Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1898-09-01

one OF those men VINO was never
nearer than half mile of our line
of battle, and who new is on his
way home.
1 have said this in justice to our
men and officers, knowing you will
believe me and correct the error.
Ten minutes before the battle
began 1 carried the word from
Capt. Capron to Col. Wood that
the enemy were in force on our
right and front, and very close to
us. Our hardest fighting was at a
range of thirty to fifty yards. We
knew that we were in an advan-
tagious position, sweeping their
flank by raking fire that made it
impossible to stay. To tell the
truth they were surprised; a hun
dred yards back we would have
been at their mercy, and under
their cross fire; as it was they were
at tremendous disadvantage.
My experience in campaigning
is limited but think it has been
very severe, though all the boys
have endured the hardships ex-
ceedingly well. Other than the
wounded we have had little sick
ness.
Considering the character of the
country the movements OF our
forces have been rapid indeed.
There are probably 1900 troops
at the front, twelve miles away,
and everything. ammunition and
supplies, have been carried over
one narrow and tortuous noun
tain trail, now perhaps worth the
dignity of road. All troops have
passed to the front in single file.
and most of the transportation has
been by pack trains.
From June oath to 30th our regi-
ment rested, and on that night
started for Santiago de Cuba. On
July 1st we had our second battle,
Beginning at z a. m. We were con-
stantly under fire for two days,
though most of our losses were in
the short space of one hour, from
l1:30 to 1890. We charged the
outer works of the Dons, driving
them to their second line oi
trenches; we drove them then into
the inner works, which they now
occupy. Our lines are strong and
safe and the whole city of Santiago
lies below our guns. Truce aftel
truce has been proclaimed anC
abandoned. Yesterday it was re
ported the city had surrendered
this morning the agreement ha
been declared of. Somethin!
should be done right away, for th'
fever and maIarial complaints ar
filling our hospitals and ever,
hour weakens our lines. Th'
enemy evidently realize now a
before that delay is their only sal
walton and perhaps may work ou
ruin. But we have them fenced
and can hold them with half ou
present force.
| 1 received a wound il the lei
shoulder on July 1st, but have no
been TO the hospital. My boy
have erected a tent upon the Sc
shore, floored it nicely and an
furnished with household furnitur
galore, captured from the Dons.
am in charge of the regiments
stores here, having relieved an
: other lieutenant who was her
during all our fighting. The arm
surgeons have tried to put M
aboard the hospital boat and shi
me, but now | have an order fror
Gen. Shafter permitting me
} stay. l visit the shore hospits
that my wound may be dresse
, and cared for, and thanks to exec,
. lent general health | am doin
, nicely. The bones are broken bu
/ not shattered, and a few NOR
weeks will see me well again. A
5 our wounded boys are doing eve
2 so we'll. Most are in the hospital
) of the United States, but few al
here with me. None of them al
in danger Of death resulting, bl
i one or two may be cripples, thoug
S / hope not.
4 trust you and your wife are j
/. the best of health and may enjo
| many years of prosperity.
: Accept my sincere regards an
! remember me to Judge Thoma
and wife.
| am yours sincerely,
r. c. Day,
First Lietenant Rough Rider
A Contrast.
r One is glad to claim kinshi
p with brave men. A week ago ii