The age-herald., 1898-05-14
SCHLEY'S SQUADRON SAILING SOUTHWARK Thought He Will Form Junction
 With Sampson TO ENGAGE SPANISH FLEET All Night the Ships Wero in Readiness
 to Steam at Dawn. NO ORDERS RECEIVED UNTIL NOON One Rumor Says That the Spanish Torpedo FiotilIa Has Been Sighted on Atlantic Coast and the Flying Squadron
 Goes to Destroy It. 
NO ORDERS RECEIVED UNTIL NOON

Newport News, Va, May 13-Fiye vessels of the flying squadron, led by the flagship Brooklyn steamed out of Hampton Roads this afternoon and after passing the Vir- ginia capes took a southerly course, going 1t is said. to augment Admiral Sampson's fleet now in the vicinity of Porto Rico.
 The order directing the squadron to put to sea came at midnight last night. A few minutes later the signal: "Be ready to put to sea at daybreak. was flashed from the flagship. Back from the man-of-war came the answer in jiffy, the men were summoned to the decks and the work of making the ships ready to sail commenced. Suppressed excitement, mingled with de- light prevailed. The little steam launches were hoisted aboard and the decks cleared. Then the men waited for the signal to was not hoisted. The day wore on toward noon and still the sailing signal was not seen. Small craft ran to and fro, carrying despatches. Noon passed and the men 0Sht to hSSS'
 The Sailors Grew Impatient
 Excitement gave way to impatience for the men had been lying off Old Point Com fort for the last six weeks waiting for or ders to go to sea and were afraid they were to be disappointed, but not so At 1 o'clock a signal ordering the battleshps Massachusetts. Texas, despatch boat Scor- pion and collier Sterling to weigh anchor was run to the top of the Brooklyn's S mili- fary mast Thirty minutes later smoke was curling from stacks on the ships and they were ploughing the sea at 15 knots. Thou sanus or people, most of them guests at hotels and wives and daughters of officers stood on the docks and waved and shouted God-speed to the men who were going to do battle for their country. After pass ing through the capes the Scorpion took the lead, acting as scout. Fleet Will Join A Admiral Sampson's squa dron This came from reliable source. Tie ships passed the capes at 7:15 o'clock Af- ter reaching the open sea it is said the ves- sels took the middle course, proceeding un- der full steam. The cruisers Minneapo,ls and New Orleans were left behind, as was also the auxiliary ship St. Paul, which is still anchored in the harbor here taking on supply of ammunition.
 Minneapolis Sails
 At o'clock tonight the Minneapolis hauled up her anchors and steamed out at full speed to overtake the squadron
 It had been reported that the St. Paul, Captain Sgsbee commanding, and the New Orleans would not leave before daylight to- morrow, but late this evening Captain Sigsbee received orders to proceed at mid night, when she will join the New Orleans at Old Point and both vessels will then put to sea- They are expected to overtake Commodore Schley some time tomorrow evening or early Sunday morning The fact that the Sterling laden with 4.0O0 tons of coal, accompanied the fleet, indicates that the squadron has gone to meet the Spanish fleet from Cape Verde. The arrival of the flying squadron will greatly strengthen Ad- miral Sampson's feet enabling him to crush the Spanish warships in one decisive engagement.
 There is another report in circulation to- night that fotilla of Spanish torpedo boats had been sighted cruising along he Atlantic coast. and that the flying sauardon has been ordered out to intercept the fleet and sink the boats. but an officer from the St. Paul says no credence should be placed in the rumor.