The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-28
IS WON BY THE REBELS,
Fierce Battle, in Which the
Spanish Soldiers Are
Defeated.
During the Furious Conflict Several
Hundred Are Killed on
Either Side.

GAINESVILLE, FLA, April PA let
ter has been received here from one of the
camps of Cuban insurgents. 1t was written
to friend in this city by Captain Hanna,
the Pennsylvania in command of an in
dependent company of American volun-
teers from the insurgent camp near Puerto
Principe, Cuba, April 20. He says:
"After many days of battle we are in
sight of Puerto Principe. We left Camp
Liberty on the morning of April IA and
proceeded all day without noteworthy in
reference. Next morning we broke camp
at 80 o'clock. About noon our advance
guard was fired upon by Spanish guerrillas
under comm land of Captain Ballabao, who
mistook our advance guard for small bands
of insurgents. Our main command came
on a double quick, and when Captain Bal
labao saw how strong our forces were he
promptly surrendered. We captured fifty
five with their arms and equipments, losing
three men killed and seven wounded.
1--WE again took the march, camping at
4P.M. During the night our spies brought
word that the Spaniards were out in force
about six miles to the front and intended
to give US battle in the morning. Colonel
Artino, who was in command, ordered us
to advance and surprise them, but we
found them drawn up in line of battle and
ready to receive US. By this time it was
almost day break. We soon found that
they outnumbered us two to one. My
company, together with Companies B,
and D, were sent at the Spaniards center,
Companies E, F and G were sent against
their left and Companies and K and the
Texas Rangers were sent to break through
their right, if possible.
Though battery and troops of cavalry
were posted with us, my company had the
honor of leading the charge. Our Calling
guns did havoc among their ranks. The
enemy held their fire until we were within
100 yards of them, when they opened a
deadly fusillade, doing much damage to
our ranks and staggering us. We soon
rallied and in amoment were among them.
Our Winchesters soon did the work and
the Spaniards were flying from before us.
They rallied and tried to dislodge US, but
having the advantage we held our own,
driving them back in confusion. Again
they charged, but each time they were re-
pulsed with heavy loss.
'On the right the Rangers were as sue
cessful as ourselves, but on the left our
forces were having hand-to-hand conflict.
We went to their relief and the victory
was soon ours. Out of 1900 men we lost
235 killed and wounded. Our colonel was
killed, together with two captains and
eight lieutenants, one captain being
among the Rangers.
eve came in sight of Puerto Principe on
the 18th. We have been harassed by the
enemy constantly on the march. We ex-
pect to be REINFORCED by two regiments OF
infantry tomorrow, when we will attack
Puerto Principe. which is defended by a
large force of Spaniards. In our battles we
secured supply of ammunition and arms,
with large stock of supplies. FROM the
prisoners we have learned that the enemy
we engaged consisted of the Second and
Fifth battalions of Spain and an infantry
regiment of the regular army of Cuba. We
are receiving help from the United States
daily, and. as every Cuban in the insur-
gent ranks has entered with the expecta-
ton to win, we are hopeful"