In spite of the fact that I had nearly 1,000 men continuously at work on the roads, they were at times impassable for wagons.
The San Juan and Aguadores rivers would often suddenly rise so as to prevent the passage of wagons, and then the eight pack trains with the command had to be depended upon for the victualing of my Army, as well as the 20,000 refugees, who could not in the interests of humanity be left to starve while we had rations.
Often for days nothing could be moved except on pack trains.
After the great physical strain and exposure of July 1st and 2d, the malarial and other fevers began to rapidly advance throughout the command, and on July 4th the yellow fever appeared at Siboney. Though efforts were made to keep this fact from the Army, it soon became known.
The supply of Quartermaster and Commissary stores during the campaign was abundant, and notwithstanding the difficulties in landing and transporting the ration, the troops on the firing line were at all times supplied with its coarser components, namely, of bread, meat, sugar, and coffee.
There was no lack of transportation, for at no time up to the surrender could all the wagons I had be used.
In reference to the sick and wounded, I have to say that they received every attention that was possible to give them. The medical officers, without exception, worked night and day to alleviate the suffering, which was no greater than invariably accompanies a campaign. It would have been better if we had had more ambulances, but as many were taken as was thought necessary, judging from previous campaigns.
The discipline of the command was superb, and I wish to invite attention to the fact that not an officer was brought to trial by court martial, and, as far as I know, no enlisted men. This speaks volumes for an Army of this size and in a campaign of such duration.
In conclusion, I desire to express to the members of my staff my thanks for their efficient performance of all the duties required of them, and the good judgment and bravery displayed on all occasions when demanded.
I submit the following recommendations for promotion, which I earnestly desire to see made. It is a very little reward to give them for their devotion and fearless exposure of their lives in their country’s cause: