The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-06-09
NOT THE ONLY BOSTON

There is an added romance for Bostorians
in the story told of Captain Frank Wildes
and the wild May morning in Manila bay,
from the fact that the now celebrated cup
OF coffee which that officer enjoyed on the
bridge of the Boston as the ship went into
action was poured from the service present.
ed to its namesake by the city of Boston
when the cruiser first went into commission.
1t was not the first occasion, however on
which an American cruiser bearing the
name of the first city of the commonwealth
has won renown, nor is the name of Cap
tain Wildes mentioned today with warmer
appreciation than that of Captain George
Little in the days when Boston was bound
ed by tides and marshes.
The original Boston won her laurels in
the opening year of the century in an ac-
ton fought about 500 miles east of Puerto
Rico during the difficulties with France,
which were not finally arranged until the
treaty of peace, ratified by the senate in
February 1901.
The Boston was fine sloop-of-war, or
corvette, and carried twenty-four long IL
Founders, and twelve long 9-pounders, with
a complement of 23O officers and men. She
was commanded by Captain George Little
of Boston, whose descendants still possess
relics of him and Of his achievement.
Early on the morning of October 10, 1900,
the Boston sighted this French corvette
lie Berceau, one of the finest sloops in the
French navy, and but inconsiderably in
terior to the Boston in weight of metal and
lighting strength. The fight began at about
$3.50 p. m. of the same day, the French sloop
spending several hours in maneuvering in
order that her convoy, the schooner L'Es-
perance, might have time to effect her es-
cape.
Capt. Little called upon Capt. Seuez to
surrender, and upon his refusal ranged
alongside within pistol shot and a vigor-
Gus contest began. Then, as now, the
excellence of American gunnery vindicat-
ed itself. The French fought so well,
however, that after two hours of the hot
test kind of work the Boston withdrew for
repairs and the crew of LIE Berceau also
worked steadily to repair damages.
At $50 D. m. the action was renewed at
the same close range and continued until
midnight, the French captain making re-
peated efforts to close with his antagonist
in order to board. but being prevented from
doing so by the superior handling of the
American cruiser. At midnight the YES
sells were allowed to drift apart, both be-
ing badly damaged in the spars and rig
ging.
AT dawn the two ships were separated by
some half league. The French crew re-
manned at quarters during the forenoon,
unable to do anything more toward repair
ing damages, as both their topmasts and
spare topmasts had been carried away.
To complete their misfortunes the fore
mast went over the side at II o'clock, and
the mainmast followed it almost at once.
Both sticks fell on the starboard side.
hopelessly entangling the battery and the
ship itself lay helpless with considerable
water in the hold and several holes below
the waterline. Five men had been killed
and seventeen, including Capt Seuez,
were wounded.
Accordingly, when the Boston, having
finished repairs, ranged up on the star
board side and renewed her fire the French
ensign dropped to the deck. The Boston's
ed. The small number killed and injured
is accounted for by the fact that each
captain directed his shots at the mas,s
and spars of his opponents ship. 1t was
superior gunnery that did the work.
LIE Berceau was taken to Charleston har-
Dor and refitted, but peace came the fol-
lowing year and the vessel was returned
to the navy of France.
A sword was presented to Capt. Little by
the citizens of Boston as compliment to
his splendid fighting.-Boston Globe.