USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 39
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"Said consuls began to work to bring about the surrender of the town (which had been demanded at discretion), in their desire to avoid bloodshed and damage to the town, as the Spanish forces were insignificant, compared with those of the United States and besides the Spaniards having no defensive works or artillery to answer the fire of the fleet. At about 10 p. m. it was rumored that an armistice had been arranged, in virtue of which the Spanish forces would evacuate the town and that the Ameri- can troops would not land within a stipulated time to allow the former forces to get well on their way to Aibonito. It was reported that this arrangement was firm and the people began to treat more freely about the peaceful solution of the conflict. But unhappily their joy was of short duration as-about 1 a. m .- it began to be noised about that the governor general had deposed the military commander, Sanmartin, ordering him to give up the command to the lieutenant-colonel of the Civil Gnards, instructing the latter to offer resistance to the invading forces.
"On this becoming known the alarm was great among all classes, and the exodus to the neighboring country, which had already begun in the afternoon and evening, was immense, approaching nearly to a panic. But the vice consuls continued their labors to obtain that the armistice arranged with Colonel Sanmartin by them should be respected and kept in good faith, and the representative of England and Germany protested against its being broken and brought to bear on the negotiations all the weight that their nations represent.
"The lieutenant-colonel of the Civil Guard on his part, seeing the impossibility of resistance to the powerful fleet of the enemy, which had been reinforced by several ships more, with the means he had at his disposal, decided at length to evacuate the town. retiring with all the forces under his command, by the road leading to the interior of the island.
"As soon as this decision was arrived at the retreat began, but not before attempting to set fire to the railroad station, in which they only succeeded in burning a few cars. But even after the retreat there was anxiety among the inhabitants, as it was reported that the powder magazine of the barracks would be blown up before the Spaniards left the town definitely; we are happy to say that this did not happen.
"The town was left in charge of the local first brigade, who undertook the duty of keeping order, but their services were not called upon that night, nor has been since, as not the slightest disturbance has taken place. Ponce gave proofs of its good sense
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as usual. At daybreak the next morning a half dozen men of the American forces hoisted the Stars and Stripes on the custom house together with the headquarter's flag of the commander in chief. Later the flag was unfurled over the town hall.
"The landing of the troops began and were distributed about in accordance with instructions of the American commanders. The people welcomed the American forces as liberators and friends and with the greatest demonstrations of joy and heartiness.
"The commander of the expeditionary forces decided that the municipal and judicial authorities should remain at their post as well as the local police and the employees of the custom house, which later is in charge of Colonel Hill, appointed inspector of the port and customs. The American troops have entered this town with the greatest order and are fraternizing with the people. Said troops later relieved the fireman at guard duty at the city prison and other places.
"The political prisoners have been set at liberty and among them our friends Messrs. Santiago Geraldino, Rodulfo Figueroa, Jose Hilaria Roche and others. We heartily congratulate them all. The inhabitants that had gone into the country have gradually begun to return to town, in which the greatest order prevails.
"At the town hall there took place an incident worthy of mention. Mr. Figueroa, who had been just set free, went up to the Seasions hall and unslinging the portrait of the queen regent with the king and the crown which overtopped them. attempted to throw them over the balcony, saying: 'There go the remnants of Spanish domination.' But an American officer who was present interfered in a friendly way, requesting that said picture and crown should be given him as a historical memento of the occasion, which request was immediately granted."
Notice. "To this office has been brought a hat belonging to one of the guards of the army at present in the city. It is marked R. J. Bilie. Fort Wingate, N. M. We hold same at the disposal of said guard."
Colonel Sanmartin was in charge of the Spanish troops at the city of Ponce. At the time of the advance of the American troops he and his men fled along the military highway towards the northern part of the island, leaving the Spanish barracks. a fine large building, capable of housing a regiment. with all its furnishings, including the Spanish flags and some uniforms and equipments, and all of his own household furniture: afterwards Colonel Sanmartin was sentenced to death by a court martial for
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not defending the city, but it was afterwards changed to life imprisonment. After a few days' stay in camp at the city of Ponce, where the regiment was fully equipped with new "Krag" rifles, orders were given to proceed to the front and early in the morning of the 7th of August the regiment started on its march to meet the enemy and arrived in front of Coamo on the evening of August 8th; outposts were thrown out, almost being in touch with the Spanish troops, Company K under Captain Warren being sent out to the front. It was important that this city be captured and a careful plan of campaign was laid out by Gen- eral Ernest and the commanders of the Second and Third Wis- consin and Sixteenth Pennsylvania, comprising the brigade. To understand the battle of Coamo a description of the city and sur- rounding country is necessary; the land is very hilly along the entire south coast and towards the west it becomes mountainous. Coamo is eight miles from the seashore and is situated in a pocket of high hills; these hills are a guard to the city, being covered with ravines and cliffs which in many places are impass- able. An advance on the city by any other way than the roads leading to the town is next to impossible: three roads lead toward the city; from the southwest is the San Juan road lead- ing from Ponce. from Coamo to San Juan; this road takes a northeasterly direction from the city towards Aibonito; from the south is a road leading from St. Isabel, the road having been named after the town ; on all of these roads the Spanish govern- ment had built many culverts and bridges to cover ravines and streams: the work was done with great care and the bridges were very substantial; the roads are all macadamized and are like boulevards : on the outskirts southwest of the city is a block house situated between the San Juan and St. Isabel roads. From the block house the Spaniards had a clear range of the valley leading towards the city and in this block house the enemy was lodged and from there the Spanish had shut off former attempts to enter the city. Company K, as has been stated, and Com- pany G of Wausau were posted on the high hills commanding the San Juan road and had a full view of the block house and the city; all night a vigilant watch was kept on the Spanish, but they made no demonstration. The commanders were given their instructions for march on the' day previous. At four o'clock in the morning the troops were awakened, men were ordered to take their guns and belts, haversacks and three meals and their poncos, leaving the rest of the equipments behind. It was yet dark and at 4:30 breakfast was served; the men
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were in high spirits, only the sick were sad: trouble was brewing and at last we were within touch of the enemy; the Second and Third Wisconsin were held back and the Sixteenth Pennsylvania was sent by a detour to get in the rear of the city and there attack the enemy should they retreat: all the American forces had camped before the city on the San Juan road two miles southwest of it. At 5:30 in the morning the Sixteenth Pennsylvania had started for its position and after a wait until six o'clock the Second and Third were ordered to move: taking a position in the valley near the San Juan road, Lancaster's battery had from there a clean sweep of the block house and also commanded the range for firing into the city. The Second and Third Wisconsin supported the battery on the left, the Second being nearest to it. General Ernest and staff had taken a position on the hills where Captain Warren and the Tomah men had acted as pickets during the night and from here he directed Colonel Moore where to move his regiment : he was to take the Third to the south of the town and advance by way of the St. Isabel road. cutting off all escape from that direction. Captains Warren and Abraham and their companies had been left behind on outpost duty. and Captain Hommel, of Neillsville, with his company guarded the camp at Juana Diaz. so that the Third only had nine companies in the field. Major Richards had two companies of his battalion left. Company D of Mauston, Captain Turner and Company F of Portage, Captain Lee. and was assigned to lead the advance. Major Kircheis followed with the Second Battalion consisting of Company B. Captain Schultz, La Crosse: Company M, Captain Peck, La Crosse: Company L. Captain McCoy. Sparta, and Major George with the First Battalion, composed of Company E, Cap- tain Ballard, Eau Claire: Company C, Captain Kiney. Hudson ; Company I, Lieutenant Smith. West Superior: the Second Regi- ment followed to the left; the movement began at 6:30: the battery had taken its position and Major Richards and Lieutenant Colonel Saloday of the Second sent out their skirmishes. They stretched out toward the hills covering nearly a mile and cau- tiously the advance on the hills south of the town began. At exactly five minutes past seven the first shell from Lancaster's battery was fired and at the third shot the range of the block house, having been gotten, it was set on fire. With the advance began the opening of fire by the Spaniards and the Wisconsin troops were for the first time engaged in battle; the men in the advance skirmish line erept through the wet grass which was high enough to almost hide them from view: the regiment fol-
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lowed as close behind as was deemed safe without exposing them to an ambush.
The skirmishers and their squads had gone about 60 yards when General Ernest moved from the hill in which he had sta- tioned himself and went over to the battery. It was then seven o'clock and it was decided that the Pennsylvania regiment had by that time arrived in rear of the city. With the opening of fire by the battery the battle became lively and when the block house was set on fire by shells the Spaniards retreated along the road back into the city; while the battery was shelling the block house Major Richards had advanced the skirmishers towards the east and was within range of the hills on which the Spanish outposts were stationed. Thoroughly aroused at this time by the boldness of the Americans in shelling the block house the Spaniards opened fire on the skirmishers and the bullets whistled thick and fast over the heads of Captain Turner's men; but they were powerless to return the fire, because under the cover of the heavy brush the Spaniards could not be seen; with the retreat of the Spanish troops the advance of the Second and Third Wisconsin, which up to this time had been comparatively smooth, now became difficult: ravines, rivers, groves with deep underbrush and other obstructions were soon encountered. scarcely had one obstruction been overcome than another was met with ; then came the river and the bluffs. both sides of which were so steep that for a time it was thought impossible to reach the other side. The block house had long before been deserted and now the infantry fire of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania was heard. The advance skirmishers of the Third climbing the bluffs with the guns in one hand and with the other holding on to vines that hung over the cliffs, to hold themselves not knowing what awaited them below, nor did they care ; once below the river was waded and a march through a cornfield brought them to the St. Isabel road leading to the town where the Second Regiment and Second Battalion of the Third Regiment were coming along the road. Adjutant Holway and Major George leading the First Battalion on the other side of the river; scouts were sent out to see the effect the artillery fire had; the terrible result of it was seen : on reaching the river both regiments crossed the stream. the Third taking the lead and up the road toward the city where the Spanish had tried to blow up several bridges, but in their haste had not been successful. The Wisconsin troops were how within a mile of the town and natives came out to meet them ; word came that the Spaniards had deserted the place and were
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being engaged by the Pennsylvania regiment on the outskirts towards the west. Tired and weary, yet the Badger men hurried on. still spoiling for a fight. As the Third entered the town many natives came out waving white flags, they cheered the Americans, and it was a repetition of the entrance into Ponce; in the streets Spanish entrenchments were encountered which were made by digging a ditch and piling up bags of sand and in some instances iron water pipes and sewer pipes; the barracks were soon reached where the natives were found in control, tearing everything that was Spanish to pieces, showing their utmost hatred for Spain. Stores were closed, many merchants had fled and the town was on the very verge of starvation, the Spanish soldiers had taken all they needed and the country folks had not brought any eatables to town for over a week, being afraid of the soldiers.
The Third Regiment flag was raised over the town, and soon word came that the Pennsylvania regiment had routed three hundred Spanish regulars; the Spanish troops. thoroughly frightened by the advance of the Third Regiment, had attempted to flee towards the north and had run directly into the trap set for them; a sharp but decisive skirmish engagement in the brush took place at which Major Marlinez, commander of the Spanish troops made a gallant effort to hold his position flying up and down his line like a mad man, thereby making a target of himself which soon resulted in his being shot from his horse, pierced in many places. The Spaniards lost six killed, twelve wounded and one hundred and fifty prisoners and about one hundred and thirty-five Spaniards escaped by taking to the hills and later some of them surrendered.
The regiment took possession of the city and established a camp on the military road about a mile beyond the city limits; it was necessary to hold a large bridge over which the Spanish had retreated up the road. leading to Aibonito pass where the Spaniards had their stronghold and immediately Major Kircheis was sent to the front about four miles to hold this bridge having under his command Company D of Mauston, Captain Turner; Company F. Portage. Captain Lee: Company L. Sparta, Captain McCoy; Company M, La Crosse. Captain Peck. The enemy held this pass which led through the Sierra Del Sur Mountains and were thoroughly intrenched on three hills which commanded the pass and the road leading down the mountain; Major Kireheis occupied the position beyond the bridge and threw outposts into the hills covering the position thoroughly and on August 12
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Lancaster's battery was ordered to the front to shell the enemy as it was deemed impossible for infantry to make a charge upon the hills in order to capture the Spanish position; the road which led toward their ontposts was almost a crest of a moun- tain, and before the artillery could get into position it came into full view of the Spanish outposts and also of those behind the entrenchments. The battery as it advanced up the road was fired upon by the Spanish with their artillery, which seemed to be rather an obsolete kind, but which threw shells more or less effectively. The Spaniards changed their range from the battery and directed their fire toward the infantry, who were holding their line, all Wisconsin men, as before stated. About one dozen shells were thrown when a shell burst in the midst of Captain McCoy's Company L, which was stationed on the hill sloping toward the outposts headquarters, and Corporal Swanson, Com- pany L, and a private of the same company were killed by the explosion, Corporal Yanke and Corporal Bunce were wounded. The artillery was now under a heavy fire from the enemy. Three pieces were stationed in the field below the road and opened fire on the entrenchments. General Wilson and staff then arrived and directed the infantry to cease firing on account of the long range, but the Spaniards continued to shoot at the Portage and La Crosse troops; when the battery had fixed its distance the cannonade on the earthwork soon had its effect and whole eom- panies of Spanish infantry could be seen leaving and after an hour's firing directly on the position held by the Spanish field- pieces they were compelled to retire. During the time that the artillery was firing the Spanish had also continued to shell the infantry stationed along the hills: finally everything seemed to be silenced and the guns of the battery were ordered to move further up the road with Company F under Captain Lec as support.
As the horses and eannon dashed toward the enemy's position followed by the Portage troops they were surprised by a storm of bullets from a company of Spanish infantry and several shells from the hills, showing that the Spaniards were still in full pos- session of the position. The Portage company with the battery were obliged to fall back under a heavy fire which, however, caused only a few slight wounds, and the artillery then being out of ammunition, they were obliged to withdraw from the field. The Spanish had left their entrenchments and concealed them- selves in a banana field; it was almost impossible to locate them at first as they used smokeless powder with the Mauser rifles.
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They retreated into the hills, however, and the engagement ended with the Spanish still in their position and nothing gained for the American troops.
General Wilson determined to attack Aibonito pass by going through the mountains; a mule pack train was sent up to the Third Infantry and it was ordered to prepare for an early march through the mountains by way of the trail in an endeavor 10 drive the enemy out of Aibonito and capture the pass and the city. Ammunition and two day's rations were issued ready for the start at daylight. Colonel Moore called his officers together and stated that the Third would lead the assault up the mountain and that it would be the hardest piece of work yet assigned to the regiment and dismissed them with the statement, made in that positive way he had, of "We will take that pass or there will be lots of room at mess for those who come back." An hour before daylight bugles rang out the reveille, the regiment had its breakfast, packed its packs, ammunition and rations, filed out into the road and awaited the order to start on their perilous march. While waiting for the command to move a horseman was seen rushing up the road from the city, where the military tele- graph station was located, waving in his hand a despatch, which was found to be news from the War Department that the peace protocal had been signed and that officially the fighting was over While it was fortunate and saved the lives of many score of brave Wisconsin boys, still the news came as a disappointment. for the fighting blood of the Old Third was up, and on the face of every man was seen a determination to do his full share, whatever the result might have been.
After this, white flags were put out by both the Spanish and American troops, and the weary routine of camp life and wait- ing began, with nothing to do but establish outposts, with occa- sional drills for the sake of the health of the men. Still the malarial fever began to get its grip on these Wisconsin boys and the brigade hospital became larger than the brigade camp. and here is given two sets of figures. While they are not official. they were gathered from a reliable source and are taken from a little book published by Emanuel Rossiter, being a history of Company 1 of the Third Regiment: On September 13th. out of the strength of the regiment there were 126 men siek in hospital, 200 siek in quarters and 128 siek in other places, making a total of 454; and to show the increase of this terrible disease, just six days after that, on the 19th of September the reports show 138 men siek in hospital, 413 men siek in quarters. 148 men sick
1
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in other places, 18 left for home invalided, 12 men died in Porto Rico, a total of 729. These were dark days indeed for the Third, for in August the Second Wisconsin was sent home but the Third, being still considered efficient, was held for whatever duty might arise and the dreary routine of waiting pulled heavily on the spirits of officers and men : but the Third exhib- ited its sterling worth and when the order came to march from Coamo through to San Juan, there to take part in the formal exercises of raising the flag over the island of Porto Rico, great was the rejoicing, and upon the morning that the march began the editor, sitting on his horse beside Lieutenant McDonald. a surgeon of the regular army detailed for duty with the Third Regiment, watched the men as they swung out of the field and into the road, men who were indeed men in looks. some of them with lined faces, who had enlisted a few months before as mere boys, and Lieutenant McDonald said after the last company had gone by : "There are 600 men which you cannot kill with a club."
The brigade, consisting of the Sixteenth Pensylvania and the Second Wisconsin, reached Cavey on the 3d of October after a three days' march and here on the 4th orders were received to return to Ponce to take transports for home : and returning over the same road, reaching Ponce a few days later, where the regi- ment was very comfortably quartered in camps left by a regular regiment of infantry which was ordered away. the tents being left standing. Here the men rested for several days visiting the city, busily engaged in picking up souvenirs to carry home, wait- ing for the transports to arrive. On October 20th the "Mani- toba," a fine ship, came into the harbor at Ponce and the regi- ment was ordered to pack up, go aboard and start for home.
True to its record, the Third, instead of straggling down to the harbor, as had been the case with a regiment or two which had gone home before, packed its baggage, swung into column and, headed by the pitiful remnant of Dana's once famous Third Regiment band, marched proudly through the city with the same old swing, cheered mightily by their old friends, the First Kentucky, which had arrived on the island, and the Nineteenth Regular Infantry. Quickly they loaded everything on the "Man- itoba, " laid in the harbor that night for the sole reason, as was told, that it was Friday night and no sailor would move on that night, and the next day, October 22d, started the journey for home. This proved to be a record breaking passage of four and one-half days, and on the evening of the 26th of October the twinkling lights along the Jersey shore were greeted with great
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shouts of happiness, for at last, after many trials, it looked like home. Held in quarantine that night, the ship steamed into the harbor the next morning, where it was met by Governor Seo- field himself, who came on board the vessel and had words of great praise for the conduct of the regiment. On the 28th ar- rangements were fully completed for the regiment and three special trains of sleepers started for home on the West Shore railroad, and on their way stopped at Milwaukee where a loyal banquet was served to every officer and man by the city of Milwaukee, and here the troops were distributed, going to their various home towns.
Later on they were mustered out by companies along in January, 1899, being visited at their home stations for that pur- pose by regular army officers detailed to muster out the com- panies and pay them in full. The total strength of the regiment was 1.353, of whom two men were killed in action, three wounded and forty-one died of disease. The colors carried by the regi- ment during the Spanish war are now at Madison in the capitol building in the case with flags of the Rebellion. The regiment was reorganized in a few months afterwards with Orlando Hol- way as its colonel and is now and has been ever since a part of the National Guard, in which Companies L and K have made good records.
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