The record-union., 1898-08-29
LIEUTENANT HAINEs' STORY.
Tells Of the Fight Along the San
Juan Road in Porto Rico.

Eaines, commanding an army platoon
under Captain Potts, In Porto Rico,
was wounded on August 18th, the day
war ended He is now in st. Luke 8
Hospital in this city. Talking with his
brother, Captain T. Jenkins Haines,
who was at his bedside, he said: ''The
| cable regarding this affair was con-
fusing. 1t spoke of lieutenant Haines
| being struck by stray Mauser bullet.
Not serious This was misleading, as
it might lead one to suppose my bat
terry was not in action and that my
wound was an accident, whereas sew
eral other men were wounded and two
killed.
Il was sent out nyaavance along the
San Juan road to find a position from
which we could enfilade the Spanish po-
sition, from which a heavy fire had
been received, the Spanish volley rising
with remarkable rapidity and precision.
On the morning of August 18th, Cap
tain Potts was ordered to proceed up
the San Juan road with five-inch guns
for the purpose Of Smelling the Spanish
trenches at Asomanta-
-Four guns, which included my pla-
toon, were moved into position in field
near the San Juan road, at a range or
1000 yards, the fifth gun being sent
ahead 100 yards to our right on the
road.
Just before we came into action the
enemy opened on us with infantry vol
1eys and two three-inch hOWitzers. This
FASTENED us into action. We picked up
the range Immediately and did splendid
practice. The two howitzers were soon
silenced and the Spaniards were seen
running from their intrenchments. Then
we slackened our fire and shortly after
we did the enemy took heart and began
to return. General Wilson sent me with
gun some distance UP the road in ad-
vance of the rest to try and enfilade
the enemy. 1 proceeded up the road on
horseback about 200 yards and found
a company of Wisconsin infantry in a
bend of the road which formed a cover
from the Spanish fire. I passed be-
yond them, and the gun was unlim bered
in the next turn Of the road in a some
what sheltered position. My men lay
down by the roadside to escape the
Spanish volleys, which were coming up
the road in our front and right. Some
of my men told me the enemy were ad-
that we must get out or lose the gun.
THE firing at this time was very
heavy, the Mausers coming in a storm
with each yolley. 1 told the Sergeant
we would have a try at them for luck
anyhow, and as / could see no Span
iards nearer than 500 Or 600 yards, I
had him run the gun out on the road.
We no sooner had done this than the
fire suddenly increased SO fiercely that
the gun could not be served.
1--WE hauled the gun back to the next
turn in the road, where we were joined
by the second gun, still unable to do
any good execution, owing to the shell
tered position of the enemy. The fire
continued with ferceness, but from our
new position we brought a house in
view. had the gun instantly trained
upon 1t, as 1 saw several Spaniards
there outside Of it, and felt certain it
was not empty.
THE very first shot landed fairly
upon it's side and, penetrating, burst
inside, sending things flying. The en-
envy broke cover and I turned to the
Sergeant, saying: That was good
one now give them -. AS turned
something struck me through the body.
1 knew I was badly hurt, but felt no
pain. 1t was like being struck over
the shoulder with club. l passed
my hand to my side and brought 1t
away full of blood.
'"The Sergeant saw me and ran to my
side. They've got me this time l
said and he put his arm around me and
led me away and let me lie down."
The war was ended that day.