On Saturday morning more horses were unloaded, and in the afternoon all the men who had mounts rode out beyond Ponce, on the highway which leads to Barros, to the camp selected by Captain Groome. While riding along the Troopers excited great interest among the natives because of the size of the American horses. In Puerto Rico all the horses are small, mere ponies in fact, less than fourteen hands high, and the islanders never failed to stare with open mouth at the City Troops handsome greys. The size of the Troopers themselves also caused many expressions of amazement, and as some of the broad-shouldered men in the second and third platoons passed, the spectators would make admiring signs with their hands, indicating the men's height and breadth.
The first trial of the horses proved that the sea voyage had done them good in one respect. Many were suffering from distemper when they left Newport News, but there was not a case noticed after the animals landed. They were thin, stiff and sore, however, so that they were led over most of the six miles leading to the new camp.
Those Troopers still without horses remained aboard the "Massachusetts" unloading the seemingly endless string of horses and mules, and their energetic efforts were crowned with success late Saturday night, when the last of the animals were landed. Sunday morning was cool, but cloudy—and as the last detail of City Troopers were packing and saddling their horses, they heard the voice of a priest conducting early mass in the tiny cathedral close by. The cavalrymen walked with their horses' bridles over their arms. As they passed through Ponce they encountered many scowling faces, but once in the country a majority of the natives shouted a welcome. By noon they reached the spot chosen for a camp; the Troopers were together again in a magnificent bit of country, blue mountains everywhere, and brilliant, luxurious foliage on all sides. "Hazel" manifested a striking fondness for all things Puerto Rican, and had to be tied in a rather barren spot to prevent overfeeding.
Reveille sounded at four o'clock Monday morning, and the packing of saddles began at once. At seven o'clock the order came to join with H Troop as escort to a train of one thousand mules, headquarter horses, signal and ambulance corps, and as quickly as possible to join General Brooke's command at Guayama. Mounted for the first time, off the Troop went, retracing its steps through a glorious stretch of country to Ponce, where on the main southern road the long supply train for General Brooke's army was overtaken. Thus hampered, the march became slow. It was terrifically hot, and the dust blew about in clouds. At one o'clock the cavalrymen passed through Santa Isabella, where a half hours stop was made to bring up the stragglers of the mule train, and to take a turn at the hard tack and dried beef.
Then the march began through the enemy's country, the City Troop acting as advance guard, and H Troop, of the Sixth Regular Cavalry, acting as rear guard. Flankers were sent out, and the advance guard was frequently informed by natives that quite a large number of Spaniards were retreating a short distance ahead. The City Troopers came upon many signs of the enemy's presence along the road, and at four o'clock the Troops went into camp at the Hacienda Fortuna, a rich sugar plantation. An outpost of City Troopers was immediately established, and all barns and outbuildings were thoroughly searched before night.
Just before midnight a hurry call sent six City Troopers and six H Troopers, under Captain Groome and Lieutenant Ryan, scouring a neighboring cane brake for Spaniards, spies having reported their presence there in force. No lurking Dons were found, however, and at four o'clock the next morning camp was broken and the march resumed in dead earnest. The City Troopers acted as rear guard to the train. No American troops had passed through this part of the island before, and as it was said to be a Spanish stronghold, great watchfulness was observed. On both sides of the ragged road were cane breaks and great growths of underbrush, and it was a tiresome ride and no small task looking out for Spaniards, stubborn mules and foolish drivers.
Late that afternoon a camp was reached at the foot of the Caney mountains, on the Hacienda Magdelane, an English estate. There the two cavalry troops and the tremendous mule train went into camp again. They had passed through Selinas in the early afternoon.
CAMP AT ARROYO.
In the blackness of Wednesday morning the roll was called at 3.30, and an hour later saw the march resumed, with the City Troopers acting as advance guard. Lieutenant McFadden commanded the advance guard and Corporal Merrill commanded the point. Reports of native spies left no doubt as to the serious character of the situation, and the march was of necessity slow. Every two or three miles the sight of small bands of armed Spaniards would cause a halt, while out the skirmishers would go to report.