The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-16

Copyright, 1898, by the Associated Press)
UNITED STATES CAMP. East Side of
Entrance to Guantanamo Bay, June IA, s
Boat Wanda. via Kingston, Jamaica, June
IL. 1890 p. m.-The United States marines
under Lieutenant Colonel Robert w. Hunt
ington made their first aggressive move
ment against the Spanish guerrillas to-day
and completely routed the enemy.
The force of marines was under Captain
Elliott and the cooperating Cubans were
under Colonel Laborda. The combined
forces razed Spanish camp about five
miles from the American position, destroy
ing the only well in the vicinity and killing
about forty spaniards. One American ma
rine was slightly wounded Two Cubans
were killed and four wounded.
1t is impossible to estimate the number
of Spaniards engaged, owing to their guer-
rilla methods of fighting. but it is believed
there were at least 400. The marines be-
haved splendidly even under the severe
fire of the enemy.
The captured camp lies about five miles
southeast of the rife pits of the marines
and was an important base for the enemy.
as it contained the only well within six or
seven miles Lieutenant Colonel Hunting
ton decided on the attack early in the day.
and at about o'clock the force started
across the mountain. The march up and
down the steep hiIsides under the glaring
tropical sun was a severe test of endurance
for the marines, and before the battle
ground was reached twenty-five men had
received medical attention. All were able,
however, to reach the position before the
fighting ceased.
THE ENEMY SIGHTED.
The marines were compelled to march in
single file following the mountain trail.
Meanwhile the Cubans darted backward and
forward, to right and left on the scout. 1t
was noon when, from hilltop, the Ameri-
cans caught sight of the Spanish camp lying
on ridge below them. 1t consisted of one
large house, the officers quarters. sur
rounded by numerous "shacks' and houses
all clustering about the precious well.
The Americans began a cautious advance
ana were within two hundred yards of the
enemy before the crack of rifie from the
Spanish lines announced that the Spaniards
had discovered them. The troops quickly
moved into line of battle, with the Cubans
on the left flank. The enemy's bullets were
vnirling viciously over the Americans. but
the marines settled down to their work as
unconcernedly as though at target practice.
Very few Spaniards were in sight. They
were lying behind the huts and the brush,
but the puffs of smoke revealed their posi-
ton and enabled the Americans to do eff
fective work
For twenty minutes both sides maintained
a terrific fire. The Spanish shots were gen.
orally wild and spasmodic, while the Ameri-
cans coolly fired away, aiming carefully
and shooting to kill. For the most part the
American firing was done individually but
at times the officers would direct firing by
SquduS, always Win telllIS SAeSl.
1t was beginning to look as though bay
onet charge down the slope would be neces-
sary to dislodge the enemy when, suddenly.
the latter began to break for thicket a
hundred yards further on. Little groups
could be seen fleeing from the camp, sepa-
rating. darting through the brush and Zig
tagging to escape the bullets. 1t was then
the American fire became most deadly. Man
after man could be seen to fall in vain
rush for shelter; and the fire from the
Spanish became scattering and almost
ceased.
TWO CUBANS KILLED.
Two Cubans were killed and four wounded
and Private Walker. of Company D. had to
limp to the rear with a slight wound in his
ankle
The easy victory put the command in high
spirits. The little black Cuban warriors
waved their machetes and howled curses
at the Spanish In savage fashion. Their
firing had been wild throughout. but they
all displayed the utmost contempt for the
Spanish bullets. apparently being absolutely
without fear.
AS the enemy began breaking from the
camp the Dolphin. which lay at sea. was
signaled and began pitching shells toward