The Florence tribune., 1898-07-16
THEIR MAIDEN FIGHT.
The Rough Riders Win Their Spurs at
 La Queslna.
DAIQuIAI, CuaA, June 2l.

DAIoUIm, CUBA, June 24.
 EDIToR TRIBUNE: After having been on board ship fifteen days, we last evening were landed on shore at this place. Our gunboats shelled the town and drove out the few Spaniards that were here, numbering 230. The insur- gents attacked them as they departed, and though but little damage was done the Spanish, they left about all they had in the way of supplies behind and scattered along the road. We are little above 10000 strong. We were all day yesterday busy landing and are likewise engaged at the present time.
 This place is. a small town being shipping point for iron mines. l am greatly surprised in the formation of the country, being as expected full of undergrowth, etc., but so mountain ous and rough that to understand it it ought to be seen, being much more so than Mineral Hin and resembling to great extent the country east of the Vekol.
 The insurgents present q strange ap- pearanee, being of all kinds and classes and supplied with nothing except rifles, machetes and plenty of cartridges, and though among them see many boys, still they are all imbued with coni- donce and L.e therefore good soldiers.
 The Spanish are tough citizens in pretty much every way except having plenty of sand. You will read of the atrocities committed near Santiago on the 22nd or 23rd, on the American dead. It is unfortunately true. learn it from Cuban sources, high in authority. By the way, what little Spanish l know comes in handy.
 In battle with the Cubans the Spanish take no prisoners, and to make it more emphatic neither do the Cubans. Up till last evening, among the boys, we were going to war and to fight just be- cause it had to be done and some one must do it. Matters are different now; it is greater fight for right and justice than you who are not here can by reading understand.
 You have seen that old fellow that stops down at Brady's, that always wears sandals and VIC call him loco. Compare him with the average Cuban as he is clothed and the sandal man is dude. From here Santiago is about 27 miles, and there are, accord ing to the Cubans, about l5, 900 Spanish soldiers. Of course you must under stand they have plenty of artillery; as Q consequence we will have some work to get in shape to give the infantry chance, but have plenty of men to take aud hold the town.
 After the battle, unless something unforeseen arises, will drop you line telling in e condensed form hos t happened.
 am now writing in house and feel fne.
 The wind blows anything but u gentle breeze.
 The house is well ventila ted, having the appearance of an overgrown pepper box. Our fleet yesterday tossed several handfuls of shells and shot over here. and it makes this house a very desir- able habitation in pleasant weather.
 l find the sun here to be very hot. The summer weather has the feeling of being warmer than at this time in Arizona.
 Thus far I've not received letter from Arizona, and while it is true that l would be pleased to be 50 favored, still Ive been lucky enough to get two copies of tbe TRIBUNE, and you can put it down they were appreciated. Continue sending to Tampa until otherwise advised. With kindest re- gards and best wishes to you and all friends am,
 Yours most sincerely,
 GE0 E TpupAN