ed at the
fort almost simultaneously; so that the division commander in speaking
of the capture says: "Credit is almost equally due the Sixth, Ninth,
Thirteenth, Sixteenth and Twenty-fourth Regiments of Infantry." To the
Third Brigade he gives the credit of turning the enemy's right.

Let us now examine more closely that sweep of the Third Brigade from
the left of the lower ford to San Juan Hill, in order to trace more
distinctly the pathway of honor made for itself by the Twenty-fourth.
This regiment formed left front into line under fire and advanced over
the flat in good order, and then reformed under shelter of the hill
preparatory to the final charge upon the enemy's intrenchments. The
experience of the companies in crossing the flat is told by the
company commanders. One company under the orders of its captain formed
line of skirmishers and advanced in good order at rapid gait, reaching
the foot of the hill almost exhausted. This was about the experience
of all, but this company is mentioned because it was the first company
of the regiment to reach the top of the hill. In crossing the flat
there was necessarily some mixing of companies and in some instances
men were separated from their officers, but those who escaped the
enemy's bullets made their way across that plain of fire and were
ready to join in the charge up the hill where only brave men could go.

There was but a moment's pause for breath at the foot of the hill and
the general charge all along the line began, the Sixth Infantry
probably taking the initiative, although the gallant Colonel Egbert,
of that regiment (since killed in the Philippines), makes no such
claim. In his farewell official report of the Sixth he thus describes
the final act:

"We were now unexpectedly re-enforced. Lieutenant Parker,
made aware by the heavy fire from the hill that a conflict
was going on in his front, opened fire with his Gatlings
most effectively on the intrenchments, while from far down
on my left I heard cheering and shouts, and saw coming up
the slope towards us a multitude of skirmishers. As they
drew nearer we distinguished the tall figure of General
Hawkins, with his aide, Lieutenant Ord, Sixth Infantry,
charging at the head of the skirmishers and waving their
hats. When the charge came up nearly abreast of where the
Sixth stood in the road I ordered the companies out through
the gaps in the wire fe