The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-06-16

Copyrighted, 1898. hy the associated Press
UNITED STATES CAMP. EAST SIDE OF
GUANTANAMO BAY. June IA, D. IN. by the AS
Sociated Press dispatch boat Wanda. VIA Kingston.
Jamaica. Wednesday June Is 1880 p. m.-The
United States marines under Lieut.. Col Huntington
made their first aggressive movement against the
Spanish guerrillas today, and completely roued the
enemy. The force of marines under Capt Elliott,
and the cooperating Cubans were under Col La
borda The combined forces RACED Spanish camp
about five miles from the American position destroy
Ing the only well in the vicinity and Killing about
forty Spaniards. One American marine was slightly
wounded. Two Cubans were killed and four wound
ed Ii is impossible To estimate the number of Span
iards engaged, owing To the guerrilla methods of
fighting but il is believed there were nj least 400
The marines behaved splendidls. their marks
manshp being excellent under the severe fire of the
enemy The captured camp lies ahoat five miles
southeast of the rifle pits of the marines, and
important base for the enemy, it contained the
only we'll within six seven miles
Lieut.. Col. Huntington decided upon the attack
early in the day and about o'clock the force started
across the mountain The march up and down the
steep hillsdes under the glaring tropical was u
severe test of endurance for the marines and before
the battle-ground was reached twenty-five men had
received medical attention. All were able however
to reach the position before the fighting ceased The
marines compelled TO march in single file fol.
lowing the mountain trail Meanwhile the Cubans
darted forward, 10 right and left. on the scout
1t moor when. from a hilltop. the Americans
caught sight of the Spanish camp ON ridge below
them. 1t consisted Of one large house. the officers
quarters. surrounded by numerous 'shaeks' and
houses, all clustering about the precious well
The Americans began "a cautious advance. and
wi hin 300 yards of the enemy before the crack
of rifle from the Spanish lines announced that the
Spaniards had discovered them The troops quickly
moved into line of battle. with the Cnnans on the
left flank. The enemys bullets were whirline vi.
ciously the Americans. but the marines settled
down TO their work as unconcernedy though at
target practice.
Very few Spaniards were in sight. They were
lying behind the huts and the brush, but the puifs
Of smoke revealed their positions anc enabled tie
Americans 10 do effective work. For twenty min.
ues both sides maintained terrific fire. The Span.
aris' shots generally wild and spasrnodic while
the Americans fired away aiming carefully and
shooting To kill. For the most part the Americans
firing was done individually. bui at times the officers
would direct firing BY squads, always with telling
effect.
~
charge down the slope would b,- necessary to dis.
lodge tho enemy when Suddenly the latter began To
break for thcket hundred yards further on Little
groups could be- fleeing from the camp Separat-
ing STARTING through the brush and zigzageng TO
escape the shots. IT then that the American fire
became most deadly. Man after man was seen 10
fall in vain rush for shelter. and the fire from the
Spanish became scattered and almost ceased.
Two Cubans lay dead and four wounded and
Private Walker Of Company ID. Lad 10 limp TO the
rear with slight wound in his ankle.
The easy victory put the command in high spir.
it's The little black Cuban warriors waved their
machetes and howled 1T the Spanish in saw.
age fashion. Their FIRE had been wild throughout
but they all displayed The utmost contempt for the
spanish bullets, being absolutely without fear
As the enemy began breaking camp, the Dolphin,
which las al ses, signaled and began pitch.
ing shells toward the 'hickets for which The span.
lard. were making.
Meanwhile Lieut.. MagilI was seen coming with
forty men ~ renforcemenis, and Capt. Maoncy vas
on the way with hundred more, but before either