This
information was received about 12:30 a. m., and I directed Gen. Lawton
to return by my headquarters and the El Pozo house as the only certain
way of gaining his new position.
This was done, and the division took position on the right of the
cavalry early next morning; Chaffee's Brigade arriving first, about
half-past seven, and the other brigades before noon.
On the night of July 1st, I ordered Gen. Duffield, at Siboney, to send
forward the 34th Michigan and the 9th Massachusetts. Both of which had
just arrived from the United States. These regiments reached the front
the next morning. The 34th was placed in rear of Kent, and the 9th was
assigned to Bates, who placed it on his left.
Soon after daylight on July 2d the enemy opened battle, but because of
the intrenchments made during the night, the approach of Lawton's
Division, and the presence of Bates' Brigade, which had taken position
during the night on Kent's left, little apprehension was felt as to
our ability to repel the Spaniards.
It is proper here to state that Gen. Bates and his brigade had
performed most arduous and efficient service, having marched much of
the night of June 30th-July 1st, and a good part of the latter day,
during which he also participated in the battle of El Caney, after
which he proceeded, by way of El Pozo, to the left of the line at San
Juan, reaching his new position about midnight.
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