The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-07-30
AMERICANS IN POSSESSION OF
PONCE AND YAUCO
VICTORIES GAINED WITHOUT
LOSS OF A LIFE
TROOPS PRESSING ON TO THE, CAP
ITAL OF PORTO RICO

An Easy Victory Seems to m.
Store for Gen. Mi!es-sp,,,.h,
Fofces Make but a Feeble Show
of Resistance -Imnor,,
ohce as Base of Supplies
fauco Is Also "a Valuable strat-
egic Point to Possess-pou4
Hicans Receive the Americans
With Enthusiasm and saIute tho
Stars and StriDes.
WASHINGTON, July 2s.-The oos+
important news received at the war de-
partment today was the cableeran
from Gen. Miles announcing the exca1-
lent progress being made in Southern
Porto Rico and the capture of Ponce
Inc navy department also received a
cable announcing that the navy had
captured the city of Ponce and landed
the forces under Gen. Miles. Both
departments are very much satisfied
with what has been accomplished. ard
the tone OF both dispatches indicates
lhat the rivalry between the army and
navy for honors in the Spanish war is
not at an end. The department expects
an easy conquest of Porto Rico, and.
Notwithstanding the overtures for
peace made by Spain, the war will be
prosecuted vigorously in that island.
Following are the kilograms received
from Gen. Miles:
Port Ponce, Porto Rico, via St. Thomas.
July @.-Secreary of War, Washington: On
the 26th. Garretson had a spirited engage
ment on skrmish lire. Our casualties, four
wounded, all doing well. Spanish loss, three
killed thirteen wounded Yauco occupied
yesterday. >Henry's division there today Last
evening, Commander Davis Of the Dixie.
moved into this port, followed by Capt Hig-
ginson. with his feet early this morning.
Gen. Wilson, with Ernest brigade, now rapid
ly disembarking.
Spanish troops are retreating from southern
part of Porto Rico. Ponce and port have
population Of $4,000, now under American
nag. The populace received troops and sa-
lutsd the flag with wild enthusiasm Navy
has several prizes, also 70 lighters. Rail-
way stock partly destroyed now restored
Telegraph communication also being restored.
Gable instruments destroyed. Have sent to
Jamaica for others. This is a prosperous and
beautiful country. The army will soon be in
mountain region; weather delightful; troops
In best of health and spirits; anticipate rs
insurmountable obstacle in future Results
| thus far have been accomplished without the
loss OF a single life
Nelson A. Miles, Major General
Port Ponce, Porto Rico, July 2S-secretary
of War, Washington: In the affair of the
18th, Capt. Edward ]. Gibson, Company A,
was wounded in the left hip. Capt ]. H.
Prior. Company L, slightly wounded In
hand; Private James Drummond Company
K, two wounds in neck, and Private Benja-
min F. Bosbick, Company L, slight wound In
right arm; all of Sixth Massachusetts, All
doing WELL The Spanish retreat from the
place was precipitate; they leaving rifles and
ammunition in barracks and forty or fifty sick
In hospital. The people are enjoying a holi-
uay IN honor or our arrival. Miles.
ON TO YAUCo.
The American troops are pushing to-
ward the mountains and will join Gen.
Henry with his brigade at Yauco,
which has been captured by our troops.
A fight before the latter place on
Tuesday last was Won by the Ameri-
can volunteers.
The Spaniards ambushed eight COM
panies Of the Sixth Massachusetts and
Sixth Illinois regiments, but the enemy
was repulsed and driven back a mile
to a ridge where the Spanish cavalry
charged and were routed by our in
fantry.
Gen. Garretson led the fight with the
men from Illinois and Massachusetts,
and the enemy retreated to Yauco,
leaving four dead ON the field and sew
eral wounded.
The Porto Ricans are glad the Amer
lean troops have landed, and say they
are all Americans and will join our
army. The roads are good for mill
tary pusposes. Our troops are healthy
and Gen. Miles says the campaign viii
be short and vigorous.