He got it. Another, and another, and still
another begged for oil; then regiments began to beg for oil; and
finally application was made for oil for a whole brigade. This led to
the following correspondence:
"Camp Six Miles from Santiago,
"29th June, 1898.
"The Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division, Present:
"Sir,--I have the honor to inform you that I have learned that some of
the rifles in this command are badly in need of oil, and that in some
companies there is no oil to use on them. These facts I learned
through requests to me for oil.
"I therefore report to you that my men found at Altares (the second
landing-place) and reported to me four (4) barrels of lard oil and
three (3) barrels of cylinder oil, in an old oil-house near the
machine shops.
"If this be procured and issued, it will save the rifles and carbines
from rust.
"Very respectfully,
"John H. Parker,
"Lt. Comdg. G. G. Detachment, 5th Corps."
First Endorsement.
"Headquarters Cavalry Division,
"Camp 6 miles east of Santiago de Cuba,
"June 29, 1898.
"Respectfully referred to the adjutant-general, 6th Army Corps.
"Jos. Wheeler,
"Major-General U. S. Vols., Comdg."
Second Endorsement.
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