The Twenty-fourth remained entrenched over to the left, in General Kent’s division, lying to the right of the 21st.  This regiment (24th) had won great credit in its advance upon the enemy, but it was to win still greater in the field of humanity.  Capt.  Leavel, who commanded Company A, said:  “It would be hard to particularize in reporting upon the men of the company.  All—­non-commissioned officers, privates, even newly joined recruits—­showed a desire to do their duty, yea, more than their duty, which would have done credit to seasoned veterans.  Too much cannot be said of their courage, willingness and endurance.”  Captain Wygant, who commanded the Second Battalion of the regiment, says:  “The gallantry and bearing shown by the officers and soldiers of the regiment under this trying ordeal was such that it has every reason to be proud of its record.  The losses of the regiment, which are shown by the official records, show the fire they were subjected to.  The casualties were greater among the officers than the men, which is accounted for by the fact that the enemy had posted in the trees sharpshooters, whose principal business was to pick them off.”  There is no countenance given in official literature to the absurd notion maintained by some, that it was necessary for the officers of black troops to expose themselves unusually in order to lead their troops, and that this fact accounts for excessive losses among them.  The fact is that the regular officer’s code is such that he is compelled to occupy the place in battle assigned him in the tactics, and no matter how great his cowardice of heart may be, he must go forward until ordered to halt.  The penalty of cowardice is something to be dreaded above wounds or even death by some natures.  “Colored troops are brave men when led by white officers."(?) As a matter of fact there is very little leading of any sort by officers in battle.  The officer’s place is in the rear of the firing line, directing, not leading, and it is his right and duty to save his own life if possible, and that of every man in his command, even while seeking to destroy the enemy, in obedience to orders.  The record of the Twenty-fourth for bravery was established beyond question when it swept across that open flat and up San Juan Hill on that hot mid-day of July 1st, 1898.

After lying in the trenches until July 15th, the news reached the camp of the Twenty-fourth that yellow fever had broken out in the army, and that a large hospital and pest-house had been established at Siboney.  About 4 o’clock that day an order came to the commanding officer of the regiment directing him to proceed with his regiment to Siboney and report to the medical officer there.  The regiment started on its march at 5.30, numbering at that time 8 companies, containing 15 officers and 456 men.  Marching on in the night, going through thickets and across streams, the men were heard singing a fine old hymn: 

    When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
    The rivers of woe shall not thee o’erflow;
    For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
    And sanctify to thee they deepest distress.