August 11.
“Ponce, Via Bermuda, August 11.
“Secretary of War, Washington:—The following message received from Schwan:
“ ‘Camp, Near Hormigueros, August 10.
“ ‘Advance guard, including cavalry of this command, while reconnoitring northwest of Rosario River, near Hormigueros, developed strong Spanish force, which lay concealed in hills north of Mayaguez.
“ ‘In general engagement that followed, Lieutenant Byron, Eighth Cavalry, my aid-de-camp, was wounded in foot, and Private Fermberger, Company D, Eleventh Infantry, and one other private were killed, and fourteen enlisted men were wounded.
“ ‘It is reported that the most, if not the entire [pg 332]Spanish garrison of Mayaguez and surrounding country, consisting of one thousand regulars and two hundred volunteers, took part in the engagement. We drove enemy from his position, and it is believed inflicted heavy loss.
“ ‘A wounded Spanish lieutenant was found in the field and brought into our line. Conduct of officers and men was beyond all praise. I propose to continue my march on Mayaguez at early hour to-morrow.
“ ‘Schwan.’
(Signed) “Miles.”