AT CLOSE QUARTERS

Manawatu Herald, 5 July 1898, Page 2

AT CLOSE QUARTERS

A DESPERATE BATTLE. AN INDECISIVE STRUGGLE. The Americans are concentrating on the northward side of Santiago. Half a mile separates the army from the Spanish artillery. Six thousand reinforcements hav^ left Tampa, but are unlikely to arrivbefore General Shafter commences the assault. Three divisions, comprising 15,000 American troops and several thousand ouban9, attacked the Spanish position at Santiago early on Friday There was heavy fighting all day resulting in the capture of the outer defences. Admiral Cerveras' fleet, which wa3 at anchor in the bay, fired on the American troops. General Lawfcon's brigade has occupied Caney, a suburb of Santiago. The Spaniards fought stubbornly but were handicapped by the weak, ness of their artillery. Admiral Samp3on bombarded Morro Estrello, the Vesuvius, a new vessel, throwing dynamite shells with great effect. General Shafter reports that the casualties on his side were 400, chiefly wounded. Torrents of rain fell during the fight. The American troops had many commissariat difficulties to contend with. General Shafter is hurrying a number of deadly dynamite field guns to the front. The Spaniards desperately maintained the defence of Caney for e ; ght hours. The American cavalry under Major-General Wheeler made several brilliant charges. Brigadier-General Kent's brigade attacked Aquadcres, the American fleet also pouring in a heavy fire upon the Spanish line. The fighting, which was of a furious character* lasted until sun. down. The shells from Admiral Cerveras' squadron did heavy execution, one annihilating an entire company. The casualities on the American side on Friday exceeded 1000. General Shafter has telegraphed for 50 surgeons and an additional hospital ship. The fighting round Santiago was resumed at daybreak on Saturday, the whole of the reserves being ordered to the front. The battle lasted all day, but apparently proved indecisive. Both sides loss heavily. A telegram despatched to President McKlnley from the front at 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon indicated that a fierca battle was proceeding. The marksmanship of the Spanish riflemen is described as poor, while the gunnery of Admiral Sampson's fleet was remarkable good. All the Spanish batteries in the Aqnadores Valley have been silenced. General Shafter is using balloons to survey the vioinity of Santiago de Cuba.