The expedition was undertaken in compliance with telegraphic
instructions of May 30, 1898, from Headquarters of the Army, in which
it was stated:
"Admiral Schley reports that two cruisers and two torpedo boats have
been seen in the harbor of Santiago. Go with your force to capture
garrison at Santiago and assist in capturing harbor and fleet."
On this date there were a large number of transports in Port Tampa
Bay, which had been collected for the purpose of an expedition which
it had been previously contemplated I should command, and for such
other emergencies as might arise. Orders were immediately given for
loading aboard those transports the necessary subsistence and
quartermaster supplies, and for the embarkation of the authorized
number of troops and their material. General Orders No. 5, from these
headquarters, indicate the organizations it was at first proposed to
take.
The order is as follows:
"Headquarters 5th Army Corps,
"Tampa, Fla., May 31, 1898.
"G. O. 5.
"The following troops will hold themselves in readiness to move
immediately on board transports upon notification from these
headquarters:
"1. The 5th Army Corps.
"2. The Battalion of Engineers.
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