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188 Mitchell, chief surgeon; Jonas Lien of Sioux Falls, adjutant; and Rev. Charles M. Daley, chaplain. While the regiment was recruiting, fitting, and training, news of the great naval victory in Manila Bay was received, and it was soon determined by the federal authorities to send the South Dakotans to the Philippines;

but Manila was captured and the war with Spain was over before the arrival of the South Dakotans' transports. Colonel Frost proved himself an able and firm disciplinarian; and he landed his men at Manila, on the 25th of August, in good health, thoroughly trained soldiers. Upon general inspection of all the troops in the island, Major-General Otis selected the South Dakotans as best fitted to take the field, and at the first crisis, on September 10, they were placed under marching orders and so held until the crisis had passed. As a mark of special distinction the regiment was selected to furnish guards for Generals Otis, McArthur, and Hale.

The first shot fired by an American soldier in the hostilities which ensued was fired by Private Smith of Company E on the night of January 10, 1899, three days after