States Cavalry and the Tenth United States Cavalry crossed the stream and deployed to the right where they were placed in position in rear of the First Brigade.  Two regiments of the Second Brigade, to wit., the First and the Tenth Regular Cavalry, were located in the rear of the First Brigade.  The First Regular Cavalry had begun its day’s work as support of Grimes’ battery, but had later come forward and taken its place in the brigade time enough to join in the action that followed.

“After completing the deployment,” says Sumner, “the command was so much committed to battle that it became necessary either to advance or else retreat under fire.”  The troops were already in battle, but were not fighting, and could not do so in their present position, simply because they could not see the enemy.  “Lieutenant Miley, representing General Shafter, authorized an advance, which was ordered, Carroll’s brigade taking the advance, reinforced on the right by Roosevelt’s regiment, and supported by the First and Tenth Cavalry.” (Sumner.) Colonel Wood says:  “After remaining in this position for about an hour (meaning the position held by his brigade previous to the coming of the order to advance) the order to advance was given, and the brigade advanced in good order as possible, but more or less broken up by the masses of brush and heavy grass and cactus; passing through the line of the First Brigade, mingling with them and charging the hill in conjunction with these troops, as well as some few infantry who had extended to the right.”  It must be remembered that the First Brigade consisted wholly of regulars, the Third, Sixth and Ninth Cavalry, while the Second Brigade had that remarkable regiment, the Rough Riders.  This fact may account for their breaking through the lines of the First Brigade.  Major Wessells, who commanded the Third Cavalry in that fight, and was himself wounded at the close of the first charge, says his regiment became entangled with other regiments, but, nevertheless, was to the crest as soon as any.  Of the advance of the whole division, General Sumner says:  “The advance was made under heavy infantry fire, through open flat ground, cut up by wire fences, to the creek, distant about 600 yards.  The advance was made in good order, the enemy’s fire being returned only under favorable opportunities.  In crossing the flat one officer and several men were killed and several officers and men wounded.  Both sides of the creek were heavily wooded for about 200 yards.  The creek was swollen, and the crossing through this space and the creek was made with great difficulty.

“After passing through the thick woods the ground was entirely open and fenced by wire.  From this line it was necessary to storm the hill, upon the top of which is a house, loop-holed for defense.  The slope of the hill is very difficult, but the assault was made with great gallantry and with much loss to the enemy.  In this assault Colonel Hamilton, Lieutenants Smith and Shipp were killed; Colonel Carroll, Lieutenants Thayer and Myer were wounded.  A number of casualties occurred among the enlisted men.”  The heights were carried by the whole division.