different roads, and had to go through woods,
wade through streams, and wind along narrow paths. A number of men
from each regiment went before, with tools, and cut the fences of
barbed wire. Fences of barbed wire had been put, like a network, all
around Santiago, to keep our men away.

[Illustration: Assault of San Juan Hill.]

San Juan was protected by trenches and forts, and from these places
Spanish bullets rained down upon our men. During the early hours of
the morning there was much confusion among our troops. They were
looking for further orders from headquarters, but none came. So, at
last, the captains and colonels took things into their own hands and
did what seemed best. Again there was need of more heavy cannon, and
again our men were troubled by having powder that made a thick black
smoke. Just as it was at El Caney, so it was at San Juan; not having
cannon enough to destroy the forts, our men had to take the place by
storm. Colonel Roosevelt led his "Rough Riders" in one of the finest
charges ever made. The other troops, nearly all "Regulars," did noble
work. With bullets pouring down upon them, our men made a wild rush up
the heights, and the Spaniards fled. The struggle to take San Juan had
lasted more than five hours, and cost many lives.

Though our men were worn and weary, they took no rest that night. They
buried the dead, they repaired the forts and trenches. Our men knew
that the Spaniards would try to win back the heights of San Juan, the
last stronghold on the outskirts of Santiago.

At daybreak the next morning the Spaniards attacked our troops, and
the fighting went on all day. A sharp attack was made in the evening,
but our men still held the place. Yet they did not feel secure. The
Spanish Army in Santiago was a large one, and might force our men
back. Our men, though weary from marching and fighting and digging,
hungry, for food was scarce, wanted to hold the heights that had been
so dearly won.

The attack upon the Spanish defenses of Santiago began early in the
morning of July 1st, as I have told you, and I wish I could tell you
the one hundredth part of the brave and gallant deeds that were done
by our brave soldiers on that and the next day.

[Illustration: Lieutenant John H. Parker.]

Battery A, of the Second United States Artillery, fired the first shot
of the engagement known as the battle of El Caney. The Spaniards
replied, after it had sent five shells among them. The Spani