The following is the battle report filed by Wallis O. Clark, Captain of Company F, 12th U.S. Infantry repotring on the unit's involvement at the Battle of El Caney.
The Report:
IN THE TRENCHES IN FRONT OF SANTIAGO DE CUBA.
July 8, 1898
To the REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT TWELFTH UNITED STATES INFANTRY.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of Company F in the combat at Caney, near this place, July 1 last:
Company arrived in vicinity of stone blockhouse as part of Second Battalion (Haskell's). After some maneuvering it reached a position behind a hedge, about 450 yards east of blockhouse about 11 a. in. It remained there firing on blockhouse during the right. Between 3 and 4 p.m. the company, one by one, sneaked into the dead space in a ravine immediately in front of its position behind the hedge. About 4 p.m., at the suggestion of General Chaffee, brigade commander, the company advanced up the southeast slope to the blockhouse supported by Company A, Twelfth Infantry. No resistance was met during the advance. Three armed Spaniards were found in the trench in front of blockhouse. They surrendered. Nine men and one officer (Second Lieutenant Canalda) were captured inside the blockhouse. Soon after other troops followed and a vigorous fire was received from the town, which was duly returned. The firing finally ceased about 4.30, I judge, and the battle was ended.
Casualties in Company F: Behind the hedge - First Sergeant Miller and Private Scott, killed; Corporal Schendelmeyer, wounded. At the blockhouse – Sergeant Wilson and Private Gering, killed. In the ravine (fire from town) – Private Moore, wounded.
I Respectfully submitted.
WALLIS 0. CLARK,
Captain, Twelfth Infantry, Commanding Company F.
Bibliography:
Clerk of Joint Committee on Printing, The Abridgement of Message from the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress. (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1899. Vol. 3, 699-700.
