New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-15
IN an hour poured a wicked fire on them Tn

half an hour poured wicked flre on them. Inc
Spaniards had been largely reinforced during
the day and some field pieces had been mounted
near the fort These replied TO the American
fire but without effect. and the shells OF the
two ships speedily sienced them. The iron
blockhouse was struck repeatedly. and the earth
works were partially destroyed. No damage
done 10 the ships. and they again with
drew.
That night the Spaniards burned large
wharf and the adjacent buildings. evidently
expecting a landing In force next day 1t was
learned from various sources Ihat REINFORCE,
ments were pouring into Las Tunas from all
directions. a newspaper from Sancu Spiritus
saying that two thousand men had been dis
patched from the nearest trocha alcne 1t was
determined to proceed during the night with
the landing expedition TO Palo Alto, fifty miles
10 the eastward the Helena remaining at Las
Tunas to confirm the Spaniards in the belief
that an attempt to he made 10 land there.
At 10 o'clock Saturday night. July =. while
the Helena lay off shore making lively play
with her searchlights toward the shore the
Peoria. the Florida and the Fanita. with all
lights out. slipped silently away. Palo Alto was
reached day break. There was not Spaniard
to be seen, and the men and cargo were put
ashore without a single obstacle.
CONFERENCE WITH GOMEZ
General Gomez. with two thousand men. was
known to be in the vicinity. and scouts hurried
In TO his lines On Monday. July 4, the grizzed
old warrior appeared in person at Pao Alto.
An awning was spread over the end OF the
n
There were present besides General Gomez.
Lieutenant Ryan and Ensign w. G. David. OF
the Peoria: Leutenants Johnson and Ahearn. or
the 10Th United States Cavalry: Audtor-Cen-
eral Freyre Andrade Of the Provisional Govern
ment; General Nunez Colonel Nunez and Major
Rojo. The Cuban COMMANDMENT Chief said he
was greatly pleased at the successful result or
the expedition which he thought would exercise
an important influence on the war. He outlined
a plan Of campaign. which he later submitted
in writing 10 Lieutenant Ryan. FOR transmission
10 President Mckinley.
The men Of the 10Th Cavalry call the Peoria
THE Little Dewey" because Of her valor She
had arrived from the North only A few days
before taking out the expedition. and this was
her first experience under fire four times
in forty eight hours Her batteries are four
Hotchkiss 3-pounders. two Hotchkiss revolving
cannon and one Colt repeating rife
II was afterward learned that during tho fight
at Las Tunas Ave buildings in the town We're
destroyed by the fire from the American guns.
while twenty-three were partly destroyed ana
eight schooners which happened To be IN range
were SUM; and burned.
When Mr.. Chanler fell wounded Drs l.und
and Abbott carried him into the hrurh. ana n''
three sank UP TO their nccks In n swamp pr.
Jund who was formerly q German army sur
econ and who Is giant N stature. managed n
eytricatc himself stripped off his clothing. Win
TIE papers and rata hleG which he carried. ann
which still lie somewhere IN the thicket' anf
svar naked and In darkness TO fnl the ships.
A boat from the Florida picked him up. and h"
was taker over TO the Peoria. As tho strange
figure clambered up the ladder the sentry on
guard AT the gangway challenged him, but ~.
Iund brurhed past him and STROBE M 10 Lieu
tenant RYAN. gave the customary formal salut'.
and with the utmost gravity. said 1 nav"
Il, report shat the men ashore require assist
arce."
Vhe, CHAMBER and Abbott were rescued they
vera still in the water up n their necks. but
except for CHAMBERS slight wound IN the elbow
they were none the worse for their experience