The Great Galveston Disaster / Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times Including Vivid Descriptions of the Hurricane and Terrible Rush of Waters; Immense Destruction of Dwellings, Business Houses, Churches, and Loss of Thousands of Human Lives; Thrilling Tales of Heroic Deeds; Panic-Stricken Multitudes and Heart-Rending Scenes of Agony; Frantic Efforts to Escape a Horrible Fate; Separation of Loved Ones, etc., etc.; Narrow Escapes from the Jaws of Death; Terrible Sufferings of the Survivors; Vandals Plundering Bodies of the Dead; Wonderful Exhibitions of Popular Sympathy; Millions of Dollars Sent for the Relief of the Stricken Sufferers

by Paul Lester

OFFICIAL REPORTS TO THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

Washington, Sept. 14.—The War Department has received several telegrams relating to the conditions at Galveston. The following is from Governor Sayres:

“Austin, Tex., Sept. 13.—Will wire you if any further aid be necessary. Please express to the Department my most grateful acknowledgment for its prompt and generous assistance.

“JOSEPH D. SAYRES,

“Governor.”

General McKibbin, September 12th, reports generally upon the condition at Galveston as follows:

“General conditions are improving every hour. Repairs to water works will by to-morrow insure water supply for fire protection. Provisions of all kinds are being received in large quantities; enough are now en route and at Houston to feed all destitute for thirty days. There is no danger of suffering from lack of food or shelter. City under perfect control, under charge of Committee of Safety. Loss of life is probably greater than my conservative estate of yesterday. Property loss enormous; not an individual in the city has escaped some loss; in thousands of instances total loss.

“To-day, in company with Colonel Roberts and Captain Riche, made an inspection at Fort Crockett, and by tug of the fortifications at Forts San Jacinto and Travis, with the exception of battery for two four seven-tenths rapid fire guns batteries may be considered non-existent. Captain Riche has forwarded by wire this evening full report of conditions to chief engineer. I coincide in recommendation that all fortifications and ordnance property be transferred to engineer officer here for salvage. Earnestly recommend that Battery O, First Artillery, be ordered to Fort Sam Houston for recuperation and equipment; officers and men are entirely destitute. At present a large number are injured and unfit for duty. Impossible at present to furnish them with ordinary camp equipage, clothing, as all transportation facilities are being utilized to bring in food supplies.

“McKIBBIN, Commanding.”

In a previous report General McKibbin praises the conduct of the regulars. Acting upon the recommendation of General McKibbin, Adjutant General Corbin to-day ordered Battery O, First Artillery, from Galveston to Fort Sam Houston.