Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 August 1899 — The Fighting in Cuba. [ARTICLE]

The Fighting in Cuba.

“The sharp, fierce fighting at El Caney and San Juan was very gratifying to those who appreciate courage, fortitude and heroic sacrifice. Both of those positions were held by compafatively small forces of Spaniards and were regarded as the outer works of the intrenchments around Santiago. Our troops, under the skillful and conspicuous leadership of the subordinate commanders directly in charge of them 9n the fighting line, displayed in a marked degree dauntless intrepidity, fortitude and gallantry. Lawton exhibited most excellent generalship and the same tenacity and activity which he had displayed on other fields. Chaffee was conspicuous for his courage, for which he was already noted. Bates, one of the veterans of the civil war, moved his division to the support of Lawton, and again returned in time to take part In the closing scenes about San Juan hill. Wheeler, who had taken part In the affair at Las Guaslmas and had become 111 from over-exertion, which compelled his absence during the principal fighting at San Jnan hill, yet, on hearing of the engagement, with more martial spirit than physical strength, joined his command later in the day. During his temporary absence the cavalry division was under the command of Col. (afterwards Gen.) Sumner, whose commands were given in the most cool and deliberate way under the most trying circumstances, as the troops swept up the ascent at San Juan hill. The bravery of Roose-, velt was conspicuous as he led his command Into action, while the troops under Gens. Hawkins and Kent were skillfully maneuvered by their brave commanders.”—North American Review.