_To the People of the United States of America_:
At this time, when to the yet fresh remembrance of the unprecedented
success which attended the operations of the United States fleet in the
bay of Manila on the 1st day of May last are added the tidings of the no
less glorious achievements of the naval and military arms of our beloved
country at Santiago de Cuba, it is fitting that we should pause and,
staying the feeling of exultation that too naturally attends great deeds
wrought by our countrymen in our country's cause, should reverently bow
before the throne of divine grace and give devout praise to God, who
holdeth the nations in the hollow of His hands and worketh upon them the
marvels of His high will, and who has thus far vouchsafed to us the
light of His face and led our brave soldiers and seamen to victory.
I therefore ask the people of the United States, upon next assembling
for divine worship in their respective places of meeting, to offer
thanksgiving to Almighty God, who in His inscrutable ways, now leading
our hosts upon the waters to unscathed triumph; now guiding them in
a strange land, through the dread shadows of death, to success, even
though at a fearful cost; now bearing them, without accident or loss, to
far distant climes, has watched over our cause and brought nearer the
success of the right and the attainment of just and honorable peace.
With the nation's thanks let there be mingled the nation's prayers that
our gallant sons may be shielded from harm alike on the battlefield and
in the clash of fleets, and be spared the scourge of suffering and
disease while they are striving to uphold their country's honor; and
withal let the nation's heart be stilled with holy awe at the thought
of the noble men who have perished as heroes die, and be filled with
compassionate sympathy for all those who suffer bereavement or endure
sickness, wounds, and bonds by reason of the awful struggle. And above
all, let us pray with earnest fervor that He, the Dispenser of All Good,
may speedily remove from us the untold afflictions of war and bring to
our dear land the blessings of restored peace and to all the domain now
ravaged by the cruel strife the priceless boon of security and
tranquillity.
WILLIAM McKINLEY.
WASHINGTON, D.C., _July 8, 1898_.
General SHAFTER,
_Playa, Cuba_:
Telegram which it appears you did not receive read as follows:
The President directs me to say you have the gratitude and thanks of the
nation for the brilliant and effective work of your noble army in the
fight of July 1. The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and men fill
the American people with pride. The country mourns the brave men who
fell in battle. They have added new names to our roll of heroes.
R.A. ALGER, _Secretary of War_.