Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-01
AT SIBONEY.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GENERAL
WHEELER on THE ENGAGEMENT.
FIGHT FOR AN HOUR VERY WARM.
GaIInntry of Americans, OfHcers ans
Men, Heartily Commendec-kiflcd
and Wounded Of Spanish Must Have
Far Exceeded Our own.
Men, Heartily {

eral Wheelers official report to Major
General Shafter OF what is known as the
battle at siboney is as follows:
'In Camp. Juragua. June 29th
ITO the Acknowledgement of the Fifth
Army Corps:
"Sir,-I have the honor TO report that
In Obedience to the instructions OF the
major-general commanding given me In
person on June 2Sd, proceeded TO Sibo-
ney Juraguasito). The enemy had evac-
uated the place at daylight that morn
ing, taking a course toward Sevila.
body Of about one hundred Cubans had
followed and engaged the enemy's rear
guard. About nine of them We're wound
ed.
II rode out to the front and found the
enemy had halted and established them
selves at point about three miles from
to the vicinity of the town. At o'clock
that evening 0he 23d) General Young
reached Siboney with eight troops of
Colonel Woods regiment-A. B, ID, p. f,
G, K, and l., 600 strong; troops A, b, c,
and X, First Cavalry. in all 2H men, and
troops a, b. f. and J. of the Tenth
Cavalry. in all 220 men, making the total
force 96i men, which included nearly all
Of my command. which had marched
from Baiquirl, eleven miles.
CUBAN ASSISTANCE.
"With the assistance of General Cas-
tillo, a rough map OF the country was
prepared and the position of the enemy
was fully explained, and | determined TO
make an attack at daylight on the 9th.
Colonel Woods regiment was sent by
General Young, accompanied by two Of
his staff officers-Lieutenants Tyree K.
Rivers and w. r. Smedburg. Jr.--to APP
proach the enemy on the left-hand or
more westerly roads. while General
Young, myself. and about fifty troopers of
the First and Tenth Cavalry, with three
Hotchkss mountain guns. approached
the enemy on the regular Sevilla road
General Young and myself examined
the position of the enemy, the lines were
deployed, and directed him to open fire
with the Hotchkiss guns. The enemy re-
piled, and the firing Immediately be-
came general. Colonel Wood had deploy-
ed his right. nearly reaching the left
of the regulars.
For an hour the fight was very warm
the enemy being very lavish in the ex-
firing being by volleys.
FINALLY the enemy gave way and re-
treated rapidly. our side keeping well
closed upon them; but our men, being
physically exhausted by both their exer-
tions and the great heat, were incapable
Of maintaining the pursuit.
GALLANTRY OF OUR MEN.
81 cannot speak too highly of the gal
liant and excellent conduct Of the officers
and men throughout my command. Gene
raj Young deserves special cOmmenda-
tion for his cool, deliberate, and skilfu
management.
II also specially noticed his acting adj
jutant-gencral. Efeuteffdnt X L. Mills,
who, under General loungs direction
was at various parts of the line, acting
with energy and cool courage.
"The imperative necessity of dlsem-
barking with promptitude had impelled
me TO leave most Of my staff to hasten
this important matter and, unfortun1te-
ly, l only had with me Major W. ID.
Beach and Mr.. Mestro, an acting voun-
teer aide. both of whom, during the en-
gagement, acted creditably, and brayely
performed their duties.
Il am especially Indebted to Major
Beach for his cool and good judgment
Colonel Woods Regiment was on the
extreme left Of the line, and too far dis
tant for me to be n personal witness Of
the individual conduct of the officers and
men, but the magnificent bravery shown
by the regiment under the lead Of Colonel
Wood testifies to his courage and Skill
and the energy and determination Of his
officers, which have been marked from
the moment he reported to nle al Tampa,
and have abundant evidepce OF his
brave and good conduct on the field.
recommend him for the consideration OF
the government. | must rely upon his
report TO do justice TO his officers and
men. desire personally to add tina. all
/ have said regarding Colonel Wood ap-
plies equally to Colonel Roosevelt
II was Immediately with the troops OF
tn First and Tenth regiments of cavalry
dismounted and | personally noticed
their brave and good conduct, which viii
be especially mentioned by General
Young.
CONSPICUOUS FORTITUDE.
'T personally noticed the good conduct
of Captains w. II. Book, Robert p. Vain
wright, and Jacob G.. Galbraith. Major
James NJ. Bell, Captain Thomas r.
Know, and Lieutenant George f.. Brown.
The last three were wounded. Major Bell.
as he lay on the ground with broken
leg. said: I only regret l can't so on
with you farther
Captain Know, though severely wound
ed, continued as long as possible TO ox-
ercise his command, and insisted to me
he was not much hurt while Lieutenant
Brown, also made light % his wound to
me. and continued upon the line until he
tainted / recommend these officers TO
the favorable consideration of the gov
erIiment.
II cannot state positively as TO the size
of the Spanish force which we engaged.
or the extent OF their casualties, further
than that the force was much greater
than ours. and that information i have
would Indicate that their killed ana
wounded very far exceed the loss which
our troops sustained, but our estimate on
these points can only be verified when
we have access to the reports OF the
Spanish commanders. The engagement
inspired our troops, and must have had
a bad effect upon the spirits OF the Span
ish soldiers. 1t also gave our army the
beautiful and well-watered country In
which we have established our encamp-
ments. IL has also given us full view
of Santiago and the surrounding country,
and has enabled us 10 reconnoitre close
10 the fortifcations OF that place.
"Very respectfully
JOSEPH WHEELER,
.Afaior-GeneraI. United States Volunteers.
Commanding"
THE CASUALTIES.
..1'he casualties IN the engagement were:
"lirst Unitei States Volunteer Cava ry-
Strength. 5e; killed. s; wounded, "a.
'First United States Regular Cavalry
Strength. IA; killed. {; wounded. s.
Tenth United states Regular Cavalry
Strength. go; killed. ! wounded. 10.