Evening star., 1897-02-27
4 Remark bic Victory,

At the battle of Saratoga he hastily gath
cred together 800 men 10 meet the advanc-
ing column of Castellanos on its way to the
relief of Guaymaro. When the commander
in-chief arrived In Camaguey he had with
him only his personal escort of 80 men, his
army having been left in the west with
MGccO- This little body of $50 men met
defeated and drove back the 200 Spanish
troops under Castellanos in spite of artil-
lery and unlimited ammunition In the
hands OF the enemy. The fight lasted four
days The Spanish fired 5000 rounds, the
insurgents l2Gn- Three hundred and
twenty-five of the peninsular force were
buried between Saratoga and the city of
Puerto Principe The Cubans lost 6J killed
and 1SI wounded. True, the Cubans had
the advantage of position. They always
have Less than a hundred of Gen Co.
mez's forces mad ever before been under fire.
but no men ever fought more calmly and
courageously- The eagle eye of Gomez was
on them, and by his presence and personal
magnetism he made these raw recruits
fight Ike old veterans.
II in this battle that Brauolio Pena
woI GOmez's everlasting esteem and the
title OF "Csmagueys fighting colonel"
while Gen Suarez. through his failure to
come TO the front with ioo reinforcements
met the rebuke and disgrace which after
ward caused his death
The Fighting Colonel.
1t was noon of the second days fight
when Co. Pena and his escort of 80 men,
tired. hungry and overheated. rode into
Gen. Gomez's presence.
Where can you use me and my men,
general asked the painting colonel
You look worn out" remarked Gen
Gomez.
Perhaps but our guns are In good
order" replied the colonel
You had better get a bite to eat before
going into action, suggested Gomez
our appetteS VIII be better after we
have burnt little powder" pleaded Pena
But you have ridden all night urged
Gomez
Yes. general. we have ridden seventy
miles 10 reach this battle: we have used up
sixty horses 10 get here. We are tired and
hungry. but We have been listening 10 the
sound OF the Spanish cannon since day
hight We nave lived for the last fifteen
hours on the hope of taking part in this
fight For Gods sake. general. don't stop
US now that We are In sight of the enemyi'
Il won't, replied Gomez. Take pos
session Of yonder hill TO The left and hold
sition-"
Il had 70 send an orderly twice" General
Gomez afterward told me. before i could
get Pena and his men OFF that hill The
spaniards had almost surrounded II when
ne discovered that he had barely time to
cut his way out and retreat"
The DIsgraced General.
Poor Suarez met his overthrow at the
PANE time. The day after the battle he
- A--No b1AAAfl camp Win men lie
had been but six miles away during the
fight. and had failed TO put in an appear
Rnce. Gomez looked at him for a moment
In uudiSsuised contempt. and then COM
nienced TO study the surrounding forest
trees.
Why are you here?" Gomez finally asked.
81 came TO report answered Suarez
After the battle?' asked Gomez
= could not reach you sooner"
You could neither cross nor go around
those hilIs2'' inquired Gomez.
Ny practice (guide) could not hnd the
way"
Gomez motioned the guide who stood
near to approach
Are you honest man?" asked the
General
Z have been so brought up" answered
You know the trails in the Najassa dis
trict?''
II do. general"
You could have conducted that man to
me. could you not?''
Il could have led his column to you two
hours after the battle began, but General
eUarez seemed to prefer ways other than
the most direct. and"
Enough. He Is General Suarez no long,
sr Turning hercely upon the latter he
continued You needed Euide to brinG
you here The sound of battle is sufficient
TO lead any soldier to the front. Six miles
only separated your command from mine
NO true Cuban would have slept until he
had Joined his comrades. You are not 9
patrfot-you are Q coward. Your men bow
their heads in shame for you You are