[Illustration: American Camp at Mayaguez.]

The major-general commanding the army has been pleased to commend the troops for their gallant action on this occasion,—a fact which it affords the brigade commander genuine satisfaction to announce.

By command of Brigadier-General Schwan.

GROTE HUTCHESON,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

CHAPTER VI

The Second Day Ends

A personal résumé of the fightLack of melodramatic accompanimentsA lost chance of gloryAnother neglected opportunityA glimpse of the flagOnce more into camp.

At the risk of being considered tautological, I cannot refrain from devoting another chapter to the Hormigueros fight: first, because it was my initial experience under fire; and, second, because there are more things in a soldier's memory than are set forth in the official report of his commanding general.

[Illustration: Plaza Mercado, Mayaguez.]