Toward the end of the engagement Roosevelt was falsely informed that Wood had been killed. The command of the regiment for the time being devolved upon the Colonel. He started to lead his men toward the main body, but met Wood himself, who told him that the fight was over and that the Spaniards had retreated.
In this first scrimmage the Rough Riders lost eight men killed and thirty-four wounded. They had taken a Spanish fort, defended by more than twelve hundred men, and had won from them complete possession of the entire Spanish position.
THE CAPTURE OF KETTLE HILL
Next came the historic battle of San Juan. When news of the battle reached General Shafter he was told that the Americans had been cut to pieces. It was also said that the regiment had passed the advanced outpost without orders. Shafter exploded.
“I will send that damned cowboy regiment,” he said, “so far to the rear that it will not get another chance.”
Later, however, came the news that the cowboys had been victorious, so Shafter wrote a flattering letter to Roosevelt, in command, congratulating him on the success of his attack.
There followed a period of inaction. Then the Rough Riders received orders to proceed against Santiago.
The regiment struck camp and marched to the front behind the 1st and 10th Cavalry. Every man carried three days’ rations.
Roosevelt’s command joined General Wood at El Paso Hill and camped for the night.