and the village on your left.  You continued to advance, skilfully and bravely directed by the officers in immediate command, halting and delivering such a cool and well-directed fire that the enemy was compelled to wave the white flag in token of surrender.

     Seldom have troops been called upon to face a severer fire,
     and never have they acquitted themselves better.

The regimental reserve was called upon to try its nerve, by lying quiet under a galling fire, without the privilege of returning it, where men were killed and wounded.  This is a test of nerve which the firing line cannot realize, and requires the highest qualities of bravery and endurance.

     You may well return to the United States proud of your
     accomplishments; and if any one asks you what you have done,
     point him to El Caney.

But in the midst of the joy of going home, we mourn the loss of those we leave behind.  The genial, generous-hearted McCorkle fell at his post of duty, bravely directing his men in the advance on the stone fort.  He died as the soldier dies, and received a soldier’s burial.  He was beloved by all who knew him, and his name will always be fondly remembered by his regiment—­especially by those who participated in the Santiago campaign.  The officers of the regiment will wear the prescribed badge of mourning for Lieutenant McCorkle for thirty days.  And Corporal Benjamin Cousins, Privates Payne, Lewis, Strother, Taliaferro, Phelps, Howell, Steel and Leftwitch, sacrificed their lives on their country’s altar.  Being of a race which only thirty-five years ago emerged through a long and bloody war, from a condition of servitude, they in turn engaged in a war which was officially announced to be in the interest of humanity and gave all they had—­their lives—­that the oppressed might be free, and enjoy the blessings of liberty guaranteed by a stable government.  They also died like true soldiers and received a soldier’s burial.

     By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Daggett.

     M.D.  CRONIN,
     First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 25th Infantry.

MAJOR GENERAL AARON S. DAGGETT.

General Aaron S. Daggett is a native of Maine, born at Greene Corner, in that State, June 14, 1837.  He is descended from a paternal ancestry which can be traced, with an honorable record, as far back as 1100 A.D.  His mother was Dorcas C., daughter of Simon Dearborn, a collateral descendant of General Henry Dearborn.  His more immediate ancestors came from Old to New England about 1630, and both his grandparents served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.  He was educated in his native town, at Monmouth Academy, Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Bates College.  At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted as a private, April 27th, 1861, in the 5th Maine Infantry; was appointed second lieutenant May 1, and promoted first lieutenant May 24, 1861.  He commanded his company at the first Bull Run battle, and was promoted captain August 14, 1861.