General Miles sent the following dispatch to General Shafter: 

Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. C., July 3.—­Accept my hearty congratulations on the record made of magnificent fortitude, gallantry, and sacrifice displayed in the desperate fighting of the troops before Santiago.  I realize the hardships, difficulties, and sufferings, and am proud that amid those terrible scenes the troops illustrated such fearless and patriotic devotion to the welfare of our common country and flag.  Whatever the results to follow their unsurpassed deeds of valor, the past is already a gratifying chapter of history.  I expect to be with you within one week, with strong reinforcements.

Miles, Major-General Commanding.

General Shafter’s reply was as follows: 

Playa, July 4, Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, Near Santiago, July 3—­I thank you in the name of the gallant men I have the honor to command for splendid tribute of praise which you have accorded them.  They bore themselves as American soldiers always have.  Your telegram will be published at the head of the regiments in the morning.  I feel that I am master of the situation and can hold the enemy for any length of time.  I am delighted to know that you are coming, that you may see for yourself the obstacles which this army had to overcome.  My only regret is the great number of gallant souls who have given their lives for our country’s cause.  Shafter.

In the light of these sorrowful, if triumphant, facts it must not be forgotten that the enemy also suffered a terrible loss.  In the fatuous sortie upon the American position on the night of July 2 General Linares, commanding in Santiago, was wounded in the foot and shoulder and 500 of his soldiers died upon the field.  Scarcely a man in our intrenchments was hurt.  Of the Spanish 29th battalion defending El Caney less than 100 survived.  General Vara de Rey, its commander, was buried with military honors, General Ludlow taking possession of his sword and spurs.

The Spanish fought stubbornly throughout, and their retreat, though steady, was slowly and coolly conducted.  They contested every inch of the way and fought with unexpected skill, their officers handling the troops with bravery and good judgment, and demonstrating that in them our boys in blue were fighting with foemen worthy of their steel.

The gallantry of the American officers was conspicuous throughout the battle.  Major-General Wheeler, who was seriously indisposed and suffering from an attack of fever, ordered an ambulance to convey him to the front, where the sound of fighting seemed to give him new life, and in a short time he called for his horse and personally directed his division in the attack.

General Hawkins, commanding the First Brigade, Ninth Division, was conspicuous for the manner in which he exposed himself to Spanish bullets.  After taking the redoubt on the hill with his command he stood for a long time on the summit watching the fight.  A heavy fire at times was concentrated on the spot, but he surveyed the field of battle while the bullets were whizzing past by hundreds.