton's tip do 1 Scalpel do 1 Scissors, straight do 1 Silkworm gut coil.. 1 Tenaculum number.. 1 Case, leather do 1 Pouch, leather do 1 FIELD CASE (SURGEON'S). [One for each medical officer.] Bistoury curved, probe pointed number.. 1 Bistoury, straight, sharp pointed do 1 Case, mahogany. do.- 1 Catheter, male,plated do 1 Director, grooved, with myrtle leaf do.... 1 Forceps, bone, open box joint, corrugated handles, scooped out do 1 Forceps, bullet and dressing combined do 1 Forceps, dissecting, mouse teeth do 1 Forceps, haemostatic and needle ... do 1 Hcemostats, ' ' baby " do 2 Handles, hard rubber, for knife and saw do 2 Horsehair, black coil.. 1 Knife, amputating number.. 1 692 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Needle, aneurism number.. 1 Needles dozen-- 1 Pouch, leather, with sling strap number.. 1 Probe, silver, with Nelaton's tip ' do 1 Saw, amputating, lifting back do 1 Saw, metacarpal do 1 Scalpel do 1 Scissors, curved on flat, with Collins's lock.-...........................do 1 Scissors, light knee bent, with Collins's lock do 1 Silk cards.. 2 Silkworm gut (20 strands) coil 1 Tenaculum number.. 1 MISCELLANEOUS. Field desk 1 Lanterns t 2 Litters 2 A renewal of supplies can be obtained by regimental surgeons from the surgeon in charge of a brigade or division hospital, upon a special requisition approved by the chief surgeon. No receipt is to be given for expendable articles. FOR BRIGADE OR DIVISION FIELD HOSPITAL. MEDICINES. Acidium arsenosum, 1-mgm. tablets (125 in bottle) bottles.. 3 Acidum boricum, 324-mgm. tablets (125 in bottle) do 2 Acidum carbolicum,in 250-gm. bottles do 10 Acidum nitricum, in 250-cc. g. s. bottles do 1 Acidum sulphuricum aromaticum, in 250-cc. g. s. bottles do 10 Aconiti tinctura, 0.1-cc. tablets (200 in bottle) do 5 AEther, in 100-gm. tins tins.. 20 JEtheris spiritus compositus, in 250-cc. bottles bottles. _ 2 AEtheris spiritus nitrosi, in 500-cc. bottles do 5 Alcohol, in 1-liter bottles do 24 Ammonite aqua, 10 p. c., in 500-cc. g. s. bottles do 10 Ammons spiritus aromaticus, in 250-cc. bottles do 6 Ammonii carbonas, in 250-gm. bottles do 3 Ammonii chloridi trochisci (100 in bottle) do 10 Amyl nitris (5-drop pearls), 12 in box boxes.. 2 Antipyrinum, 324-mgm. tablets, in 125-gm. bottles bottles.. 10 Argenti nitras, in crystals, in 25-gm. bottles do 1 Argenti nitras fusus, in 25-gm. bottles do 1 Atropinee sulphas, 0.65-mgm. hypodermic tablets tubes.. 2 Belladonnse emplastrum, in 2-meter tins tins.. 4 Bismuthi subnitras, in 500-gm. bottles .bottles.. 10 Caffeinse citrata, in 25-gm. bottles do 2 Camphora, in 500-gm. bottles do.... 6 Cantharidis emplastrum,in 1-meter tins tins.. 4 Capsici tinctura, in 100-cc. bottles bottles.. 2 Chloral, in 50-gm. g. s. bottles do 2 Chloroformum, in 100-gm. g. s. bottles do.... 48 Cocainse hydrochloras, 10-mgm. hypodermic tablets, in 15-cc. bottles..do 5 Codeina, in 50-gm. bottles do 2 Coilodium, in 25-cc. bottles do.... 10 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 693 Copaibas pilulae comp, or tablets (500 in bottle) bottles.. 5 Digitalinum, in 1-mgm. hypodermic tablets tubes.. 2 Digitalis tinctura, 0.3-cc. tablets (200 in bottle) bottles.. 10 Emplastrnm ferri (porous), in boxes of 24 boxes.. 4 Ergotinum, 130-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) bottles.. 2 Ferri chloridi tinctura, in 500-cc. g. s. bottles do 4 Ferri pilulae compositae (200 in bottle) do 10 Glycerinum, in 500-cc. bottles do 10 Glycyrrhizae mistura composita, tablets (400 in bottle) do 10 Guaiacolis carbonas, in 250-gm. bottles do 4 Hydrargyri chloridum mite, in 100-gm. bottles do 1 Hydrargyri iodidum flavum, 10-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) do 10 Hydrargyri massa, 324-mgm. tablets (125 in bottle) do 5 Hydrargyri unguentum, in 500-gm. jars jars.. 2 Hyoscyami pilulae compositae (200 in bottle) bottles.. 2 Ichthyolum, in 25-gm. bottles do 4 lodoformum, in 100-gm. bottles do 6 lodum, in 50-gm. g. s. bottles do 2 Ipecacuanha, 65-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) de 5 Ipecacuanhae et opii pulvis, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) do 5 Ipecacuanhas extractum fluidum, in 250-cc. bottles do 2 Linimentum rubefaciens, tablets (50 in bottle) do 10 Magnesii sulphas, in 4-kilo. tins tins.. 4 Menthol j in 50-gm. bottles bottles.. 2 Morphinae sulphas, 8-mgm. tablets (100 in bottle) do 2 Morphinae sulphas, 8,mgm. hypodermic tablets tubes.. 12 Nitroglycerinum, 0.65 mgm. hypodei'mic tablets do 2 Oleum menthae piperitae, in 100-cc. bottles bottles.. 2 Oleum ricini, in 1-liter bottles do 24 Oleum terebinthinae, in 1-liter bottles do 6 Oleum theobromatis, in 250-gm. tins tins.. 2 Petrolatum spissum, 48.8 C., in 500-gm. tins do 2 Phenacetinum, 324-mgm. tablets (100 in bottle) bottles.. 5 Pilulae camphorae et opii (or tablets) (200 in bottle) do 10 Pilulae carminativae (200 in bottle) do 5 Pilulae catharticae compositae (or tablets) (200 in bottle) do 18 Plumbi acetas, 130-mgm. tablets (100 in bottle) do 4 Potassa, in 25-gm. bottles do 1 Potassii arsenitis liquor, in 250-cc. bottles do 2 Potassii bromidum, 324-mgm. tablets, in 500-gm. bottles do 6 Potassii et sodii tartras (pulvis), in 500-gm. bottles do 6 Potassii iodidum, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) do 5 Potassii permanganas, in 50-gm. bottles do 5 Quininae hydrochloras, 32-mgm. hypodermic tablets tubes.. 10 Quininae sulphas, 200-mgm. tablets or pills (500 in bottle) bottles.. 48 Salol, 324-mgm. tablets (125 in bottle) do 5 Sinapis emplastrum, in 4-meter tins tins _. 20 Sinapis nigra (pulvis) in 500-gm. tins tins.. 5 Sodii bicarbonas, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) .bottles.. 24 Sodii bacarb. et menthae pip. (tablets), (250 in bottle) do 5 Sodii boras (pulvis), in 500-gm. bottles do 2 Sodii salicylas, 324-mgm. tablets (200 in bottle) do 5 Veratri viridis tinctura, in 100-cc. bottles do 2 Zinci oxidum, in 250-gm. bottles do 2 694 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Zinci sulphas, 324-mgm. tablets (100 in bottle) bottles.. 5 Zingiberis extractum fluidum, in 250-cc. bottles do 4 ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS. Antiseptic tablets, hydrarg. chlor, corros. (200 in bottle) bottles.. 10 Lime, chloride, in 500-gm. w. m. bottles do 48 Mercury corrosive chloride, in 500-gm. bottles do 4 Tricresol in 1-kilo. bottles do 6 HOSPITAL STORES. Condensed milk cans _. 48 Beef extract, in 100-gm. tins or jars tins.. 48 Brandy, in 1-liter bottles bottles. _ 12 Soap, castile or its equivalent kilos__ 4 Sugar, white, in 6-kilo. tins tins.. 2 Tea, in £ kilo, tins do 5 Whisky, in 1-liter bottles bottles.. 2 STATIONERY. Blank books, cap, 4-quir e number _. 2 Blank books, 8vo, 4-quire do 2 Envelopes, official, letter do 400 Ink, writing, in 120-cc. bottles bottles. _ 4 Ink, carmine, in 30-cc. bottles do 1 Mucilage do _.._ 2 Pads, prescription number.. 48 Pads, letter do 6 Paper, blotting quires.. 1 Paper, writing, letter do 24 Pencils,lead number.. 12 Penholders do 6 Pens, steel gross. . 1 SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, APPLIANCES, AND DRESSINGS. Bandages, gauze, sterilized, 144 in box, 3 sizes gross.. 12 Bandages, plaster do 1 Bandages, rubber, 4 meters by 33 mm number. _ 2 Bandages, suspensory do 12 Case, emergency do 1 Case, pocket do 3 Cotton, absorbent, sterilized, in 1-oz. pkgs kilos.. 10 First-aid packets, as required number.. Gauze, sublimated, in packages, 1 meter each packages.. 500 Gauze, iodoform, in packages, | meter each do 75 Ligatures, catgut, sterilized, in packages, 3 sizes number. _ 300 Ligature, silk, sterilized, in packages, 3 sizes do 300 Microscope do 1 Muslin, unbleached meters. _ 20 Oakum or tow kilos. _ 10 Pins, assorted papers.. 10 Pins, safety, 3 sizes dozen.. 18 Plaster, adhesive, on spools, 1-inch number.. 24 Plaster, adhesive, on spools, 2-inch do 6 Plaster, isinglass, in 1-meter rolls meters.. 4 Plaster of paris,in 2-kilo tins kilos.. 10 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 695 Rubber sheeting meters .. 10 Silk, oiled, in 5-meter rolls do 15 Splints, wire for _ pieces. . 30 Sponges, compressed cotton, 4 dozen in box boxes_. 30 Thermometers, clinical number _ _ 3 Tourniquet, rubber, Esmarch's do 4 Trusses, single do 6 FURNITURE, BEDDING, AND CLOTHING. Basins, wash, hand, agate ware . number- _ 4 Blanket cases do 16 Blankets, gray do.... 100 Desk,field do 1 Fzirniture, field, folding set-. 5. Mosquito bars ' number.. 50 Pillows, feather do 10 Pillows,hair do 50 Pillowcases, cotton do 100 Sheets, cotton do 100 Shirts, cotton do 50 Towels, hand dozen _. 30 MISCELLANEOUS. Bedpans, agate ware number _ _ 2 Boxes, pill dozen _ _ 6 Boxes, powder do 6 Brooms number _. 2 Brushes, for cleansing do 6 Buckets, fiber or wood do 4 Buckets, agate, 3 in nest nest.. 1 Chest, commode number.. 2 Chest, food do 1 Chest, medical (Nos. 1 and 2}, of each do 1 Chest, mess do 2 Chest, sterilizing do 1 Chest, surgical (Nos. 1 and 2), of each do 1 Corks, assorted,in bags of 12 dozen dozen.. 12 Crutches pairs.. 3 Crutches, rubber tips for number. _ 6 Cups, spit do 3 Cushions, rubber, small do 2 Cushions, rubber, until open center do 2 Dippers do 2 Envelopes for tablets, 5 by 6 cm dozen.. 50 Hatchet number.. 1 Labels for vials gross.. 1 Lantern glasses, extra, red or white, as required number.. Lantern wicks, as required do Lanterns do 3 Litters .• do 10 Litter slings do 25 Medicine glasses do.- 4 Paper, wrapping, brown quires.. 2 Saw, hand, small number.. 1 Sponges, bath, large do.... 2 696 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Syringes,penis, glass, in case number.. 36 Talcum (French chalk), 1-kilo packages kilos.. 2 Test tubes number.. 12 Urinals, agate ware do 3 Vials, 30-cc dozen.. 6 CONTENTS OF SURGICAL CHEST NO. 1. TOP DRAWER. LEFT. [Nine 120-cc. bottles.] Hydrarg.bichlor.,tablets .bottles.. 2 Petrolatum do 1 Pil. camph. et opii do 1 Pil. cath. comp do 1 Quin, sulph. 200-mgm. pills _ .do 1 Salt, table do 1 Sodii carbonas, tablets do 1 Sodii chloridum, etc., tablets, bot- tles 1 [In paper packets.] Ligature, catgut, No. 1, 2, and 3, number 100 Ligature, silk, No. 1,2, and 3, num- ber 80 Tubes, drainage, J, f, and | meter, each number.. 2 RIGHT. Heater, alcohol number.. 1 Corkscrew do 1 Pins, common packages.. 1 Pins, safety do 4 Scissors pair.. 1 Soap, green, in tin pounds.. 1 Tags, diagnosis packages.. 5 SMALL DRAWER AT RIGHT OE UPPER DRAWER. Pencil, indelible number.. 1 Pencil, indelible, leads for box.. 1 Syringe, hypodermic number.. 1 Thermometer, clinical do 1 W ire, silver coil.. 1 Apomorphinte hydrochloras. Atropinae sulphas. Cocainse hydrochloras. Hypodermic tablets. Digitalinum. Nitroglycerinum. Morphinse sulphas. Quininee hydrochloras. LOWER DRAWER. LEFT. [Nine 235-cc. bottles.] Acid, carbolic bottle.. 1 Alcohol do 3 Brandy do 2 Chloroform do 3 RIGHT. Basin, rubber number.- 1 Blank book do 1 Brushes, hand, scrub do 6 Cylinders, rubber (intest, suture), number 2 Inhaler, chloroform number _. 1 Plaster, rubber, adh spools.. 3 Sterilizer, instrument number.. 1 Strop, razor do 1 Towels (in sterilizer) do 6 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 697 REAR COMPARTMENT. Bandages, gauze, 2|, 3, and 3| inches number.. 36 Case, field, operating do 1 Cotton, absorbent, in 1-ounce packages do 36 Cup do 1 Gauze, iodoform, in i-meter packages do 12 Gauze, sublimated, in 1-meter packages do 36 Sponges, cotton, compressed, large size dozen.. 12 Tourniquet, rubber, Esmarch's rm m her 1 SURGICAL CHEST NO. 2. UPPER DRAWER. Bandages, plaster, 2-in number.. 6 Beef extract, Armour's cans.. 4 Gauze, wire rolls.. 8 Milk, condensed cans.. 4 Pliers, cutting, for fixed bandages number._ 1 Soap, germicidal cakes.. 6 Sprinkler, iodoform number.. 1 Tool, universal do 1 Tourniquet, rubber, Esmarch's do 1 LOWER DRAWER. Chloroform, in 250 c. c. bottles bottles.. 4 Cotton, absorbent, in 1-oz. packages packages.. 32 Gauze, iodoform do 12 Splints, wooden, veneer number.. 6 Sponges, cotton, compressed, 4 dozen in box dozen.. 20 Tow, in f-lb. packages packages.. 4 REAR COMPARTMENT. Alcohol. Tea. Plaster of paris. Tricresol. Sugar. Bandages, gauze, 3 sizes number. _ 50 Gauze, sublimated, in 1-meter packages J packages. _ 40 STERILIZER. TOP DRAWER. LEFT. Aprons, rubber number.. 3 In cases: Bands, rubber 24 Cots, finger 12 Gloves, rubber, pairs.. 4 Rubber bag and tube for flushing. RIGHT. Base of petroleum stove. LOWER DRAWER. LEFT. Upper part of petroleum stove. RIGHT Sterilizer, Arnold's. Matches, safety boxes.. 6 Wicks package.. 1 BEAR COMPARTMENT. Can for petroleum. Berkefeld filter. Can of water. Dipper. 698 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Bistoury, curved, probe-pointed number 1 Bistoury, straight, sharp-pointed do 1 Box, ligature, with three spools do 1 Buttons, Murphy's, 3 in set set__ 1 Case, mahogany number __ 1 Canula, silver, Belocgues do 1 Catheters, silver, Nos. 8 and 10 do 2 Catheter staff, tunneled, Gouley's do 1 Catlin, medium, 5-in. blade do 1 Chisel do 1 Clamps, intestinal, McLauren's do 2 Depressor, tongue, wire, folding do 1 Director, grooved, medium do 1 Drills, bone, in handle, set of 3 set. _ 1 Ear hook and spoon, Gross's number__ 1 Eye spud, Dix's do 1 Forceps, bone-cutting, flat-blade, Liston's do 1 Forceps, clamp, Keen's do 1 Forceps, clamp, Kelley's do 1 Forceps, delicate do 1 Forceps, dressing and bullet, Forwood's do 1 Forceps, hcemostatic, curved do 3 Forceps, hcemostatic, Jones's, 2-in. bite do 1 Forceps, haemostatic, Penn's do 3 Forceps, hcemostatic, Wyeth's _ do 1 Forceps, rongeur and bone-holding, Forwood's do 1 Forceps, mouse-tooth, with teeth do 2 Forceps, T-shaped, Pratt's do 1 Gag, mouth, French's do 1 Gouge do 1 Guide, filiform, Gouley's 1 do 1 Horse hair coil.. 1 Knife, amputating, large, 7-inch blade number__ 1 Mallet, Forwood's do 1 Needle, aneurism do 1 Needle, curved, Reverdin's do 1 Needle holder, McBurney's do 1 Needles, artery, blunt, right and left do 2 Needles, case for do _ _ 1 Needles, curved, assorted do 12 Needles, straight, round do 6 Needles, straight, triangular do 6 Per eosteotome, light, Sayre's do 1 Pins, latest, Wyeth's do 2 Pouch, leather, with sling strap do 1 Probe, double end, 8 in. long, one end a porcelain tip, silver do 1 Probe, hard rubber, Fluhrer's do 1 Razor, hard rubber handle do 1 Retractors, double ends, nested do 2 Rongeur, medium, Keens do 1 Saw, amputating, two blades, Little's do 1 Sate, metacarpal do 1 Scalpels, assorted do 4 Scissors, angular, blunt-pointed do.... 1 CONTENTS OF FIELD OPERATING CASE. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 699 Scissors, curved on flat, Weir's number.. 1 Scissors,heavy,blunt do 1 Scoop, Wyeth's do 1 Silkworm gut coil.. 1 Sponge holders, 1 Sims and 1 regular number.. 2 Syringe, aspirating, with three points do 1 Tenaculum do 1 Trephine, i-in., Galt's do 1 Trocar and canula, set of Ji, silver, in metal box do 1 Tube, tracheotomy, silver do 1 Basin, tvash, hand, agate ware, num- ber 1 Boiler,double, agate ware,number.. 1 Bowls, soup, agate ware do 6 Box for salt do 1 Box for pepper do 1 Brush, scrubbing do 1 Can openers do 2 Cleaver do 1 Cookbook, Army do... 1 Cups, coffee, agate ware do 6 Cup, large, aga te ware do 1 Dipper, agate ware do 1 Grater, nutmeg do 1 Gridiron do 1 Hatchet do 1 Kettles, steel, nested, with covers, number 3 Knife, butcher number.. 1 Knife and fork, carving, of each, number 1 Knife and saw,combined .number. _ 1 Knives and forks, of each do 6 Ladle, agate ware do 1 CONTENTS OF MESS CHEST. Lantern, candle number . _ 1 Matches, in waterproof case,boxes.. 12 Meat cutter, small number. _ 1 Meat dishes, agate ware do 2 Mill, coffee .do 1 Nails, assorted kilos.. 2 Pan, frying, steel number.. 1 Pans, mess, agate ware do 2 Pan, sauce, steel, tinned inside, until cover number _. 1 Plates, dinner, agate ware ... do 6 Pot, coffee, agate ware do 1 Pot, tea, agate ware do 1 Rope, 6-mm meters.. 15 Sickle number.. 1 Spoon, basting, agate ware do 1 Spoons, table do 6 Spoons, tea do 6 Steel do 1 Towels, crash do 6 Tray, metal, japanned do 1 Tumblers, agate ware do Wire coil.. 1 CONTENTS OF FOOD CHEST. Beef extract or an equivalent prepara- tion. Candles. Condensed milk, in original cans, 4 kilos. Soap. Vinegar, in 1-liter wicker-covered bot- tles, 2 bottles. Yeast powder, in J-kilo original cans. Tins for the following avticles: Beans. Butter. Coffee. Salt and pepper. Sugar (2 tins). Tea. In this food chest considerable vacant space is left in order to allow latitude to each medical officer as to the exact character of the supplies he may wish to carry. Bedpan, agate ware number.. 1 Chamber pot, agate ware do 1 Paper, toilet packages. _ C> CONTENTS OF COMMODE CHEST. Spit cup, agate ivare number. _ 1 Urinal, agate ware do 1 700 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. CONTENTS OF FIELD DESK. BOOKS. Ai my Regulations copy _ _ 1 Drill Regulations for the Hospital Corps copy.. 1 Handbook for the Hospital Corps, Smart copy.. 1 Information slip book do 1 Information slip book, desertions, copy 1 Morning Report, Hospital Corps, copy 1 Morning Report, sick and wounded, copy ... 1 Order and letter book copy.. 1 Register and prescription book, copy 1 Manual for the Medical Department, copy 1 Transfer book copy.. 1 BLANKS. MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. Examination of recruits, monthly report number _ _ 4 Hospital-fund statement do 4 Medical property, return of _ _ do 2 Medical supplies, invoice of, single sheet number __ 6 Medical supplies, receipt for, single sheet number.. 6 Medical supplies, special requisition for number.. 8 Report of sick and wounded .do 12 Report of completed cases _.. do 12 Return of personnel, etc., H. C., number 6 SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT. Ration returns number.. 12 STATIONERY. Book, blank number.. 1 Elastic bands, assorted gross. _ $ Envelopes, official, large .number.. 12 Envelopes, official, letter do 50 Envelopes, official, note do 25 Eraser, steel do 1 Ink, black bottles _ _ 2 Ink, red do 1 Inkstands number.. 2 Mailing tubes do 4 Pad, letter do 1 Pads, prescription do 4 Paper, blotting, pieces q. s. Paper fasteners number _. 12 Paper, writing, legal-cap._.quire.. 1 Paper, writing, letter do 2 Paper, writing, note do 1 Pencils, lead number.. 4 Pens, steel do 12 Penholders do 2 Rubber piece.. 1 Ruler number.. 1 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. Invoices number _ _ 2 Quarterly statements do 2 Receipts do 2 adjutant-general's department. Certificates of disability .number.- 2 Descriptive lists do 2 Discharges do 2 Final statements do 4 Furloughs do 2 Inventory of effects of deceased sol- diers number _. 2 Muster rolls do 8 Outline-figure cards do 6 Pay rolls do 12 Physical examination of recruits, form for number.. 6 Surgeon's certificate of disability for officers number.. 2 FOLDING FIELD FURNITURE. A set consists of- Chair, arm, folding number _ _ 1 Chairs, small, folding do 10 Cots, adjustable, folding do 10 Table, mess, folding number _ _ 1 Tables, bedside, folding__do 10 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 701 For convenient reference the following lists are appended, although the articles are not issued by the Medical Department: ISSUED BY THE QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT. Ambulance. Ambulance, harness for. Ax. Clothing, uniforms, etc. Cooking utensils. Dippers. Flags* Gas fixtures. Handcart. Hatchet. Ladder. Lamps, bracket. Lamps, hanging. Lockers. Piping for ranges and stoves. Range and fixtures. Shovel. Shelter for meteorological instruments. Spade. Stoves, heating. Tentage, etc. Travois. Wheelbarrow. Wood satv. ISSUED BY THE ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. Canteen. Canteen strap. Cup, tin. Fork. Haversack. Haversack strap. Knife. Meat can. Spoon. Waist belts. Waist-belt plate. FOR DIVISION AMBULANCE TRAIN. Chest, surgical {Nos. 1 and 2fof each number 1 Chest, sterilizing do 1 Buckets, agate, 3 in nest nest__ 1 Hatchets number. _ 1 Lantern glasses, extra, red or white, as required. Lantern wicks, as required. Lanterns number.. 3 Litters .do.... 20 Litter slings, as required. Hospital Corps pouch, as required. Orderly pouch, as required. Appendix B. Circular ) War Department, Surgeon General's Office, No. 6. J Washington, August 12,1898. Chief surgeons of Army corps, of divisions, and of smaller independent com- mands are expected to make timely requisition for medical supplies. It must be remembered that some delay is often unavoidable in putting up supplies at the supply depots and in their transportation to the point at which they are needed. In an unexpected emergency telegraphic requisition must be made and supplies will be sent by express; but it must be remembered that this mode of transporta- tion is very expensive, and that failure to make requisition in advance of imme- diate needs entails unnecessary expense upon the Government. Division and field hospitals in which typhoid fever and other serious cases are treated should be liberally supplied with all articles necessary for the treatment and comfort of the sick. The field supply table applies only to mobile commands and division hospitals to accompany them on short notice. Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. * See A. R., 214. 702 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Appendix C. List showing dates when ordered and supplies sent to Tampa, Fla., for General Shafter's army. Apr. 29, 1898. 8,500 first-aid packets issued from this city. May 9, 1898. Letter to New York depot to issue by express 17 principal articles of medicines and hospital stores, including 250 bottles chloroform, 100 bottles of quinine, 144 tins beef extract, 144 bottles each brandy and whisky. May 11, 1898. 40 boxes dressings sent from this city, each containing a formalin sterilizer, rubber gloves and aprons, 300 each packages bandages, sublimated gauze, ligatures, compressed cotton sponges, absorb- ent cotton, irrigating bags, etc. May 16, 1898. From New York depot, 10 field desks. May 17, 1898. From New York depot, 10,000 first-aid packets, condensed milk and tea. May 17, 1898. From New York depot, five times the medicines, hospital stores, disinfectants, stationery, surgical instruments and dressings, furniture and bedding, and miscellaneous articles on field-supply table. May 18, 1898. From New York depot, 180 cans beef extract, 300 bottles chloro- form. May 19, 1898. From New York depot, 15 advance regimental medical outfits intended for regiments that were not supplied with medical and surgical chests. The outfit includes medicines, hospital stores, stationery, instruments, and dressings, furniture, bedding and clothing, and miscellaneous articles. May 20, 1898. From New York depot, 100 bottles quinine. May 24, 1898. From New York depot, 48 bottles quinine. May 24, 1898. Requisition for medical supplies for field hospital at Port Tampa, comprising medicines, hospital stores, surgical instruments and dressings, stationery, furniture and bedding, and miscellaneous articles, etc. May 24, 1898. From this city, 7 operating tables. May 27, 1898. From New York depot, 1,000,000 quinine pills. May 28, 1898. Authority to buy medicines given. May 29, 1898. From New York depot, 10 times the field-supply table, being medi- cines, hospital stores and dressings, furniture, bedding and clothing, miscellaneous articles, etc., in allowance for 1,000 men for six months. May 30, 1898. From this city, 2 operating tables. June 3, 1898. From this city, 5 surgical sets. June 3, 1898. From this city, 5,000 first-aid packets. June 4, 1898. From New York depot, sundry medicines, including 200 ounces bismuth subnitrate, 50 ounces powdered opium, 100 bottles castor oil, etc. June 6, 1898. From this city, 6 medical sets and 3 surgical sets; 100 litter slings. June 6, 1898. From New York depot, 60 litters, 62 hospital corps pouches, 38 orderly pouches, 25 bull's-eye lanterns. June 7,1898. From this city, 25 copies each of following books: Tropical Diseases, Wounds in War, Operative Surgery. June 8, 1898. From this city, 2 surgical sets. June 9, 1898. From this city, 5 medical sets. June 10, 1898. From this city, 100 litter slings, 9 medical sets. June 11, 1898. From this city, 3 surgical sets; from St. Louis depot, 6 surgeon's field cases. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 703 List of more important supplies issued io the troops at Tampa, Fla., before leaving for Santiago. ASther .. tins _ _ 370 Alcohol bottles.. 408 Bismuth subnitras do 197 Chlorof ormum do. .. 1,366 Morphinae sulphas, tablets do 127 Oleum ricini do 620 Pilulae camphorae et opii do..l. 214 Pilulae catharticae compositae do.... 382 Quininae sulphas, tablets (500 in bottle) do 3,116 Sodii bicarbonas, tablets do 434 Antiseptic tablets do 200 Lime, chloride do 816 Beef extract . tins _ _ 1,230 Brandy bottles. _ 317 Soap, castile kilos.. 107 Sugar, white tins.. 49 Whisky bottles _ _ 481 Condensed milk tins.. 906 Tea pounds.. 1,210 Bandages, gauze gross__ 287 Cotton, absorbent kilos.. 360 First-aid packets number._ 24,000 Gauze, sublimated packages.. 20,000 Gauze, iodoform do 3,200 Ligature, catgut, sterilized do 10,800 Ligature, silk, sterilized do 10,800 Oakum kilos.. 170 Sponges, compressed cotton boxes__ 1,470 Blankets, gray number. _ 1,340 Mosquito bars do 670 Pillows, feather do 150 Pillows, cotton do 750 Pillowcases, cotton do 1,500 Sheets, cotton do 1,500 Shirts, cotton do 750 Litters do 370 Litter slings do 475 Medical sets do 29 Surgical sets do 21 Chairs, arm, folding do 75 Chairs, small, folding do 750 Cots, adjustable, folding do 750 Tables, mess, folding do 75 Tables, bedside, folding do 750 704 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Appendix D. List of the more important supplies placed on the hospital ship Relief for issue t« troops in the field, leaving New York City on July 2. j®ther tins.. 1,400 Alcohol bottles.. 1,480 Bismuthi subnitras do 200 Chlor of ormum , do.... 1,960 Morphime sulphas, tablets do 40 Oleum ricini do 730 Piluke camphorse et opii do 700 Pilulae catharticae composite do 860 Quininse sulphas, tablets or pills (500 in bottle) ._ .number. _ 1,048,000 Sodii bicarbonas, tablets ... bottles.. 680 Antiseptic tablets do 400 Lime, chloride do 1,920 Beef extract tins.. 3,840 Brandy bottles.. 480 Soap, castile kilos. _ 320 Sugar, white tins.. 160 Whisky bottles... 960 Milk, condensed tins.. 1,920 Tea pounds.. 2,000 Bandages, gauze gross.. 480 Cotton, absorbent kilos.. 200 Gauze, sublimated packages.. 10,000 Ligature, catgut, sterilized do 6,000 Ligature, silk, sterilized do 6,000 Oakum kilos.. 400 Sponges, compressed cotton boxes.. 1,200 Blankets, gray number.. 1,100 Mosquito bars do 400 Pillows, feather do 200 Pillows, cotton do 1,000 Pillowcases, cotton do 2,000 Sheets, cotton do 2,000 Shirts, cotton do 1,000 Litters do 200 Litter slings do 500 Chairs, arm, folding do 100 Chairs, small, folding . do 1,000 Cots, adjustable do 1,000 Tables, mess, folding do 100 First-aid packets do 10,000 Soups, canned (Franco-American) cases.. 61 Tables, bedside, folding number.. 1,000 REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 705 List of more important supplies placed on the U. S. S. Resolute for issue to troops in the field, leaving New York City July 18, 1898. Aether bottles.. 40 Alcohol do 48 Bismuthi subnitras do 20 Chloroformum do 96 Morphines sulphas, tablets.. 1 do 4 Oleum ricini do 48 Pilulee camphorse et opii do • 20 Pilulse catharticss compositse do 36 Quininse sulphas, tablets or pills number.. 1,048,000 Sodii bicarbonas, tablets bottles.. 48 Antiseptic tablets do 100 Lime, chloride do 480 Beef extract tins.. 480 Brandy bottles.. 120 Soap, castile kilos.. 40 Sugar, white tins. _ 20 Whisky 1 bottles.. 120 Milk, condensed tins.. 480 Tea pounds.. 500 Bandages, gauze gross.. 48 Cotton, absorbent kilos.. 40 Gauze sublimated packages.. 2,000 Gauze, iodoform do 300 Ligatures, catgut, sterilized do 1,200 Ligatures, silk, sterilized do.... 1,200 Oakum kilos.. 40 Sponges, compressed cotton boxes.. 120 Cots, folding number. _ 2,000 Blankets, gray , do 2,000 Mattresses do 2,000 Mosquito bars do 2,000 Pillows, feather do 400 Pillows, hair or cotton do 2,000 Pillowcases, cotton do 3,200 Sheets, cotton do 5,000 Shirts, cotton z do 2,000 Litters do 40 Soups, canned (Franco-American) j cases. _ 615 Chairs, arm, folding number.. 4 > Chairs, small, folding do 400 Tables, mess, folding do 40 Tables, bedside, folding do 400 Table and kitchen furniture for field hospital 2,000 7833-vol. 1 -45 706 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Supplies placed on the Olivette for use of troops in the field leaving New York City on July 26. JEther l..r tins.. 20 Alcohol bottles . . 24 Bismuthi subnitras do 10 Chloroformum do 48 Calomel and soda tablets ... _ _ do 100 Calomel grams. . 200 Fowler's solution ■ bottles.. 1,000 Morphinse sulphas, tablets . _. do 2 Nitric acid, 2-ounce vials vials._ 100 Oleum ricini bottles.. 24 Pilulse camphorse et opii do 10 Pilulae catharticae compositae do 18 Quininse sulphas, tablets or pills number.. 1,024,000 Strychninae sulphas, tablets bottles.. 100 Sodii bicarbonas, tablets do 24 Acidum carbolicum do 1,000 Antiseptic tablets do 50 Lime, chloride do 1,240 Sulphur in roll . pounds. _ 2,000 Beef extract tins.. 240 Brandy bottles. _ 60 Soap, castile ■ kilograms.. 20 Sugar, white tins.. 10 Whisky bottles60 Milk, condensed tins.. 240 Tea . pounds.. 250 Bandages, gauze 2 gross.. 24 Cotton, absorbent kilograms.. 20 First-aid packets number.. 5,000 Gauze, sublimated packages._ 1,000 Gauze, iodoform do 150 Ligature, catgut, sterilized .. do 600 Ligature, silk, sterilized do.... 600 Oakum kilograms.. 20 Sponges, compressed cotton boxes.. 60 Test tubes number.. 1,000 Clinical thermometers * do 100 Formal gas generators, with supplies do 2 Cots, folding do 500 Blankets, gray do.... 1,000 Mattresses do 500 Mosquito bars do 500 Pillows, feather do ' 100 Pillows, cotton do 500 Pillowcases ... .do 1,000 Sheets, cotton _ .do 1,500 Shirts, cotton ; do 1,000 Litters .do 20 Chairs, arm,folding ...do 20 Chairs, small, folding do... 200 Tables, mess, folding _ _ .. do 20 Tables, bedside, folding ._ ...do 200 Table and kitchen furniture for field hospital of beds. _ 1,000 Soups, canned (Franco-American) cases__ 305 REPLY' OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 707 Appendix E. Headquarters Department of California, Chief Surgeon's Office, San Francisco, Cal., May 27, 1898. The Surgeon-General U. S. Army. Washington, D. C. General: I have the honor to report action so far in eqnipping the Philippine expedition with medical supplies. The first three ships of this expedition left this port on the 25th instant, viz, the City of Peking, the City of Sidney, and the Australia. The First California Volunteer Infantry, 49 officers and 978 men, was assigned to the Peking. The field, staff, and Companies F, I, and M, Third Battalion, Second Oregon Volunteer Infantry, 12 officers and 239 men; the California Vol- unteer Heavy Artillery, 1 officer and 50 men, and the band and Companies A, C, D, and F, Fourteenth United States Infantry, 9 officers and 378 men; total, 22 officers and 667 men, to the City of Sidney. The commanding general and staff, 5 officers, went on the Australia; also the Second Oregon Volunteer Infantry, field, staff, and band, First and Second battalions, and Company C, Third Battalion, 38 officers and 732 men; total, 43 officers and 732 men. Asst. Surg. Harlan E. McVay was assigned to the Fourteenth Infantry, and went as senior medical officer of the Sidney, having with him as assistant one of the assistant surgeons of the Second Oregon Volunteers. The First California Volunteers, one surgeon and three assistant surgeons, had three medical and surgical chests combined, all complete; each containing one month's supply for a battalion of 400 men. A supplementary list of medicines, surgical dressings, and hospital stores was also put on board. This ship was also furnished with many articles belonging to the National Guard of California, and was liberally supplied by the Red Cross Society with many useful things. The City of Sidney has on board a full six months' supply of nearly every article on the annual requisition (and in some instances the amounts were very much increased over the allowance, such as brandy, whisky, quinine, potass, permang., and other articles suitable for a hot climate), for the purpose of establishing a hospital at Manila, and to supply 1,000 men for six months. A month's supply of everything needful for the voyage, consisting of one medical and surgical chest, field desk, and a number of articles supplementary, of medicines and surgical dressings, to replenish the chests, were put in an accessible place. The Australia was fitted out with a sufficient quantity of supplies for the voyage including a medical and a surgical chest, also a field desk. The medical officers of the Australia are the surgeon and assistant surgeon of the Second Oregon Vol- unteer Infantry. There are 114 officers and 2,377 enlisted men (2,491) on the three ships, and I am sure the supplies will last them until another full supply can be sent. Regiments for the expedition are arriving every day, and they bring nothing in the way of a medical supply with them. I have fitted them out, as far as possible, with necessary medicines, etc., in boxes for temporary use, and requisitions are being filled at the depot that will give every regiment, so far as possible, the six months' allowance authorized by the new field supply table, and it is hoped that before they leave here the medical and surgical chests and sterilizers and field desks will be on hand for issue, also a sufficient number of hospital corps and orderly pouches, and litters to supply the hospital corps. I neglected to mention that the surgeons on the ships are well supplied with surgical instruments and dressings. Very respectfully, J. V. D. Middleton, Deputy Surgeon-General. U. S. Army, Chief Surgeon. 708 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Appendix F. Editor's Office of the Evening Sun, New York, September 12,1898. Hon. William McKinley, President of the United States. Sir: In the regular course of business I have received a letter from Santiago which admits of no question as to the honesty and knowledge of the writer, and which sets forth that the condition of our troops at Santiago " is very bad. There is a very great deal of actual starvation and a very great deal of sickness. We need cots and medicines of all sorts in large amounts." It is not the policy of the Evening Sun to rush into print with stories of the mis- fortune of our countrymen, but to regard is as the duty of the citizen to seek to alleviate their condition. I desire only to call your attention to the conditions there, and suggest that you call for reports from either General Lawton or Gen- eral Wood, both of whom I know are doing all they can with what they can get, but are unable to get sufficient supplies on account of the red tape at Washington. I am satisfied that it is only necessary to bring the matter to your attention to have the trouble rectified at once. With great respect, I have the honor to be. very respectfully, yours, Wm. C. M. Clay, Managing Editor of the Evening Sun. General Corbin: The within report is astounding. Can it be true? Make immediate inquiry by cable and report to me the fact. Wm. McK. September 14, 1898. [Copy of cablegram.] Santiago, Cuba, via Hayti, 1/..23 p. m. Adjutant-General, Washington: Referring to yonr message concerning starvation and sickness of troops at San- tiago, I repeat the following just received from general commanding city Santi- ago: "I have the honor to inform you that the statement contained in the extract of telegram forwarded by the War Department to the effect that there is actual starvation among the troops at Santiago, and that medical supplies are insuf- ficient, is absolutely without foundation. Food is ample and of good quality; meat supplied by Swift & Co. is a good deal of it somewhat damaged; vege- etables in greater amount than at present are required. The supply of medicines on hand is, I am informed by the chief surgeon and the regimental surgeons of my command, ample. There is a good deal of sickness among the troops, also among the native Cubans, but it is almost entirely malarial and incident to the season." A thorough investigation is being made in each regiment, and report will be duly forwarded. Lawton, Major-General. [SEAL.] For the Surgeon-General U. S. Army. Tampa Heights, Fla., July 29,1898. The Surgeon-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: In view of the recent charges made affecting the efficiency of Army Medi- cal Department at Santiago, and especially with reference to the conditions pre- REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 709 vailing on the hospital transports sent north with wounded, I have the honor to submit the following facts, believing that my position as adjutant to the chief surgeon. Fifth Corps, and as the officer in charge of the outfitting of the hospital transports Iroquois, Cherokee, and Breakwater may possibly give value to such report: Drugs, medicines, dressings, instruments, hospital tentage, and supplies were loaded on the transports at Tampa in quantities sufficient to meet the needs of the Santiago expedition. These supplies were divided up on the various vessels, each organization having its own equipment. While the bulk of the supplies were with the organized hospitals, the regimental equipment was largely in excess of its needs and was intended to be called in to supplement, if necessary, the equip- ment of these hospitals. The landing on Cuban soil was made as rapidly as possible, each organization accompanied by the medical attendance assigned to it, and troops were pushed forward with no other equipment and supplies than could be carried by the soldier. Having no means of transportation for even their field chests, the regimental medical officers had absolutely no resources at their command except such as were provided by the orderly and hospital corps pouches and the first-aid packets car- ried by the soldiers. Having once left their ships the latter were promptly ordered out of the small bays at Siboney and Daiquiri to permit the unloading of other ships. These partially unloaded ships, in obedience to their orders, then proceeded to sea from 5 to 15 miles, where they remained hove to indefinitely. Such orders were given the transports carrying the reserve and the first division hospitals. The one carrying the reserve hospital, in obedience to its orders, proceeded to join the naval blockading squadron off Morro Castle, where it remained five days and nights, the other transport disappearing, if I was correctly informed, for an entire week. During this time the fight at Guasima, had occurred and large numbers of sick and wounded were requiring treatment. In the meantime a report of the conditions prevailing on shore was made to the chief surgeon, who promptly laid the case before the commanding general, requesting that a launch be placed under the control of the medical department for the collection of medical supplies from the various transports. It was also requested that a pack train be organized, in the proportion of 1 pack mule to each regiment, to transport supplies, especially the field chests, to the front for proper distribution; and I was suggested by the chief surgeon as available for the performance of these duties. The exigency of the situation did not apparently appeal to the commanding general, and for two days the medical department was unable to get transportation of any kind to the other ships or to the shore, although there were a large number of naval launches and boats employed on various other duties. On the third day, by order of the Adjutant- General, one rowboat was turned over to the medical department for the purposes above named, and at that time an order was issued for land transportation to carry medical supplies to the front, "not to exceed one 6-mule team." On getting into this boat with supplies from the headquarters transport I was directed by sundry staff officers to take them on various errands. On my refusal to recog- nize their authority the commanding general, who had appeared on the scene, personally revoked the previous order and directed, after the landing of the sup- plies already in the boat, that it should return without delay. Presenting the order for land transportation to the quartermaster on shore, I was informed that only pack mules had as yet been landed; that neither w'agons nor harness had been brought ashore, and, finally, that the road was impassable for wagons. After this boat had been taken away the chief surgeon was without any means of com- munication with the medical officers on shore or still on transports, of finding out their wants or of remedying the many already known to him. This condition of things remained until after the fight at Las Guasimas, at which time there were 710 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF AVAR WITH SPAIN. absolutely no dressings, hospital tentage, or supplies of any kind on shore within reach of the surgeons already landed. The news of the G-uasima fight being- reported to the chief surgeon, he was finally able to get on board the Olivette and send her to Siboney, where she received the wounded. Within the following day or so the transports carrying the reserve and first divisional hospitals were found and unloaded of their hospital contents; the latter hospital finally obtaining limited transportation to the front. After a couple of days' duty on board the Olivette I was directed to put the Iro- quois in condition to receive patients and to take the full capacity of the ship on board. While doing this I was able to set ashore considerable hospital tentage and supplies found aboard her, and, having control of her boats, I was able to visit other transports in the harbor and land medical supplies from them. While subsequently outfitting the Cherokee and Breakwater this work was continued as well as opportunity and limited facilities permitted, getting supplies from perhaps a third of the transports composing the fleet. Outside of this it is believed that no other regimental medical property was ever unloaded up to the time of my depar- ture with wounded on July 10. Appealing on several occasions for the use of a lighter or small steamer to collect and land medical supplies, I was informed by the Quartermaster's Department that they could render no assistance in that way, and the Medical Department was compelled to rely entirely upon its own energies and improvise 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 transports, a 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 Quartermaster's Department, the lamentable con- ditions on shore could have been in any way improved. The outfitting of transports for the reception of sick and wounded is a duty demanding thought and experience, and should never be intrusted to anyone except a regular medical officer. It includes the proper policing of the portions of the ship to be used by the wounded, the removal of bunks and partitions to give space and air, the utilization of the ship's blankets, door mats, rugs, and car- pets to render the bunks more comfortable, the securing of extra supplies, such as canned soups and fruits, lime juice, and oatmeal, the establishment of a mess and laundry, and the assignment of convalescents to specific light duties which materially relieve the overworked hospital corps. Usually it is necessary to over- come passive resistance and opposition on the part of the crews and a tendency on the part of the captains to disregard or modify orders. In several instances in my own experience this action of the crew amounted almost to mutiny, and was only to be dealt with by threats, a show of force, and in one instance by the use of the irons. While executive officer at the general hospital, Fort Monroe, I learned officially that the captain of the steamship Seneca positively refused to obey the orders emanating from your office, given him by the contract surgeon 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 similar experience of my own at Daiquiri, which had to be settled by force, emphasizes the fact that no one should be placed in charge of such a ship who is not accustomed to command men and enforce obedience. With regard to the Red Cross Society, it would seem as if the lofty purposes of this organization were, on the Santiago expedition, subverted to individual inter- ests. While at Tampa the Red Cross ship State of Texas was formally placed under the control of the chief surgeon Fifth Corps by Dr. Egan, the repre- sentative of this society, he acting under telegraphic instructions to that effect. REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 711 Colonel Pope accepted this offer and directed that the State of Texas accompany the expedition of General Shafter to its destination. Although this order was fully understood by Dr. Egan, the State of Texas did not accompany the expedi- tion, nor did it arrive at Siboney until the forces had been landed, a battle fought, and our hospitals established and in working order. The first offers of aid made by this society dealt largely in generalities and manifested reluctance to subordi- nate the organization to the Medical Department. Too much praise can not be given to the individual efforts of Dr. Lesser and the Red Cross nurses. Their work was untiring and unselfish and the assistance rendered by them was of great value. In conclusion, it is desired to emphasize the fact that the lamentable conditions prevailing in the army before Santiago were due, first, to the military necessity which threw troops on shore and away from the possibility of supply, without medicines, instruments, dressings, or hospital stores of any kind; second, to the lack of foresight on the part of the Quartermaster's Department in sending out such an expedition without properly anticipating its needs as regards temporary wharfage, lighters, tugs, and dispatch boats, and without an adequate number of stevedores to handle property. The quartermasters personally accompanying this expedition were entirely unable to properly carry out the severe burdens imposed on them in spite of the personal energy displayed by them in making the most of the limited facilities and resources at their command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Edward L. Munson, Captain and Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Army, Commanding Reserve Ambulance Corps. [Not official.] Camp Poland, Knoxville, Tenn., September 14, 1898. Gen. Geo. M. Sternberg, Washington, D. C. My Dear Sir: I have the honor to state that should there be at any time an investigation or an attempt to censure the conduct of your department during our stay at Chickamauga Park, will say that my opportunity to know the work- ing of the Medical Department while at Camp George H. Thomas was perhaps as good as, if not much better than, almost any medical officer on duty there: and I will say that at no time during my stay in the park was there any difficulty in pro- curing all necessary medical and hospital supplies if the proper effort was made. Should you come to Knoxville, I will be glad to explain further, and if at any time I am in Washington I will surely call and give you all the information that I can. Very truly, yours, J. H. Hysell, Chief Surgeon, Second Division, First Army Corps. Headquarters Seventh Army Corps, Office of Adjutant-General, Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Fla.. September 27, 1898. Brig. Gen. George M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. My Dear General : Appreciating the interest manifested at all times by yon in the health and welfare of this corps, your efforts to provide us with materials, 712 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN medicines, nurses, and attendants, together with your generous assistance in aid- ing us in every way in the care of the sick, I take pleasure in authorizing the chief surgeon to present you with the corps badge, and will feel gratified to have you wear the same. Very respectfully, Fitzhugh Lee, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Seventh Corps. Medical Supply Depot, 18 Loyd Street, Atlanta, Ga., September 29, 1898. Surgeon-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Sir: Referring to our conversation -when you were in Atlanta, I have the honor to state that, although two separate boards of officers, properly appointed, had reported that sufficient quantities of medicines and medical supplies had not been furnished, no inquiry was ever made of me upon the subject by either board, officially or unofficially, directly or indirectly, verbally or in writing. I can further state that I twice asked of the commanding general, verbally, that he investigate my office in case such reports were rendered, but it was not done. I know of no reason why the troops should have suffered from lack of medi- cines, etc. Supplies were sometimes slow in getting to the depot on account of the overtaxing of the capacity of the railroad. Very respectfully, E. T. Comegys, Major and Surgeon, U. S. A., Acting Medical Purveyor. [Extract from report of Brigadier-General Coppinger, commanding the Fourth Army Corps.] While many complaints have been made concerning medical supplies, my expe- rience with the Fourth Corps leads me to believe that the Surgeon-General has accomplished an arduous task under very trying circumstances. It is difficult to provide a full supply of medical stores when troops are ordered suddenly to many unexpected places, and when the movements are accompanied by serious out- breaks of sickness. This difficulty was increased in many instances by the fact that most of the regimental, brigade, and division surgeons were entirely new to military work. I am well satisfied that the Surgeon-General worked admirably to supply my corps, and was ably assisted by Chief Surg. Robert M. O'Reilly, to whose ability and energy I feel, on behalf of my troops, deeply indebted. [Extract from report of Lieutenant-Colonel Maus, chief surgeon Seventh Army Corps.] On my arrival at Jacksonville I found no medical supplies or hospital equipment on hand, except a few articles that Major Pilcher had brought with him from Tampa, Fla., a week or two previous. The day after my arrival I sent him to Tampa with a requisition for a complete outfit for one division hospital and ambulance company, the latter consisting of ambulances, escort wagons, teams, etc. The Surgeon-General of the Army had informed me a few days previous, when I was in Washington City, that I should obtain my supplies from the depots at Tampa. On Major Pilcher's arrival at Tampa, he presented these requisitions for approval to the chief surgeon of the corps, Maj. Benjamin F. Pope, who approved them, but informed him that it was necessary to get General Shafter's approval also. Major Pilcher informed me that General Shafter refused to allow him anything whatever, stating that he would not let a thing leave Tampa until REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 713 his corps had left for Cuba. In addition to this he placed Major Pilcher on duty at Tampa, and retained him there for about two weeks. In the meantime, I was daily expecting supplies from Tampa, and did not consider it proper to make requisitions on Washington City under the circumstances; however, I found it necessary to purchase here cots, sheets, medical supplies, kitchen equipment, and other things for the hospital, which I had organized from material taken from the regiments. About the 12th of June, I, myself, was ordered to Tampa on a retiring board, and there obtained, through General Miles's approval, a carload of hospital supplies, consisting of hospital tents, common tents, medical and hospital supplies, quartermaster supplies, together with 12 ambulances, 14 escort wagons, and 104 mules, and on my return from Tampa I was thus enabled to organize the Second Division Ambulance Company and to complete the organiza- of the Second Division hospital. Since that date medical supplies have been fur- nished regularly from Washington City, New York, St. Louis, and other points, under the direction of the Surgeon-General, upon my requisitions, which were mostly telegraphic in character. The Seventh Army Corps has, since the refusal of General Shafter's approval of my requisition, suffered in no wise for lack of medical and hospital supplies, and the Surgeon-General of the Army has been exceedingly generous, and has never refused anything that I have asked, but on the other hand has had them sent here, as a rule, by express. The success of the administration of the medical department of this corps is greatly due to the Surgeon-General, through his generous approval of my requisitions. MEMORANDA-HOSPITAL CORPS. At the outbreak of the war the Hospital Corps consisted of 100 hospital stew- ards, 103 acting hospital stewards, and 520 privates, making a total of 723. The larger part of this number was ordered with the troops that left their respective stations to the camps of concentration and accompanied the regular regiments in the Fifth Army Corps to Cuba, the smaller part being left behind at the various army posts, they being just enough to take care of the medical property. Enlistments were at once ordered throughout the country of suitable men foi' the Hospital Corps, special attention being paid to enlisting nurses, pharmacists, cooks, drivers, mechanics, etc. A good many medical students and young physi- cians were also accepted. By means of enlistments, and afterwards by transfers from volunteer regiments to the Hospital Corps, a large number of men were obtained, and to-day there are in service by actual count 5,084. Probably a thousand are in service whose enlist- ment and transfer is not yet reported. In addition to the members of the Hospital Corps enlisted for the purpose of taking care of our sick and wounded, we have employed 168 male nurses and over 700 female nurses under contract. MEMORANDA FROM SURGEON-GENERAL. U. S. A, RELATING TO HOSPITAL SHIPS. 715 HOSPITAL SHIPS. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 13, 1898. Gen. G. M. Dodge, President Board to Investigate War Department. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a memorandum relating to hospi- tal ships employed by the Medical Department of the Army during the war with Spain. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General United States Army. HOSPITAL SHIPS. THE HOSPITAL SHIP RELIEF. About the 15th of April the Surgeon-General applied for a ship to be used as a hospital ship, and after an inspection had been made of various ships offered requested in the following indorsement that the steamship John Englis should be secured for this purpose: '■April 23, 1898. " Respectfully returned to the Quartermaster-General of the Army. " The steamship John Englis is well adapted for the purpose in view-a floating hospital for use at any Cuban port occupied by our troops, and entirely sea- worthy. I am not a competent judge as to the reasonableness of the terms pro- posed, but the Surgeon-General of the Navy tells me that in his opinion they are not unreasonable. I should expect to use the hospital ship also as a depot of reserve supplies for troops in the field. It would be fitted out to contain 500 beds, and would be available for the care of the sick and wounded at any point on the Cuban coast and for their transportation to any point on our own coast. I respectfully request that this ship may be secured for the purpose indicated. " Geo. M. Sternberg, " Surgeon-General United States Army J This recommendation was not approved at the time, and various other ships were inspected, but none found to be suitable. On the 18th of May, by direction of the President, the John Englis was secured by purchase, and the Quartermas- ter's Department took charge of her for the purpose of preparing her for the spe- cial service required. Maj. George H. Torney, surgeon, United States Army, who was formerly a medical officer in the United States Navy, was directed to make recommendations with reference to necessary alterations and apparatus, and subsequently was placed in command of the ship. The following telegram was sent to Major Torney May 18: "Surg. George H. Torney, United States Army, '■'■Army Building, 39 Whitehall street, New York City: " The John Englis has been secured. Obtain estimates from several parties, if practicable, for satisfactory ice machine, steam disinfector, and steam launches, and send to me for approval. Steam laundry and distilling apparatus approved. " Sternberg, "Surgeon-General United States Army." 717 718 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. The necessary work upon the ship required more time than was anticipated. On June 12 I wrote to Major Torney as follows: " The hospital ship will be required at the earliest possible moment to go to Santiago, where you are likely to have plenty of sick and wounded men awaiting your arrival. I trust that you will do everything in your power to have the ship ready for orders at the earliest possible moment. * * * Be sure to get every- thing on board as soon as possible, for when you get your orders we want no delay on the ground that certain articles for which requisition has been made are not yet on board ship." Again, on June 22, in a letter to Major Torney, I say: "You will do everything in your power to expedite the work upon the hospital ship Relief, and when she is ready for sea report to me by telegraph. Upon receiv- ing telegraphic orders to that effect you will proceed directly to Santiago de Cuba, reporting your arrival to the commanding general at that point. Your ship should be anchored in a safe harbor at such point as may be designated by the proper authorities and as near as possible to the seat of active operations. You will receive on board, up to the full capacity of the ship, the sick and wounded of the Army and Navy and care for them exactly as if they were in a general hospital. The Relief is regarded as a United States general hospital, and you will be expected to make such reports and returns as are required by regulations for a general hospital. Your attention is especially invited to A. R. 1433, and should anyone attempt to exercise unauthorized authority over you or your ship you will invite their attention to this regulation. When in your judgment, or in that of the commanding general or the chief surgeon of the troops at whatever point you may be located, it is desirable that you should proceed to a home port for the purpose of landing the sick and wounded, you will, if practicable, com- municate with me by telegraph and orders will be sent you designating the port for which you should sail. If it is not practicable to communicate with me by telegraph, you should apply to the commanding general of the troops for orders to proceed to such home port as may seem desirable, and immediately upon your arrival you should communicate with me by telegraph in order that arrangements may be made to transfer the sick and wounded to a general hospital. "You will issue medical supplies, upon properly approved requisitions, to troops in the field and will do everything in your power to aid the medical officers with these troops in providing for the comfort of the sick by the issue of ice, hospital stores, and such delicacies as you may have at your disposal. " When practicable you will send to me once a week a telegraphic report show- ing the number of patients of the Army and of the Navy on board the hospital ship. You should make timely requisition for necessary supplies for use on the ship and for issue to troops in the field." On June 25 the following telegram was sent to Major Torney: " The Secretary of War directs that you proceed as soon as practicable to San- tiago in compliance with your orders. Do not wait for steam launches." On June 27 the following additional instructions were sent to Majoi- Torney: "You should keep in view the fact that the Relief is a well-equipped floating hospital and a depot of supplies for troops in the field. It is important, therefore, that she should not be taken away from the scene of active operations unless it is absolutely necessary for the purpose of landing the sick and wounded at a home port. You should avail yourself of every opportunity to send proper cases by the navy ambulance ship, the Solace, or by army transports returning to home ports. As a rule, the more serious cases of injury and sickness should be retained on your ship, as the disturbance incident to a sea voyage would be injurious to them. Convalescents and those sick and wounded who can be transported without injury to themselves, and who are not likely to be fit for duty within a short time, should be sent to a home port whenever an opportunity offers." REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 719 On July 2 the following telegram wTas received from Major Torney: " The Relief will sail at 1 o'clock p. m." The Relief arrived at Siboney July 7. On July 18 the following dispatch was received from Major Torney: " All supplies having been landed and active operations ceased, chief surgeon recommends Relief proceed north to evacuate severely wounded, replenish, and refit to accompany expedition to Porto Rico. Ship not infected. Request instructions." The Relief left Siboney July 19 with 254 sick and wounded and arrived at New York July 23. She sailed for Ponce, Porto Rico, on August 3 and returned to New York with 255 sick and wounded from Porto Rico, arriving August 19. She returned to Porto Rico for sick August 24, and in compliance with orders brought a load of sick to Philadelphia, arriving September 6. Was ordered September 10 to proceed to Montauk Point to take a load of sick to Boston. Returned from Boston to Montauk Point and took a load of sick to Philadelphia. September 23 sailed again for Porto Rico, and arrived at Fort Monroe with a load of sick October 11. HOSPITAL SHIP MISSOURI. On July 1 Mr. B. N. Baker, president of the Atlantic Transport Line, Balti- more, Md., tendered the steamship Missouri, with her captain and crew to the Government as a hospital ship. This generous and patriotic offer was accepted by the Secretary of War, and Maj. W. H. Arthur, surgeon. U. S. Volunteers (assistant surgeon, United States Army), was ordered to take charge of her prepa- ration for service and subsequently to command her. On July 15 the following- letter was written to the Quartermaster-General: ' • The steampship Missouri has been placed at the disposal of the Medical Department as a hospital ship. I have conferred with the Secretary of War with reference to this ship and he directs that she be fitted up in a satisfactory manner to prepare her for the service required. It is reported to me that she can be made available for six or seven hundred sick or wounded men. She will, however, require considerable refitting. The kitchen will have to be very much enlarged to make it possible to cook for so many, temporary cabins will have to be built and other changes made. " ' Major Summerhayes says he can make all the necessary changes, and put in a steam laundry, steam sterilizing apparatus, ice, and carbonating plants within ten days or two weeks after the ship arrives. The lower deck is cemented over the steel plating and it may be necessary to remove the cement, as any cracks in it would make it impossible to get rid of the odor of cattle (the ship has been used for the transportation of cattle). This I am assured would take very little time. Major Summerhayes, if authority is given him, will at once get bids for the refit- ting, including laundry, ice plant, and the general carpenter work, shelving, etc. Mr. Baker does not propose to supply anything but ship and crew.' " The above quotation is from a letter from Maj. W. H. Arthur, surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, who is to have charge of the ship. I respectfully request that orders may be given to make the necessary improvements and put in the necessary apparatus at the earliest practicable date. " George M. Sternberg, "Surgeon-General U. S. Army." My expectations with reference to the time required for preparing this ship were not realized, and it was not until August 23 that the ship was ready to sail. She returned to Montauk Point from Santiago with 256 sick, proceeding from there to New York. The Missouri sailed from New York for Porto Rico September 21 and returned with 270 patients, who were placed in the Josiah Simpson General Hospital at Fort Monroe. Va., on October 6. 720 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. THE HOSPITAL STEAMER OLIVETTE. Lieutenant-Colonel Pope, chief surgeon of the Fifth Army Corps, gives the following account of the use made of the steamer Olivette, which was selected by him to accompany the expedition to Santiago as a hospital ship: "As the embarkation took place and reports of sickness on the transports came in it became quite evident that a hospital steamer must be secured with the least possible delay. Under direction of the commanding general, I examined several boats with view to selection, but none of them presented more desirable qualities than the steamer Olivette, which was doing service as a water carrier and distrib- uter for all the transports of the fleet. She had large stateroom accommodation both on the upper and lower deck, a large-sized dining saloon, which was later used as a place for surgical work; she carried plenty of ice and water; and was without cargo except some horses, I believe, and forage for the same, which was cleaned out later. " The transfer of Major Appel's hospital from the Comal was quickly effected, and he at once proceeded to gather up the sick from the various transports, sig- nals being hoisted every morning when his services were needed. These were from time to time transferred to small hospital on shore in the artillery camp, with view to their early transportation to the north. The removal of the sick from transports was often a slow and difficult process, particularly in rough water, for they first must be lowered into a small boat, which was at one time lifted on the crest of a rising wave and the next plunged into the gulf of a sink- ing one, and then pulled to the side of the hospital ship, where the same dangerous process was to be repeated in getting them on board; but the work was continued, and happily without accident, until the fleet was cleared of its most serious cases. " On the afternoon of June 13 and morning of the 14th, the fleet of 28 transports and other craft sailed out from Tampa Bay with crowded decks and rigging, and bands playing. The weather was delightful and the sea as smooth as glass. Indeed, fair weather accompanied us the whole voyage, which occupied some eight days. Hatches and ports could be kept wide open, and the men lived vir- tually in the open air. Had it been otherwise, their sufferings from seasickness and the foul air of the unventilated holds would have been intolerable. "After the departure of the fleet, the Olivette steamed to the dock to take on coal for the voyage. An opportunity was given to unload the ship of some cases of measles and light cases of fever. This was a fortunate circumstance, as it placed the steamer in condition to relieve the transports of their sick on arrival at Daiquiri, many of whom were later transferred to the steamer Iroquois, so that room was made for the wounded of the impending battle on the 24th of June at G-uasimas and the 1st and 2d of July at San Juan Hill and before' the intrenchments of Santiago de Cuba." The Olivette left Santiago July 9 with 279 wounded officers and men and arrived at New York July 16. She returned to Santiago with supplies for the Fifth Army Corps, and on August 15 sailed for Montauk Point with 203 sick on board. She was ordered to Boston, where her sick were placed in hospitals. Dr. Brad- bury, who had charge of the distribution, telegraphed August 23: " Olivette arrived this morning; patients distributed without delay; ship arrived in excellent condition and patients very well cared for." On August 25 the Olivette sailed from Boston under orders to proceed to Fer- nandina, Fla., for the purpose of bringing sick to the general hospital at Fort Monroe. On August 31 she sank in 20 feet of water while coaling off quarantine in the harbor of Fernandina. She was raised a few days later. No loss of life occurred, and the medical and hospital property on board was nearly all recovered. September 30 she sailed for Philadelphia and now lies at the wharf in that city. MEMORANDA RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF FEMALE NURSES. 7833-vol 1--46 721 War Department. Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 17, 1898. Gen. G. M. Dodge, » President of Board to Investigate the War Department. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith documents relating to the employ- ment of female nurses during the war with Spain, and to my attitude toward the American National Red Cross and other relief organizations. It has been repeatedly charged in the newspapers that I have refused to accept the assistance of the American National Red Cross in the care of our sick and wounded soldiers, and that, as a result of this refusal, there has been unnecessary suffering. These charges are without foundation, except in so far as I have objected to the sending of female nurses with troops in the field engaged in active operations. We have a Red Cross Hospital Corps in the Army of enlisted men, whose duty it is to render first aid to the wounded upon the field of battle and to care for the sick in our division field hospitals, and I have been of the opinion that female nurses would be an incumbrance to troops during active operations; but so soon as serious sickness developed in our camps, and it became necessary to treat typhoid-fever cases in our field hospitals, I gladly accepted the services of trained female nurses for the division field hospitals, and in our general hospitals we have employed them from the first. The general testimony from the surgeons in charge of these hospitals has been that their services have been of great value. Very many of these trained nurses have been obtained through the kind assistance of the Red Cross Society for Maintenance of Trained Nurses, Auxiliary No. 3, and I desire to express my high appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the Medical Department of the Army by this organization. My attitude toward relief organizations is shown by an indorsement, dated May 5, upon a letter addressed by Rev. Henry C. McCook, of Philadelphia, to the President, and referred to me for remark: " May 5, 1898. " Respectfully returned to the Adjutant-General of the Army. The plan proposed for the organization of a relief association appears to have been well considered, and the object in view will commend itself to every patri- otic citizen. But it is a question whether the President should' give special priv- ileges to any particular organization. Other prominent individuals in different parts of the country may be organizing for the same purpose. One such propo- sition has come to me from Chicago. While I approve in a general way of organization for the relief work proposed, it appears to me that it will be best not to give in advance exclusive privileges to any one particular organization. In case of need, assistance should be accepted from any organization prepared to give it." This has been my guiding principle throughout, that relief when needed should be promptly accepted without reference to the source from which it comes. The relief afforded by the National Red Cross at Siboney was promptly accepted by the surgeons on the spot, but it is evident that it was entirely inadequate to meet the emergency. A committee of the American National Red Cross Association called upon me in my office in Washington, some time in advance of the landing of our troops in Santiago, making an offer of assistance. I received them most courteously, and 723 724 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. advised them to use their resources in fitting up a hospital ship, telling them that a hospital ship was now being fitted up for the use of the Medical Department, but that it was not at all improbable that an emergency would arise which would overtax our resources, and that in such an event a hospital ship properly equipped, having on board a corps of doctors and nurses, would be a most valuable auxil- iary. Furthermore, the American National Red Cross Association has had full au- thority to send agents and supplies to all our camps since June 9. 1898, and if there has been suffering for want of needed supplies they must share the respon- sibility with the Medical Department of the Army for such suffering. The following letter was sent by me to every chief surgeon of a department or independent army in the field on June 9, 1898: ' ' The Secretary of War has approved of the following proposition made by the American National Red Cross Association, and the chief surgeons of army corps and divisions will cooperate with the authorized agents of this association for the purposes indicated. "We can put any desired amount of hospital supplies, ice, malted milk, con- densed milk, Mellin's food, etc., into any of the volunteer camps in a few hours. Will you be kind enough to bring this letter to the attention of Secretary Alger and ask him if there is any objection to our appointing a Red Cross representative to report to the commanding officer and the chief surgeons in every camp, confer with them as to their immediate needs, and, if anything of any kind is wanting, open there a Red Cross station and send in the supplies. We can do this, not in a few weeks or a few days, but in a few hours, and can furnish any quantity of any desired luxury or delicacy for hospital use. We hereby tender our aid and put our organization at the War Department's service for cooperation in this field." To show my cordial relations with the National Red Cross Relief Committee, I venture to quote from a letter of August 11, received by me from Mr. Cleveland H. Dodge, chairman of the supply committee. Mr. Dodge says: " I want again to assure you personally, and on behalf of our committee, of our earnest desire to assist you in every possible way, and to thank you for calling upon us so frankly." In a letter from Mrs. Winthrop Cowdin, vice-president of the Red Cross Society for Maintenance of Trained Nurses, dated August 13, she says: "We greatly appreciate your courtesy to us and feel most grateful to have been permitted to serve you in any way." There has been a great deal of misapprehension with reference to the supplies furnished by the Government, growing out of the fact that medical officers in the field have been very ready to accept supplies from relief associations, which were freely offered and even urged upon them, rather than to make requisition for them. The volunteer medical officers especially appear to have had a great reluctance to assume any property responsibility, and as it was necessary for them to give receipts for the supplies issued to them by the Government, they preferred, as a rule, to accept these supplies from relief societies, even when they were present in ample amounts at a field supply depot in the immediate vicinity of their camps. The agents furnishing these supplies frequently inferred, from the fact that they were so readily accepted, that they could not have been obtained from the Government. Thus, sheets, mosquito bars, cots, clinical thermometers, and many other articles which are upon our supply table have been very liberally supplied by these relief associations, although it has been the intention of the Medical Department to furnish these and all other articles necessary for the care of our sick, and there has been no time since the commencement of the war when they could not have been obtained upon a telegraphic requisition sent to the REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 725 Surgeon-General of the Army if, for any reason, a sufficient supply was not on hand at the field supply depot. Very respectfully. Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General, U. S. Army. Sheets, cots, thermometers, etc., could have been supplied on telegraphic requisitions. G. M. S., S. G. SELECTION OF FEMALE NURSES. At the outbreak of the war, nursing in the Army was done entirely by the men of the Hospital Corps; but the employment of contract nurses, regardless of sex, was authorized by Congress in March, 1898. Before the 30th of April almost a thousand applications had been received from women who wished to serve as nurses, and a number of organizations had offered to supply bodies of nurses, but no examination of these applications had been possible. On April 28 the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution offered its services to the Surgeon-General of the Army, in the capacity of an exam- ining board for female nurses, and this offer having been accepted the following day, all applications from women were referred to it for examination. The status of this organization rendered it peculiarly suitable to undertake this work. It has headquarters in Washington City, and 25,000 members living in every State and Territory of the Union, and as it has no affiliation with any hospital or body of nurses, it is entirely unprejudicedin its judgments. Mrs. Anita Newcomb McGee, M. D., a physician in good and regular standing, and vice-president-general, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, was designated as director of the " Daughters of the American Revo- lution Hospital Corps " and placed in charge of this work. Her statement regard- ing the method of selection is as follows: "In accordance with directions from the Surgeon-General, only graduate trained nurses were accepted by the Daughters of the American Revolution as eligible, and they were required to fill out blanks like the one appended hereto. In judging a nurse, three points were considered: "First. Professional ability; as evidence of which indorsements from physi- cians were usually submitted. In all cases the superintendent of the training school from which the nurse graduated was asked for her indorsement, and when this was refused the nurse was not accepted. A few women physicians in good standing were also accepted as nurses. "Second. Character; to establish which the indorsement of a Daughter of the American Revolution was requested (though never exacted). In lieu of this, the signature of any lady of known standing was accepted. Committees of ' daughters ' were formed in all large cities and in many small ones, and rendered admirable service in securing suitable applicants. "Third. Health; as evidence of which a physician's certificate was required. In certain cases, however, where the need for the nurse was too urgent to admit of delay, and where there was io reason to doubt her health, this certificate was not filed. Originally the nurses were required to be between 30 and 50 years of age, but the large number of desirable trained nurses who were under 30 caused that limit to be disregarded. " The evident necessity for and importance of the limitation of appointments to trained nurses was neglected only in the sending of nurses to Santiago. As it was essential that they should be immune, it was impossible in all cases to require graduation. 726 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. " The assistance of all organizations that desired to recommend nurses was gladly welcomed, and applicants who conformed to the standard were accepted without regard to creed. "Almost 5.000 applications were examined by my associates and myself, and about one-fifth of that number were accepted as eligible for appointment by the Surgeon-General. '' This arrangement with the Daughters of the American Revolution continued until September 7, since which time Dr. McGee, having been appointed acting assistant surgeon, United States Army, has been on duty in the War Department, in charge, under my immediate direction, of matters pertaining to female nurses. In addition to the contract nurses, selected as above stated, Mrs. Namah Curtis was, on July 13, sent, by direction of the Surgeon-General, to New Orleans and other cities, to secure the service of colored immune women as nurses at Santiago, and 32 were selected by her. At the camps at Montauk and Jacksonville the chief surgeons were authorized to contract with nurses who might apply to them, and at each place a number were enrolled in this way. The nursing at a few of the army hospitals has been done by volunteers, with whom no contracts were made. [Question blank.] Name in full. Address and nearest telegraph station. Do you desire appointment in Army of Navy? How soon after receiving an appointment can you leave home? Have you had yellow fever? Are you a graduate of a training school for nurses? If so, what school and what year? What other hospital experience have you had? Have you nursed continuously since graduation? If not, what has been your occupation? What experience have you had in invalid cookery? What is your age? Date and place of birth? Color? Height? Weight? Are you single, married, or widowed? Are you strong and healthy, and have you always been so? Have you a tendency to any disease? Have you been successfully vaccinated, and when? What is your legal residence? American National Red Cross Relief Committee, New York. August 11, 1898. Maj. Gen. George M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army, War Department, Washington, D. C. My Dear General Sternberg: I want to apologize for not having replied yesterday to your good letter of the 9th instant, but I was kept at the supply depot of the Red Cross all the morning and did not get to my office until afternoon, and I wished to submit your letter to the executive committee of the Red Cross Relief, which met late in the afternoon. The committee appreciated most thoroughly the opportunity which you have given us of cooperating with you in such a practical way, and there was no hesi- tation whatever in their willingness to comply with your request. As your letter did not mention any particular sum which was needed, we voted to send you $5,000 at once, with the request that you would let us know if this is REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 727 not sufficient for your immediate wants, and to kindly let us know in the future if at any time we could help you by sending you a further sum. We thought it would be better to put this amount in your hands for distribu- tion, as you can send the money directly, without unnecessary delay. It would, however, be a satisfaction to us if you would let ns know, in due time, to what general hospitals the money is sent. 1 want again to assure you personally, and on behalf of our committee, of our earnest desire to assist you in every possible way, and to thank you for calling upon us so frankly. } I inclose check for $5,000 to your order, and. depending upon you to let me know if we can help you still further, believe me, Very respectfully, yours. Cleveland H. Dodge, Chairman Supply Committee. P. S.-If you should happen to hear how the chickens, eggs, and ice cream reached Santiago on the Olivette, and whether they were at all helpful, will you kindly let me know, as the experiment of sending these supplies interested me very much. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington. October 7. 1898. Mr. A. E. Orr, Vice-chairman Red Cross Relief Committee, New York City, N. Y. My Dear Mr. Orr: I have received the copy of your letter to the President. In answer to your question as to " Why the intervention of the Red Cross relief committee should be longer needed, and why the Government does not see to it that its own sick are provided for," I would say: The emergencies of the war made the assistance of relief associations most valuable, notwithstanding the fact that it is the intention of the Government to provide liberally for the care of sick soldiers. But, as you know, with ample means and good intentions, supplies can not always be provided at the proper place and time to meet an emergency. Moreover, at the outset of the war the arrange- ments made for providing light diet for the sick, which had proved satisfactory in time of peace under the careful management of experienced medical officers, were inadequate under the conditions which prevailed in our camps of instruction and among troops engaged in active operations. For this reason the presence of Red Cross agents, with their abundant supplies of delicacies for the sick, has been of inestimable value. But provision was made by a general order published August 10 (G. O., 116) by which surgeons in charge of hospitals, general, division, or regimental, are enabled to draw 60 cents per day for each sick enlisted man of the Army in lieu of his regular ration. Up to that time the commutation value of a ration was only 30 cents. The Medical Department does not supply food for the sick in hospital. This is obtained from the Commissary Department or by purchase wherever it can be procured. I inclose herewith a list showing the articles which can be purchased from the commissary, which list, as you will see, includes canned soups, tapioca, crackers, jellies, tea, butter, etc. Milk, chickens and eggs, fresh vegetables, etc., are purchased wherever they can be obtained. The Medical Department furnishes a few articles under the head of •• Hospital stores," including condensed milk, sugar, and tea; but no other food supplies are furnished by the Medical Depart- ment or can be properly paid for from the medical and hospital appropriation. Of course, if the Commissary Department fails to provide these supplies, and they can not be purchased in the vicinity of a camp or hospital, the difficulty of pro- viding proper food for the sick will be very great, and under such circumstances 728 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. the supplies of relief associations have been most welcome. But the amount now allowed by the Government is ample to provide everything necessary in the way of suitable diet for the sick, and when there is any failure to provide this it is a failure in administration by those immediately in charge and not a failure of the Government to provide the necessary means. You will no doubt agree with me that 60 cents a day for the raw material from which to prepare a proper diet for the sick is a most liberal provision. The experience of medical officers shows that it is not only ample but excessive, and that for sick men, living for the most part upon milk, weak soups, and farina- ceous food, this amount is much in excess of any reasonable requirement. Under these circumstances, I think that those patriotic and liberal citizens who have contributed so freely of their money and time to aid in the care of our sick soldiers may now leave the matter in the hands of the Government without any apprehension as to the result. Very sincerely, yours, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. War Department. Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, October 15, 1898. Mrs. Winthrop Cowdin, 451 Madison Avemie, New York, N. Y. My Dear Mrs. Cowdin: I have received your kind letter of October 14, inclos- ing a check for $2,000 for my special fund for extra comforts and luxuries for our sick and wounded soldiers. Accept my sincere thanks for this liberal contribu- tion. I do not think favorably of the establishment of a hospital in Cuba or in Porto Rico by the Red Cross Society, for the reason that the war is over and the garri- sons which are to be stationed in these islands will require a fully equipped hos- pital, which it is the duty of the Government to provide, and which we intend to provide. During the rush incident to bringing large numbers of volunteer troops into the field, and during our active operations in Cuba and Porto Rico, emergen- cies constantly arose in which there was a failure to get necessary medical supplies and proper light diet for the sick to the places where they were most urgently needed. Such emergencies always arise under similar conditions, notwithstand- ing the intention of the Government to provide everything necessary for the com- fort of our sick and wounded soldiers. I appreciate very highly the valuable assistance which has been rendered by the Red Cross Society; but I think it would b'e demoralizing to our medical officers and to the service generally if we should continue to depend upon the contribu- tions and voluntary assistance of patriotic citizens for the care of our sick in the islands which have come into our possession. Very sincerely, yours, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. Paul Smiths. Franklin County. N. Y., August 17,1898. Dear General Sternberg: Your telegram lias just been received, and I imme- diately forwarded it to Mrs. Cowdin, who, in my absence, is representing the com- mittee on trained nurses in New York. We have just sent Mrs. Quintard to take charge of our nurses at Montauk, and we stand ready to send as many additional men and women as the surgeon may call for. Six male nurses have gone to help until they are needed on the Missouri. They are part of twelve carefully selected men intended for that ship, and are prepared to go whenever she is ready to sail. You must know, far better than I can tell you, how many nurses we have sent REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 729 out, but you may be interested to know that they are all very enthusiastic. I hope that they are of assistance to the Government, as our only object is to be of use. I should judge from the letters we receive almost daily from the head surgeons of the hospitals, under whom they are serving, that they are doing good work, and they seem very proud and pleased to be able to help. I hope they will save many lives. I am glad that our relations with Dr. McGee are so cordial, for she is a capable woman and her assistance has been invaluable to us. I am sure that you are as pleased as we are that we are now working in perfect harmony with the Government, and we shall do everything possible on our part to continue these friendly relations. I see by the paper that there is to be a new hospital at Fort- ress Monroe, and I hope you will remember how anxious we are to be of use to the authorities and will call upon us to supply nurses for this also. Our nurses are very carefully selected at the Presbyterian Hospital now by Mrs. Cowdin, assisted by Miss Pierce, Miss Wadley, and Miss Gill, and I am sure that with the great pains and care we are now giving to this matter our nurses will prove absolutely reliable and satisfactory. It gives me great pleasure to know how much good resulted from your visit to Bellevue. I hear constantly from the men, and they tell me how comfortable they are. It is very gratifying to me that a hospital in which I am so deeply interested should have been of so much service to the Government. With kind regards to Mrs. Sternberg and renewed thanks for all the courtesy you have shown us, I am, very sincerely, yours. Elizabeth Mills Reid. Red Cross Society for Maintenance of Trained Nurses, etc., 15 West Eleventh Street. New York, September 14, 1898. The Surgeon-General of the Army. My Dear General: I beg to acknowledge with many thanks your telegram of to-day. I have felt for some time like writing and telling you of the admirable work done by your surgeons at Fort Hamilton, Fort Wadsworth, and Governors Island. I try to visit those hospitals at least once a week. My relations with Major Rafferty, Captain Frick, and Major Kimball are exceptionally pleasant, and they have expressed to me a desire that you would permit me to continue a supervision over the nurses at those hospitals. It is a great pleasure to know that I shall still be associated in this work during the time that the nurses' services are required. I have striven to pick out nurses who would be entirely satisfac- tory to the surgeons and have recalled two or three who did not seem to do well under the new conditions. After my visits on Sunday to Fort Wadsworth and Fort Hamilton, I felt a strong desire to tell you of the excellent work being done at those hospitals, which, of course, applies to Governors Island, though I was prevented on Sunday from going there. The patients are all improving in a very remarkable degree. The greatest care is shown by the surgeons and nurses, and the excellent dietary arrangements have done wonders for those whose digestions have been affected by the Cuban campaign. It has been my pleasure lately to testify in many direc- tions of the highly encouraging conditions existing at those hospitals, and I have also made three visits to Montauk, where, so far as I can judge, everything that human beings could do is being done there under difficult conditions of camp. It has been a great privilege to have been associated with you in the common work of caring for our soldiers, and I have felt that at this time, so full of care and anxiety for you. the cheerful condition of our neighboring army hospitals should be brought to your notice especially, and to that of our people here. It will be my aim hereafter to continue my present supervision until you relieve me of it. and I do not need to assure you that I will spare no effort to have the 730 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. nurses render the best possible service to the surgeons in charge and the patients in their care. With kind regards to Mrs. Sternberg, I am, Sincerely, yours, Lena Potter Cowdin, Acting President. Red Cross Society for Maintenance of Trained Nurses, etc., 15 West Eleventh Street, New York, August 13. My Dear General: May I say how sincerely I regret that you have been annoyed by letters from an agent of Miss Barton's named Cobb. As I telegraphed Dr. McGee, Cobb has no jurisdiction whatever over us, since we are auxiliary to the relief committee, of which my father, Bishop Potter, is chairman; and I have been authorized by this committee to make such an arrangement with you as would be of real service to you, in placing nurses where they are needed. I have deposited with the Daughters of the American Revolution Hospital Corps a sum of money to be used for prompt transportation, and it will be my great pleas- ure and privilege to see that the nurses now at Fort Wadsworth and Governors Island do for your surgeons the best possible service. We greatly appreciate your courtesy to us, and feel most grateful to have been permitted to serve you in any way. Believe me, sincerely, yours. Lena P. Cowdin. Red Cross Society for Maintenance of Trained Nurses, etc., 15 West Eleventh Street, August 16. My Dear General: I regret to learn that Mr. Stephen Barton has made some unauthorized use of my name to you. Please believe that I am in daily commu- nication with Dr. McGee, and carry out her instructions to the letter. I have nothing whatever to do with Mr. Stephen Barton or a man named Cobb. Sincerely, yours, L. P. Cowdin. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, August 25, 1898. Mr. Stephen E. Barton, Chairman Executive Committee, American National Red Cross, 58 William Street, New York, N. Y. Sir: Your letter of August 22, inclosing a letter from Rev. Alex. Kent, has been referred to me. I shall refer it to the chief surgeon at Jacksonville for report, and a copy of his report will be sent you when received. The closing paragraph of Mr. Kent's letter, to which you call special attention, is as follows: '■Reports this morning reveal a startling mortality among the typhoids-thir- teen in the last twenty-four hours in the Second Division alone. Most of this, in my judgment, is due to the want of propel- nursing. In the first place, the num- ber of nurses is insufficient and their hours too long. In the second place, most of them are not skilled nurses; they are having their first experience in the care of typhoids. Effort has been made to remedy this, but the only way in which it can be remedied is one contrary to the view of the Surgeon-General, and one, therefore, which his subordinates do not feel at liberty to take. The Red Cross has on several occasions offered to furnish skilled nurses at its own expense, but has uniformly met with the reply, ' We are abundantly supplied with such nurses now.' Since that reply was made to Mr. Cobb, however, the surgeon in chief has REPLY OF SURGEON-GENERAL. 731 dispatched a gentleman to New York to secure 150 nurses, but the opposition to female nurses continues, and as no adequate supply of trained male nurses can be found, our boys must continue to die for want of intelligent, skillful nursing." Mr. Kent is laboring under a misapprehension with reference to my views. I have never objected to sending trained female nurses to our general hospitals or to field hospitals in which typhoid fever cases are treated. We have now in serv- ice more than 500 trained female nurses. The health of the command at Jack- sonville had been reported to me as excellent until very recently, when, as I understand, a considerable number of cases of typhoid fever have developed. On August 20 the chief surgeon applied to me for 50 trained female nurses. Imme- diately upon receipt of this application I requested the committee, through which I obtained trained female nurses, and of which Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee is chairman, to send, as soon as possible, 50 trained female nurses to Jacksonville, to report to the chief surgeon at that point. We have already many Red Cross nurses in service at our various hospitals and camps. These have been obtained through the cooperation of a committee of ladies in this city of which Dr. McGee is chairman, and the Red Cross Society for maintenance of trained nurses, auxiliary to the American National Red Cross relief committee. The arrangements made have been entirely satisfactory to me, as they insure a supply of properly trained nurses of good character; and all applications from Jacksonville or elsewhere for assistance of this kind have received prompt attention. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. [Telegram.] Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, August 15, 1898. Colonel Forwood, Chief Surgeon, Montauk Point, Long Island, N. Y.: Accept services of 20 trained female nurses offered by Mr. Howard Townsend. Sternberg, Stirgeon-General. [Telegram.] Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, August 16, 1898. Mrs. Elizabeth Mills Reid, Paul Smith's, New York: Have authorized Colonel Forwood, Montauk Point, to accept as many Red Cross trained nurses as he requires from you or your authorized agents. Sternberg, Surgeon-General. [Telegram.] Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, August 16, 1898. Colonel Forwood, Assistant Surgeon-General, Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, Long Island, N. Y.: Yon are authorized to accept as many Red Cross trained nurses as you require from Mrs. Elizabeth Mills Reid or her authorized agents. Sternberg, Surgeon-General. 732 INVESTIGATION OP CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, Boston, June 16, 1898. Gen. George M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General, U. S. Army. My Dear Sir: I am requested by medical committee. Drs. H. P. Walcott, Samuel A. Green, and Herbert L. Burrell, to ask you whether you would be willing to authorize a medical man, coming out from Massachusetts, to visit camps, to ascer- tain the comfort needs of the Massachusetts troops. There is a ladies' auxiliary aid of the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, and they are very anxious indeed to supply such needs as will be to the material comfort of our volunteers, but naturally this should be done under medical advice. Will you give permission for a discreet medical man to visit the camps as may be necessary, and that medical man to report to us as a medical committee, and we to tell the ladies' aid, what things are necessary, if any, to be forwarded? There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in that part of the community, especially among women, and this should be utilized to the highest point that is practicable. Very truly, yours, Herbert L, Burrell, Secretary of Medical Committee. Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, June 17, 1898. Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, Secretary Medical Committee, 22 Newbury street. Boston, Mass. My Dear Dr. Burrell: Your letter of June 16 is at hand and I have already had an interview with Dr. Brice and given him a card of introduction to the chief surgeon at Camp Alger. He will have no difficulty in seeing the division hos- pitals, etc. Very truly, yours. Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. War Department, Washington, July 22, 1898. Sir: The hospital ship Bay State has been fitted out by the Massachusetts Vol- unteer Aid Association and has been commissioned by the United States Govern- ment under the International Red Cross Convention. The purpose of the ship, under the direction of its surgeon-superintendent, Dr. H. L. Burrell, is to aid the medical authorities of the Army and Navy of the United States in caring for the sick and wounded soldiers and sailors. You are directed to aid and assist the authorities of the Bay State as far as practicable. Very respectfully, R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. To the Officers Commanding United States Troops. Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, Boston, July 25, 1898. Gen. George M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. My Dear General: Equipment and circumstances permitting, the Massa- chusetts hospital ship Bay State, equipped by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, will sail August 1, and I have been asked to serve as surgeon- REPLY OP SURGEON-GENERAL. 733 superintendent. I shall esteem it a great favor if you will do what you can to enable me to make the ship as useful as possible as a supplementary aid to the medical departments of the United States Army and the United States Navy. If there are any letters of introduction that you may feel that you could give me I should naturally be very glad to receive them. The destination of the ship at the present moment has not been decided, but if it is left in my hands I shall telegraph to you at the last moment, asking for directions from you as Surgeon-General of the Army. Naturally, the ship hav- ing been equipped by the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, everyone here is especially desirous that we should afford aid first to Massachusetts troops, and naturally this would be my own wish, but I believe that I thoroughly under- stand the necessity for the ship going as a supplementary aid to the medical departments of the Army and Navy, as they may desire. However, my dear- General, I think you know me well enough to know that it will be my desire to assist in any way I find is for the best interests of all concerned. Begging for an early and, I trust, a favorable reply, Believe me, very truly, yours, Herbert L. Burrell. War Department. Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, July 27, 1898. Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, Commonwealth Building, 11 Mount Vernon Street, Boston, Mass. My Dear Dr. Burrell: I have received your letter of July 25 and thank you for the kind offer made. I think the best thing you can do when you are ready to sail will be to proceed directly to such seaport in Porto Rico as may serve as the base of operations for our troops, reporting upon your arrival to the chief sur- geon of the army in the field, and receiving from him instructions with reference to the care of such sick and wounded soldiers as may be intrusted to your charge. Very truly, yours, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, Boston, August 3, 1898. Gen. George M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army. Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: The hospital ship Bay State will. I believe at the present moment, sail on Saturday, August 6. Will you have the kindness to forward to me by post or wire, so that it will reach me before 6 a. m. on Saturday, August 6, any directions or suggestions that you desire to make to me. It is my desire to be of as efficient supplementary aid to the medical depart- ments of the United States Army and Navy as is practicable. The ship having been equipped by volunteer subscriptions from the people of Massachusetts, naturally it is their wish and most certainly it is my own desire to render as much aid as is practicable to Massachusetts soldiers and sailors. However, the ship is entirely for the purpose of doing as much good as is pos- sible in following suggestions or directions from the Surgeon-General of the Army and the Surgeon-General of the Navy. The practical point is that the conditions may change between now and the time of sailing, and consequently I shall esteem it a favor if you will wire me where to go to do the most good. Post will reach me at 22 Newbury street, Boston, up to Friday, August 5, at 5 734 INVESTIGATION OF CONDUCT OF WAR WITH SPAIN. p. m. Wire will reach me at the same place until 7 a. in. on Saturday, August 6, 1898. Very respectfully, Herbert L. Burrell, Surgeon-Superintendent Massachusetts Hospital Ship Bay State. Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, Boston, August 1, 1898. Gen. George M. Sternberg. Surgeon-General U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Inquiries have been made of the hospitals in this immediate com- munity who would be willing to take patients of the United States Army, if they were brought by the ship Bay State, and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to say to you that the Boston City Hospital will take 30; the Massachusetts General Hos- pital will take 30 to 50, and the Marine Hospital will take from 50 to 75, which would unquestionably cover any exigency that might arise. Further accommoda- tions could be arranged for, and I am positive that any troops that are brought here will not alone be welcomed, but will be very efficiently cared for. Very respectfully, yours, Herbert L. Burrell, Stirgeon-Superintendent Massachusetts Hospital Ship Bay State. War Department, Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, August 3, 1898. Dr. Herbert L. Burrell, Surgeon-Superintendent Massachusetts Hospital Ship Bay State, 11 Mount Vernon street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: Please convey my thanks to the officers in charge of the Boston City Hospital, the Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Marine Hospital for their kind offer ^o take care of any of our sick and wounded soldiers who may be brought to Boston on the ship Bay State. I gladly accept this offer, and leave it for you to place any soldiers you may bring home in these hospitals. Very respectfully, Geo. M. Sternberg, Surgeon-General U. S. Army.