quickest means of saving himself from further battle.  The great Spanish fleet hastily sought escape from the harbor and was destroyed by our matchless navy.

After seizing the fortifications of San Juan Ridge, you, in the darkness of night, strongly intrenched the position your valor had won.  Reinforced by Bates’ Brigade on your left and Lawton’s Division on your right, you continued the combat until the Spanish army of Santiago Province succumbed to the superb prowess and courage of American arms.  Peace promptly followed, and you return to receive the plaudits of seventy millions of people.

The valor displayed by you was not without sacrifice.  Eighteen per cent., or nearly one in five, of the Cavalry Division fell on the field either killed or wounded.  We mourn the loss of these heroic dead, and a grateful country will always revere their memory.

Whatever may be my fate, wherever my steps may lead, my heart will always burn with increasing admiration for your courage in action, your fortitude under privation and your constant devotion to duty in its highest sense, whether in battle, in bivouac or upon the march.

     JOSEPH WHEELER,
     Major-General U.S.V., Commanding.

Aside from that part of the Tenth Cavalry who fought under General Wheeler and who are consequently included among those congratulated by the General Order just quoted, Troop M of that regiment, under command of Lieutenant C.P.  Johnson, performed an important part in the war.  The troop consisted of 50 men and left Port Tampa June 21 on board the steamship Florida, the steamship Fanita also making a part of the expedition.  The troop was mounted and was accompanied by a pack train of 65 animals.  Both ships were heavily loaded with clothing, ammunition and provision, and had on board besides Lieutenant Johnson’s command, General Nunez and staff and 375 armed Cubans.  The expedition sailed around the west end of the island and attempted a landing at a point chosen by General Nunez on June 29, but failed owing to the fact that the place chosen was well guarded by Spaniards, who fired upon the landing party.  The expedition had with it a small gunboat, the Peoria, commanded by Captain Ryan, and on the afternoon of June 30th an attack was made upon a blockhouse on the shore by the gunboat, and a small force of Cuban and American volunteers landed, but were repulsed with the loss of one killed, General Nunez’s brother, and seven wounded.  Two days later Lieutenant Johnson was able to land and immediately made connection with General Gomez, unloading his stores for the Cuban Army.