Every precaution was taken to guard against a surprise, although no attack was expected. Saturday the men continued their work, which was getting along finely and almost completed, when late in the afternoon, while a large number of men were hauling water up the hill, and others, who had been working hard all day, were taking a swim in the bay, there was suddenly heard the sharp crack of Mauser rifles, and the men knew that the Spaniards were there.
As a matter of course, the attack came from the thick underwood surrounding the rear of the camp, and soon the air was filled with bullets whistling around the heads of our men.
As soon as the shots were heard the men came running to aid their comrades. Many of them who had been swimming grabbed up their rifles and cartridge-belts, and began firing, without waiting to dress.
With great coolness the men were formed and soon repulsed the Spanish force. Firing was kept up until midnight. In the darkness the Spaniards became bolder and attacked the camp, the white tents making a good mark. If their marksmanship had been better, our losses must have been serious. As it was, however, but four men were killed—Assistant Surgeon J. B. Gibbs, Sergeant C. H. Smith, and two privates, William Dunphy and James McColgan. During the night the vessels off shore kept their powerful searchlights turned upon the heights, and this greatly interfered with the Spaniards, who could not leave the woods without exposing themselves to the fire of our men.
The first news of this, our first land encounter with the Spanish, was published on Monday of this week.
News of the fall of Manila, received Monday, the 13th, came by way of London from our ambassador there. But particulars were not given, and we do not know whether the city was surrendered to the rebels or to Admiral Dewey.
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