of Enola Gardner rang out:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow." By that time the chorus was
full, and the tears on many a face told more plainly than words how
genuine was that praise, and when in response to a second suggestion "My
Country 'Tis of Thee" swelled out on the evening air in the farewell
rays of the setting sun, the State of Texas was nearing the dock, and
quietly dropping her anchor she lay there through the silence of the
night in undisputed possession, facing a bare wind-swept wharf and the
deserted city of Santiago.

Daybreak brought quiet to an end. The silence was no longer oppressive.
A hundred and twenty stevedores lined up on the wharf for work and
breakfast. The dock had tracks, and trucks running to its open
warehouses. Boxes, barrels, and bales, pitched out of that ship, thrown
onto the trucks and wheeled away, told the story of better days to come.
It was something to see the lank, brawny little army of stevedores take
their first breakfast in line, alongside of the ship.

Later in the day the flag-ship brought Admiral Sampson and Admiral
Schley, who spent several hours with us. They had every opportunity to
see how our work was done, and if we were equal to unloading our ship.
When they were about to leave Admiral Sampson was asked what orders or
directions he had for us. He replied: "You need no directions from me,
but if any one troubles you let me know."

The amiable pleasantries of these two gallant officers during that visit
are a pleasure to recall. As I was, at an opportune moment, attempting
to express my appreciation and thanks to Admiral Sampson for the
courtesy of allowing us to precede him into Santiago, Admiral Schley,
with that _naivete_ and apt turn of expression so characteristic of him,
in a half undertone side-remark, cautioned me with "Don't give him too
much credit, Miss Barton; he was not quite sure how clear the channel
might be. Remember that was a trial trip."

How sadly the recollection of that pleasant, memorable day has since
recurred to me; brave, gallant brothers in arms, and in heart; knowing
only a soldier's duty; each holding his country's honor first, his own
last; its glory his glory, and for himself seeking nothing more. Ah,
people, press, and politics! How deal ye with your servants?

A message was received from General Shafter, who telegraphed from his
headquarters; "The death rate at El Caney is terrible; can you send
food?" The answer was to se