Four brigades of 140 men each formed the Cuban force, bolstered by Gen. Manuel de Quesada's 30-man personal escort led by Brig.

Boniche chose a battalion led by Col. José Vincente de Valera to seek out the movements of revolutionary forces that were marching from different points on the roads to Las Tunas.

After leading a reconnaissance of mounted cavalry sent by Col. Enrique Boniche, Valera saw a sizable group of Cubans advancing toward Las Tunas.

The artillery first started from the Mercader Hill upon the Church of Jesus, where a company of Spanish riflemen were stationed upon the towers and on the roof.

The two towers were riddled destroying a pillar, the men were dislodged, and Quesada led a column of his army through the southern gate into the city.

The forces commanded by Gen. Manuel de Quesada laid siege to the important military plaza of Las Tunas.