 Finally the general assented, and Creelman advanced on the fort along with U.S. troops.Seeing the Spanish flag lying on the ground, Creelman seized it, feeling that it was only fair that the "Journal", which helped to start the war, should be the first to capture the Spanish flag at this important battle.Creelman waved the flag in front of some Spanish soldiers still entrenched nearby, who responded with a hail of gunfire, wounding Creelman in the arm and back.