The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-06-22
HOW DEWEY DID III.
The Admiraps Story of the Battle Of
Manila Bay.
SLAUGHTER OF SPANISH.

happenings in the Philippines was re-
ceived at the navy department by mail
Monday. 1t is about 400 words long.
The report is under date of May and
says;
Arrived Off Bolinao on the morn
ing of April 80, and finding no vessels
there, proceeded down the coast and ar
rived Off the entrance to Manila bay
on the same afternoon. The Boston
and Concord were sent TO reconnoiter
Port Subig. A thorough sea search Of
the port was made by the Boston and
the Concord, but the Spanish fleet was
not found. Entered the south cham
mel at ll:30 p. m. steaming in column
at eight knots. After half the squad
ron had passed, a battery on the south
side opened fire, none of the shots
taking effect. The Boston and Me-
Culloch returned the fire. The squad
ron proceeded across the bay at slow
speed and arrived off Manila at day
break and was fred upon at 5:l5 by
three batteries at Manila and two at
Cavite and by the Spanish feet anchor
ed in approximately east and west line
across the mouth of Baker bay, with
their left in shoal water in Canaees
bay.
'The ships then proceeded to the at
tack. The Olympia, under my per-
sonal direction, leading, followed at a
distance by the Baltimore, Raleigh,
Petrol, Concord and Boston in the or
der named, which formation was MAIN
tanned throughout the attack.
"The squadron opened fire at 5;4l a.
m. While advancing to the attack two
mines were exploded ahead Of the
flagship, too far OIL to be effective.
"Early in the engagement two
launches put out toward the Olympia,
with the apparent intention of using
torpedoes. One was sunk and the
er disabled by our fire and beached be-
fore an opportunity occurred TO use the
tOrpedOes. At a. m. the Spanish flag
ship Reina Christina made desperate
attempt to leave the line and come out
10 engage at short range, but was re-
ceived with such CALLING fire, the en-
tire battery OF the Olympia being con-
centrated upon her, that she was bare
~ able to return TO the shelter of the
point The fires started in her by our
.t,oIf. Z. . tit tf,,, ,.-,,.. ,,,f ,rff,,.-,,fsF
ed until she sank. The three batteries
at Manila had kept up a continuous fir
ing from the beginning OF the engage
ment, which fire was not returned by
the squadron. The first Of the bat
teries was situated on the South Mole
head, at the entrance OF the Pasig
river. The second on the south bastion
of the walled city Of Manila, and the
third at Maleto, about l. miles further
south. At this point sent message
to the gOvernOr-general, to the effect
that if the batteries did not cease firing
the city would be shelled. This had
the effect of silencing them.
AT T.35 a. NJ. ceased firing and
withdrew the squadron for breakfast.
At ll:lG a. IN. returned to the attack.
"By this time the Spanish flagship
and almost the entire Spanish fleet
were in flames. At 1879 p. m. the
squadron ceased firing, the batteries
being silenced and the ship. sunk,
burned and deserted.
"At l2:40 p. m. the squadron return
ed and anchored off Manila, the Petrol
being left behind TO complete the de-
structiOn of the smaller gunboats,
which were behind the point of Cavite.
This duty was performed by Com
mander Il. p. Wood in the most ex-
peditious and complete manner pOssi-
BILE. The Spanish lost the following
vessels: Sunk-Reina Christina, Gas
tilla, Don Juan D'Lustria, Isia D'Lu-
zon, Isla D'Cuba, General Lozo, Mar
quis D'Duero, FL Correo Valesco and
Isla D'SIindanao; transports captured,
Rapido and Hercules, and tugs and
several small launches.
~ am unable to obtain a complete
account OF the number of enemies kill
ed and wounded but believe the losses
to be very heavy. The Reina Chris
tina alone had $50 killed, including the
captain, and 50 wounded.
"I am happy to report that the dam
age done 10 the squadron under my
command was inconsiderable. There
were none killed and only seven men
in the squadron very slightly wounded
Several Of the vessels were struck
and even penetrated, but the damage
was Of the slightest, and the squadron
is in as good condition now as before
the battle.
"I beg 10 state TO the department. that
/ doubt if any eommander-in-chief was
ever surrounded by more loyal, effi-
cient and gallant seamen than those Of
the squadron now under my command.
Capt. Frank Wildes, commanding the
Boston, volunteered to remain in COM
mand Of his vessel, although his relief
arrived before leaving Iongkong. As
sistant Surgeon Kindleberger, of the
Olympia, and Gunner J. &. Evans OF
the Boston, also volunteered to remain
after orders detaehing them had ar
rived. The conduct of my personal
staff was excellent Commander B. +.
LambertOn, chief Of the staff was vol
unteer for the position, and gave me
most efficient aid. Lieut.. Brumby,
flag lieutenant, and Ensign w. p.
Scott, aide, performed their duties as
signal officers in a highly creditable
manner.
"'rhe Olympia, being short of fofficers
for the battery, II. w. Caldwell, flag
secretary volunteered for aud was as
signed 10 subdivision OF the 5-ineh
battery. y. ]. L. Stiekney, formerly
an officer in the United States navy
and correspondent for the New
York Herald, volunteered for duty as
my aide, and rendered valuable ser
vices.
al desire especially TO mention the
eoolness Of Lieut.. c. q. Calkins, navi-
gator Of the Olympia, who came under
my personal observations, being on the
bridge with me throughout the entire
acflou and crtvfuor fba rauero. 20 The