At Guantanamo the Cuban forces under Garcia and Castillo killed 300 Spanish soldiers and routed the enemy’s army there.  Castillo’s forces forced their way to within five miles of Santiago.

Shatter’s reports of the fight.

The nation was thrown into a fever of excitement Friday when the following bulletin was posted at the War Department, in Washington: 

Camp, Near Sevilla, Cuba 5—­Action now going on.  The firing only light and desultory.  Began on the right near Caney, Lawton’s division.  He will move on the northeast part of the town of Santiago.  Will keep you continually advised of progress.  Shafter.

For several hours this was the only information from the seat of war, but later a dispatch came from Colonel Alien, in charge of the signal station at Playa del Este.  He said that the fight was growing furious in all directions.  At the time he sent the telegram eight Americans and nine Cubans had been wounded.  All through Saturday rumors of American reverses were rife, and to make public information definite, so far as it went, the War Department thought it wise to post a dispatch which it had received early that morning.  This was as follows: 

Siboney, via Playa del Este, July l.—­I fear I have underestimated to-day’s casualties.  A large and thoroughly equipped hospital ship should be sent here at once to care for the wounded.  The chief surgeon says he has use for forty more medical officers.  The ship must bring a launch and boats for conveying the wounded.  Shafter, Major-General.

The next message made public sent a wave of apprehension over the country.  The text was as follows: 

Camp Near Sevilla, Cuba, via Playa del Este, July 3.—­We have the town well invested in the north and east, but with a very thin line.  Upon approaching it we find it of such a character and the defense so strong it will be impossible to carry it by storm with my present forces.  Our losses up to date will aggregate 1,000, but list has not yet been made.  But little sickness outside of exhaustion from intense heat and exertion of the battle of day before yesterday and the almost constant fire which is kept up on the trenches.  Wagon road to the rear is kept open with difficulty on account of rains, but I will be able to use it for the present.  General Wheeler is seriously ill and will probably have to go to the rear to-day.  General Young is also very ill, confined to his bed.  General Hawkins slightly wounded in the foot during sortie enemy made last night, which was handsomely repulsed.  The behavior of the troops was magnificent.  General Garcia reported he holds the railroad from Santiago to San Luis and has burned a bridge and removed some rails; also that General Pando has arrived at Palma and that the French consul, with about 400 French citizens, came into his line yesterday from Santiago.  I have directed him to treat them with every courtesy possible.  Shafter, Major-General.