The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-06-30


works approaching completion they be-
came more insolent day by day and
finally did everything they could in in
science and insults to provoke US to be-
gin the conflict. AS they were permit
ted to go and come through our lines at
will, they knew just what troops we
had, where they were located and that
we were making no visible preparations
for defense. 1t seems proper to make
these statements in order to justify the
assertion that no troops ever behaved
better under intense prOVocatiOn, show
ing excellent discipline and self-cOntrol
The first brigade of this division was
under Brigadier General Chas. King.
The second brigade was under Brig
adler General Samuel Ovenshine.
The only preparations which could be
made for battle, in view of order to
stand on the defensive were the assign
ment of different organizations to places
on the firing line and the selection of
positions for the artillery. Nevertheless,
an attack from the front might be
followed by an uprising in the city, this
procrastinatiOn placed the army under
a great disadvantage.
At $40 a. m, on the morning of the
fifth the insurgents opened fire on block
house No. IL, with MauSer rifles. I had
just ridden up to my headquarters in
the city, from which L had telegraphic
communication with every part of my
command. 1 first telegraphed corps
headquarters for permission to take the
offensive when it became light enough
to do so. AT o'clock 1 directed Gen.
OVenSn1ne TO open art1llery hre on block
house IA and the wood nearby and to be
prepared to drive the enemy from the
Malate front, and If they yielded easily
to turn to the left with part of his
command and sweep the enemy from
his entire front. If successful, to be
ready to reinforce Kings right and turn
the left on the insurgent force operat-
ing from Santa Ana. This project was
not carried out until later in the day.
as permission was not given to assume
the offensive until 8 O'Clock.
In the meantime the Iiring on Kings
became heavier as the day advanced.
At last, at s o'clock, telegram came
from Major General Otis, authorizing
an advance if not made too far. / went
at once to Battery Knoll, taking with
me the Wyoming battalion. Finding
there three companies of Californians,
I placed these seven companies under
the command of Col. Smith of the First
California and directed him to deploy
and advance in line with the rest of
Kings brigade, substituting this for the
intended cooperation of Ovenshine.
Gen. King was present and was order
p1Oyed. These officers received this or
der with delight, and their troops with
enthusiasm The movement began at
8:20 a. with a rush over the creek
in our front; cheer and rafting vol
leys as the whole line advanced, not by
rushes, but with a rush. The insurgent
line fell back before our advance, fight
ing, however, with spirit
At the same time. the California bat
talon charged and drove the enemy
out of Santa Ana, driving them from
stone walls and converts. churches and
houses, fighting their way through
blazing bamboo huts from which the
natives were firing.
Brigadier General Ovenshine, com
manding the second brigade, had the
North Dakota regiment under Lieuten-
ant Colonel Truer1aSs occupying the
other Spanish trenches from Fort Nal
ate on the bay to an almost impassa-
which line int
two sections. At about 10 o'clock Oven
shine ordered an advance. The North
Dakota's drove the enemy from their
front back to the Carmeiite convent;
Major Potter, with Mattles battalion,
Fourteenth infantry, advanced through
the woods. After a desperate fight the
enemy were driven out, but not without
infiicting serious loss upon US.
Hearing of the successful advance of
the North Dalota's, 1 telegraphed Gen.
Ovenshine to carry out the project
had arranged with him and attempt to
roll up the enemy by movement from
right to left. AS there was long de-
lay in carrying out this order, l repeat
ed several times by telegraph and aides
We're sent with oral orders. 1t was at
last found that he was under a false
impression that he had received other
orders from the corps commander.
When this misrepresentation was remOV-
ed he made the movement with COM
plete success.
The GOODNESS, energy and bravery of
the officers and men of this division
are worthy of the highest cOnSidera-
ton. Beginning on the left. the Idaho
regiment under Major Higgins did
splendid service.
Gen. McConville, who served under
my command in the war of the rebel
lion, was killed leading his battalion,
like the brave and faithful officer that
he was. Captain Wilmington is espec-
tally commended by his brigade COM
mander.
The Washington regiment under Col
onel WhoIley, received its baptism of
fire. It's men fought like veterans.
From the California regiment I expect
ed excellent service. Colonel James E.
Smith showed the very best qualities
of a volunteer officer. His services in
every position in which he has been
placed have been most vaIua BILE and ef-
ficient. 1 cordially recommended him
as a brigadier general of volunteer.
Major Slime of the same regiment prov
ed he is natural born soldier. He is not
only brave but cool and discreet.
Captain Ham, lieutenant third artil-
1ery, in command of the engineer COM
pany, showed special ef1clency- The
wyoming battalion, although not well
handled at first, when it got into action
showed the bravery 1 have seen before
in Wyoming men.
In the Second brigade the North Da-
kotas made dashing charge. The part
of the Fourth cavalry under fire fought
well as they always have in their
many battles. The fighting of the Four
teenth infantry under trying surround
ings in which they were placed was lit
tie less than heroic; certainly it was
most effective. They were well led by
Major Potter, Captain John Murphy,
a we'll tried veteran and other efficient
company officers, MatiIe Eastman
Lasseigne, Biddle and in fact all pres
ent, including Captains Martin and
Krauthoff who although On staff duty
went to the front with their own regi-
ment, perform ing excellent service
Captain Dyer, Sixth artillery, directed
the artillery operations for me with