emy, as holding
the Guantanamo road, as well as furnishing shelter for a strong outpost
that might be used to assail the right flank of any force operating
against San Juan Hill. In view of this, I decided to begin the attack next
day at El Caney with one division, while sending two divisions on the
direct road to Santiago, passing by the El Pozo house, and as a diversion
to direct a small force against Aguadores, from Siboney along the railroad
by the sea, with a view of attracting the attention of the Spaniards in
the latter direction, and of preventing them from attacking our left
flank.... But we were in a sickly climate; our supplies had to be brought
forward by a narrow wagon-road which the rain might at any time render
impassable; fear was entertained that a storm might drive the vessels
containing our stores to sea, thus separating us from our base of
supplies, and, lastly, it was reported that General Pando, with eight
thousand reinforcements for the enemy, was en route for Manzanillo, and
might be expected in a few days. Under these conditions I determined to
give battle without delay.

[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL SHAFTER.]

"Early on the morning of July 1st Lawton was in position around El Caney,
Chaffee's brigade on the right across the Guantanamo road, Miles's brigade
in the centre and Ludlow's on the left. The duty of cutting off the
enemy's retreat along the Santiago road was assigned to the latter
brigade. The artillery opened on the town at 6.15 A. M. The battle here
soon became general, and was hotly contested. The enemy's position was
naturally strong, and was rendered more so by blockhouses, a stone fort
and entrenchments cut in solid rock, and the loopholing of a solidly built
stone church. The opposition offered by the enemy was greater than had
been anticipated, and prevented Lawton from joining the right of the main
line during the day, as had been intended. After the battle had continued
for some time, Bates's brigade of two regiments reached my headquarters
from Siboney. I directed him to move near El Caney, to give assistance if
necessary. He did so, and was put in position between Miles and Chaffee.
The battle continued with varying intensity during most of the day and
until the place was carried by assault about 4.30 P. M. As the Spaniards
endeavoured to retreat along the Santiago road, Ludlow's position enabled
him to do very effective work, and practically to cut off all retreat in
tha