The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-06-16
AN UNEXPECTED
MORNING ATTACK

Marines Surprised al Breakfast by the Guerillas
Who, However, We're Driven off by Hail of
Bullets and Shells From Machine Guns,
Rifles and Field Pieces The Panther Fired
Six Founders into the Spanilrds During the
Attack Startling Gun Practice Of Dynimi.e
Cruiser vesuyius -Gallantry Of the CuhaHs
Copyright 1898 by Associated Press.)
United States Camp. East Side of
Entrance to Guantanamo Bay, Tuesday,
June lis. u. m.-By Associated Press
Despatch Boat Wanda. via Kingston,
Jamaica, Wednesday, June 15.-12:30
D. m.-The United States marines under
Lieut.. Col Robert w. Huntington,
made their first aggressive movement
against the Spanish guerillas to-day and
completely routed the enemy.
The force of marines was under
Captain Elliott and the cooperating Gu
bans were under Col Laborda. The
combined forces razed Spanish camp
about five miles from the American po-
siti0n, destroyed the only well in the vi
cinity and killed 40 Spaniards
One marine was slightly wounded. Two
Cubans were killed and four wounded.
1t il impossible to estimate the num-
ber of Spaniards engaged owing to their
guerilla methods Of fighting, but it is
believed there were at least four hum
dred.
These marines behaved splendily, their
workmanship being excellent, even un-
der the severe fire of the enemy.
The captured camp lies about five
miles southeast of the rifle pits Of the
marines. and was an important base for
the enemy, as it contained the only
well within six or seven miles. Lieut..
Col. Huntington decided on the attack
early i'll the day, and at about o'clock
the force started across the mountain.
The march up and down the steep hill
sides, under the glarine tropical sun,
was a severe test of endurance for the
marines, and before the battle-ground
was reached twenty-five men had re-
ceived medical attendance. All were
able, however to reach the position be-
fore the fighting ceased. The marines
were compelled to march in single file,
following the mountain trail. Mean
while the Cubans darted backward and
forward to right and left. on the scout.
1t was noon when from a hilltop, the
Americans caught sight of ie
Spanish camp lying on ridge be-
low them. 1t consisted of one large house
the officers quarters, surrounded by
numerous .'shacks" and huts, all clust-
ering about the precious we'll The
Americans began a cautious advance,
and were within two hundred yards of
the enemy before the crack of rifle
no1 h.
the Spanards had discovered them.
The troops quickly moved into line Of
battle. with the Cnbans on the left flank.
The enemy's bullets We're whirling Vi
ciously over the Americans, but the
marines settled down to their work ms
unconcernedly as though at target prac-
tice.
Very few Spaniards were in sight
They were lying behind the huts and i'll
the brush, but the puffs Of smoke re-
vealed their positions and enabled the
Americans TO do effective work. FoI
twenty minutes both sides maintained
q terrific fire. The Spanish shots were
generally wild and spasmodic. while the
Americans coolly fred away. aiming
carefully and shooting to kill. For tho
most part Of the Americans firing was
done individually, but at times the off.
GERS could direct firing by squads. al
ways with telling effect
1t was beginning to look as though q
bayonet charge down the slope would
be necessary TO dislodge the enemy. when
suddenly the latter began to break fol
n thicket hundred yards further on
Little groups could be seen fleeing from
the camp, separating. darting through
the brush and zgzagging to escape tn,
bullets 1t was then the American firt
became most deadly Man after MAJ
could be seen TO fall in "A vain rush fo
shelter; and the fire from the Spanisl
became scattering and almost ceased.
Two Cubans lay dead and four wound
ed and Private Walker, of Company