Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-08-06

IHOOOf1 AMI shA~->
WE'RE FALLING AT EVERY STEP
THE CREST OF THE HILL OVER
LOCKING SANTIAGO WAS CAR
RIED AND HELD-BREASTWO
THROWN UP DURING THE NIGHT.
Washington, August 5. - The fol-
lowing report of Major General Jo-
seph Wheeler on the operations be-
fore Santiago de Cuba, has become
available:
Before Santiago, Cuba, July Z, 1898.
"To Adjutant General, Fifth Army
Corps:
''Sir-After the engagement CT June
"a l pushed forward my command
through the valley, Lawton's and
kent's commands occupying the hills
in the vicinity of that place. After
two days rest Lawton was hurried
forward, and on the night OF the
Goth instructions were given by Ma
jor General Shafter to this officer to
attack Ell Caney, while the cavalry di-
vision and Kent's division were Or
aered to move forward On the regu-
lar Santiago road.
THE movement commenced on the
morning Of July l. The cavalry dl-
vision advanced, and formed its line
with its left near the Santiago road,
while Kent's division formed its line
with the right joining the left to the
cavalry division.
"Col. McClernand, of General, Shat
ter's staff, directed NE to give in
structions to General Kent, which |
complied with in person, at the same
time plrsc:}lly directing General
Summer to move forward. The men
were compelled to wade the San Juan
river to get into line. This was done
under very heavy fire of both infantry
and artillery. Our balloon having
been sent up right by the main read
was made mark of by the enemy.
1t was evident that we were as much
under fire in forming the line as we
would be
BY AN ADVANCE,
and | therefore pressed the command
forward from the covering under
which it was formed. 1t merged into
open space in full view of the enemy,
who occupied breastworks and bat
teries on the crest Of the hill which
overlooks Santiago, officers and men
falling at every step.
THE troops advanced CALAMITY,
soon reached the top of the hill, and
assembled, driving the enemy from
their works and occupying them on
the crest of the Hill. To accomplish
this required courage and determin-
alton ON the part of the officers and
mon of hi>sI, order a.'" enc
losses were very severe. Too much
credit cannot be given to General
Summer and General Kent and their
gallant brigade commanders, Col.
Wood and Col. Carroll, of the cavalry
General Hamilton S. Hawkins, COM
handing First brigade, Kent's divi-
sion, and Col. Pearson, commanding
Second brigade. Col. Carroll and
Major Vessels were both wounded
during the charge, but Major Wes-
sells was enabled to return and as
sumo command. General Wyckoff,
commanding Kent's Third brigade,
was killed at 1910 Lieut.. Col.
Worth tcck command and was
wounded at 12:15. Col Liscum then
took command, and was wounded at
1920, and the command then devolv-
ed upon Lieut.. Col. Ewers, Ninth In
fantry.
Upon reaching the crest l ordered
breastworks to be constructed, and
sent to the rear for shovels, picks,
spades and axes. The enemy's re-
treat from the ridge was precipitate.
but cur men were SO thoroughly ex-
hausted that it was impossible for
them to follow. Their shoes were
soaked with water by wading the San
Juan river, they had become drenched
with rain, and when they reached the
crest they were absolutely unable to
prcfeed further. Notwithstanding
this condition, these exhausted men
iabored during the night to cree.
breastworks, furnish details to bury
the dead and carry the wounded back
IN IMPROvISED LITTERS.
l sent word along the line that REIN
forcements would soon reach us. and
that Lawton would join our right, and
that General Bates would come I'D
and strengthen our left.
After reaching the crest of the ridge
General Kent sent the Thirteenth regu-
lars to assist in Strengthening our right.
AT midnight General Bates reported
and l placed him in a strong position
on the left of our line. General Law
ten had ATTEMPTED to ioin us from 70