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T. G. Steward - The Colored Regulars in the United States Army

T >> T. G. Steward >> The Colored Regulars in the United States Army




The Adjutant-General, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

Sir:--I have the honor to submit a supplementary report to
the original one made on the 19th (16th) of July, 1898, of
the battle of El Caney de Cuba, so far as relates to the
part taken therein by the Twenty-fifth Infantry:

1. I stated in the original report that the Twenty-fifth
Infantry, in advancing, broke away from and left the Fourth
Infantry behind. This may inferentially reflect on the
latter regiment. It was not so intended, and a subsequent
visit to the battle-field convinces me that it would have
been impossible for the regiment to advance to the fort,
and, although it might have advanced a short distance
farther, it would have resulted in a useless slaughter, and
that the battalion commander exercised excellent judgment in
remaining where he did and by his fire aiding the
Twenty-fifth Infantry in its advance.

2. Colonel Miles, the then brigade commander, informed me
that his first report of the battle would be brief and that
a later and full report would be made. In his former report
I think he failed to give credit to myself and regiment. As
he was soon after relieved of the command of the brigade I
assume that no further report will be made.

I have reported what the regiment did, but said nothing
about my own action. I must, therefore, report it myself or
let it go unrecorded. Distasteful as it is to me, I deem it
duty to my children to state the facts and my claims based
thereon, as follows:

1. I was ordered to put two companies in the firing line.
Before this line advanced the brigade commander informed me,
and personal examination verified, that my right was in the
air and exposed. On my own judgment I ordered a company, as
flankers, to that part of the line.

2. As soon as the line had rested and become steadied at its
first halt I ordered it to advance, and it continued to
advance, although it broke away from the rest of the
brigade.

3. As this exposed the left to a galling and dangerous fire,
I ordered, on my own judgment, a company to re-enforce that
part of the line and a company from the regimental reserve
also to the fighting line.

These are the facts, and as my orders were to keep my left
joined to the right of the Fourth Infantry, and received no
further orders, my claims are as follows:

1. That it was necessary to place a company on the right as
flankers.

2. That the conditions offered an opportunity to advance
after the first halt, and I took advantage of it.

3. That the left being exposed by this advance of the line
beyond the rest of the brigade, it was proper and necessary
to re-enforce it by two companies.

4. That the two companies first deployed could not have
reached the stone fort.

5. That the three companies added to the firing line gave it
the power to reach the fort.

6. That the advance beyond the rest of the brigade was a
bold and, without support, dangerous movement, but that the
result justified the act. Had it failed I would have been
held responsible.

7. That I saw at each stage of the battle what ought to be
done, and did it. Results show that it was done at the right
moment.

8. That the Twenty-fifth Infantry caused the surrender of
the stone fort.

I desire to repeat that it is with great reluctance that I
make so much of this report as relates to myself, and
nothing but a sense of duty would impel me to do it.

Very respectfully,

A.S. DAGGETT,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Twenty-fifth Infantry, Commanding.


LOSSES OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

Killed.--Lieutenant H.L. McCorkle, Company G; Private Albert
Strother, H; Private John W. Steele, D; Corporal Benj.
Cousins, H; Private John B. Phelps, D; Private French Payne,
B; Private Aaron Leftwich, G; Private Tom Howe, D.

Wounded.--Company A: Private William H. Clarke, Sergeant
Stephen A. Browne. Company B: Private Tom Brown. Company C:
Lieutenant John S. Murdock, Private Joseph L. Johnson,
Private Samuel W. Harley, Private John A. Boyd. Company D;
Captain Eaton A. Edwards, Sergeant Hayden Richards, Private
Robert Goodwin. Company E: Lieutenant H.L. Kinnison, Private
James Howard, Private John Saddler, Private David C. Gillam,
Private Hugh Swann. Company F: First Sergeant Frank Coleman.
Company G: Corporal James O. Hunter, Private Henry
Brightwell, Private David Buckner, Private Alvin Daniels,
Private Boney Douglas, Private George P. Cooper, Private
John Thomas, Corporal Gov. Staton, Private Eugene Jones.
Company H: Private James Bevill, Private Henry Gilbert.

Wounded July 2.--Private Elwood A. Forman, H; Private Smith,
D; Private William Lafayette, F.

COMPLIMENTARY ORDER.

Headquarters 25th Infantry,

Near Santiago de Cuba, August 11, 1898.
General Orders No. 19.

The regimental commander congratulates the regiment on the
prospect of its speedy return to the United States.

Gathered from three different stations, many of you
strangers to each other, you assembled as a regiment for the
first time in more than twenty-eight years on May 7, 1898,
at Tampa, Florida. There you endeavored to solidify and
prepare yourselves, as far as the oppressive weather would
permit, for the work that appeared to be before you; but,
who could have fortold the severity of that work?

You endured the severe hardships of a long sea voyage, which
no one who has not experienced it can appreciate. You then
disembarked, amidst dangerous surroundings; and on landing
were for the first time on hostile ground. You marched,
under a tropical sun, carrying blanket-roll, three days'
rations, and one hundred rounds of ammunition, through rain
and mud, part of the time at night, sleeping on the wet
ground without shelter, living part of the time on scant
rations, even, of bacon, hard bread and coffee, until on
July 1 you arrived at El Caney. Here you took the battle
formation and advanced to the stone fort, more like veterans
than troops who had never been under fire. You again
marched, day and night, halting only to dig four lines of
intrenchments, the last being the nearest point to the enemy
reached by any organization, when, still holding your
rifles, within these intrenchments, notice was received that
Santiago and the Spanish army had surrendered.

But commendable as the record cited may be, the brightest
hours of your lives were on the afternoon of July 1. Formed
in battle array, you advanced to the stone fort against
volleys therefrom, and rifle-pits in front, and against a
galling fire from blockhouses, the church tower 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.

[Illustration: Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Daggett]

From the first engagement of the regiment to the end of its three
years' memorable service, Captain Daggett proved a faithful and
gallant soldier. He was promoted major, January 8th, 1863; on January
18th, 1865, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 5th Regiment,
United States Veteran Volunteers, Hancock Corps, and was brevetted
colonel and brigadier-general of volunteers, March 13, 1865, for
"gallant and meritorious services during the war." He also received
the brevets of major in the United States Army for "gallant and
meritorious services at the battle of Rappahannock Station, Va.,"
November 7, 1863, and lieutenant-colonel for "gallant and meritorious
services in the battle of the Wilderness, Va." Immediately after the
battle of Rappahannock Station, the captured trophies, flags, cannons,
etc., were escorted, by those who had been most conspicuous in the
action, to General Meade's headquarters, Colonel Daggett being in
command of the battalion of his brigade. General Upton to whom he owed
this distinction, wrote of him as follows:

"In the assault at Rappahannock Station, Colonel Daggett's
regiment captured over five hundred prisoners. In the
assault at Spottsylvania Court House, May 10, his regiment
lost six out of seven captains, the seventh being killed on
the 12th of May, at the "angle," or the point where the tree
was shot down by musketry, on which ground the regiment
fought from 9.30 A.M. to 5.30 P.M., when it was relieved. On
all these occasions Colonel Daggett was under my immediate
command, and fought with distinguished bravery.

"Throughout his military career in the Army of the Potomac,
he maintained the character of a good soldier and an upright
man, and his promotion would be commended by all those who
desire to see courage rewarded."

General Upton also wrote to the Governor of Maine as follows:

"I would respectfully recommend to Your Excellency, Major
A.S. Daggett, formerly 5th Maine Volunteers, as an officer
highly qualified to command a regiment. Major Daggett served
his full term in this brigade with honor both to himself and
State, and won for himself the reputation of being a brave,
reliable and efficient officer. His promotion to a colonelcy
would be a great benefit to the service, while the honor of
his State could scarcely be entrusted to safer hands."

He was subsequently recommended for promotion by Generals Meade,
Hancock, Wright and D.A. Russell. He was in every battle and campaign
in which the Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, was engaged, from the
first Bull Run to Petersburg, and was twice slightly wounded. On July
28, 1866, without his knowledge or solicitation, he was appointed a
captain in the U.S. Regular Army, on recommendation of General Grant,
and has since been promoted colonel in this service. During his
subsequent career he has won the reputation of being a fine tactician
and of being thoroughly versed in military law, as is indicated by
Major Hancock's commendatory words in 1878:

"I look upon him as by far the best tactician in the
regiment, and as for a thorough, clear knowledge of tactics
his superior is not in the army. As regards military and
civil law, I know of no one so well informed."

His ability and soldierly qualities have also been highly commended by
General Crook, Colonel Hughes--Inspector-General in 1891--and Colonel
----, Inspector-General in 1892.

Not only as a soldier, but in many other ways, has General Daggett
distinguished himself. As a public speaker the following was said of
him by the Rev. S.S. Cummings, of Boston:

"It was my privilege and pleasure to listen to an address
delivered by General A.S. Daggett on Memorial Day of 1891. I
had anticipated something able and instructive, but it far
exceeded my fondest expectations. The address was dignified,
yet affable, delivered in choice language without
manuscript, instructive and impressive, and highly
appreciated by an intelligent audience."

General Daggett is noted for his courteous and genial manner, and his
sterling integrity of character. He is a member of the Presbyterian
church.

War Department, Inspector-General's Office,
Washington, Jan. 6th, 1899.

To the Adjutant-General, U.S.A., Washington, D.C.

Sir:--I desire to recommend to your favorable consideration
and for advancement in case of the reorganization of the
Regular Army, Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Daggett, 25th U.S.
Infantry.

I have known Colonel Daggett for a long time; he served in
the War of the Rebellion with the 5th Maine Volunteers and
acquitted himself with much honor; he served in Cuba in the
war with Spain, commanding the 25th U.S. Infantry, and was
conspicuous for gallantry at the battle of El Caney. He is
an officer of the highest character, intelligent, courageous
and energetic.

I sincerely trust that he may receive all the consideration
he deserves.

Very respectfully,

(Sd) H.W. LAWTON,
Major-General, U.S.V.

A true copy:


M.D. CRONIN,
First Lieutenant and Adjutant 25th Infantry.
Headquarters Department of the East,
Governor's Island, New York City,
December 29, 1898.

Honorable R.A. Alger, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.

Sir:--I recommend to the favorable consideration of the
Secretary of War for promotion to Brigadier-General, Colonel
A.S. Daggett, 25th Infantry. This officer has an excellent
war record; his service has been faithful since then, and in
the recent Spanish-American war he distinguished himself by
his good judgment and faithful attention to duty, as well as
for gallant service in action. An appointment of this
character will be very highly appreciated throughout the
army as a recognition of faithful, meritorious and gallant
service. From my observation of Colonel Daggett he is well
qualified for the position.

Very respectfully,

(Sd) WM. R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, U.S. Volunteers.

M.D. CRONIN,

A true copy:

First Lieutenant and Adjutant 25th Infantry.

To this very brilliant official record it is necessary to add but a
word personal. Colonel Daggett is a typical New Englander; tall,
well-formed, nervous and sinewy, a centre of energy, making himself
felt wherever he may be. Precise and forceful of speech, correct and
sincere in manners, a safe counsellor and a loyal friend, his
character approaches the ideal. Stern and commanding as an officer he
is nevertheless tender and sympathetic. His very sensitiveness
concerning the feelings of others embarrasses him in giving expression
to his own feelings on seeing suffering, unless it should be urgent,
but those who know him best know him to be just, humane and tender. No
man could have taken more care than he did for his regiment in Cuba.
Hating oppression and wrong with a vehemency suited to his intense
nature, he nevertheless deplores war and bloodshed. The President of
the United States never did a more worthy act than when he gave to
Lieutenant-Colonel A.S. Daggett of the Twenty-fifth Infantry his
commission as Brigadier-General of Volunteers in recognition of his
valor and skill at El Caney and of his general efficiency as an
officer in our army.

TESTIMONIES CONCERNING THE WORK OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY BEFORE EL
CANEY.


Headquarters First District, Southern Luzon,
El Deposito, P.I., April 20, 1900.

My Dear General Daggett:--Some time ago I received a letter
from you asking me to make an official statement as to where
and at what objective the energies and fire of the 25th
Infantry were directed during the battle of El Caney, Cuba,
July 1, 1898.

In reply I have the honor to officially state that about
noon July 1, 1898, the regiment moved from the mango grove,
near the Ducro House, toward a stone fort located on a hill,
near the town of El Caney.

It arrived at about one of the afternoon at a point about
eight hundred yards to the south and east of the fort;
immediately deployed, and the First Battalion, under command
of Captain Walter S. Scott, and of which I was adjutant,
designated as the attacking line. Presently, after advancing
a few yards, we were subjected to a galling fire from the
stone fort, the trenches in its front and from a blockhouse
on its right. The line steadily moved forward, directing its
fire at the stone fort and the trenches surrounding it. When
within about one hundred and fifty yards from the fort the
line was halted, and several sharpshooters, directed by
their company officers to fire at the loopholes. Finally,
when the men had regained their wind, a rush was made, part
of the line going through a cornfield. At the foot the line
was again halted, and after a few moments' rest charged up
the hill, and the fort surrendered.

I went to the fort and found a Spanish lieutenant and seven
enlisted men whom I passed out and were taken charge of by
an officer of the 12th Infantry. This was about 3.50 P.M.

* * * * *

Note.--Since the above was written, General Daggett
served with great distinction in the Philippines and in
China, and was retired as a brigadier-general--a hero
of four wars. A bill is now before Congress to make him
a major-general, an honor to which he is most justly
entitled.

* * * * *

As soon as the line reached the top of the hill it was
fired on from the town, which had before been masked by the
hill; the fire was of course returned, and this was the
first fire from the battalion directed at the town. About
five o'clock firing had ceased, the battalion was assembled
and marched away.

(Sd) H.W. FRENCH,
First Lieutenant, 17th Infantry (late Second Lieutenant 25th
Infantry).

A true copy:

H.G. LEARNARD,
Capt. and Adj. 14th Infantry.
Manila, P.I., March 30, 1900.

I certify that in the action of El Caney, Cuba, July 1,
1898, the company I commanded, i.e., H, 25th Infantry,
directed its fire almost exclusively on the stone fort and
the trench a few yards from its base. That very little of
this company's fire was directed on the town and none before
the fort was carried.

(Sd) VERNON A. CALDWELL,
First Lieutenant, 25th Infantry.

A true copy:

H.G. LEARNARD,
Capt. and Adj. 14th Infantry.
Tayug, Luzon, Philippine Islands,
April 17th, 1900.

To Those in Military Authority.

Regarding the battle of El Caney, Cuba, July 1, 1898, I
hereby certify:

1. From about 1.20 o'clock P.M. to the time of the capture
of the town of El Caney, I was in command of two
companies--C and G--forming part of the 25th U.S. Infantry
firing line.

2. From about 2.55 o'clock P.M. to the time of the capture
of the town, very nearly the entire 25th Infantry firing
line was under my observation.

3. From about 2.55 o'clock P. M. to about 3.20, the time of
the surrender of the stone fort to the east of the town, the
fire of the entire 25th Infantry firing line within my sight
was directed against the fort.

4. During this period of the battle the 25th Infantry firing
line was about 150 yards from the stone fort.

5. From the time the firing line began firing--about 1
o'clock P.M.--to the time of the surrender of the stone
fort--about 3.20 P.M.--the companies under my command and
all others under my observation concentrated their fire on
the fort.

6. About 3.20 P.M., I was standing about 150 yards from the
stone fort, and I plainly and distinctly saw a Spaniard
appear in the door of the fort, and, for two or three
seconds, wave a white flag at the 25th Infantry firing line,
and upon being shot down, another Spaniard picked up the
flag and likewise waved it at the 25th Infantry firing line.

7. After the white flag had twice been presented to the 25th
Infantry firing line, and after all fire from the stone fort
had ceased, the firing line rushed forward, took up a
position facing to their left--that is, facing the town--and
began a vigorous fire on a small blockhouse and on the town.

Respectfully,

JAMES A. MOSS,
First Lieutenant, 24th U.S. Infantry.



RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN, BY CAPTAIN R.H.R.
LOUGHBOROUGH, 25TH U.S. INFANTRY.

The 25th U.S. Infantry left its stations in Montana on the
10th of April, 1898; six companies (B, C, D, E, F and H)
went in camp at Chickamauga National Park; the other two
companies (A and G) went to Key West, Fla.

On May 6th the six companies at the Chickamauga National
Park moved by rail to Tampa, Fla., arriving the night of the
7th, where they were joined by the two companies from Key
West. With the exception of three days in 1870, the regiment
had never been together since its organization in 1869. It
necessarily followed that many of the officers, as well as
men, were strangers to each other.

Our camp at Tampa was fair; the ground is sandy and flat,
but as the rainy season had not set in, it was dry and the
health was good. Drills and parades were held daily (Sundays
excepted), but on account of the intense heat the hours for
it were limited to the early mornings and after sunset. The
clothing of the men was the same they had worn in Montana,
and did not add to their comfort. Supplies of all kinds
(except rations) came by piecemeal, and we finally sailed
for the tropics with the same clothing used in the
Northwest.

At 6 o'clock P.M. June 6th the regiment received orders to
strike tents and be ready to move within an hour; the order
was immediately complied with, though the necessary
transportation to move the baggage did not report until the
forenoon of the following day; it was not far from noon when
the last of it left the camp for the railroad station, en
route to Port Tampa, where we were to embark on transports
for the seat of war.

As soon as the camp equipage was started, the regiment was
formed and marched to West Tampa (about three miles), where
we took a train for Port Tampa, distant nine miles. On
arrival, the regiment boarded the steamer "Concho," one of
the vessels to carry the expedition to its destination. The
4th U.S. Infantry had preceded us, and the next day a
battalion of the 2d Massachusetts Volunteers was put on, but
owing to the crowded condition of the ship, a few days later
they were transferred to another vessel.

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