 Shafter hoped to capture Alcarnie before besieging the fortified heights of San Juan Hill, as the 500 defenders held off our attacks for most of the day. Although Alcarnie was not yet secure, we pressed toward San Juan Hill. The force split up to take San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill. The Rough Riders were among those attacking Kettle Hill. The Rough Riders, without horses, led the charge. They and the black soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were the first up Kettle Hill, and San Juan Hill was taken soon thereafter.