The Grenada sentinel., 1898-11-26

But our army, having fought its way
for three miles through "a wilderness
which is apparently impenetreblc, ex-
cept for the two or three narrow roads
leading through it, pressed forward af-
ter the retreating Spaniards and fol-
lowed closely on their trail. Hurry
ing forward with all possible speed our
men came to and crossed the San Juan
river alta point which is apparently
about five hundred yards east of the
foot Of the San Juan hill and climbing
the west bank of the river, emerged
into field, covered with grass about
four feet high, but comparatively clear
of trees or bushes, and from here they
saw the enemy ascending to his FORTH
fications on the hill top for final
stand, The men of our army were all
along these terrible three miles, or
more, running fight, subjected to a
continual fire from an invisible enemy,
but nov the fire was made systemat-
ically by volleys and our men being
exposed in full view OF the Spaniard,
became desperate at their trying situa.
tion. Some Of the men were falling
from over exertion and the extreme
heat, others were going down pierced
by mauser bullets. Something had to
be done and done quickly. What
should it be? Suddenly with notes as
clear as a bell, the blasts of trumpet
were heard above the incessant crack
ing of the rifles sounding the charge.
With rush our line went forward
through the tall grass, firing as they
advanced, and soon reached the foot OF
the hill, and without an instants pause
began the perilous climb, A few de=-
perate moments later the summit is
reached and won and on a new white
page in history Is recorded Il victory,
not surpassed in all the records OF
herosism for daring and unconquerable
courage.
We proceeded northeast from here
over the ground which our troops COW
cred during the battle. All along the
route, at irregular intervals, white
boards with black letters mark the
last resting place Of some of our boys
who we're killed. Some of the boards
are marked "Unknown U. S. soldier"
Some other graves are not marked at
all and one l saw was not even grave.
Some poor fellow is lying now right on
the bank Of the river, it may be where
he fell, no grave was dug, but dirt was
simply thrown over the body to cover
1t, and when saw this lonely sepulchre,
one foot Of this neglected hero was
partly exposed. ''Wsr IL hell" but
the war Is now over and it would be an
act Of gratitude, If not Of duty, for 80
great a government as ours, to show
its appreciation Of the patriotism dis
played by these humble citizens in CIV
ing their lives for their country, to
raise their bodies aud send them to
their native soil "for more decent in
terment" or at the very least give them
even nova decent burial. I realize
fully it could cot be done at the time
they were killed ,and no one is to blame
for it, but 1t should be considered an
honor and sacred duty to perpetuate
the name and remembrance OF such
men and Americans as they proved
themselves to be.
Our course now lay north wes: toward
Ell Caney through very rugged, rough
country. The wonder is how an army
ever got through, especially with any
artillery.
But that heroic old war horse, Gen.
Wheeler, directed this part of the
movement, and obstacles are regarded
by him as things to be overcome and
not to retard. All along through these
three or four miles of morass and
wilderness our right wing pushed on
fighting Its way toward Ell Caney with
the object Of Aanking the enemy on
his left and forcing him to retire into
Santiago or else be cut of and subject
ed, to double fire. An ancient fort OF
stone, thick and heavy, commanded the
approach to Ell Caney and must Of
necessity be taken before the object Of
our army was attained. A field battery
was stationed on little hill east Of the
fort, and although under fire from the
enemies long range mausers, our gun
ners' aim was 30 true that a great
breach in the wall Of the fort was open
ed and an Offering Of thirty Spaniards
was made to appease the terrible war
god. Three great, gaping holes in
the walls show the effects Of three
American shells, and a Cuban told me
that ninety spaniards paid with their
lives, for the privilege Of Offering
themselves as targets for the practice
Of the hated Americana. This Cuban
said that 1900 Spaniards we're killed at
Ell Caney and $50 Americans. He show