LATE ON THE AFTERNOON of 1 May 1898, Americans were stunned to hear of a near-incredible naval victory by an unfamiliar commander in an archipelago on the other side of the world-about ten thousand miles away from what they imagined to be the likely theater of naval operations. In seven hours of stately maneuvers off Manila, George Dewey had destroyed Spain's Asiatic Squadron. Almost every enemy ship was sunk, deserted, or in flames; not one American life had been lost, in contrast to 381 Spanish casualties. The victorious Commodore (who was promptly promoted to Rear-Admiral) modestly ascribed his success to "the ceaseless routine of hard work and preparation" demanded of him by the Navy Department. His government patron lost no time in taking due credit. "You have made a name for the nation, and the Navy, and yourself," wrote Theodore Roosevelt on 2 May. "And I can't say how pleased I am to think that I had any share in getting you the opportunity that you have used so well." of 1 May 1898, Americans were stunned to hear of a near-incredible naval victory by an unfamiliar commander in an archipelago on the other side of the world-about ten thousand miles away from what they imagined to be the likely theater of naval operations. In seven hours of stately maneuvers off Manila, George Dewey had destroyed Spain's Asiatic Squadron. Almost every enemy ship was sunk, deserted, or in flames; not one American life had been lost, in contrast to 381 Spanish casualties. The victorious Commodore (who was promptly promoted to Rear-Admiral) modestly ascribed his success to "the ceaseless routine of hard work and preparation" demanded of him by the Navy Department. His government patron lost no time in taking due credit. "You have made a name for the nation, and the Navy, and yourself," wrote Theodore Roosevelt on 2 May. "And I can't say how pleased I am to think that I had any share in getting you the opportunity that you have used so well."111 Assured of leaving the Navy Department in triumph, he telegraphed Brooks Brothers for an "ordinary cavalry lieutenant-colonel's uniform in blue Cravenette," and prepared to receive his commission on 6 May. Some instinct to have done with his past, with youth itself now he was nearing forty, caused him to sell off his few remaining cattle and give away his Elkhorn Ranch to Sylvane Ferris. He took out life insurance. He drove his recuperating wife through the blossoming countryside. He wrote a moving farewell to Secretary Long. "I don't suppose I shall ever again have a chief under whom I shall enjoy serving as I have enjoyed serving under you...I hate to leave you more than I can say." He acknowledged gifts of maple syrup, poetry, clockwork, and spurs. When he left for San Antonio on 12 May he took the spurs with him.112 It remained only to win them. It remained only to win them.

"A man of unbounded energy and force," Secretary Long remarked in his diary. "He thinks he is following his highest ideal, whereas, in fact, as without exception every one of his friends advises him, he is acting like a fool. And, yet, how absurd all this will sound if, by some turn of fortune, he should accomplish some great thing and strike a very high mark."113

"Without waiting for diplomatic niceties...the country whooped to war."

A troop of black volunteer soldiers en route to Tampa, 1898. (Illustration 23.2)

CHAPTER 24.

The Rough Rider These and many more like these,With King Olaf sailed the seas.

"THE C COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the American Army," reported a Madrid newspaper in the early days of the war, "is one Ted Roosevelt, formerly a New York policeman." By way of background information, the paper added that Roosevelt had been "born near Haarlem," but "emigrated to America when young," and was educated at "Harvard Academy, a commercial school." He now went about the country accompanied by a bodyguard of toughs, fittingly known as "rough-rioters." of the American Army," reported a Madrid newspaper in the early days of the war, "is one Ted Roosevelt, formerly a New York policeman." By way of background information, the paper added that Roosevelt had been "born near Haarlem," but "emigrated to America when young," and was educated at "Harvard Academy, a commercial school." He now went about the country accompanied by a bodyguard of toughs, fittingly known as "rough-rioters."1 Commercial or not, Harvard supplied a sizable number of recruits to the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, as did the other Ivy League schools and the better clubs of Manhattan and Boston. Roosevelt had enlisted fifty of these "gentleman rankers," as he called them, in order to give the regiment its necessary tone. He made it clear, however, that no man would earn a commission save through bravery and merit, and that once in Texas, "the cowboys and Knickerbockers ride side by side."2 In choosing them, Roosevelt paid as much attention to physique as ancestry. There was his old classmate Woodbury Kane, a yachty dandy who "fought with the same natural ease as he dressed." In choosing them, Roosevelt paid as much attention to physique as ancestry. There was his old classmate Woodbury Kane, a yachty dandy who "fought with the same natural ease as he dressed."3 There was Joseph Sampson Stevens, the world's greatest polo player. There was Joseph Sampson Stevens, the world's greatest polo player.4 There were Dudley Dean, the legendary Harvard quarterback; Bob Wrenn, tennis champion of the United States; and Hamilton Fish, ex-captain of the Columbia crew. There were high-jumpers from Yale and football players from Princeton, and huntsmen with names like Wadsworth and Tiffany. For good measure Roosevelt added a Scottish friend of Cecil Spring Rice, and two blue-blooded Englishmen, one of whom insisted on arriving in San Antonio with a delicate walking-stick, in the belief that "cavalrymen carried canes." There were Dudley Dean, the legendary Harvard quarterback; Bob Wrenn, tennis champion of the United States; and Hamilton Fish, ex-captain of the Columbia crew. There were high-jumpers from Yale and football players from Princeton, and huntsmen with names like Wadsworth and Tiffany. For good measure Roosevelt added a Scottish friend of Cecil Spring Rice, and two blue-blooded Englishmen, one of whom insisted on arriving in San Antonio with a delicate walking-stick, in the belief that "cavalrymen carried canes."5

"This was the rocking-chair period of the war."

Piazza of the Tampa Bay Hotel, early summer 1898. (Illustration 24.1) The Lieutenant Colonel admitted to some qualms in sending such men to Texas, and their appearance caused much amusement among the more leathery Rough Riders.6

ROOSEVELT REACHED San Antonio on the morning of 15 May 1898, wearing a new fawn uniform with canary-yellow trim. San Antonio on the morning of 15 May 1898, wearing a new fawn uniform with canary-yellow trim.7 The official name of his destination, in the state fair grounds two miles outside of town, was Camp Wood, but a sign at the railroad station already proclaimed, "This Way to Camp of Roosevelt's Rough Riders." The official name of his destination, in the state fair grounds two miles outside of town, was Camp Wood, but a sign at the railroad station already proclaimed, "This Way to Camp of Roosevelt's Rough Riders."8 There was a wave of disappointment among the recruits when he arrived at regimental headquarters. "The big objection," recalled one onlooker, "was that he wore glasses."9 After years in Dakota, Roosevelt was used to this attitude, and if he felt mistrust in their stare, it did not bother him. He gazed back at them through the same offending lenses, with interest but no feelings of novelty. These weather-beaten faces and sinewy, bowlegged bodies were as familiar to him as the aristocratic lineaments of Woodbury Kane (who, he noticed with approval, was cooking and washing dishes for a troop of New Mexicans). He had ridden many a roundup with such men in his youth, and proved himself as tough as they. He had described them intimately in After years in Dakota, Roosevelt was used to this attitude, and if he felt mistrust in their stare, it did not bother him. He gazed back at them through the same offending lenses, with interest but no feelings of novelty. These weather-beaten faces and sinewy, bowlegged bodies were as familiar to him as the aristocratic lineaments of Woodbury Kane (who, he noticed with approval, was cooking and washing dishes for a troop of New Mexicans). He had ridden many a roundup with such men in his youth, and proved himself as tough as they. He had described them intimately in Thomas Hart Benton Thomas Hart Benton and and The Winning of the West The Winning of the West. As he got to know their thousand names-soon he would memorize every one-time and again it was as if the creatures of his pen were reincarnated before him. Here was young Douglass Campbell, grandson of the man who led the cavalry up King's Mountain in 1780.10 Here was an Indian named Adair: Roosevelt had spent hours poring over the "ponderous folio" his Cherokee ancestors had written 150 years before. Here was an Indian named Adair: Roosevelt had spent hours poring over the "ponderous folio" his Cherokee ancestors had written 150 years before.11 Here was another Indian, named Colbert-perhaps one might trace his origins back to the half-Scottish, half-Chickasaw Colberts who dominated the eastern Mississippi in the eighteenth century. Roosevelt interviewed him and found that he was "as I had supposed, a descendant of the old Chickasaw chiefs." Here was another Indian, named Colbert-perhaps one might trace his origins back to the half-Scottish, half-Chickasaw Colberts who dominated the eastern Mississippi in the eighteenth century. Roosevelt interviewed him and found that he was "as I had supposed, a descendant of the old Chickasaw chiefs."12 Perusal of the muster-rolls disclosed a Clark and a St. Clair, no Boone but two Crocketts, and several apiece of Adams, Hamilton, and Jackson. Perusal of the muster-rolls disclosed a Clark and a St. Clair, no Boone but two Crocketts, and several apiece of Adams, Hamilton, and Jackson.13 Surely, in those early days of dust and mounted drill, the line between past and present (never clearly demarcated in Roosevelt's mind) must have blurred until he found himself galloping, not across the plains of Texas, but over the wooded hills of Revolutionary Kentucky. "More than ever," he confessed to Henry Cabot Lodge, "I fail to get the relations of this regiment and the universe straight." Surely, in those early days of dust and mounted drill, the line between past and present (never clearly demarcated in Roosevelt's mind) must have blurred until he found himself galloping, not across the plains of Texas, but over the wooded hills of Revolutionary Kentucky. "More than ever," he confessed to Henry Cabot Lodge, "I fail to get the relations of this regiment and the universe straight."14

DAWN AT C CAMP W WOOD disclosed a flat grassy park, rather the worse for hoofprints, five hundred wedges of dewy canvas, a grove of cottonwood trees, and in the background the sluggish silver of the San Antonio River. A certain surgical precision in the layout of tents, the neatly swept "streets," and gleaming latrines all testified to the medical instincts of the commanding officer. disclosed a flat grassy park, rather the worse for hoofprints, five hundred wedges of dewy canvas, a grove of cottonwood trees, and in the background the sluggish silver of the San Antonio River. A certain surgical precision in the layout of tents, the neatly swept "streets," and gleaming latrines all testified to the medical instincts of the commanding officer.15 Reveille sounded at 5:30, and within half an hour a thousand bleary men were answering roll call. Reveille sounded at 5:30, and within half an hour a thousand bleary men were answering roll call.16 The range of the accents, from New England drawl to Southwestern twang, from Idaho burr to Pawnee grunt, was matched by an early-morning variety of costume that Wood may have deplored, but Roosevelt cheerfully tolerated. The "Knicks" and Harvard men wore Abercrombie and Fitch shirts and custom leather boots; the polo set wore British breeches, tight at the knee and blossoming around the thighs; the cowboys, who numbered about three-quarters of the total regiment, scorned their Army felt hats for sombreros, and insisted on carrying their own guns. The range of the accents, from New England drawl to Southwestern twang, from Idaho burr to Pawnee grunt, was matched by an early-morning variety of costume that Wood may have deplored, but Roosevelt cheerfully tolerated. The "Knicks" and Harvard men wore Abercrombie and Fitch shirts and custom leather boots; the polo set wore British breeches, tight at the knee and blossoming around the thighs; the cowboys, who numbered about three-quarters of the total regiment, scorned their Army felt hats for sombreros, and insisted on carrying their own guns.17 At 6: 6:10 the ranks broke for stable call-twenty minutes of rubbing down and feeding horses, followed by breakfast. Between 8:30 and 9:30 the animals were watered in the river, then saddled up for mounted drill. This, the main exercise of the day, lasted at least an hour and a half under the climbing sun. Roosevelt was required to supervise it while Colonel Wood occupied himself in the cool of headquarters with problems of requisition and supply. Clouds of dust reduced visibility to nil as the troopers thundered raggedly across the Texas plain. "Our lines were somewhat irregular," Roosevelt admitted when describing the early maneuvers.18 According to other accounts, there were often no lines at all. It would have taxed the powers of a Genghis Khan to place a thousand individualistic riders, accustomed to the freedom of polo, hunting, and the open range, upon a thousand half-broken horses, and then get them to advance, wheel, fan out, and divide in formation. Roosevelt's high-pitched orders led to endless bucking, biting, striking, and kicking. His first success was rewarded by an anonymous salute of six-shooter fire, causing a stampede into the San Antonio River. According to other accounts, there were often no lines at all. It would have taxed the powers of a Genghis Khan to place a thousand individualistic riders, accustomed to the freedom of polo, hunting, and the open range, upon a thousand half-broken horses, and then get them to advance, wheel, fan out, and divide in formation. Roosevelt's high-pitched orders led to endless bucking, biting, striking, and kicking. His first success was rewarded by an anonymous salute of six-shooter fire, causing a stampede into the San Antonio River.19 Spare time before "dinner" at 1:30 was usually given over to bronco-busting. Then the horses were put to rest while the men assembled on the parade-ground for skirmish practice, again under Roosevelt's command. High-heeled boots and bandy legs caused further problems of drill: the order to change step often led to a general domino-like collapse of the ranks. When Roosevelt reproved Trooper Billy McGinty for his inability to keep step, the little Oklahoman replied that "he was pretty sure he could keep step on horseback."20 By 3:30 a thick coating of dust, mixed with sweat, had rendered the likes of William Tiffany and "Dead Shot" Jim Simpson indistinguishable. Only two spigots of brackish water were available for shower baths, so most men took their soap down to the river.21 There followed another stable call at 4:00, and another roll call at 5:00, then the troops reassembled for fifty minutes of dress parade. Scrubbed and spruce in their slouch hats, blue-flannel shirts, brown trousers, leggings, and boots, and sporting loosely knotted neckerchiefs-already the Rough Rider emblem-they looked, in Roosevelt's fond opinion, "exactly as a body of cowboy cavalry should look."22 After supper at 7:00, there was night school for both commissioned and non-commissioned officers until final roll call at 8:30. But Roosevelt himself did not allow the "Dismiss" to cut short his military education for the day. With obsessive dedication he carried on by himself. "He was serenely unselfconscious," recalled Quartermaster Coleman. "He would practice giving commands within fifty feet of half the regiment as earnestly as he would have done had he been alone in a desert."23 Taps sounded at 9:00. As darkness spread from tent to tent, the Lieutenant Colonel turned up his table lamp and began to write his nightly quota of letters.

Dear Mr. President, This is just a line to tell you that we are in fine shape. Wood is a dandy Colonel, and I really think that the rank and file of this regiment are better than you would find in any other regiment anywhere. In fact, in all the world there is not a regiment I would so soon belong to. The men are picking up the drill wonderfully...We are ready now to leave at any moment, and we earnestly hope that we will be put into Cuba with the very first troops; the sooner the better....24 Quietness descended over Camp Wood, broken only by the occasional bray of a pack-mule, and the creaking of loose fence-planks, as one by one Roosevelt's Rough Riders squeezed out of bounds and headed for the fleshpots of San Antonio.25

IT DID NOT take the men long to size Roosevelt up, to compare him with "Old Poker Face," and find Wood wanting. Although some cowpunchers were put off by the New Yorker's overbearing courtesy ("he was polite almost to the extent of making one uneasy"), take the men long to size Roosevelt up, to compare him with "Old Poker Face," and find Wood wanting. Although some cowpunchers were put off by the New Yorker's overbearing courtesy ("he was polite almost to the extent of making one uneasy"),26 they could not help being impressed by his drive. "It was evident to all who met him that he was tremendously ambitious." they could not help being impressed by his drive. "It was evident to all who met him that he was tremendously ambitious."27 They noticed that Wood often asked advice, but seldom information; Roosevelt asked information, but never advice. They noticed that Wood often asked advice, but seldom information; Roosevelt asked information, but never advice.28 For all the punctilious deference of the older man to the younger, for all Wood's mastery of military bureaucracy (the Rough Riders were easily the best-armed and best-equipped regiment in the Army), For all the punctilious deference of the older man to the younger, for all Wood's mastery of military bureaucracy (the Rough Riders were easily the best-armed and best-equipped regiment in the Army),29 there was no doubt, within a week of Roosevelt's arrival, as to whom they considered to be colonel there was no doubt, within a week of Roosevelt's arrival, as to whom they considered to be colonel malgre lui malgre lui. Wood knew it, and knew that his superiors in Washington knew it. "I realized that if this campaign lasted for any considerable length of time I would be kicked upstairs to make room for Roosevelt."30 Yet the Colonel did not hesitate to exercise authority over his subordinate when he deemed it necessary. Roosevelt was still inexperienced in matters of military discipline, and when Wood heard that he had treated an entire squadron to unlimited beer-apparently as a reward for their improvement in drill-he made a pointed remark over supper "that, of course, an officer who would go out with a large batch of men and drink with them was quite unfit to hold a commission." There was a dead silence. Later Roosevelt visited Wood privately in his tent and confessed to the crime. "I wish to say, sir, that I agree with what you said. I consider myself the damndest ass within ten miles of this camp. Good night."31 Toward the end of May it was evident that the Rough Riders had already been forged into a warlike cavalry regiment. In the modest opinion of its Lieutenant Colonel, "it could whip Caesar's Tenth Legion."32 The speed of this transformation was not altogether surprising, considering the administrative efficiency of the Wood/Roosevelt team, and the fitness and equestrian skills of the troopers (over twenty applicants had been rejected for every one accepted). The speed of this transformation was not altogether surprising, considering the administrative efficiency of the Wood/Roosevelt team, and the fitness and equestrian skills of the troopers (over twenty applicants had been rejected for every one accepted).33 A local newspaper reported the men "sunburned and...impatient to get away." There was not the slightest hint as to where the War Department intended to send them next, or indeed if they would ever get to Cuba. Outbursts of bellicose fervor began to disturb the peace of San Antonio. Two Texan troopers shot a mirrored saloon into smithereens, and the proprietor was too scared to ask for damages. On 26 May, a party of concertgoing Rough Riders were asked to discharge their revolvers discreetly during an outdoor performance of A local newspaper reported the men "sunburned and...impatient to get away." There was not the slightest hint as to where the War Department intended to send them next, or indeed if they would ever get to Cuba. Outbursts of bellicose fervor began to disturb the peace of San Antonio. Two Texan troopers shot a mirrored saloon into smithereens, and the proprietor was too scared to ask for damages. On 26 May, a party of concertgoing Rough Riders were asked to discharge their revolvers discreetly during an outdoor performance of The Cavalry Charge The Cavalry Charge, and responded with such gusto that the lights blew out, causing instant pandemonium.34 "If we don't get them to Cuba quickly to fight Spaniards," Wood remarked, "there is great danger that they'll be fighting one another." "If we don't get them to Cuba quickly to fight Spaniards," Wood remarked, "there is great danger that they'll be fighting one another."35 A day or two later the Colonel received a telegram from Washington. He read it expressionlessly, then turned and looked at his second-in-command. Suddenly the two men were hugging each other like schoolboys, while war-whoops resounded through the camp. The Rough Riders had been ordered to proceed to Tampa, Florida, for immediate embarkation on transport ships, "destination unknown."36

BEFORE LEAVING S SAN A ANTONIO the Rough Riders dressed in full uniform and posed in formation for the official regimental photograph. Spread out across the plain, their mounts obedient now and immaculately groomed, they made a majestic military display. But the picture was marred by a slight irregularity of drill: Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt had absentmindedly allowed his horse to stand a few feet in advance of Colonel Wood's. the Rough Riders dressed in full uniform and posed in formation for the official regimental photograph. Spread out across the plain, their mounts obedient now and immaculately groomed, they made a majestic military display. But the picture was marred by a slight irregularity of drill: Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt had absentmindedly allowed his horse to stand a few feet in advance of Colonel Wood's.37

THE R ROUGH R RIDERS STRUCK CAMP at 5:00 A.M. on 29 May 1898. They expected to be off in a matter of hours, but so great was the difficulty of coaxing twelve hundred horses and mules aboard seven different trains that it was after midnight when the last door clanged shut. Somebody then discovered that the passenger cars were missing, and would not be available until dawn; so officers and men lay down in the brush beside the tracks to snatch what sleep they could. at 5:00 A.M. on 29 May 1898. They expected to be off in a matter of hours, but so great was the difficulty of coaxing twelve hundred horses and mules aboard seven different trains that it was after midnight when the last door clanged shut. Somebody then discovered that the passenger cars were missing, and would not be available until dawn; so officers and men lay down in the brush beside the tracks to snatch what sleep they could.38 At 6:00 A.M A.M. next morning the Rough Rider convoy finally pulled out of San Antonio. "I doubt," Roosevelt wrote afterward, "if anybody who was on the trip will soon forget it."39 For four sweltering days the seven trains chugged eastward and southward, strewing a trail of cinders, vomit, and manure across the face of the old Confederacy. Roosevelt, who was in charge of the rear sections, punished all cases of drunkenness severely, "in order to give full liberty to those who would not abuse it." For four sweltering days the seven trains chugged eastward and southward, strewing a trail of cinders, vomit, and manure across the face of the old Confederacy. Roosevelt, who was in charge of the rear sections, punished all cases of drunkenness severely, "in order to give full liberty to those who would not abuse it."40 Two or three times a day, as he read his way steadily through Demolins's Two or three times a day, as he read his way steadily through Demolins's Superiorite des Anglo-Saxons Superiorite des Anglo-Saxons, he sent buckets of hot coffee back to his men to compensate for lack of hot food.41 But the most eagerly awaited refreshments were free watermelons and jugs of iced beer at stopping-places en route. These were passed through the car windows by "girls in straw hats and freshly starched dresses of many colors," whose beauty some troopers would remember for half a century. But the most eagerly awaited refreshments were free watermelons and jugs of iced beer at stopping-places en route. These were passed through the car windows by "girls in straw hats and freshly starched dresses of many colors," whose beauty some troopers would remember for half a century.42 No Louisiana village or Mississippi cotton-depot was so remote as to have escaped Rough Rider newspaper publicity: exotic celebrities like Woodbury Kane and Hamilton Fish were requested to appear so often that the cowpunchers took to impersonating them. Everywhere, of course, there were gap-toothed cries for "Teddy." No Louisiana village or Mississippi cotton-depot was so remote as to have escaped Rough Rider newspaper publicity: exotic celebrities like Woodbury Kane and Hamilton Fish were requested to appear so often that the cowpunchers took to impersonating them. Everywhere, of course, there were gap-toothed cries for "Teddy."43 As he waved at grizzled old Southerners, and they in turn waved the Stars and Stripes back at him, Roosevelt reflected that only thirty-three years before these men had been enemies of the Union.44 It took war to heal the scars of war; attack upon a foreign power to bring unity at home. But what future war would heal the scars of this one? It took war to heal the scars of war; attack upon a foreign power to bring unity at home. But what future war would heal the scars of this one?

ON THE EVENING OF 2 June the seven trains ground to a halt on the pine flats of western Florida, six miles short of Tampa. For some reason railroad employees refused to haul the regiment any farther, so the Rough Riders were forced to complete their journey on horseback, dragging their equipment behind in commandeered wagons. No official welcome awaited them at the sleep-shrouded Fifth Corps campground outside of town; Roosevelt and Wood had to ride through acres of dim tents before stumbling, almost by accident, upon their allotted space. June the seven trains ground to a halt on the pine flats of western Florida, six miles short of Tampa. For some reason railroad employees refused to haul the regiment any farther, so the Rough Riders were forced to complete their journey on horseback, dragging their equipment behind in commandeered wagons. No official welcome awaited them at the sleep-shrouded Fifth Corps campground outside of town; Roosevelt and Wood had to ride through acres of dim tents before stumbling, almost by accident, upon their allotted space.45 Next morning they awoke to see the largest gathering of the U.S. Army in four decades. For miles in every direction a pitched city spread out across the savanna. Under the moss-hung pines twenty-five thousand troops, mostly Regulars, were enduring what one of them called "the bane of a soldier's life-waiting for something to happen." Tampa itself lay a mile or so away, shimmering in coastal haze: it looked like some Middle Eastern mirage, with silver domes and minarets.46 Half an hour's ride into the freshening sea breeze disclosed that the mirage was real. Here, among mosquito-swamps, derelict shacks, and ankle-deep drifts of sand, stood Henry B. Plant's famous "folly," a five-hundred-room hotel in authentic Moorish style, with its own casino, ballroom, swimming pool, and peacock park. On its street-wide verandah, Army and Navy officers, newspaper correspondents, foreign attaches, and pretty Cuban women rocked in elegant bentwoods, sipping iced tea and champagne.47 "This was the rocking-chair period of the war," wrote Richard Harding Davis of the New York Herald New York Herald, himself an indefatigable rocker. "It was an army of occupation, but it occupied the piazza of a big hotel."48 Roosevelt dismissed the Tampa Bay Hotel with a single haughty sentence in his own memoir of those days: "We spent very little time there."49 Actually he spent three nights in its luxurious accommodations, for Edith came down to Tampa, and Colonel Wood discreetly allowed him leave "from before dinner to after breakfast each day." Actually he spent three nights in its luxurious accommodations, for Edith came down to Tampa, and Colonel Wood discreetly allowed him leave "from before dinner to after breakfast each day."50 Having attended Edith through much of her recent illness, that gentlemanly officer must have sensed her need to be with Theodore now that she was returned to health and strength. Having attended Edith through much of her recent illness, that gentlemanly officer must have sensed her need to be with Theodore now that she was returned to health and strength.

CONSPICUOUS AMONG THE ELITE who daily crossed the Tampa Bay Hotel lobby was dropsical, gouty old Brigadier General William Rufus Shafter, commander of the Fifth Corps. At three hundred pounds, or one-seventh of a ton, Shafter was barely able to heave himself up the grand stairway; who daily crossed the Tampa Bay Hotel lobby was dropsical, gouty old Brigadier General William Rufus Shafter, commander of the Fifth Corps. At three hundred pounds, or one-seventh of a ton, Shafter was barely able to heave himself up the grand stairway;51 yet President McKinley had chosen him to lead an expeditionary force over the hills of southern Cuba, showing equal faith in the Army's seniority system and its ability to transport ponderous cargo. yet President McKinley had chosen him to lead an expeditionary force over the hills of southern Cuba, showing equal faith in the Army's seniority system and its ability to transport ponderous cargo.

"Not since the campaign of Crassus against the Parthians," in Roosevelt's later opinion, "has there been so criminally incompetent a General as Shafter."52 Yet it was hard in the early days of June 1898 not to sympathize with that harassed officer, for President McKinley was proving an exceedingly erratic Commander-in-Chief. Bent, apparently, on acting as his own Secretary of War, he had been sending Shafter contradictory orders ever since the Battle of Manila. Dewey's overwhelming victory had turned both the President and Secretary Long into war-hawks overnight; their first reaction to the news had been to endorse Roosevelt's naval/military invasion plan, over the objection of Commanding General Miles, on 2 May. Yet it was hard in the early days of June 1898 not to sympathize with that harassed officer, for President McKinley was proving an exceedingly erratic Commander-in-Chief. Bent, apparently, on acting as his own Secretary of War, he had been sending Shafter contradictory orders ever since the Battle of Manila. Dewey's overwhelming victory had turned both the President and Secretary Long into war-hawks overnight; their first reaction to the news had been to endorse Roosevelt's naval/military invasion plan, over the objection of Commanding General Miles, on 2 May.53 General Shafter was ordered to prepare for immediate departure from Tampa (although the Volunteers were still in training), and on 8 May the President had increased the project landing force from ten thousand to seventy thousand. But then McKinley discovered that there was not enough ammunition in the United States to keep such an army firing for one hour in battle, and an urgent cancellation order flew to Tampa. General Shafter was ordered to prepare for immediate departure from Tampa (although the Volunteers were still in training), and on 8 May the President had increased the project landing force from ten thousand to seventy thousand. But then McKinley discovered that there was not enough ammunition in the United States to keep such an army firing for one hour in battle, and an urgent cancellation order flew to Tampa.54 Shafter's force was scaled down to twenty-five thousand by the end of May, and the telegrams from Washington became querulous: "When will you leave? Answer at once." Shafter wired back that he could not sail before 4 June. Shafter's force was scaled down to twenty-five thousand by the end of May, and the telegrams from Washington became querulous: "When will you leave? Answer at once." Shafter wired back that he could not sail before 4 June.55 Roosevelt happened to ride into town that day, the morning after his midnight arrival in camp. One look at the half-empty transport ships swinging idly at anchor in Tampa Bay-nine miles away at the end of a single railroad track-was enough to convince him, if not General Shafter, that the Fifth Corps would not sail for another few days at least. "No words can paint the confusion," he wrote in his diary on 5 June. "No head; head; a breakdown of both the railroad and military system of the country." a breakdown of both the railroad and military system of the country."56 While train after overloaded train jostled for possession of the track, and desperate quartermasters broke open dozens of unmarked cars to see if they contained guns, uniforms, grain, or medicinal brandy, the Rough Riders joined other cavalry regiments at drill on the limitless flats. Richard Harding Davis escorted Edith Roosevelt and a party of foreign attaches to watch some formal exercises on 6 June.57 Half-aware that he was witnessing the last great mounted maneuvers in American military history, Davis regretted that more of his countrymen could not be there to enjoy the spectacle. For over an hour two thousand riders galloped back and forth, sweeping through the spindly trees as waves comb through reeds. A cool onshore breeze seemed at times to drive them on, at others to break them up into eddies and ripples of faster and slower motion. The air rang with cheers and the steely percussion of swords (the Rough Riders, flamboyant as ever, brandishing Cuban machetes instead of regulation sabers), and finally, in response to a barked order, the regiments deployed into shoulder-to-shoulder file abreast. "There will be few such chances again," Davis wrote, "to see a brigade of cavalry advancing through a forest of palms in a line two miles long...."58 Later that morning Roosevelt received the shocking news that General Shafter had decided to send no horses to Cuba except those belonging to senior officers.59 What was more, there would be room on the ships for only eight of the twelve Rough Rider troops. If the remaining volunteers wished to charge to glory, they would have to do it on foot. What was more, there would be room on the ships for only eight of the twelve Rough Rider troops. If the remaining volunteers wished to charge to glory, they would have to do it on foot.

THE NEXT THIRTY-SIX HOURS were not pleasant for Wood or Roosevelt. They had to decide who would go and who would stay, and had to endure the sight of officers and troopers alike bursting into tears on receiving the bad news. The lucky ones, numbering some 560 men, could hardly bemoan the loss of their horses. "We would rather crawl on all fours than not go." were not pleasant for Wood or Roosevelt. They had to decide who would go and who would stay, and had to endure the sight of officers and troopers alike bursting into tears on receiving the bad news. The lucky ones, numbering some 560 men, could hardly bemoan the loss of their horses. "We would rather crawl on all fours than not go."60 Coffee was being served at the Tampa Bay Hotel on the evening of Tuesday, 7 June, when General Shafter was summoned to the Western Union office by order of the President of the United States. His instructions, tapped out on a direct line from the White House, were terse: "You will sail immediately as you are needed at destination."61 McKinley's urgency was prompted by an agonized cable from Admiral Sampson, who had been blockading the Spanish Cuba Squadron in Santiago Harbor since 1 June: "If 10,000 men were here, city and fleet would be ours within 48 hours." Shafter could only tap back, "I will sail tomorrow morning. Steam cannot be gotten up earlier." "If 10,000 men were here, city and fleet would be ours within 48 hours." Shafter could only tap back, "I will sail tomorrow morning. Steam cannot be gotten up earlier."62 Notwithstanding this guarded reply, the words "sail immediately" ran like an electric shock through the Fifth Corps. By midnight the Rough Riders were packed and waiting with their baggage at the track which had been assigned to them. No train appeared, and after a long period of waiting new orders arrived to proceed to another track. There was no train there, either; but just after dawn some filthy coal-cars hove into sight, and, to quote Roosevelt, "these we seized." The fact that the locomotive was pointing the wrong way did not deter them. "By various arguments" the engineer was persuaded to steam the nine miles to Port Tampa in reverse gear.63 Wednesday's sun disclosed what appeared to be a black regiment descending from the coal-cars and jostling for space on the already overcrowded quay. More men kept arriving every few minutes, until the boards groaned with a swarming mass of human freight. Thirty transport ships were taking on the last bales of food and equipment, but it was anybody's guess which regiments were to follow onto what vessel. While the Rough Riders (now mockingly called "Wood's Weary Walkers")64 stood sweating patiently in the sun, Wood and Roosevelt fanned out in search of Shafter's chief quartermaster, Colonel C. F. Humphrey. "After an hour's rapid and industrious search" they happened upon him almost simultaneously. Humphrey said they were welcome to a transport named stood sweating patiently in the sun, Wood and Roosevelt fanned out in search of Shafter's chief quartermaster, Colonel C. F. Humphrey. "After an hour's rapid and industrious search" they happened upon him almost simultaneously. Humphrey said they were welcome to a transport named Yucatan Yucatan, which had not yet come in to the quay. Wood, sensing a certain lack of interest in the quartermaster's voice, jumped into a passing launch and hijacked the Yucatan Yucatan in midstream. Meanwhile Roosevelt learned that the ship had already been assigned to two other regiments-the 2nd Regular Infantry and the 71st New York Volunteers. in midstream. Meanwhile Roosevelt learned that the ship had already been assigned to two other regiments-the 2nd Regular Infantry and the 71st New York Volunteers.

Accordingly, I ran at full speed to our train; and leaving a strong guard with the baggage, I double-quicked the rest of the regiment up to the boat, just in time to board her as she came into the quay, and then to hold her against the Second Regulars and the Seventy-first, who had arrived a little too late, being a shade less ready than we were in the matter of individual initiative.

Roosevelt listened with polite sympathy to the protests from the quay, but his final argument was conclusive: "Well, we seem to have it."65 The 71st marched off in a huff, accompanied by a shower of coal from the The 71st marched off in a huff, accompanied by a shower of coal from the Yucatan's Yucatan's bunkers. bunkers.

Presently Roosevelt noticed two photographers standing beside a huge tripod and camera. "What are you young men up to?"

"We are the Vitagraph Company, Colonel Roosevelt, and we are going to Cuba to take moving pictures of the war."

The photographers found themselves being escorted up the gangplank. "I can't take care of a regiment," said nineteenth-century America's greatest master of press relations, "but I might be able to handle two more."66

CONSIDERING THE LOGISTICAL problem of moving 16,286 troops along a single stretch of track between problem of moving 16,286 troops along a single stretch of track between 9:00 P.M 9:00 P.M. Tuesday and 5:00 P.M 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, the "criminally incompetent" General Shafter did not do too badly. He had no choice but to leave the remainder of his corps behind in Tampa, owing to wild miscalculations of available berth space; as it was the ships were so crammed with men that bodies covered every foot of deck. Convinced that he had done everything that God and gout permitted him, Shafter struggled over the side of his flagship Seguranca Seguranca at about at about 4:30 P.M 4:30 P.M. and ordered her to lead the way out of the harbor. Then he went below and eased his weary bulk into bed.67 The Seguranca Seguranca had barely slipped her moorings when a shrilling tug halted her with a telegram: had barely slipped her moorings when a shrilling tug halted her with a telegram: WAIT UNTIL YOU GET FURTHER ORDERS BEFORE YOU SAIL. ANSWER QUICK. R. A. ALGER, SECRETARY OF WAR.68.

It transpired that three unidentified warships had been sighted in the Gulf, apparently lying in wait for the invasion fleet.

While the Navy rushed to investigate, Shafter ordered his armada back to quayside. It was out of the question to disembark, since orders to proceed might be received at any minute; so for the next six days sixteen thousand men baked like sardines in their steel ovens.69 As if enduring some Ancient Mariner's nightmare, Theodore Roosevelt paced the decks of the Yucatan Yucatan, breathing the stench of dirty men and dying mules. Garbage clogged the quayside canal until it festered in the sun; the drinking-water tanks turned brackish, and Army rations of "fresh beef," when opened, proved to be so disgusting that three out of every four cans were thrown overboard. A move out to midstream on 10 June afforded partial relief, although sharks made swimming hazardous.70 In any case most of the Rough Riders, having been brought up in the desert, were too transfixed by the sight of seawater to venture into it. In any case most of the Rough Riders, having been brought up in the desert, were too transfixed by the sight of seawater to venture into it.71 Periodically Roosevelt went down to his cabin to vent his wrath in long letters to Henry Cabot Lodge. "I did not feel that I was fit to be Colonel of this regiment...but I am more fit to command a Brigade or a Division or attend to this whole matter of embarking and sending the army than many of those whose business it is...." Periodically Roosevelt went down to his cabin to vent his wrath in long letters to Henry Cabot Lodge. "I did not feel that I was fit to be Colonel of this regiment...but I am more fit to command a Brigade or a Division or attend to this whole matter of embarking and sending the army than many of those whose business it is...."72 At last, in the late afternoon of 14 June, the Navy reported that all was safe in the Gulf. Under the bored gaze of three black women, three soldiers, and a gang of stevedores, the largest armed force ever to leave American shores swung out of the bay and steamed southeast into the gathering dusk, until Tampa Light shrank to a pinpoint, wavered, and went out.

CHAPTER 25.

The Wolf Rising in the Heart So into the straitWhere his foes lie in wait,Gallant King OlafSails to his fate!

NIGHT FELL, and the band of the 2nd Infantry struck up "The Star-Spangled Banner." Almost on cue, General Shafter's invasion fleet lit up like a galaxy, spangling the dark sea from one horizon to the other. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt stood with bared head on the bridge of the Yucatan Yucatan, while soldierly emotions surged in his breast. He had no idea where he was being sent-it might not be Cuba at all, merely Puerto Rico-nor what he would be ordered to do when he got there; yet he believed "that the nearing future held...many chances of death, of honor and renown." If he failed, he would "share the fate of all who fail." But if he succeeded, he would help "score the first great triumph of a mighty world-movement."1 Roosevelt supposed that his fellow Rough Riders could dimly feel what he was feeling, but found that only one of them had enough "soul and imagination" to articulate such thoughts. This was Captain "Bucky" O'Neill, the prematurely grizzled, chain-smoking ex-Mayor of Prescott, Arizona, and a sheriff "whose name was a byword of terror to every wrong-doer, white or red." O'Neill was capable of "discussing Aryan word-roots...and then sliding off into a review of the novels of Balzac." He could demonstrate Apache signs which reminded Roosevelt curiously of those used by the Sioux and Mandans in Dakota.2 He was, in short, a kindred soul, a man to contemplate the night sky with. He was, in short, a kindred soul, a man to contemplate the night sky with.

"He led these men in one of the noblest fights of the century."

Colonel Roosevelt and his Rough Riders atop San Juan Heights, Cuba. (Illustration 25.1) "Who would not risk his life for a star?" asked Bucky, as the two officers leaned against the railings and searched for the Southern Cross. The metaphor made up in sincerity what it lacked in originality, and it was duly recorded for quotation in Roosevelt's war memoirs.3 For six days the armada steamed southeast across a glassy ocean, under cloudless skies. Its leisurely pace, never more than seven knots, and frequently only four, was caused by the drag of two giant landing-scows and a tank-ship filled with drinking water. Since the thirty-one transport ships varied greatly in power, from big modern liners to iron paddle steamers of Civil War vintage, they straggled farther and farther apart, until the formation was over twenty-five miles long. On one occasion the rear guard lost touch with the vanguard for fourteen hours. Periodically General Shafter would call a halt, while his aides nervously counted ships coming over the horizon astern. Only when the number corresponded with those missing was the expedition allowed to proceed.4 The foreign attaches aboard U.S.S. Seguranca Seguranca did not know whether to be alarmed or amused at the general's magnificent disdain for enemy torpedo-boats, especially at night. "Had any of these made an attack on the fleet spread over an enormous area, each ship a blaze of lights and with the bands playing at times, a smart Spanish officer could not have failed to inflict a very serious loss," wrote Captain Alfred W. Paget of the British Navy. did not know whether to be alarmed or amused at the general's magnificent disdain for enemy torpedo-boats, especially at night. "Had any of these made an attack on the fleet spread over an enormous area, each ship a blaze of lights and with the bands playing at times, a smart Spanish officer could not have failed to inflict a very serious loss," wrote Captain Alfred W. Paget of the British Navy.5 The American Navy was equally concerned, and the fleet's warship escort made plain its annoyance by megaphone and semaphore; but Shafter spread over an enormous area himself, and was content to let his fleet do the same. The American Navy was equally concerned, and the fleet's warship escort made plain its annoyance by megaphone and semaphore; but Shafter spread over an enormous area himself, and was content to let his fleet do the same.

For officers like Roosevelt, who had airy first-class accommodations and wicker easy chairs, "it was very pleasant sailing southward through the tropic seas."6 But for the men jammed below deck in splintery wooden bunks, breathing the same air as horses and mules-not to mention the effluvia of compacting layers of manure-things were rather less tolerable. There was a chorus of cheers on the morning of 20 June, when the fleet swung suddenly southwest "and we all knew that our destination was Santiago." But for the men jammed below deck in splintery wooden bunks, breathing the same air as horses and mules-not to mention the effluvia of compacting layers of manure-things were rather less tolerable. There was a chorus of cheers on the morning of 20 June, when the fleet swung suddenly southwest "and we all knew that our destination was Santiago."7 A blue line of mountains rose near the Yucatan's Yucatan's starboard bow, looming ever higher as the ship steamed within ten miles of shore. Some peaks rose six thousand feet sheer. Their silent massiveness gave the more thoughtful Rough Riders pause. "Our dreams turned to questions of an immediate concern-what was the enemy like? Would he show much resistance? How good was he in battle?" starboard bow, looming ever higher as the ship steamed within ten miles of shore. Some peaks rose six thousand feet sheer. Their silent massiveness gave the more thoughtful Rough Riders pause. "Our dreams turned to questions of an immediate concern-what was the enemy like? Would he show much resistance? How good was he in battle?"8 But the mountains gave off no lethal bursts of smoke, and the fleet continued its coastal cruise across water "smooth as a mill pond." Apprehension changed slowly to bravado: soon the troops were shouting war-cries across the water, and waiting for echoes to roll back. But the mountains gave off no lethal bursts of smoke, and the fleet continued its coastal cruise across water "smooth as a mill pond." Apprehension changed slowly to bravado: soon the troops were shouting war-cries across the water, and waiting for echoes to roll back.9 At noon the fleet came to a halt about twenty miles east of Morro Castle, and a captain from the U.S. Navy blockade squadron (still holding nine Spanish warships in Santiago Harbor) came on board the Seguranca Seguranca to escort General Shafter to a rendezvous with Admiral Sampson. It was rumored that the two commanders, after reviewing several possible landing sites nearer the city, would be rowed ashore for a secret council of war with General Calixto Garcia, head of the to escort General Shafter to a rendezvous with Admiral Sampson. It was rumored that the two commanders, after reviewing several possible landing sites nearer the city, would be rowed ashore for a secret council of war with General Calixto Garcia, head of the insurrectos. insurrectos.10 The Seguranca Seguranca steamed off alone, leaving the transport ships to wallow placidly behind at anchor. Hours passed while the invaders gazed their fill upon Cuba, "Pearl of the Antilles," the most beautiful island within reach of the American continent. steamed off alone, leaving the transport ships to wallow placidly behind at anchor. Hours passed while the invaders gazed their fill upon Cuba, "Pearl of the Antilles," the most beautiful island within reach of the American continent.11 "Every feature of the landscape," wrote Richard Harding Davis, "was painted in high lights; there was no shading, it was all brilliant, gorgeous, and glaring. The sea was an indigo blue, like the blue in a washtub; the green of the mountains was the green of corroded copper; the scarlet trees were the red of a Tommy's jacket, and the sun was like a lime-light in its fierceness." "Every feature of the landscape," wrote Richard Harding Davis, "was painted in high lights; there was no shading, it was all brilliant, gorgeous, and glaring. The sea was an indigo blue, like the blue in a washtub; the green of the mountains was the green of corroded copper; the scarlet trees were the red of a Tommy's jacket, and the sun was like a lime-light in its fierceness."12 Meanwhile, in a palm-thatched hut somewhere along the coast,13 Shafter, Sampson, and Garcia were perfecting a tripartite plan for the Santiago campaign. It was agreed that the debarkation of troops would be made on the morning of the twenty-second at Daiquiri, eighteen miles east of Santiago. Daiquiri was a mere village, but it had a beach, and a pier of sorts, which should be able to handle Shafter's lifeboats and scows. Starting at dawn, the Navy would bombard the village, as well as several other neighboring seaside settlements, in order to confuse the Spaniards as to which landing point the Army had chosen. Shafter, Sampson, and Garcia were perfecting a tripartite plan for the Santiago campaign. It was agreed that the debarkation of troops would be made on the morning of the twenty-second at Daiquiri, eighteen miles east of Santiago. Daiquiri was a mere village, but it had a beach, and a pier of sorts, which should be able to handle Shafter's lifeboats and scows. Starting at dawn, the Navy would bombard the village, as well as several other neighboring seaside settlements, in order to confuse the Spaniards as to which landing point the Army had chosen.14 Once the Fifth Corps was safely ashore at Daiquiri, plans called for Shafter to capture the fishing port of Siboney, seven miles farther west, then to march directly up the Camino Real over the hills to Santiago, twelve miles north. This would be the most difficult and dangerous part of the expedition, for enemy defenses were known to be concentrated in those hills. One ridge in particular-known as San Juan Heights-was regarded as almost insuperable,15 so heavy were its fortifications, and so determined was Spain's General Linares to hold it as the last wall protecting Santiago. If he could keep Shafter's men off at cannon-point for a few weeks, his two most powerful allies-yellow fever and dysentery-would surely lay low all those still standing. But if the so heavy were its fortifications, and so determined was Spain's General Linares to hold it as the last wall protecting Santiago. If he could keep Shafter's men off at cannon-point for a few weeks, his two most powerful allies-yellow fever and dysentery-would surely lay low all those still standing. But if the yanquis yanquis by some miracle broke through, Santiago, and Cuba, and the war, and the Western Hemisphere would be theirs. by some miracle broke through, Santiago, and Cuba, and the war, and the Western Hemisphere would be theirs.

NOT UNTIL THE EVENING of the following day were battle orders broadcast among the thirty-one transport ships. When the news reached Roosevelt, he entertained the Rough Riders with his patented war-dance, evolved from years of prancing around the carcasses of large game animals. Hand on hip, hat waving in the air, he sang: of the following day were battle orders broadcast among the thirty-one transport ships. When the news reached Roosevelt, he entertained the Rough Riders with his patented war-dance, evolved from years of prancing around the carcasses of large game animals. Hand on hip, hat waving in the air, he sang: "Shout hurrah for Erin-go-Bragh,And all the Yankee nation!"16 Aboard the Yucatan Yucatan a macabre toast was drunk: "To the Officers-may they get killed, wounded or promoted!" a macabre toast was drunk: "To the Officers-may they get killed, wounded or promoted!"17 Only Roosevelt, presumably, could relish such sentiments to the full. That night, in darkened dormitories that rolled and pitched uneasily in a rising sea, the Rough Riders prepared themselves for invasion. The solemnity of what was about to happen, the likelihood that some soldiers would never sleep again (three hundred Spanish troops were said to be entrenched on the heights above Daiquiri, with heavy guns), Only Roosevelt, presumably, could relish such sentiments to the full. That night, in darkened dormitories that rolled and pitched uneasily in a rising sea, the Rough Riders prepared themselves for invasion. The solemnity of what was about to happen, the likelihood that some soldiers would never sleep again (three hundred Spanish troops were said to be entrenched on the heights above Daiquiri, with heavy guns),18 made the hours before reveille increasingly suspenseful. made the hours before reveille increasingly suspenseful.

At 3:30 A.M 3:30 A.M. bugles sounded below decks. In the shadows, men rose whispering, dressed, and donned their bulky equipment: blanket rolls, full canteens, hundred-round ammunition belts, and haversacks stuffed with three days' rations.19 Daiquiri was just visible when they emerged on deck in the chill predawn light. It was little more than a notch in the cliffs, with a clutch of corrugated-zinc huts surrounding an old ironworks and a railhead lined with ore-cars. The village appeared to be deserted, but as the Rough Riders looked, a great column of flame leaped up from the ironworks. Evidently the Spaniards intended to destroy Daiquiri's only industrial resource before the norteamericanos norteamericanos arrived to exploit it. arrived to exploit it.

Debarkation did not begin for several hours, for the sea was choppy and soldiers had considerable difficulty dropping into boats which rose and sank with the speed of elevators. At about 9:40 A.M 9:40 A.M. the thunder of naval bombardment was heard from Siboney, seven miles west. One by one the warships along the coast opened fire, until the air was shaking with noise and the zinc roofs were fluttering above Daiquiri like leaves blown in a storm. The flames spread along the ore-cars to the shacks, and bands aboard the truck-cars struck up the expedition's most-requested number: "There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight."20 Not until 10:10 A.M 10:10 A.M. did Shafter silence the guns and order the first landing parties ashore. Some boats headed for the wooden pier, where even greater difficulties arose: now it was like jumping out of an elevator onto a passing floor. The fact that the pier was rotting, and slimy, did not help matters. The soldiers had to wait until high waves lifted them above dock level before leaping, in the knowledge that they would be crushed and ground to pieces if they fell between the boat and the barnacled pilings. Other boats raced for the beach, through tumbling surf, and deposited their passengers on the shingle, some head over heels and cursing.21 The problem of getting horses and mules ashore was solved in typical Shafter fashion: they were simply shoved into the sea and left to find the beach for themselves. Some hysterical animals chose to swim instead for Haiti, until a bugler on the beach thoughtfully blew a cavalry call. The horses, according to one witness, "came round to the right and made for the beach like ships answering their helms."22 Meanwhile, Roosevelt was supervising the unloading of his two horses, Rain-in-the-Face and Texas. Out of respect to their eminent owner, sailors winched them into the water on booms; but a huge breaker engulfed Rain-in-the-Face, and drowned her before she could be released from harness. Roosevelt, "snorting like a bull, split the air with one blasphemy after another," wrote Albert Smith, the Vitagraph cameraman. The terrified sailors took such care with Texas that she seemed to hang in the air indefinitely, until Roosevelt, losing his temper again, bellowed, "Stop that goddamned animal torture!" This time there was no mishap, and the little horse splashed safely to shore.23 According to general orders, the Rough Riders were not due to land until much later in the day, after most of the regulars, but it was soon apparent to Roosevelt that "the go-as-you-please" principle applied to men as well as horses. As luck would have it, his old aide from the Navy Department, Lieutenant Sharp, steamed by in a converted yacht, and offered to pilot the Yucatan Yucatan within a few hundred yards of shore. From this privileged position the Rough Riders landed well in advance of the other cavalry regiments. within a few hundred yards of shore. From this privileged position the Rough Riders landed well in advance of the other cavalry regiments.24 The The Yucatan Yucatan thereupon steamed away, taking large quantities of personal effects with her before any attempt was made to unload them. Roosevelt was left standing on the sand with nothing but a yellow mackintosh and a toothbrush. Fortunately his most essential items of baggage were inside his Rough Rider hat: several extra pairs of spectacles, sewn into the lining. thereupon steamed away, taking large quantities of personal effects with her before any attempt was made to unload them. Roosevelt was left standing on the sand with nothing but a yellow mackintosh and a toothbrush. Fortunately his most essential items of baggage were inside his Rough Rider hat: several extra pairs of spectacles, sewn into the lining.25 If he was to meet his fate in Cuba, he wished to see it in clear focus. If he was to meet his fate in Cuba, he wished to see it in clear focus.

More than six thousand troops were on Cuban soil by sunset. Not one shot had been fired in Daiquiri's defense; the ruined village was occupied only by a few insurrectos insurrectos, rather the worse for bombardment.

As dusk fell, campfires began to glow along the beach and in the little valley where the Rough Riders were lying on ponchos. At intervals there were shrieks and laughter, as red ants or crabs disturbed their rest;26 but the tropical air was balmy, the sky filled with comforting stars, and soon everybody except the guards was asleep. but the tropical air was balmy, the sky filled with comforting stars, and soon everybody except the guards was asleep.

POLITICAL RIVALRY, that most ubiquitous of social weeds, thrives just as fast on tropical islands as in the smoke-filled rooms of northern capitals. By the time the Rough Riders awoke on the morning of 23 June, two generals were already locked in contention for the honor of leading the march upon Santiago.

According to invasion orders, Major General Joseph ("Fighting Joe") Wheeler, commander of the Cavalry Division, was supposed to follow Brigadier General H. W. Lawton of the 2nd Infantry Division to Siboney and remain there to supervise the rest of the landing operation while Lawton established himself farther inland on the Camino Real, or Santiago road. But not for nothing had Fighting Joe earned his nickname, and his reputation of "never staying still in one place long enough for the Almighty to put a finger on him."27 The fact that Lawton was tall, and had fought for the Union in the Civil War, while Wheeler was five foot two, and had been the leader of the Confederate cavalry, only intensified the latter's ambition to be first to encounter "the Yankees-dammit, I mean the Spaniards." The fact that Lawton was tall, and had fought for the Union in the Civil War, while Wheeler was five foot two, and had been the leader of the Confederate cavalry, only intensified the latter's ambition to be first to encounter "the Yankees-dammit, I mean the Spaniards."28 Needless to say, this attitude endeared him to the Rough Riders. "A regular game-cock," Needless to say, this attitude endeared him to the Rough Riders. "A regular game-cock,"29 was Roosevelt's opinion of the bristling little general. was Roosevelt's opinion of the bristling little general.

Lawton, whose division landed first on the twenty-second, had left for Siboney the same afternoon. Marching at a leisurely pace, he encamped en route and completed his journey next morning. The port (which had been so hastily vacated that tortillas were still steaming over breakfast coals) was reported "captured" at 9:20 A.M. 9:20 A.M., much to Wheeler's chagrin. Only then did he receive the longed-for permission to bring his men on to Siboney.30 Doubtless General Shafter expected the cavalry to proceed west at the same comfortable pace as the infantry had the day before. From the moment the bugles sounded "March" in Daiquiri at 3:43 P.M 3:43 P.M., 23 June,31 it was plain that Wheeler wanted the Rough Riders in Siboney by nightfall. it was plain that Wheeler wanted the Rough Riders in Siboney by nightfall.

Seven miles did not look far on the map, but paper was flat and the Cuban coastline was not. The hard coral road ran up and down precipitous hills, and the heat was blinding enough to incapacitate men in loincloths, let alone military uniform and the heavy accouterments of war. Even when the road leveled off to wind through coconut groves, the entrapped humidity and clouds of insects buzzing over rotten fruit made the exposed slopes seem almost preferable. Soon blanket rolls, cans of food, coats, and even underwear were littering the trail, to be picked up by delighted Cubans.32 "I shall never forget that terrible march to Siboney," wrote Edward Marshall of the New York Journal New York Journal. Unlike "Dandy Dick" Davis of the Herald Herald (impeccable as usual in a tropical suit and white helmet), Marshall was unable to ride with the officers. He had lost his horse during the debarkation, and had generously offered his saddle to Roosevelt, who had little Texas, but nothing in the way of harness. (impeccable as usual in a tropical suit and white helmet), Marshall was unable to ride with the officers. He had lost his horse during the debarkation, and had generously offered his saddle to Roosevelt, who had little Texas, but nothing in the way of harness.33 Roosevelt accepted the gift, but refused to ride "while my men are walking." Roosevelt accepted the gift, but refused to ride "while my men are walking."34 All the way to Siboney he tramped along in his yellow mackintosh, streaming with perspiration and earning the affectionate respect of his troopers. All the way to Siboney he tramped along in his yellow mackintosh, streaming with perspiration and earning the affectionate respect of his troopers.

"Wood's Weary Walkers"-never had the name seemed more apt-caught up with General Lawton's rear guard, a mile or so above Siboney, just as dusk fell. Without slackening pace, they marched on down the valley. Burr McIntosh of Leslie's Magazine Leslie's Magazine asked the commander of the rear guard, Brigadier General J. C. Bates, where they were going. "I don't know," said Bates, peering after them in the dim light. "They have not had any orders to go on beyond us." asked the commander of the rear guard, Brigadier General J. C. Bates, where they were going. "I don't know," said Bates, peering after them in the dim light. "They have not had any orders to go on beyond us."35 If not, they very soon had. Wood encamped his men in a coconut grove well north of Siboney, then rode into the squalid village for a council of war with General Wheeler and his own immediate superior, Brigadier General S.B.M. Young. He learned that Wheeler had made a personal reconnaissance of the Camino Real that afternoon, and had found that the first line of enemy defenses was four miles up-country, at a point where the road crested a spur in the mountains. Fighting Joe's orders were "to hit the Spaniards...as soon after daybreak as possible."36

WHILE W WOOD, WHEELER, and Young discussed tactics at headquarters, Roosevelt stayed with the men in camp, eating hardtack and pork and drinking fire-boiled coffee. Rain began to fall. He sat for a couple of hours in his yellow slicker, not bothering to seek shelter. It was at times like this, when lack of seniority excluded him from the decision-making process, that he had leisure to reflect on what he had missed by turning down the offer of the colonelcy. But war had its opportunities....

The sky cleared eventually, and new fires began to blaze as the soldiers stripped off their sweat-drenched, rain-sodden clothes and held them up to dry. Roosevelt strolled over to L Troop, where two of the biggest men in the regiment, Captain Allyn Capron and Sergeant Hamilton Fish, were standing talking. He caught himself admiring their splendid bodies in the flickering glare. "Their frames seemed of steel, to withstand all fatigue; they were flushed with health; in their eyes shone high resolve and fiery desire." Like himself, they were "filled with eager longing to show their mettle."37

THE PASS OVER THE mountains where the Spanish lay in wait was locally known as Las Guasimas, after a clump of mountains where the Spanish lay in wait was locally known as Las Guasimas, after a clump of guacima guacima, or hog-nut trees that grew there. Cuban informants, aware that Americans would have difficulty recognizing these trees in the surrounding jungle, gave General Wheeler a more macabre landmark to search out. There was an approach in the vicinity, scouts said, where the body of a dead guerrilla lay across the trail. Discovery of that body would indicate that the enemy was somewhere in the vicinity38-perhaps only a hundred yards ahead.

This was hardly the most sophisticated reconnaissance briefing, but it was good enough for Fighting Joe. Shortly before dawn the next morning, 24 June, his dismounted cavalrymen began a two-column advance upon Las Guasimas. The right thrust, on the west, was undertaken by General Young and about 470 Regulars, marching directly up the Camino Real. The left thrust, up a high but roughly parallel trail half a mile to the west, was undertaken by Wood and 500 Rough Riders. If Cuban information was correct, trail and road would meet about where the dead guerrilla lay, enabling Young and Wood to deploy, touch flanks, then lead their thousand men against the enemy-held ridge together. Spanish forces were estimated at about 2,000.39

Climbing quickly out of the valley at 6:00 A.M. 6:00 A.M., the Rough Riders took their last look at Siboney, seven hundred feet below. Gilded by the sun, half-shrouded in early morning mist, the squalid little port looked almost pretty. It gave off faint sounds, "like blasts from faery trumpets."40 Evidently Lawton's men were at last waking up. Evidently Lawton's men were at last waking up.

From this viewpoint the trail led northwest along a forest ridge, the vegetation growing ever taller and thicker until it closed overhead. The Rough Riders found themselves irradiated with chlorophyllic half-light; its effect would have been eerily charming had the tropical warmth not made it sinister. "The jungle had a kind of hot, sullen beauty," one trooper remembered. "We had the feeling that it resented our intrusion-that, if we penetrated too far, it would rise up in anger, and smother us."41 From time to time a cooing of wood-doves, and the call of a tropical cuckoo, strange to Roosevelt's ears, sounded in the trees, From time to time a cooing of wood-doves, and the call of a tropical cuckoo, strange to Roosevelt's ears, sounded in the trees,42 although the birds themselves were never seen. although the birds themselves were never seen.

The Rough Riders advanced like Indians, behind a "point" tipped by those two steely giants, Sergeant Fish and Captain Capron. After them came Wood, flanked by three aides, and Roosevelt, flanked by his two favorite reporters, Richard Harding Davis of the Herald Herald and Edward Marshall of the and Edward Marshall of the Journal Journal. Both men had reported favorably, in the past, on his exploits as Police Commissioner; he now relied on them to glorify him as a warrior, and cultivated them accordingly. Stephen Crane of the World World, whom Roosevelt did not like at all,43 was left to bring up the extreme rear. was left to bring up the extreme rear.

Half a mile west and two or three hundred feet lower, on the valley road, General Young's infantrymen were marching in a roughly parallel direction. But the intervening vegetation was so dense that they could be neither seen nor heard, save for a bugle-call now and then.44 After about an hour's march, Captain Capron came back through the trees to announce that his scout had discovered the body of the dead guerrilla. Wood turned to Roosevelt. "Pass the word back to keep silence in the ranks."45 Then he disappeared up the trail with Capron, leaving Roosevelt and Marshall to discuss coolly-and disobediently-a lunch they had once had with William Randolph Hearst at the Astor House. Meanwhile the men relaxed on the ground, chewing blades of grass and fanning the stagnant air with their hats. Then he disappeared up the trail with Capron, leaving Roosevelt and Marshall to discuss coolly-and disobediently-a lunch they had once had with William Randolph Hearst at the Astor House. Meanwhile the men relaxed on the ground, chewing blades of grass and fanning the stagnant air with their hats.46 As Roosevelt talked, his glance fell on some barbed wire curling from a fence to the left of the trail. He reached for a strand, gazed at it with the expert eye of a ranchman, and started. "My God! This wire has been cut today."

"What makes you think so?" asked Marshall.

"The end is bright, and there has been enough dew, even since sunrise, to put a light rust on it..."47 Just as he spoke, the regimental surgeon came up from behind, riding noisily on a mule. Roosevelt leaped to silence him. Then, as the Rough Riders held their breath, a terrifying sound came winging through the bushes.48

MARSHALL, WHO WAS to hear the sound endlessly repeated that day, and would find himself paralyzed from the waist down by it, described it as a to hear the sound endlessly repeated that day, and would find himself paralyzed from the waist down by it, described it as a z-z-z-z-z-eu z-z-z-z-z-eu, rising to a shrill crescendo, then sinking with a moan on the eu eu. It was the trajectory of a high-speed Mauser bullet, standard equipment with Spanish snipers. Bloodcurdling though the sound was, with the concomitant ping ping and and zip zip of perforated leaves (enabling a man to judge its approach velocity, and the utter impossibility of getting out of the way in time), the worst moment came when the of perforated leaves (enabling a man to judge its approach velocity, and the utter impossibility of getting out of the way in time), the worst moment came when the z-eu z-eu was followed by a loud was followed by a loud chug chug, indicating that the bullet had hit flesh. The force of impact on a man's outstretched arm was enough to spin him around before he thumped in a flaccid heap on the ground. Often as not, a man so struck would rise again after a few minutes, none the worse but for a tiny, cauterized hole; the flaccidity was merely a shock reaction, common to all Mauser victims.49 But other men lay where they dropped. But other men lay where they dropped.

The first soldier to be killed by these first rifleshots of the Spanish-American War was Sergeant Hamilton Fish, who fell at the feet of Captain Capron. Then another Mauser took Capron in the heart. So much for their "frames of steel."50 Six more Rough Riders died in the hail of fire that followed-the most intense, according to one scholarly major, in the history of warfare. Six more Rough Riders died in the hail of fire that followed-the most intense, according to one scholarly major, in the history of warfare.51 Thirty-four men were wounded, many of them repeatedly. Private Isbell of L Troop was hit three times in the neck, twice in the left hand, once in the right hand, and finally in the head. Thirty-four men were wounded, many of them repeatedly. Private Isbell of L Troop was hit three times in the neck, twice in the left hand, once in the right hand, and finally in the head.52 Roosevelt, literally jumping up and down with excitement Roosevelt, literally jumping up and down with excitement53 as he awaited Wood's order to deploy, made no effort to run for cover; somehow the bullets missed him, although one did smack into a tree inches from his cheek, and filled his eyes with splinters of bark. as he awaited Wood's order to deploy, made no effort to run for cover; somehow the bullets missed him, although one did smack into a tree inches from his cheek, and filled his eyes with splinters of bark.54 Wood, whose casual confidence under fire earned him the nickname "Old Icebox," asked Roosevelt to take three troops into the jungle on the right, while three other troops fanned out on the left. Marshall remained behind, idly curious to see how the Lieutenant Colonel comported himself in battle.

Perhaps a dozen of Roosevelt's men had passed into the thicket before he did. Then he stepped across the wire himself, and, from that instant, became the most magnificent soldier I have ever seen. It was as if that barbed-wire strand had formed a dividing line in his life, and that when he stepped across it he left behind him in the bridle path all those unadmirable and conspicuous traits which have so often caused him to be justly criticized in civic life, and found on the other side of it, in that Cuban thicket, the coolness, the calm judgment, the towering heroism, which made him, perhaps, the most admired and best beloved of all Americans in Cuba.55 Where the shots were coming from even Roosevelt, with his acute hearing, could not tell; he knew only that the snipers were distant and highly placed. Evidently the Spanish, trained in guerrilla tactics by three years of fighting the Cubans, knew exactly where the trail was; but how, since the Rough Riders were camouflaged by trees, did they know where where to shoot? Much later it transpired that the strange cooing and cuckoo-calls he had heard earlier came from lookouts posted in the jungle, tracking the regiment's progress to the point of ambush. to shoot? Much later it transpired that the strange cooing and cuckoo-calls he had heard earlier came from lookouts posted in the jungle, tracking the regiment's progress to the point of ambush.56 All at once the trees parted and Roosevelt found himself gazing out over the Santiago road to a razorback ridge on the opposite side of the valley. General Young's men were stationed below, under heavy fire themselves by the sound of it; but thanks to the enemy's smokeless powder he still could not see the entrenchments. It took a newspaperman to point the Spaniards out to him. "There they are, Colonel," cried Richard Harding Davis, "look over there; I can see their hats near that glade." Roosevelt focused his binoculars, estimated the range, and ordered his troops to "rapid fire." Davis joined in with a carbine he had picked up somewhere.57 The woods, according to Stephen Crane, "became aglow with fighting." In three minutes, nine men were lying on their backs in Roosevelt's immediate vicinity. The woods, according to Stephen Crane, "became aglow with fighting." In three minutes, nine men were lying on their backs in Roosevelt's immediate vicinity.58 But the Rough Riders fired back with such blistering accuracy that the Spaniards soon quit their trenches and took refuge in the jungle farther up the ridge. But the Rough Riders fired back with such blistering accuracy that the Spaniards soon quit their trenches and took refuge in the jungle farther up the ridge.

Unable to pursue them for an impenetrable wall of vines, Roosevelt ordered his men back to the main trail, where the Mausers were whining as viciously as ever. Although he did not fully realize it, he had succeeded brilliantly in his first military skirmish. By engaging and driving back the enemy's foremost flank, he had exposed troops holding the top of the ridge to cross-fire from the entire line of Rough Riders, and frontal attack from General Young's regulars.59 The way was now open for a final grand charge by all the American forces, with Roosevelt commanding the extreme left, Wood commanding the center, and the regulars on the right advancing under orders from General Wheeler himself. About nine hundred men broke out into the open and ran up the valley (Roosevelt stopping to pick up three Mauser cartridges as souvenirs for his children), The way was now open for a final grand charge by all the American forces, with Roosevelt commanding the extreme left, Wood commanding the center, and the regulars on the right advancing under orders from General Wheeler himself. About nine hundred men broke out into the open and ran up the valley (Roosevelt stopping to pick up three Mauser cartridges as souvenirs for his children),60 their rifle-cracks drowned in the booming of four Hotchkiss mountain-guns. Like ants shaken from a biscuit, some fifteen hundred Spaniards leaped from their rock-forts along the ridge and scattered in the direction of Santiago. "We've got the damn Yankees on the run!" roared Fighting Joe. their rifle-cracks drowned in the booming of four Hotchkiss mountain-guns. Like ants shaken from a biscuit, some fifteen hundred Spaniards leaped from their rock-forts along the ridge and scattered in the direction of Santiago. "We've got the damn Yankees on the run!" roared Fighting Joe.61 By 9:20 A.M 9:20 A.M. the Battle of Las Guasimas was over. An exhausted major looked at his watch, shook it incredulously, and held it up to his ear. He was sure that the engagement had lasted at least six hours.62 Actually it had been only two. Actually it had been only two.

A few minutes later the first of General Lawton's infantrymen arrived and found that their services were not needed. Lawton was furious. According to one report he accused Wheeler of deliberately stealing a march on him. "I was given command of the advance, and I want you to know that I propose to keep it, by God, even if I have to put a guard to keep other troops in the rear!"63 Fighting Joe was philosophical, for he received in due time the congratulations of General Shafter. As long as that leisurely officer remained on board the Fighting Joe was philosophical, for he received in due time the congratulations of General Shafter. As long as that leisurely officer remained on board the Seguranca Seguranca, Wheeler, not Lawton, was the senior general ashore, and he could issue and interpret orders as he saw fit. For the moment he was satisfied. He had driven back the Spaniards; his bandy-legged cavalry had outmarched the infantry; best of all, he had avenged Appomattox. Such triumph was cheap at a cost of sixteen Americans dead and fifty-two wounded, to Spain's figures of ten and eight.64 Others, gazing at the sightless eyes of Hamilton Fish, or the shattered spine of Edward Marshall (writhing in agony as he dictated his dispatch to Stephen Crane), Others, gazing at the sightless eyes of Hamilton Fish, or the shattered spine of Edward Marshall (writhing in agony as he dictated his dispatch to Stephen Crane),65 might wonder if the Battle of Las Guasimas had been really worth it. might wonder if the Battle of Las Guasimas had been really worth it.

"ONE OBJECT AT LEAST was accomplished," wrote was accomplished," wrote Leslie's Leslie's correspondent Burr McIntosh, whom Roosevelt had also left behind at Siboney. "The names of several men were in the newspapers before the names of several others, and a number of newspaper men, who were sure to write things in the proper spirit, were given the necessary 'tip'." correspondent Burr McIntosh, whom Roosevelt had also left behind at Siboney. "The names of several men were in the newspapers before the names of several others, and a number of newspaper men, who were sure to write things in the proper spirit, were given the necessary 'tip'."66 Also the necessary flattery: Roosevelt was quick to cite Richard Harding Davis in his official report, and even tried to get the Associated Press to mention Davis's gallantry while the battle was still going on. Also the necessary flattery: Roosevelt was quick to cite Richard Harding Davis in his official report, and even tried to get the Associated Press to mention Davis's gallantry while the battle was still going on.67 Davis, who tended to treat friends as they treated him, responded with laudatory accounts of the battle, earning praise for "Roosevelt's Rough Riders" as its only apparent heroes. In Washington there was talk of promoting Roosevelt to the rank of brigadier general, and in New York a coalition of independent Republicans announced that they intended to nominate him for Governor in September. Davis, who tended to treat friends as they treated him, responded with laudatory accounts of the battle, earning praise for "Roosevelt's Rough Riders" as its only apparent heroes. In Washington there was talk of promoting Roosevelt to the rank of brigadier general, and in New York a coalition of independent Republicans announced that they intended to nominate him for Governor in September.68 Whether the praise was deserved or not, Roosevelt's personal views of his role in the Las Guasimas victory were modest, and remained so always. He liked to joke about his inability to see the enemy, his difficulty running with a sword swinging between his legs, and his policy of firing at any target that was not a tree. However, "as throughout the morning I had preserved a specious aspect of wisdom, and had commanded first one wing and then the other wing, the fight really was a capital thing for me, for practically all the men had served under my actual command, and thenceforth felt enthusiastic belief that I would lead them aright."69

IN HIS SPEECH to the Naval War College a year before, Roosevelt had urged America to prepare for "blood, sweat, and tears" when war came. The Battle of Las Guasimas gave the Rough Riders ample opportunity to wallow in all three. Regimental surgeon Bob Church looked, that evening, "like a kid who had gotten his hands and arms into a bucket of thick red paint." to the Naval War College a year before, Roosevelt had urged America to prepare for "blood, sweat, and tears" when war came. The Battle of Las Guasimas gave the Rough Riders ample opportunity to wallow in all three. Regimental surgeon Bob Church looked, that evening, "like a kid who had gotten his hands and arms into a bucket of thick red paint."70 Gouts of blood trembled on the leaves along the trail, and plastered whole sheaves of grass together. Fresh blood flowed as Church snipped open Mauser holes in order to dress them. Wherever a casualty lay, the predators of Cuba collected in rings: huge land-crabs shredding corpses with their clattering claws, vultures tearing off lips and eyelids, then the eyeballs, and finally whole faces. Gouts of blood trembled on the leaves along the trail, and plastered whole sheaves of grass together. Fresh blood flowed as Church snipped open Mauser holes in order to dress them. Wherever a casualty lay, the predators of Cuba collected in rings: huge land-crabs shredding corpses with their clattering claws, vultures tearing off lips and eyelids, then the eyeballs, and finally whole faces.71 But the most despised predators were Cubans themselves, who invariably materialized from the jungle to strip the dead of clothing, equipment, and jewelry, and rummage around for jettisoned food-cans. Was it for these squat, dull-eyed peasants that the flower of America had died? But the most despised predators were Cubans themselves, who invariably materialized from the jungle to strip the dead of clothing, equipment, and jewelry, and rummage around for jettisoned food-cans. Was it for these squat, dull-eyed peasants that the flower of America had died?

Compassion, never one of Theodore Roosevelt's outstanding characteristics, was notably absent from his written accounts of Las Guasimas and its aftermath-unless the perfunctory phrase "poor Capron and Ham Fish"72 can be counted to mean anything. His only recorded emotion as the Rough Riders buried seven of their dead next morning, in a common grave darkened with the shadows of circling buzzards, was pride in its all-American variety: "-Indian and cowboy, miner, packer, and college athlete, the man of unknown ancestry from the lonely Western plains, and the man who carried on his watch the crest of the Stuyvesants and the Fishes." When Bucky O'Neill turned to him and asked, "Colonel, isn't it Whitman who says of the vultures that 'they pluck the eyes of princes, and tear the flesh of kings'?" Roosevelt answered coldly that he could not place the quotation. can be counted to mean anything. His only recorded emotion as the Rough Riders buried seven of their dead next morning, in a common grave darkened with the shadows of circling buzzards, was pride in its all-American variety: "-Indian and cowboy, miner, packer, and college athlete, the man of unknown ancestry from the lonely Western plains, and the man who carried on his watch the crest of the Stuyvesants and the Fishes." When Bucky O'Neill turned to him and asked, "Colonel, isn't it Whitman who says of the vultures that 'they pluck the eyes of princes, and tear the flesh of kings'?" Roosevelt answered coldly that he could not place the quotation.73 His duty, as he saw it, lay with those who were still standing and able to fight. Since landing in Cuba, his men had had nothing to eat or drink but hardtack, bacon, and sugarless coffee. What was left of these heavy comestibles had been dumped during their two forced marches, and due to General Shafter's "maddening" mismanagement of the unloading operation (still in process at Siboney), no fresh supplies were expected for several days. Soon the Rough Riders were forced to scrounge, like Cubans, in the bags of dead Spanish mules.74 On the morning of 26 June, Roosevelt got wind of a stockpile of beans on the beach, and marched a squad of men hastily down to investigate. There were, indeed, at least eleven hundred pounds of beans available, so he went into the commissary and demanded the full amount for his regiment. The commissar reached for a book of regulations and showed him that "under sub-section B of section C of article 4, or something like that," beans were available only to officers. Roosevelt had learned enough during his six years as Civil Service Commissioner not to protest this attitude. He merely went outside for a moment, then returned and demanded eleven hundred pounds of beans "for the officer's mess."

COMMISSAR.

But your officers cannot eat eleven hundred pounds of beans. But your officers cannot eat eleven hundred pounds of beans.

ROOSEVELT.

You don't know what appetites my officers have. You don't know what appetites my officers have.

COMMISSAR.

(wavering) (wavering) I'll have to send the requisition to Washington. I'll have to send the requisition to Washington.

ROOSEVELT.

All right, only give me the beans. All right, only give me the beans.

COMMISSAR.

I'm afraid they'll take it out of your salary. I'm afraid they'll take it out of your salary.