Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-27
Two Messages to Congress by the
President.
H0BSON AND his ASSOCIATES HONORED
Officers and Men of the Hudson
Are Also Remembered.
CADET POWELL PROMOTED

| messages to Congress:
To the Congress Of the United States: On
| the morning Of the Sd of June 1898, AS
sstant Naval Constructor Richmond T.
| Hobson, U. 8. navy, with a volunteer crew
| of seven men, in charge of the partially
dismantled collier Merrimac, entered the
| fortified harbor of Santiago, Cuba, for the
| purpose of sinking the collier in the mar
rowest portion of the channel, and thus
interposing a serious obstacle to the egress
| of the Spanish fleet, which had recently
entered that harbor. This enterprise, de-
manding coolness judgment and bravery
amounting to heroism, was carried into
| successful execution in the face of a per-
sstent fire from the hostile fleet, as well
from the fortifcatons on shore.
Rear Admiral Sampson, commander-in-
chief of our naval force in Cuban waters,
in an official report, dated "Off Santiago
de Cuba, June 3, 1885, and addressed to
the Secretary of the Navy, referring to
Mr.. Hobson's gallant exploit, says:
AS stated in a recent telegram, before
coming here l decided to make the harbor
entrance secure against the possibility of
egress Of the Spanish ships by obstructing
the narrow part of the entrance by sink
ing a collier at that point. Upon calling
ion as to sure method of sinking the
| ship, he manifested a most lively interest
in tho problem. After several days con-
sideration, he presented a solution which
he considered would insure the immediate
sinking of the ship when she had reached
the desired point in the channel .
The plan contemplated crew Of only
seven men and Mr. Hobson, who begged
that it might be intrusted to him.
AS soon as l reached Santiago and had
the collier to work upon, the details were
commenced and diligently prosecuted, hop
ing to complete them in one day. as the
moon and tide served best the first night
after our arrival Notwithstanding every
effort, the hour of o'clock in the morning
arrived and the preparations We're scarcely
completed. After a careful inspection of
the final preparations l was forced to re-
dawn was breaking. Mr.. Hobson begged
to try it at all hazards.
This morning proved more propitious, as
prompt start could be made. Nothing
could have been more galanty executed.
A careful inspection of the harbor
from this ship showed that the Merrimac
had been sunk in the channel.
cannot myself too earnestly express my
appreciation OF the conduct of Mr. Hobson
and his gallant crew. l venture to say
that a more brave and daring thing has
not been done since Gushing blew up the
Albemarie.
The members Of the crew who were with
MI. Hobsor on this memorable occasion
nave already been rewarded for their Ser
wees by advancement, which, under the
provisions OF law and regulation, the Sec
retary of the Navy was authorized to
n, lyn- 1,,1 tl,a
Naval Cadet Powell, who, in steam
launch, followed the Merrimac on her per-
ilous trip for the purpose OF rescuing her
| force after the sinking of that vessel, to be
advanced in rank to the grade of ensign
has been prepared and will be submitted
Gushing, with whose gallant act in blow
ing up the ram Albemarle during the civil
var Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hob
sons sinking of the Merrimac received the
thanks of Congress upon recommendation
of the President, by name and was in CON-
sequence, under the provisions of section
-''1S of the Revised Statutes, advanced one
grade, such advancement embracing tifty-
six numbers. The section cited appIies
however, to line officers only and Mr. Hoh-
son, being member of the staff of the
navy, could not, under it's provisions be so
advanced.
In considering the question of suitably
reWard1ng Assistant Naval Constructor
Hobson for his valiant conduct on the oc-
csslon referred to, have deemed it proper
10 aodress this message to you with the
recommendation that he receive the
thanks of Congress, and further, that he be
transferred to the line of the navy and
promoted to such position therein as the
PRESIDENT, by and with the advice and con-
sent of the Senate, may determine, Mr.
Hobson's transfer from the Construction
Corps to the line is fully warranted he
having received the necessary technical
training as graduate of the Naval Acad-
emy, where he stood number one in his
Class: and such action is recommended
Iartly in Difference to what is understood
to be his own desire, although, he being
now prisoner in the hands of the enemy.
no direct communication on the subject
has been received from him; and partly for
the reason that the abilities displayed by
him at Santiago are of such a character
as 10 indicate especial fitness for the duties
OF the line. WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, June %, 1885,
Other Officers Recognized,
To the Congress of the United States:
On the 11th day of May, 1898, there oc-
-
Cuba, in which the naval torpedo boat Win
slow was disabled, her commander wound
ed and one Of her officers and part of her
crew killed by the enemy's fire.
In the face of most CALLING fire from
the enemy's guns the revenue cutter Hud-
son. commanded by First Lieutenant Frank
h. Newcomb. United States revenue cutter
service. rescued the disabled Winslow. her
wounded commander and remaining crew.
The commander Of the Hudson kept his
vessel In the very hottest fire of the ac-
ton, although in constant danger Of going
ashore on account of the shallow water,
until he finally got a line made fast to the
Winslow and towed that vessel out of
range Of the enemy's guns. deed Of spe-
cial gallantry.
recommend that, in recognition of the
signal act of heroism of First Lieutenant
Frank H. Newcomb. United States revenue
cutter service, above set FORTH the thanks
of Congress be extended to him and to his
officers and men of the Hudson, and that
a gold medal of honor be presented to
Lieutenant Newconib; a silver medal OF