"
Later the misfortunes of the First Illinois proved the opportunity of
the Eighth. This regiment was in Cuba, suffering terribly with the
fever, the men going down under its effects so rapidly that the
Colonel in command implored Governor Tanner "to use all influence at
Washington to secure the immediate recall of the First Illinois." When
the Governor received this message he sent for Colonel Marshall, of
the Eighth, and asked him to ascertain the sentiments of the officers
and men of his regiment in regard to being sent to relieve the First.
On the 4th day of August Colonel Marshall was able to send to
Washington the following dispatch:
"H. C. Corbin, Adjutant-General:--
"I called the officers of the Eighth Illinois, colored, in
conference and they are unanimously and enthusiastically in
favor of being sent to relieve the First Illinois at
Santiago."
To this hearty dispatch came the following reply:
"The Secretary of War appreciates very much the offer of the
Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for duty in Santiago,
and has directed that the regiment be sent there by steamer
Yale, leaving New York next Tuesday. The main trouble with
our troops now in Cuba is that they are suffering from
exhaustion and exposure incident to one of the most trying
campaigns to which soldiers have ever been subjected.
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