"
B.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM A SOLDIER OF THE 10TH CAVALRY, TROOP B,
CONCERNING THE BATTLE OF LAS GUASIMAS:
"... The platoon which escaped this ditch got on the right
of the 1st Cavalry on the firing line, and pushed steadily
forward under First Sergeant Buck, being then in two
squads--one under Sergeant Thompson. On account of the
nature of the ground and other natural obstacles, there were
men not connected with any squads, but who advanced with the
line.
Both squads fired by volley and at will, at the command of
the sergeants named; and their shots reached the enemy and
were effective, as it is generally believed.
Private W.M. Bunn, of Sergeant Thompson's squad, is reported
to have shot a sharpshooter from a tree just in front of the
enemy's work. Private Wheeler was shot twice in the advance.
Sergeant Thompson's squad was once stopped from firing by
General Wheeler's adjutant-general for fear of hitting the
Rough Riders.
It seems that two distinct battles were fought that day.
Colonel Wood's command struck the enemy at about the tame
time, or probably a Little before, ours did, and all unknown
to the men in our ranks; and got themselves into a pretty
tight squeeze.
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