The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-06-18
FORCE THE FIGHTING
Marines at Guantanamo Attack q
Spanish Outpost.
The Enemy Repuised, After a Fierce
Engagement, with n Loss of Forty
Dead-No Americans Killed
Work Of vesuvius.


United States Camp, Entrance of
Guantanamo Bay, via Kingston, ia
maica, June l6.-,The United States ma
rines and Cubans on Tuesday attacked
the Spanish camp, situated five miles
from the American Entertainments.
They completely routed a force of 400
Spaniards, breaking up their camp and
destroying the well which supplies them
with water. One American was slight
ly wounded, two Cubans were killed
and four Cubans were wounded. The
Spanish loss is believed to be 40 men
killed. Fifteen bodies have already
been discovered.
II is impossible TO estimate the mum
Der of Spaniards engaged, owing to
their guerilla methods of fighting, but
IL Is believed there were at least 400.
The marines behaved splendidly. their
Workmanship being excellent, even
under the severe fire of the enemy.
The captured camp lies about five miles
southeast of the rifle pits of the ma
rines and was an important base for the
enemy, as it contained the only well
within six or seven miles. Lieut.. Col.
Huntington decided on the attack early
In the day and at about eight o'clock
the force started across the mountain.
The march up and down the hillsides,
under the glazing tropical sun was
severe test of endurance for the ma
rines, and before the battle ground was
reached 20 men had received medical
attention. All were able, however, 10
reach the position before the fighting
ceased.
The Attack.
The marines were compelled TO
march in single file, following the
mountain trail. Meanwhile the Cubans
darted backward and forward TO right
and left, on the scout. II was noon
when from a hilltop the Americans
caught sight Of the Spanish camp lying
on a ridge below them. 1t consisted OF
one large house, the officers quarters,
surrounded by numerous "shacks" and
huts, all clustering about the precious
well. The Americans began a cautious
advance, and were within 200 yards OF
the enemy before the crack of a rifle
from the Spanish lines announced tina;
the Spaniards had discovered them
The troops quickly moved into line of
battle, with the Cubans on the left
flank. The enemy's bullets were whirl-
ing vicously over the Americans, but
the marines settled down TO their work
as unconcernedly as though at target
practice.
Very few Spaniards were in sight.
They were lying behind the huts and
IN the brush, but the puffs of smoke
revealed their positions and enabled
the Americans to do effective work. For
20 minutes both sides maintained ter
rife fire. The Spanish shots were gem
orally wild and spasmodic while the
Americans coolly fired away, aiming
carefully and shooting 10 kill. For the
most part the Americans firing was
done individually but at times the Off
GERS would direct firing by squads, al
ways with telling effect.
spaniards Retreat.
1t was beginning to look as though a
bayonet charge down the slope would
be necessary TO dislodge the enemy,
when suddenly the latter began 10
break for a thicket 100 yards further
on. Little groups could be seen fleeing
from the camp, separating darting
through the brush and zigzagging 10
escape the bullets. IL was then the
American fire became most deadly
Man after man could be seen 10 fall In
a vain rush for shelter; and the fire
from the Spanish became scattering
and almost ceased. Two Cubans lay
dead and four wounded, and Private
Walker, of company ID, had TO limp to
the rear with slight wound in his
ankle.
The easy victory put the command In
high spirits. The little black Cuban
warriors waved their machetes and
howled curses at the Spanish In savage
fashion. Their firing had been wild
throughout, but they all displayed the
utmost contempt for the Spanish bull
let's, apparently being absolutely with.
out fear.
AS the enemy began breaking from
the camp, the Dolphin, which lay out
at sea, was signalled and began pitch
ing shells toward the thicket for which
the Spaniards were making. Mean
while Lieut.. Magill was seen coming
with 40 men as reinforcements, and
Capt. Mahony was on the way with \
hundred more, but before either could
reach the scene the trouble was over.
Enemy Thoroughly beaten
AS the Spanish retreated the Amer.
leans moved slowly forward, firing as
they went, and by the time camp was
reached the enemy had all got away,
taking their wounded and probably
many of their dead. Fifteen bodie,
were found scattered through the
brush, but the Americans were unable
TO examine the spot where their firing
had been most deadly. No time wa.
lost In burning the buildings and filling
the well with earth and stones.
The Dolphin landed water and am
munition as an attack was expected o.
the return march, but none was made