The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1898-08-25
WHERE ENGLAND FAILED.
FORMER ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE
SANTIAGO DE CUBA.
British Expeditions Under Vice Ad-
miral Vernon, General Wentworth
and Rear Admirals Knowles.

In the capture of Santiago de Cuba
American has succeeded where Great
Britain failed on two occasions. The
first attempt was made i'm 1742 and it
failed because of lack of harmony be-
tween Vice Admiral Vernon and Ger
eral Wentworth, commanding the
joint naval and army forces. The ex-
petition sailed from Jamaica July 1,
1742, and consisted of eight ships of
the line, thirteen frigates and about
forty transports, with 3,4OO land for
ces. The fleet anchored in Walten-
ham harbor, sixty miles by land from
Santiago de Cuba, and Vice Admiral
Vernon was so sure of success that he
changed the name of Waterman into
that of Cumberland, in compliment
to his royal highness, the Duke. The
Spanish fleet was at Havana, and
there was no Spanish army at Santi-
ago de Cuba.
The troops were disembarked and
began their march against the object
of attack only four days distant and
a detachment of $50 Americans and
negroes got as far as Elleguava, but
failing to get support from the main
body, returned to camp. In the
meantime Vernon blockaded Santa
go awaiting with Impotence news of
the army. General Wentworth fritz
tered his time away until October 5,
when he notified the admiral of his
doubt about being able to do any
thing further, and after waiting more
time in the bush and mountains, the
army re-embarked November 20, and
returned to Jamaica, without having
accomplished anything except losing
"A lot of men from fever. The ships
were thus forced to haul off from
Santiago, and the Cubans were left
to ponder over the incomprehensible
conduct of the British troops, and
finally came to the conclusion that the
landing had been made without hos
tile intent.
The second fiasco was six years lat
err, when Rear Admiral Knowles with
ten ships, carrying AS guns and $3.50
men, proceeded on April to attack
Santiago. AS the squadron approach
ed the narrow inlet to the harbor,
Captain Dent, who was senior officer,
led in the Northumberland that
the Spanish had been so discourteous
as to lay a boom across the entrance,
with four vessels moored within it,
two of which appeared to be fire
ships. The cautious captain correct
ly conjectured that these Instructions
were placed to dissuade any attempt
on the part of the British to force
an entrance, and calling a council of
his officers they agreed with him that
the ships would be exposed to great
danger.
The gallant Captain Dent and the
other ships hauled off and returned to
Rear Admiral Knowles, explaining
why they had retired. The chief in
command was furious, and wrote a
complaint to the Admiralty against
! Captain Dent, and on the latter's re-
turn to England he was court martial
ed, but honorably acquitted. Rear
Admiral Knowles later on found the
Spanish fleet between Tortuga and
Havana, and gave battle, resulting in
the Dons losing several ships and the
remainder being forced to flee. Ad-
miral Knowles failed to follow up his
advantage and he was subsequently
court martialed and censured, but In
the meantime the fleet was generally
demoraliZed, charges and counter
charges were made by the several
captains, and there were more troub-
les than prize money to the officers
and crews, and Great Britain failed to
cover herself with even self respect
so far as the navy was concerned in
the West Indies.