USA > Ohio > The Fourteenth Ohio national guard- the Fourth Ohio volunteer infantry > Part 11
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Finally it was decided that the men should re- treat around the bend in squads so as not to attract the attention of the enemy. The first squad waited until they heard the shower of bullets pass over them, then they made a mad rush around the curve before the Spaniards could fire another volley. The first squad made the trip successfully and then the next tried it. Those who were waiting in the meantime, hugged mother earth as closely as it was possible for them to squeeze their bodies into the shallow ditch
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at the side of the road where they patiently waited their turn to slip behind the friendly embankment.
After a few squads had gained the protection of the turn in the road, some one repeated a command to "retreat two by two." Another person gave the alarm: "The cavalry is coming! Run for your lives!" In the absence of a second order, these cries confused the men so that no one knew just what was really expected of him. Some of the men be- came frightened and ran down the road as fast as their legs could carry them. Sergeant McConnel and his squad, which had at first formed one of the flanks, but which, owing to the rough condition of the coun- try had dropped back and acted as the rear guard, at once placed himself in the middle of the road and declared that he would kill the first man who at- tempted to pass him.
At the same time Lieutenants Reynolds and Alex- ander regained control of the men in their own com- pany and order was soon restored, but not until the following had been wounded: Noble W. Horlocker, Company C, right ankle; Harry L. Haynes, Com- pany C, left shoulder and right arm; Samuel Jones, Company C, knee; William Edgington, Company A, thigh; Edward Thompson, Company K, wrist.
Some of the men, however, had managed to get down the road before Sergeant McConnel could stop the mad retreat, and they rushed pell mell down the hill to the bridge where M Company was then sta- tioned. They related a marvelous tale of how the expedition had been ambushed and how almost the
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entire command was either killed or captured, and in a few minutes all sorts of wild rumors had reached regimental and brigade headquarters.
Everything at Guayama was in a state of wild excitement. Stragglers kept coming into the city, telling still wilder stories so that every one was at a loss to know just what had really happened. Major Baker was in command of the regiment when the first rumor reached the city, but at that time he happened to be away from headquarters and could not be found. Colonel Adams soon appeared, however, and he at once ordered those companies nearest the city to go up the road and assist the reconnoitering party if that party still existed. Major Baker hastened to his bat- talion and Major Speaks, hearing the rumor at a dif- ferent part of the city, returned in all haste to regi- mental headquarters only to find the building de- serted.
Company B was still on guard in the city and they had their hands full maintaining order, for be- tween the soldiers and the citizens all was chaos. Major Sellers and Colonel Adams soon had the out- posts well in hand and as many men as could be spared from these companies were hastened up the road. M Company, which was already at the bridge, had started for the scene of trouble before the regular command reached it, but it was soon overtaken and the regiment marched up the road in regular order.
As the reinforcement advanced, they were met by stragglers from A and C Companies who were totally unable to give any intelligent information as
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to what was really going on or what had actually taken place. Careful questioning of these men failed absolutely of result and the relief had to push its way up the steep mountain road, expecting every minute to receive a terrific fire from an enemy in ambush. Caution and speed were combined as far as possible, however, and the regiment hurried to the rescue.
Strangely enough, the command reached the reconnoitering party without being fired upon. As soon as the party was reached, explanations were hastily made and a course of action de- termined upon. The Spaniards had as a mat- ter of course observed the approach of the fresh troops, but they supposed that the reinforcement had come for more than to merely cover the retreat of their comrades. They had, therefore, themselves re- treated to a stronger position further up the hill and had there awaited an assault. As soon as they dis- covered the real purpose of the movement of the ad- ditional troops, they grew somewhat bolder and re- opened the fire.
The column had not yet exposed itself on the side of the curves next the enemy and the fire from the trenches was therefore of no serious conse- quence. It was not deemed advisable to return to the city without giving the Dons a dose of their own medicine, and with that end in view, Colonel Adams ordered several companies up to the top of the ridge at the left of the road. In single file, the men climbed up the steep rocky bank and pushed on to the
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top of the ridge, where they could secure the range of the Spanish trenches. As soon as they were in po- sition the men were given the command to fire and three hundred Krag-Jorgensen rifles sent messengers of lead into the Spaniards with as much vim as the Spaniards had fired upon the helpless A and C Companies.
In the meantime the dynamite guns were hurried forward. No horses had yet arrived, so it was neces- sary for the men themselves to drag the heavy guns up the hill. An attempt was made to press the little Spanish ponies into this service, but they were too small and the effort had to be abandoned. The ammunition for the dynamite guns was taken to the scene of action in heavy ox carts, and this trip forcibly demonstrated the uselessness of this primitivo beast in warfare. That the guns ever arrived in position at all was a wonder to all who saw the trip made.
The rifle fire was kept up at a lively rate until the guns were gotten into position, when the small- arm fire was stopped. It had been returned by the Spaniards, but the bullets flew so far over the heads of the men on the ridge that they could hardly hear them whistle. The Spaniards did not seem to pay much attention to the rifle fire, but as soon as the ar- tillery was "let loose" there was commotion every- where in their camp. The first shot was aimed too low, but it was near enough to suit those at whom it was aimed and when the shell exploded with a terrific roar, Spaniards could be seen running to the top of the hill and to places of supposed safety in every direc-
Chasenschon
REPRODUCED FROM A WATER COLOR.
THE ROAD TO CAYEY.
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tion. One of the shots was afterwards said by a Spanish soldier to have fallen in the midst of the trenches and to have killed outright twenty-seven Spanish soldiers besides maiming many others.
After a number of shots had been fired into the hills from the dynamite guns, the rifles were permitted to give them a parting volley, and the regiment re- turned to the city.
Considerable newspaper discussion followed this engagement, but in this case the Fourth Ohio re- ceived all the credit and there was nothing but credit to be given. No criticism was offered whatever to the action of the regiment, but those who had broken to the rear and who beat a disorderly retreat were held in considerable contempt by their comrades, at first, but when all the facts in the case were learned, and when the men fully declared that they heard an order to retreat, the suspicions against them were re- moved. The rear of the column had certainly been in a dangerous position and the men were certainly justified in doing all they could in self-preservation, but it was a difficult task for them to convince their comrades that they had actually heard an order to run. The commanding officer of C Company was relieved from command shortly after the party re- turned to the city, but he was afterwards restored and remained in command at Guayama until after his resignation was accepted, when he returned to his home in Columbus. No charges were ever preferred against the members of the two companies who had started the wild rumors, although it was thought at
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the time that this would be done. The place where the firing occurred was named "Barrio de Las Palmas," and the engagement is known by the same name.
Several other parties were sent up into the hills after that, but not more than a half dozen were sent at a time and these always avoided the main road. By creeping along the edge of the hill it was possible for small parties to get good views of the Spanish camp, and by the time all was in readiness for the general attack, General Brooke had been supplied by his scouts with maps and even photographs of the Spanish defenses.
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CHAPTER XII.
ONE WEEK OF REST.
The Fourth Appreciated by People at Guayama-A General Cleaning Up-Beautiful Scenery-Early Impression of Porto Rico-Commissary Condition-Fresh Meat at the Outposts-The Water Supply-Horses and Reinforce- ments Arrive-Hospital Established-Rumors Again- Preparations for Advance-Final Orders Issued-Death of Sam Hill.
The regiment now settled down for a week of quiet rest. There was at that time nothing to do un- til more troops arrived, for it was apparent to all that a movement toward Cayey would be useless except by an overwhelming force. The Spaniards were known to be in a strong position and that they were m force, and besides this, they were acquainted with the entire surrounding country. Nature had given them an almost impregnable fortress, and they were in excellent position to hold it; this they were evi- dently determined to do.
While the troops rested, however, the general of- ficers and their staff officers were as busy as bees. Some were collecting information as to the strength, position and plans of the Spaniards, others were ar- ranging for the coming of additional troops, others were making reports, while still others were doing all in their power to make those comfortable which were already at hand.
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The regimental headquarters in the rear of the cathedral was the center of attraction for the citizens of Guayama. The other regiments of the brigade were in camp outside of the city and their members were very seldom seen on the streets, but the people of Guayama had learned that it was the Fourth Ohio which had made them free from Spanish rule, and anything they had or could secure was gladly turned over to the soldiers. This kind feeling was warmly reciprocated, and soldiers and citizens were the best of friends for a long time, but a change came, which will be treated later.
While the regiment was in the city, word came that the St. Paul was under orders to return to the states and that she would take mail from the soldiers if delivered within a certain time. There was a mad rush for stationery, but there was very little to be found except the official paper at the City Hall. This was Spanish, and not only afforded excellent writing paper, but it made an appropriate souvenir of the victory to send home. Thousands of letters were written to dear ones at home on this paper. Postage stamps were nowhere to be found, but they were not essential to the sending of the letters. By a ruling of the postoffice department, soldiers in the field were permitted to send mail matter without postage pro- vided they wrote their names across the envelope, marked it "Soldiers' Mail," and had the same ap- proved by a commisioned officer. The letter was sent just as though it bore the usual stamp and the postage was collected at the office where it was delivered.
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This arrangement was a great accommodation to the boys, as it was almost an impossibility for them to carry postage stamps with them, and now that they had reached a foreign country, United States stamps could not be secured.
Before the regiment left Guayama, however, the United States government had established a very ac- ceptable postal service, and it was not only possible to purchase postage stamps, but postal money orders could also be secured and it was possible to register mail.
While the regimental headquarters were in Guayama during that week, the soldiers themselves were not always there. Company B had been re- lieved as provost guard by a company of the Third Illinois, but matters did not go as they were supposed to move and the Fourth Ohio company was returned to duty in the city. The other companies of the regiment remained at outpost duty at different sta- tions near the city.
The troops in town were quartered in buildings, while those out of town were obliged to sleep on the ground under the little shelter tents, which afforded very little resistance indeed to the heavy rains which fell for hours at a time. By pitching their tents, however, beneath the trees and in the shelter of banks or crevices, the boys managed to get along fairly well. Those men near the Guayama bridge availed them- selves of near-by sheds for sleeping quarters.
The commissary department of the Fourth Ohio during all this time was indeed in a sorry condition.
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There was canned beef and tomatoes and some beans, but aside from this very little could be procured. There was hard tack, but it was a poor quality; there were fresh beef issues, but they came so seldom that the boys did not get time to appreciate it; there was coffee and sugar, but not in the abundance it should have been, and it was an uncommon thing for a man to drink a gill of coffee, eat a small piece of hard tack and stand guard all night in the presence of the enemy.
When the fresh beef was issued, the company cook details improved the opportunity to work off some of the beans and tomatoes in very liberal propor- tions. By purchasing a few native vegetables with the pennies which could be collected in the compan- ies, it was possible to prepare a suspicious looking mess which the cooks called "soup," but which in most cases was a base deception. The "fresh" beef, it should be understood, was beef that had been con- tracted for in the United States, and it had been ship- ped from the west to the seaboard, then transferred to transports and shipped to the soldiers in Cuba and Porto Rico. It was packed in ice, then taken out in lighters and brought to shore, where it was once more loaded on ox carts and dragged from the coast towns to the soldiers inland. Handled either in the hot tropical sun or in the heavy rains natural to these climates, the reader can easily imagine how "fresh" the beef was when it reached company cook quarters. The dealings of government contractors
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for subsistence was, after the war, the subject of in- vestigation by a board appointed for the purpose.
The market at Guayama afforded a limited sup- ply of food, consisting of oranges, bananas, mangoes and other tropical fruits, most of which was forbidden to the men by the surgeons. Fresh and salt water fish could be purchased in abundance, and milk, corn, yams, cheese and eggs could also be secured. The one difficulty, however, was the scarcity of funds with which to purchase these things, as the men had seen the paymaster but once since they had been in the federal service.
The outposts of the Spaniards and the Americans were almost in range of each other and oftentimes at night when a cow or a horse would be seen wan- dering through the hills, the animal was mistaken for an enemy and shot by a picket man. The mis- take could not be discovered, of course, until daylight, and when the "enemy" proved to be a cow, sheep or goat, the company near whose post the killing had been done, invariably enjoyed a feast of their own. The neighboring plantations were well supplied with chickens also, and if the owners could be made out in any way to represent sympathy for the Spanish cause, foraging expeditions were organized against the place and the trophies secured helped to make merry the hearts that watched night and day over the approaches to the captured city and the camp of their comrades.
The march from Camp Thomas to Rossville, the long car ride to the coast, the voyage on the St. Paul,
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the severe weather and the hard work since the boys , had landed on the island, were causes which combined to render every thread of wearing apparel and blankets in a condition for the laundry. The men had several chances to get small articles of wearing apparel washed "on the jump" from time to time, but even then they always ran the risk of never seeing the clothing again, because of the uncertainty of the movements of the regiment. When it was seen that nothing would be done until reinforcements arrived, the boys with one accord started on the hunt for laundries. Some of them had lost all the clothing they possessed except what they had on their backs, and these had to go to Rio Guayama and play wash- erwoman until their clothing was clean and then sit on the bank for a sun bath to wait for their clothes to dry. They then dressed and returned to camp, postponing the work of ironing to "some sweet day."
The washerwomen of the city reaped a harvest of which they had never so much as dreamed. They had all they could do and more, but they kept at it night and day, determined to do all in their power for the comfort and convenience of the soldiers, and at the same time to earn a livelihood for themselves. 'These women would undertake to wash for a whole company almost at a time and would promise to have every garment washed, ironed and returned in less time than it would have been possible for them to have collected it. Their work, however, was entirely satisfactory, but their manner of selecting clothing and their persistency in getting it mixed up as to
A STREET NEAR GUAYAMA CAMP.
7
1
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owners was the source of no little annoyance to their patrons.
There was no regular laundry in the city. All this work was done by women who took the clothing to the creek and there removed dirt and filth with the aid of soap, cold water and hard work. The garments were each given a good coat of cocoa soap and then they were squeezed and beaten on rocks. There were no wash boards used, such as American women use for that purpose, but these women squatted down in the middle of the stream and rubbed the clothing on the rocks with their hands or with corn cobs and smooth board paddles.
After they had been thoroughly cleansed in this way they were carefully rinsed and spread out upon the clean pebbles to dry. During the process of dry- ing, the women would take cocoanut shells of water and sprinkle them. This, with the aid of the bright sun, rendered every piece as immaculately spotless as when it left the store. Rio Guayama was literally lined with washerwomen during the entire stay of the soldiers at Guayama.
The process of ironing was much the same as that used in the states except that the irons were rude instruments to say the least, and that they were heated on charcoal burners. After the clothing had all been ironed and carefully folded, it was piled in a heap and delivered according to the memory of the one who had collected it. The result of this method was that the clothing of the regiment became pretty thoroughly mixed up, but as it was exactly alike ex-
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cept linen, no one suffered a great deal. The com- promising feature of it all, was, that ten cents paid for the largest washing that could be delivered. Prices advanced later on, however, and it was an every-day occurrence for a soldier to pay fifty cents to get a shirt washed or go to the creek and do it himself.
The bathing facilities at Guayama were better even than they had been at Chickamauga park. Nearly all the better residences in the city were equipped with cement bath basins, fitted out for shower and tub baths. The privilege of these was extended to the soldiers, and they availed themselves generally. Many deep pools could be found in the Rio Guayama and into these the boys plunged their sweltering, dirty bodies to be cleansed and refreshed.
Another advantage which the duty at Guayama possessed over duty at Camp Thomas, was the beauti- ful scenery which stretched out in every direction. The plain extending from the coast to the city of Guayama was skirted on the east by a high and beau- tiful mountain ridge, extending almost the entire length of the island. This ridge was clothed with a most luxuriant tropical vegetation except in the more even spots, where the natives had cleared it of its natural dress and had appropriated spots for cultiva- tion. The rich southern sky for a back ground made a view of the eastern mountain ridge one of the most beautiful landscapes that could be imagined. Guay- ama was inland a distance of about three miles from the deepest part of a gentle bay. The mountain range followed the curves of the beach, so that the
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ridge encircled the valley, along the western bank of Rio Guayama, and then changing its course again to a westerly trend, stretched away to the other ex- tremity of the island, apparently burying itself in the sea below and in the clouds above.
Like a veritable bed of roses the coast plain reached from the foot of the hills off to the water's edge, dotted with fields of waving cane and orna- mented with palms and ferns whose beauty could not be excelled outside of Eden itself. As a back ground for this view, the waves of the Carribean sea danced against the mossy banks of the plain and then lost themselves in the deep blue bosom of the mighty sea. The sight of a single sunset as it lingered at the top of the beautiful mountain range for a moment, then dropped behind the hill to be reflected by the sea below in the fleecy clouds above, giving to the whole a coloring which no brush could imitate, was well worth a journey to the spot to witness.
The weather was certainly hot. It was almost impossible for a sentry to pace a beat in the sun for more than a few minutes without being completely overcome. The water supply in the city was secured from large springs in the mountain and conveyed to the residences and other buildings through thin iron pipes, but it was very warm, and such a luxury as ice could not be secured under any circumstances. There was an ice plant at Ponce, however, and the supply for the hospital had to be carted across the country over a rough, rocky road forty miles long. The hills were warm to their center from the heat of
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the sun above and the heat of the interior beneath, so that the water never was and probably never will be cool. The water for drinking and cooking at the outposts was secured from the streams and springs. It was all very warm and unrefreshing, so that the men suffered considerably from thirst.
A short time after the city had been captured, the telegraph line which had been abandoned by the Spaniards was placed in repair and in this way the signal corps opened communication with Ponce. Until that time messages had to be carried by dis- patch boats along the coast.
Newspapers and news associations were obliged to file their reports at St. Thomas, a Danish island, about seventy miles from Guayama. The reports from Guayama were taken to Arroyo and there de- livered to special news boats, which carried the mes- sages to St. Thomas or Jamaica. No mail had, of course, been received from home as yet, and the men were practically in ignorance of what was going on at Washington or Madrid. A meager report would occasionally reach the camp through the newspaper boats and these would instantly magnify into the wildest rumors that could possibly have been in- vented.
The health of the men during the first week was far better than any one had anticipated. Several men had been overcome by the heat and there was one or two cases of typhoid fever, but these were supposed to have been developed at Chickamauga park. With everything apparently in their favor,
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with a prospect before them of just such an experi- ence as they had longed for and worked for in the Camp Thomas training school, the spirits of the boys remained as bright as they had been since the regi- ment left Columbus in May.
It was under such conditions as those just de- scribed that the first impressions of Porto Rico were formed. The men thought that they had surely reached a paradise and they were happy. Some be- gan to lay plans for remaining there after the war. Others wrote home to their friends, telling them what a resort had been found, and urging them to follow as soon as possible. The more enthusiastic attempted to purchase real estate and to make arrangements for settling down for the remainder of their lives.
On August 10th the hospital corps and the regi- mental detachments arrived at Arroyo. A field hos- pital was established there, but it was removed in a day later to near Guayama. Other troops began to appear, cavalry and artillery, besides the escort which had covered the march of the hospital outfit from Ponce. The horses and mules belonging to the brigade arrived also, and final preparations began making for the advance toward Cayey and San Juan. News reached Guayama that Spain had sued for peace and that hostilities would soon cease, and it was de- termined that if anything should be done it must be done at once in order to hold as much territory as possible when the end should come. Orderlies and staff officers could be seen hurrying from one head- quarters to the other all day on the 12th, and that
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