Washington sentinel., 1898-09-24
CHAPTER w.
THE BATTLE OF THE HILL.

July I-Reveille sounded at 4. 30 am,
and we had hurried breakfast. Then
we struck camp and hurried forward
toward Santiago. We crossed a large
stream FIVE times, sometimes wadIng Hp
to our breasts. The Cubans in bare teet
and characteristic dress, marched with
US. Shots were fired an around US. and
we were order to drop our blankets and
fill our canteens from the muddy stream.
Company F went right up the hill and
was in the thicksst OF the fight. The
Spanish trenches and blockhouses on
San Juan Hill were bristling with bayo-
nets, but as we gained the top of the hill
with the regulars and Rough Riders the
SpanaTds were in full retreat. Old
Glory was planted on the hill and a
rousing American cheer greeted it. We
were Withdrawn from the firing line and
acted as support for a few minutes.
Again we went to the hring line and
again we were Withdrawn without loss.
So we continued until the day ended.
The smoke from our guns drew the fire
from the enc my, and the bullets raned
around US, but only one member of Co.
F vas killed, although many were
wounded, After dark we had a sleep
until we were called to dig trenches
early in the morning.
July 2-We have again been in the
trenches. The firing was hot, but there
was little loss on either side.
July 3-We went to sleep last night on
the wet ground where the mud and
slush was up to our knees. Suddenly
we were disturbed by the call, "Co. +,
| fall in." So we awoke from the peace
fulness Of sleep to the hellishness OF the
most severe attack Of the last three DAYS
battle. The Spanish made a night
attack about Ills pm., and such fusil.
lade, 1t seems to me, was never heard
and never will be again. Truly war is
hell, The Spanish were repulsed with
heavy losses. Our loss was slight. For
the rest of the night we slept by our
guns. AT daybreak the firing COM
menced again, and continued through
out the forenoon Sampson also bonn.
barded. At about noon flag Of trace
was sent to the Spanish lines asking them
to surrender. Toward night we heard OF
the great victory over this Spanish feet,
The flag OF truce is still flying as the day
closes.
July 4-The flag Of truce is still up and
we have a chance to learn what has been
going on around US. Our hospitals are
are full OF sick and wounded
Many Of the wounded were not cared
for Tor days after they were injured
July G7-Had no time to write sine,
July S and can only write from memorl
now. The flag OF truce came down alte
a few days and the artillery fire wa
opened again for a short time. wa
in the trenches the most OF the time
, When General Miles arrived he ordere'
. American flags raised all around tn
| / city. This frightened the Spauiards AM
/ the ttag OF truce went up again. On Jul
: 10 the Spaniards agreed to surrender
and today the formal surrender too
place. II is reported that Geu Shalte
D intended to withdraw his troops, an
D that he would have done so had Generi
5 Miles not arrived just as he dad. Shafte
is no good. He was where he was sal
e during the fighting, and was carrie
e about on a litter after the trouble WI
it all over. The Government nalst hay
n been hard up to have put such a man
o the head OF our Cuban invading arm
o Had Miles not arrived when he did v
" should have been ordered TO retreat an
" Our army would have been destroyed [
N disease and Spanish bullets.
ID July 72-I nave been sick with dla
m rhoea since the 18th, but have continu,
le my guard duty. knew 1 should get I
I'd care in the hospital, so | would not
to there We had fresh meat and brei
We served today, the first time since we !,
Lakeland. A great many are in wi
Mt diarrhoea aud fever, and the food
have had till now has made us constant
nd worse. NoV we are too i'll to ENJOY I
We good food that was served.
We August I'VE have had word that
nd are to go aboard the Grand Duchess
no home This has put new lite into us a
es, we have begun to hope.
IOr
'u' CHAPTER V.