The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-11-20

mac-a monument to American heroism.
With the u. s. s. YanlIton (Which had
put into port without coaD in tow, the
Yankee proceeded to Guantanamo. While
entering the bay the first fleet of trans
ports bearing troops for the invasion of
Porto Rico, was encountered. Inside the
harbor a vast squadron of American ships
was found, some forty vessels in all. The
spectacle of such a mighty fleet under the
Stars and Stripes was inspiring indeed.
The bay presented a lively appearance
with the innumerable little launches and
dispatch boats darling about from ship 90
ship Vessels went alongside sailing col
liers to have their bunkers Teplen'shed,
other ships entered or left at all hours;
signals were continually flying from the
flagship; occasionally a Spanish launch
bearing a flag of truce would come down
from the town. and in the midst of il all
the crews of the different men-of-war
worked on in the accustimed routine as
If peace and war drills and fighting were
an part of mans ordinary existence.
The days following our arrival at Guam
tanamo were days of keen expectation and
equally keen disappointment. A rumor
that we were to return home at once would
start up from nowhere in particular, and
circulate until it was believed. Then
would come a denial and consequent dis
content The enforced idleness of riding at
anchor day after day became monoCon-
Gus at last that any little incident served
to create excitement.
Visiting parties between ships were per-
| mitted occasionally, and the Yankees crew
grasped the opportunity to inspect some
| OF the vessels which had destroyed Ger
vera S feet Ship visiting is genrally con-
| Quoted on Sunday or after dark The word
| is passed for those who wish to visit a
| certain ship to LAY aft and report 10 the
/ 80 he 40 al in 10 N
| blue and shipshape, is taken to the vessel
! designated and lined up again. After being
| counted they are allowed to so forward
| where they yarn to their hearts content
/ until the word is given by the boatswain' S
| mate for them TO muster aft.
| one of the greatest boons enjoyed by the
Yankees crew during the stay in Guam
| tanamo bay was swimming. After the
| days work was finished permission would
be asked of the captain, and then all those
| who could swim would Immediately striI
| and dive off the gangway or other conyen-
| lent place. The heat of the tropic day
| made the cool salt water peculiarly ie
| fires hing, and when the signal was passed
to Delay swimming the merry party dis
porting alongside would leave the watel
| with evident reluctance.
During the long stay in port the shiI
was thoroughly cleaned and overhauled
Coaling was followed by painting; ant
every part of the auxiliary cruiser received
attention. Hammocks We're scrubbed, pay
stores issued, and when orders were FINAL!
received on Aug. II 10 proceed to sea, Tn,
Yankee was in prime condition.
Our departure from Guantanamo wa
caused by the reported sailing of the block
ade runner Montserrat for Cuban ports
| The Yankee, in company with the Dixie
| proceeded with all haste to the Windwar
Passage. After several days passed in chas
ing and boarding different merchant yes
sells. Admiral Simpsons feet was sightc,
bound home. The flagship signaned
blockade raised. Hostilities suspended. w
are bound for New York. Proceed TO Guam
| ianamo"
il was just nine days later that the wei
come news that we were ordered to Tomp
| kinsviuo. Staten Island. reached the shin
The receipt of the news was not unexpect
ed but it came without warning, as goo
tidings generally DO An officer from III
ruardship came alongside, aud within
Few minutes word passed through the shi
that sailing orders for home had reache,
the captain
That evening Cupid" the ships buglei
played Home, Sweet Home" with warm
lions. From the DNie's deck, few length
away, came tho sweet strains of eva
Down in Dixie" and My Maryland" a.