“It is proper here to state that General Bates and his brigade had performed most arduous and efficient service, having marched much of the night of June 30-July 1, and a good part of the latter day, during which he also participated in the battle of El Caney, after which he proceeded, by way of El Pozo, to the left of the line at San Juan, reaching his new position about midnight.

“All day on the 2d the battle raged with more or less fury, but such of our troops as were in position at daylight held their ground, and Lawton gained a strong and commanding position on the right.

“About 10 p..m., the enemy made a vigorous assault to break through my lines, but he was repulsed at all points.

“On the morning of the 3d the battle was renewed, but the enemy seemed to have expended his energy in the assault of the previous night, and the firing along the lines was desultory;” and this was stopped by a letter sent by General Shafter, saying he would be obliged to “shell Santiago,” if not surrendered, and non-combatants would be given until 10 o’clock July 4th to leave the city.  The reply of the Spanish General was that he would not surrender.  Then foreign consuls came within our lines asking more time to remove the women and children.  The language of General Shafter reporting the situation at the time and the events following, is here reproduced as of permanent interest: 

“My first message went in under a flag of truce at 12:30 p.m.  I was of the opinion that the Spaniards would surrender if given a little time, and I thought this result would be hastened if the men of their army could be made to understand they would be well treated as prisoners of war.  Acting upon this presumption, I determined to offer to return all the wounded Spanish officers at El Caney who were able to bear transportation, and who were willing to give their paroles not to serve against the forces of the United States until regularly exchanged.  This offer was made and accepted.  These officers, as well as several of the wounded Spanish privates, 27 in all, were sent to their lines under the escort of some of our mounted cavalry.  Our troops were received with honors, and I have every reason to believe the return of the Spanish prisoners produced a good impression on their comrades.

“The cessation of firing about noon on the 3d practically terminated the battle of Santiago.

“A few Cubans assisted in the attack at El Caney, and fought valiantly, but their numbers were too small to materially change the strength, as indicated above.  The enemy confronted us with numbers about equal to our own; they fought obstinately in strong and intrenched positions, and the results obtained clearly indicate the intrepid gallantry of the company, officers and men, and the benefits derived from the careful training and instruction given in the company in recent years in rifle practice and other battle exercises.  Our losses in these battles were 22 officers and 208 men killed, and 81 officers and 1,203 men wounded; missing, 79.  The missing, with few exceptions, reported later.