USA > Ohio > The Fourteenth Ohio national guard- the Fourth Ohio volunteer infantry > Part 16
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On October 1st Captain Sellers and a squad raised the flag and appointed a new mayor at the town of Yabucao, and on the 4th Lieutenant Turner and a squad visited the town of San Lorenzo. This town was also made American and everything seemed to be very satisfactory with the greater number of people.
When the company reached Humacao, the police officers carried short swords or "machetes." These were taken up and maces given them and they were
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uniformed according to the American idea. The town was thoroughly cleaned from one end to the other and forty prisoners were taken from the jail and put to work on the roads. No rum was permitted to be sold to the soldiers. Eight mounted patrolmen traversed the country immediately surrounding Humacao, and during his stay there Captain Sellers made visits to the other towns, keeping in touch with the civil authorities and rendering them all the aid in his power.
At no time was there any sickness in the com- pany worthy of mention. Steward Burr, of the hos- pital department, and Dr. Wilson, one of the enlisted men who had given their services as surgeons, were at this station, and in his reports Captain Sellers praises both. The company remained at Humacao until October 25th, when it was relieved by the Forty-seventh New York from the Chester. Humacao was a much better town than Guayama and the soldiers and citizens were much warmer friends. As evidence of the esteem in which the company and its commander were held in the hearts of the people at Humacao, the following copy of a message sent to General Brooke at the time the com- pany was about to leave for the United States is given:
"Since the 22nd of last September, on which floats in this city the American flag, hoisted in the name of your government by the worthy Captain Chas. F. Sellers, this people, sir, have nothing but congratulations for you and for General Grant, for
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the proper appointment of Mr. Sellers, who has ruled the destinies of this military district with as much justice as courtesy.
"Therefore, today, on having notice that perhaps they would relieve the forces that said captain com- mands, ably assisted by Lieutenant Turner and sub- altern officers, the town en masse, sir, assist me, in order that with the Board of Magistrates, we may formulate a respectful petition before you, to the end that if it is not a hindrance to your plans, you may be pleased to leave Captain Sellers in this city, thus satisfying a strong desire of this town where he has gained so many sympathies by his honesty, good judgment and gentility.
"At the same time the populations of Yabucoa, San Lorenzo, Junces Piedros and Naguabo, by means of their representatives, join in making this, their manifestation.
"Be it known for all time, that our gratitude to you will be profound, if we obtain, that this chief may continue among us, even though it may be for a little longer time."
ON THE ISLAND OF VIEQUES.
Company D having been assigned to special duty, selected on account of its fine appearance at the big parade in Guayama plaza, Company M was chosen for special service. Notwithstanding the fact that the company presented a fine appearance in itself, it was in bad condition as to commissioned officers. Captain Bostwick had been compelled to go to the
4
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hospital and finally to return to the states on account - of sickness, and Second Lieutenant George M. Florence had been left at Newport News, Va., on ac- count of typhoid fever. This left Lieutenant Duffy in command of the company and the only officer present for duty. The lieutenant was capable enough to take charge of the company "lone-handed" under ordinary conditions, but it was not deemed advisable to detach the company for any length of time with- out giving him some assistance. To this end First Lieutenant Fred S. Whiley, of I Company, was as- signed to M Company, and he accompanied the expe- dition about to be described. Having had consider- able experience with quartermasters' stores, Lieuten- ant Whiley proved himself a valuable addition to the company.
Company M was ordered on September 17th to go to the island of Vieques, a small island some dis- tance off the main land of Porto Rico. In the order the company was directed to leave Guayama on the 19th and to assume control of the government of the entire island. About 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, however, the order was changed so that the company was directed to leave Guayama on the 18th. The start was made, therefore, about 5 o'clock on the even- ing of the day designated.
Besides M Company there were in the party Colonel Coit, Captain Fenten (General Grant's adju- tant), Captain Wright, who was to look after the health of the company during its stay on the island; Captain Danavin, Civilian Aide Weiner, also of Gen-
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eral Grant's staff; the Fourth Ohio band and a num- ber of regimental headquarters attaches. The com- pany left the camp and passed in review at brigade headquarters, then proceeded to Arroyo, which sta- tion was reached about 8 o'clock the same evening. Eighteen wagons were required to remove the com- pany and its baggage, but as soon as everything could be unloaded and stored temporarily in the customs house at Arroyo, the wagon train was permitted to return to Guayama. This work completed, the com- pany put up for the night.
About 3 o'clock the next morning word was re- ceived from Lieutenant Newlove of Company D, an- nouncing the trouble met by their baggage train at Maunabo. Arrangements were accordingly made to help him out of his difficulty. On the morning of the 19th the Stillwater appeared in the harbor and ar- rangements were at once made for the start to Vie- ques. It was 3 o'clock of the same afternoon, how- ever, before the start was made, and sailing under favorable conditions the Stillwater arrived off Mauna- bo at about 5 o'clock on the same evening. Here the stranded baggage of D Company was taken on, but the task of loading was not completed until nearly midnight, and the Stillwater being in strange waters, the trip was not resumed until the morning of the 20th. Sailing down the coast the port of Humacoa, or Point Santiago, was reached, and the D Company detachment disembarked. Colonel Coit, Captain Fenten, Captain Wright, Captain Donavin and Major Hogan, of the Stillwater, also disembarked and went
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over to the city of Humacoa, about five miles inland, to participate in the flag raising ceremonies with Captain Sellers. The party did not return to the Stillwater until late that night, and then they had a bad time of it, the storms of the autumnal equinox being at that time at their worst. Before Point Santiago was left, however, the Stillwater had the experience of making a capture, a Spanish schoon- er having sailed into the harbor. The captain of the vessel readily hauled down the red and yellow banner and his vessel sailed from that day on under the Stars and Stripes. This arrangement was perfectly agree- able to the captain of the vessel, however, as he had requested an American flag to be used for that pur- pose. Word was also received that the company was not expected to take possession of the island of Vieques until 12 o'clock noon of the 21st.
It was 11 o'clock when the Stillwater arrived in the harbor at Isabel Segunda. Arrangements were at once made for disembarking, and about sixty of the ninety men in the company boarded lighters. The band and all the officers also boarded lighters and small boats and the command was towed into the shore. As the soldiers approached the landing, the rocks to the right were fairly black with people who had rushed to the water's edge to welcome their visitors, shouting at the top of their voices a royal welcome. To the left of the landing, however, there was an entirely different scene. There in front of the beautiful light house were the Spanish soldiers drawn up in line, waiting for their conquerers to take
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the final step toward the acquisition of more of their territory.
Besides the crowd of citizens, the soldiers were met at the landing by the mayor of the town and by the colonel and captain who had occupied the fort at this station. All the officers except Lieutenant Whiley, who remained with the troops, went ashore and up to the fort, which stood on a promontory back of the town, where the formal arrangements were made for the turning over of the island to Lieu- tenant Duffy. All arrangements having been com- pleted for the transfer, word was sent back to the men who in the meantime had effected a landing and were waiting under Lieutenant Whiley at the customs house. By direction of Colonel Coit the company marched to the Episcopal church, which, by the way, was one of the only two Protestant churches in that part of the Spanish possessions. Here the rector, Rev. Been, conducted a praise service. A blessing was formally invoked upon a beautiful American flag, and at exactly 12 o'clock noon, this flag was officially hoisted above the highest parapet of the fort by First Sergeant C. K. Crum.
This was the first American flag ever raised in that part of the world and by that act another valu- able possession came into the hands of the United States.
Immediately after the flag raising ceremonies, the officers were breakfasted by the customs officer. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon the officers repaired to the apothecary shop of Senor Victor Dutiel, who
SCENE NEAR FAJARDO.
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acted as interpreter, and the transfer papers were formally completed and signed by Captain Francisco Rasineras, of the Spanish army, and First Lieutenant Charles G. Duffy, of the Fourth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, special commissioners for the United States and the Kingdom of Spain. Shortly after this all the officers except those who were to remain on the island, and the band returned to the Stillwater and sailed for Arroyo, leaving Lieutenant Duffy and Company M "monarchs of all they surveyed."
One of the first duties for the company to per- form was to find "where they were at." Vieques was found to be an island containing 5528 people. There were two towns, Isabel Segunda, the capital, and Mosquito. The wealth of the island consisted ยท principally of cattle, horses and sugar, while in the extreme eastern end of the island were the "Las Salinas" lagoons. With the investment of a little capital it was learned that the salt producing in- dustry here would soon develop into importance.
The people were found to excel in every way the inhabitants of Porto Rico. Their homes were more conveniently and more comfortably furnished and the island which they occupied was seen to be a very healthful one. One of the proofs of this con- dition is that during all the time the company was on the island there was not a time when inore than three men reported to the hospital in one day and there was usually but one. Soldiers who accompanied the company there weak and frail, left the island sound and healthy men. Dr. Wright, who had made the
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sanitary conditions a careful study, reported that of all the Spanish countries he had yet seen, Vieques was the ideal location for a health resort.
The people were willing and anxious to aid the military in reorganizing the government of the island. Not a single outrage was committed in the island while the company occupied it. One of the first reforms worked by Lieutenant Duffy was the re- organization of the schools and the employment of English-speaking teachers. Other accomplishments were the amicable settlement of the questions of church and state, appointment of a new mayor, municipal government rearranged and two new coun- cilmen appointed, the thorough patrol of the entire island by mounted patrolmen, appointment of new civil and criminal judges, the discharge of six customs officers and the rearrangement of salaries, a thorough cleansing of streets and public buildings and a gen- eral "house cleaning" from one end of the island to the other.
In all this work the citizens entered with a spirit that showed a determination to become good Ameri- can citizens. Isabel Segunda was visited by a United States treasury officer, who made a careful inspection of the customs office and pronounced everything in excellent condition. The work done by M Company was certainly an excellent one and the people of the island thoroughly appreciated all that was done for them. They treated the soldiers with all the hospi- tality known to civilization and feasts and banquets were the order of the day from the first to the last of
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every week. As the population was largely made up of French the science of good eating was generally pretty well understood by the people, and this knowl- edge was thoroughly appreciated by the soldiers, who were invited to test it. Fine ponies were brought to the fort and placed at the disposal of the troops and cows were brought in so that they might have fresh milk all the time. The very finest cattle were killed for their benefit and the "finest of the land" was at all times at the disposal of the company, whose mem- bers lived like so many kings during their entire stay in the island.
On September 26th Major Jones arrived at the island with money with which to pay the men, but money to them was "as filthy lucre," for although they were "strapped" for the most part, they could get almost anything they wanted without paying for it, as the people were glad to give it to them. With the paymaster, however, came Lieutenants Hamil and Ward, of Companies B and G, who relieved Lieuten- ant Whiley, his own company having been assigned to similar duty at Fajardo.
A communication by means of the heliograph was established between Isabel Segunda and Fajardo, and this added much to the convenience and pleasure of the company. The same was tried with Humacoa, but the experiment failed. A yacht was placed at the disposal of the company, however, and when the weather would permit, trips were made across the channel and visits made to the other companies in the eastern part of Porto Rico.
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During the entire stay of the company on the island the boys enjoyed the same hospitality and the same friendship with the citizens until on the 26th of October, when the steamer Chester arrived at the harbor with a company of the Forty-seventh New York to relieve them. Although the boys were glad to return to their homes they could not, however, leave the island and their numerous friends without a feeling of reluctance. Just before taking his de- parture Lieutenant Duffy, Dr. Wright and Lieuten- ants Hamil and Ward were banqueted, and at the close of the festivities, a petition was presented to be conveyed to the president of the United States, asking that Lieutenant Duffy be sent to the island as its governor. This petition was signed by every land owner in the island.
DETACHMENT TO FAJARDO.
The next company to receive orders for detached service was Company I, of Lancaster, Captain Palmer commanding. The company left Guayama a few days after the paymaster had visited the Fourth and the boys of the company were feeling in excellent condition for almost any kind of service. "Anything to get away from Guayama," was the general motto, and I Company was not an exception in this matter. The service of Company I is well described in the report which Captain Palmer made to General Grant, given in full as follows:
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Fajardo, P. R., Oct., 5th, 1898.
Brigadier General Grant, Commanding Second Brigade First Division, First Corps:
Sir-In accordance with orders received from brigade headquarters September 26th, 1898, I left Guayama, P. R., with my company en route to Fa- jardo on September 28th, 1898. At 2 p. m. that date we embarked on the "Gypsum King," then lay- ing off Arroyo. The following day at 2:30 p. m. we landed at Fajardo beach and immediately took pos- session of the customs house and raised the United States flag thereon. In this building I am using a large room as a store for Q. M. and commissary sup- plies, the place being guarded by two non-commis- sioned officers and six privates.
Here I met a Mr. Bird, a prominent citizen of the town. Assisted by him I examined the books of the customs authorities and, as far as I could discern, and according to Mr. Bird's decision, the books and accounts were in good order.
At 4 p. m. the same day the United States flag was raised over the alcalde's office in this town amidst great rejoicing of the people. On the 30th of Sep- tember I reinstated C. Andrew as alcalde.
This gentleman was legally elected and is their choice. He had to leave here some time ago because the Spaniards would not permit him to remain in the town. On this day the town council met and re- organized. With the exception of two, all the old members were retained. The two mentioned-one a Spaniard, the other a Cuban-resigned because they
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could not bear allegiance to America. At this meet- ing the following officials were appointed for the time being: Collector of Customs, Edwardo Alonzo; Paymaster of Customs, Manuel Guzman; Captain of Port, Jovito Perovia; Judge, Jose Garcia. The po- lice force was reduced from nine to five. The cus- toms house staff from ten to seven. The captain of port had two assistants. Both of these men were dis- charged. It is my opinion, these appointments and reductions will prove beneficial.
As there is no land here suitable for a camp without renting it, my men are now quartered in an old theater which was formerly used by Spanish troops. The only water I can obtain has to be hauled from the river near by. It is not of the best quality, owing to the constant rains and the fact that most of the people bathe and wash clothes therein.
At 3 p. m. on the 2nd of October the United States flag was raised in the town of Ceibe. The natives were jubilant and orderly. As the place is quiet there is no need for a guard to be stationed there.
Yesterday morning at 10:15 a. m. the United States flag was raised above the alcalde's office at Loquillo. Here, as in Ceibo, a guard is not neces- sary. I have instructed the alcaldes of both towns that if they ever need assistance to let me know. I will visit these places every few days.
In the towns of Fajardo, Ceibo and Loquillo there is no disorder, all the people being seemingly well pleased with American occupation.
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Before closing this report I wish to mention Mr. H. Bird. He has been of inestimable value to me. He has neglected his business to assist me here and in the other towns. Too much credit cannot be given him for his faithfulness.
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, L. H. PALMER,
Captain Company I, Fourth O. V. I.
One of the advantages enjoyed by I Company, and which also was the source of a great deal of satis- faction to the other companies occupying the eastern portion of the island, was that many of the citizens spoke the English language very well. This made the employment of interpreters less necessary and less difficult. For this reason also, the members of the companies were better enabled to buy provisions from the native markets, and when they were entertained away from the barracks, their pleasure was not marred by being unable to converse with their hosts as had been the case at Guayama and some of the other towns.
It was the good fortune of the company to have Dr. Samuel K. Carson, a member of A Company, as- signed to them as medical officer. Dr. Carson had no commission, was merely a private, but he was a gradu- ate in medicine, was enthusiastic in his profession, and not only stood well at the college he had just left, but also with every one with whom he came in contact. Fortunately there was little sickness in the company while at Fajardo, but Dr. Carson performed this duty as well and as freely as though he had held
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a commission as a medical officer. His work with the company was highly appreciated by the officers and men of the regiment.
At no time during the stay of the company at Fajardo was there any clash between the citizens and the soldiers and the stay was mutually a pleasant one until the Chester appeared in the harbor and the boys embarked for home.
COMPANY L AT CAROLINA.
The service of nearly all the detached companies in Porto Rico was characterized by the kindly feeling extended to the soldiers by the natives in whose midst they had been sent. One of the exceptions to this rule, however, was the service of Company L, Cap- tain F. M. French commanding. Company L had made for itself a record at Camp Thomas as one of the best disciplined and most orderly divisions of the regiment, and it was very fortunate indeed that this particular company was assigned to the post it occu- pied in Porto Rico. The company was organized at Mt. Vernon and was made up of the kind of men who are willing to go anywhere or do anything that comes along the line of duty, and the greatest reward they could have received for their work was the con- sciousness that the duty had been performed to the best of their ability.
After the regimental camp had been formed at Guayama, L Company remained in its regular camp position until 2 o'clock ,on the morning of October 5th.
CITY HALL, CAROLINA.
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Orders had been received on the evening of the 4th for the company to take possession of Caguas, a town 32 miles north of Guayama on the road to San Juan. The order stated that this was to be done on the 5th, and it was this fact that prompted the early start and which is evidence of the truth of the state- ment made in the first paragraph of this account. The order had been issued several days before, but owing to the condition of the wires, the message ha.l not been delivered.
The company was busy until the hour mentioned in getting things in readiness for the march. It was raining hard all night and as wet as they could have been had they fallen into the river, the men started on the thirty-two mile march with as much enthusi- asm as that with which they had left their native town six months before. The march was not only a long one, but it was attended with considerable danger, for, as has been said of the road across the mountain to Cayey, a false step in the darkness meant at least a serious accident. The rain continued until daylight, but the men struggled merrily along, up the steep mountain road and down on the other side until Cayey was reached. Remarkably good time had been made and fearing that a rest would interfere with the march, to say nothing of the failure to comply with the order to take possession of Caguas on the 5th, Captain French decided to push on and rest at the end of the journey. The speed was kept up and shortly after 10 o'clock on the night of the 5th Com- pany L was in the city they were to occupy, having
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covered the distance of 32 miles of rough road in twenty hours. But the company had thus obeyed orders to the letter and every member was happy even if he was nearly tired out.
Caguas had been quite a military center for the Spaniards and there was plenty of barracks room with ample facilities for cooking. As little work as possible was done that night, but the next morning the American flag was raised over the city and Cap- tain French assumed general control. The company remained here until after the regiment proper had ar- rived, when, on the 10th, it was relieved and sent on to Carolina, a town near the northern coast.
The district of which Carolina was the capital embraced the towns of Rio Grande, Cannovinos and Loiza. The American flag was raised at each of these places and the Spanish flags which had previously marked their allegiance, became the property of Com- pany L. This section of the island was one of the richest agricultural districts in Porto Rico, but at the time the company took charge of the district, a gen- eral feeling of unrest prevailed. Two hundred and fifty workmen at the Buena Vista plantation were on a strike and agitators were attempting to induce the employes of the other plantations to follow the ex- ample of the Buena Vista workmen. The strikers at several times had become very violent in their demonstrations and attempts had been made to burn
. the buildings. Two days after the arrival of the company, however, these men were induced to return
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to work and in another two days quiet was restored at the other plantations.
There was other trouble to occupy the minds of the company, a feeling of bitterness having been de- veloped against the Catholic priests of the district. No particular reason was assigned for this, the trouble being apparently a desire upon the part of the natives to do all they could to harass the Spanish citizens, and they expected the American soldiers to aid them in this. On the evening of the 13th a mob collected at Carolina and an attack on the priest was made there. The prompt action of the provost guard pre- vented any injury to the object of their wrath and they were also prevented from following out their plan to burn the cathedral. The crowd was dispersed without serious trouble and quiet was restored for the time being.
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