THE ATTACK ON SANTIAGO.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 149, 27 June 1898, Page 5

THE ATTACK ON SANTIAGO.

'^MERIOA'N .CAVALRY

ATTACKED

THIRTEEN KILLED AND ■•FIFTY WOUNDED.

SPANIARDS DRIVEN BACK WITH HEAVY

LOSS

WASHINGTON/June 25.

After the landing1 of General Shaffer's forces at Lerraco and Daiguiri ,-the former 12 and the latter 18 miles from Santiago de Cuba—had been successfully accomplished ,a forward movement was commenced, the Cuban insurgents, who had rendered conspicuous assistance at the landing, acting in conjunction with the Americans. Very little opposition from the Spaniards was met with, the latter retreating- on Santiago de Cuba, and the American troops reached within ten miles of Morro. while Lawton's brigade succeeded in occupying Juragtia, in the vicinity of which are the well-known alum and copper mines. He is protected by the American warships. '.These positions were reached by forced marches over heavy country, ■wliich, together with the intense heatthat .prevailed, greatly fatigued the. troops, while their rations were almost exhausted. Owing- to the absence of siege guna the attack on Santiago by the Americans is likely to be somewhat delayed. The Spaniards are mustering in the neighbourhood. Colonel Linarius, who commands 1,200 Spanish troops, has retreated to Sacilltf, where it is expected the ivrst serious stand will be made. There have already been several skirmishes with the enemy, the most Serious of which occurred in the vicinity of Santiago. •' ."While a body of a thousand American cavalry were picking their way through a dense thicket they were suddenly attacked by a Spanish force estimated at two thousand. The Americans were compelled to dismount and to fight on foot, and although they succeeded in driving off their assailants their losses were heavy. According1 to the reports received 13 men were killed, including Mr Hamilton Fiske, jun., a well-known figure in New York society, and 50 were wounded, including six officers. 'The fighting was of a severe character, but ultimately the Spaniards were driven into the city with heavy loss. The latest reports from Cuba state that General Shaftcr is advancing on Santiago with all possible expedition, end that the necessaa-y siege guns and .Etores, the absence of which has delayed operations, ore being rapidly transported to the front.