Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-06-16
SAMPSON PRAISES HOBSON
Ills Feat the Most Daring Since Cushing
Sank the Albemarle.
HOBS0N ARRANGED THE SCHEME
And Begged for Permission to
Garry 1t Out.
IT WAS MOST CALAMITY EXECUTED

Washington, June 1l.--Tha Navy
Department to-day posted the follow
ing bulletin, giving detailed official
report from Admiral Sampson upon the
hsroism OF Lieut.. llohson and his men
in sinking une Merriman in the San
tiRgo channel:
United States lagshin New York,
of Santiago, juno 3, 1898. Permit ins
to call your special attention to
Assistant Naval Constructor Hobson.
AS stated in special telegram, before
coming hero | decided to make the
harbor entrance secure ngainst ths pos
sibility OF egres3 by Spanish ships, by
entrance by sinking O collier at that
point Upon calling upon MIR. Hobson
for his professional opinion as TO sure
method of sinking the snip, be mani
tested the most lively interest in the
problem. After several days. con.
sidaration he presented solution.
which be considered would insure the
immediate sinking uf the ship when
she reached the desired point in the
channel.
This Plan we proposed for execution
when we reached Santiago. The plan
contemplated a crew of only seven men
and Mr.. Hobson, who begged that it
might be entrusted to him. The anchor
chains were arranged On deck for both
the anchors, forward and aft, the plan
including the anchoring of the ship
almost automatically.
GAS aonn as / reached Santiago,
had the collier to work upon, the de-
tails were completed and diligently
prosecuted, hoping TO complete them in
one day as the moon tide served best
the first night after our arrival. Not.
withstanding every effort, the hour OF
o'clock in the morning arrived, and
the preparation was scarcely completed.
A after a careful inspection OF the final
preparations, was forced to relinquish
the plan for that morning, as dawn was
breaking. Mr.. Hobson begged TO try
il ut all hazards.
'This morning proved more propi
tious. as prompt start could be made.
Nothing could have beeu more gal
lantly executed. We waited impa-
tisutly after the firing by the Spaniards
had ceased. When they did not reap
pear from the harbor at 6 O'Clock,
feared that they had all perished, A
steam launch which had been sent in
charge of Naval Cadet Powell TO rescue
the men, appeared at thistime, coming
out under persistent lir6 Of the bat
tories. but brought none of the crew.
A careful inspectinn showed that the
vessel Merrilnac had been sunk in the
channel.
During the afternoon the chief OF
staff Of Admiral Cervera came out under
flag Of truce, with lstter from the
Admiral, extolling the bravery OF the
crew in 40 unusual manner.
II cannot myself too earnestly express
my appreciation Of the conduct OF Mr.
Hobsun and his gallant crsw. l ven
ture to say that more brave and dar'
ing thing has not been donu since
Gushing blew up the Albemarle.
'Referring to the inspiring letter
which you addressed to the officers at
the beginning of the war. l AM sure
you will offer suitable professional re-
ward to Mr.. EIobson and his companions
II must aid that Commander j. NJ.
Miller relinqushed hiH command with
the very greatest reluctance, believing
he would retain his command under all
circumstances. He was, however,
finally convinced that the attempt oi
huutuer person 70 carly out 1uo HHiC'
tude of details which had been in
preparation by Mr.. Hobeon might en-
danger it's proper execution. / there
fore took the liberty To relieve him, fol
this reason only. There were hundreds
of volunteers who were anxious TO par
tiuipats; there were l50 frUm tht
Iowa, nearly as many from this ship,
and large numbers from all the othel
ships, officers and men alike.
w. Il. Samuson. !"