The command continued its march at an early hour the following morning, the advance-guard and the main body proceeding slowly and with great caution. This extra care was unnecessary. Those of the enemy's forces that were held in reserve (some of them not far from the city) had fled precipitately as soon as they realized the extent of their defeat. In connection with the foregoing report I consider the subjoined document as being of interest:-- HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MILITARY EXPEDITION IN CAMP AT MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO, Aug. 12, 1898. GENERAL ORDERS No. 14. The brigadier-general commanding desires to convey to the officers and soldiers of his command his thanks for their excellent conduct in the engagement they had on the 10th instant, near the town of Hormigueros, with the Spanish forces in that vicinity. Concealed in a strong position, they poured a murderous fire into our troops about to go into camp after a fatiguing march. Had the disposition of the cavalry screen and of the advance-guard--which latter included both infantry and artillery--been less perfect, or had the command been deficient in discipline or other soldierly qualities, such an attack might have proved disastrous. As it was, it was promptly and gallantly repulsed, the repulse resulting in the enemy's precipitate evacuation of the city of Mayaguez, though it had been placed in a state of defence. [Illustration: American Camp at Mayaguez.] The major-general commanding the army has been pleased to commend the troops for their gallant action on this occasion,--a fact which it affords the brigade commander genuine satisfaction to announce. By command of Brigadier-General Schwan. GROTE HUTCHESON, _Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General._ CHAPTER VI The Second Day Ends _A personal résumé of the fight_--_Lack of melodramatic accompaniments_--_A lost chance of glory_--_Another neglected opportunity_--_A glimpse of the flag_--_Once more into camp_. At the risk of being considered tautological, I cannot refrain from devoting another chapter to the Hormigueros fight: first, because it was my initial experience under fire; and, second, because there are more things in a soldier's memory than are set forth in the official report of his commanding general. [Illustration: Plaza Mercado, Mayaguez.]