The difficulty in locating the enemy, and hence in giving proper direction to the attack formations, has already been alluded to.  Another cause of anxiety during the earlier stage of the fight were the reports that came to the brigade commander from different parts of the field, through officers, that the enemy was getting around our right (or left) flank, and endeavoring to capture our train.  There may have been some foundation for these reports; but, if so, the flanking parties were probably small, and deterred from pursuing their design by our steady advance.  It may be added that the train was well guarded.

[Illustration:  Witch River, near Cabo Rojo.]

Our loss embraced 1 enlisted man killed and 1 officer and 15 men wounded.  All the wounded, the surgeons say, will recover.  The enemy’s loss cannot be definitely ascertained, but it is estimated at 15 killed alone.  It probably did not fall short of 50 in killed and wounded.

The command continued its march at an early hour the following morning, the advance-guard and the main body proceeding slowly and with great caution.  This extra care was unnecessary.  Those of the enemy’s forces that were held in reserve (some of them not far from the city) had fled precipitately as soon as they realized the extent of their defeat.

In connection with the foregoing report I consider the subjoined document as being of interest:—­

  HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MILITARY
  EXPEDITION IN CAMP AT MAYAGUEZ,
  PUERTO RICO, Aug. 12, 1898.

  GENERAL ORDERS
  No. 14.

The brigadier-general commanding desires to convey to the officers and soldiers of his command his thanks for their excellent conduct in the engagement they had on the 10th instant, near the town of Hormigueros, with the Spanish forces in that vicinity.  Concealed in a strong position, they poured a murderous fire into our troops about to go into camp after a fatiguing march.  Had the disposition of the cavalry screen and of the advance-guard—­which latter included both infantry and artillery—­been less perfect, or had the command been deficient in discipline or other soldierly qualities, such an attack might have proved disastrous.  As it was, it was promptly and gallantly repulsed, the repulse resulting in the enemy’s precipitate evacuation of the city of Mayaguez, though it had been placed in a state of defence.

[Illustration:  American Camp at Mayaguez.]

The major-general commanding the army has been pleased to commend the troops for their gallant action on this occasion,—­a fact which it affords the brigade commander genuine satisfaction to announce.

By command of Brigadier-General Schwan.

GROTE HUTCHESON,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

CHAPTER VI

The Second Day Ends

A personal resume of the fight—­Lack of melodramatic accompaniments—­A lost chance of glory—­Another neglected opportunity—­A glimpse of the flag—­Once more into camp.