The entire attacking force at this end of the line, if we count only those engaged in actual firing, consisted of two troops of the Tenth Cavalry and two of the First Cavalry—­four troops—­while to the left the entire eight troops were on the firing line.  The action of the troops of the First Cavalry was quite similar to that of the troops of the Tenth Cavalry, and equally deserving of commendation.  Of them all General Young says: 

“The ground over which the right column advanced was a mass of jungle growth, with wire fences, not to be seen until encountered, and precipitous heights as the ridge was approached.  It was impossible for the troops to keep in touch along the front, and they could only judge of the enemy from the sound and direction of his fire.  However, had it not been for this dense jungle, the attack would not have been made against an overwhelming force in such a position.  Headway was so difficult that advance and support became merged and moved forward under a continuous volley firing, supplemented by that of two rapid-fire guns.  Return firing by my force was only made as here and there a small clear spot gave a sight of the enemy.  The fire discipline of these particular troops was almost perfect.  The ammunition expended by the two squadrons engaged in an incessant advance for one hour and fifteen minutes averaged less than ten rounds per man.  The fine quality of these troops is also shown by the fact that there was not a single straggler, and in not one instance was an attempt made by any soldier to fall out in the advance to assist the wounded or carry back the dead.  The fighting on the left flank was equally creditable and was remarkable, and I believe unprecedented, in volunter troops so quickly raised, armed and equipped.”

The five hundred men of Colonel Wood’s regiment were stretched over a space of 800 to 1,000 yards, and were entirely without support or reserve, and appear to have advanced to a point where this very strong force on the right swept a good part of their line both with rifle fire and the fire of their two machine guns.  Men and officers were falling under both the front and flank fire of the enemy, and had not the squadrons of the First and Tenth made their successful assault upon that ridge, which, according to General Wood’s report, was “very strongly held,” the situation of the Rough Riders would have been extreme.  Because this successful assault was participated in by the Tenth Cavalry the story arose that the Rough Riders were rescued by that regiment.  The fair statement would be:  That the Regular Cavalry, consisting of a squadron of the First and a squadron of the Tenth, made their advance on the right at the precise moment to deliver the Rough Riders from a fire that threatened their annihilation.  The marksmanship and coolness of the men of the Tenth have been specially commented upon and their fire was described as very effective, but the same remarks could be made of the men of the First, who fought side by side with them.  It is probable that the volunteers advanced more rapidly than did the regulars, using more ammunition, and manifesting a very high degree of courage and enthusiasm as well as deliberation; but the regulars reached their objective at the proper time to turn the battle’s tide.  Each advancing column was worthy to be companion to the other.