K Troop Meantime Had Deployed Into The Valley
Under The Fire From The Enemy On The Ridge.
It had been ordered to
establish communication with General Young's column, and while
advancing and firing on the ridge, Captain Jenkins sent the guidon
bearer back to climb the hill and wave his red and white banner where
Young's men could see it.
The guidon bearer had once run for
Congress on the gold ticket in Arizona, and, as some one said, was
naturally the man who should have been selected for a forlorn hope.
His flag brought him instantly under a heavy fire, but he continued
waving it until the Tenth Cavalry on the other side of the valley
answered, and the two columns were connected by a skirmish-line
composed of K Troop and A, under Captain "Bucky" O'Neill.
G Troop meanwhile had hurried over to the left, and passing through
the opening in the wire fence had spread out into open order. It
followed down after Captain Luna's troop and D and E Troops, which
were well already in advance. Roosevelt ran forward and took command
of the extreme left of this line. Wood was walking up and down along
it, leading his horse, which he thought might be of use in case he
had to move quickly to alter his original formation. His plan, at
present, was to spread out his men so that they would join Young on
the right, and on the left swing around until they flanked the enemy.
K and A Troops had already succeeded in joining hands with Young's
column across the valley, and as they were capable of taking care of
themselves, Wood was bending his efforts to keep his remaining four
companies in a straight line and revolving them around the enemy's
"end." It was in no way an easy thing to do.
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