The times., 1898-06-28
THREE HEROES H0N0RE0
The President Writes Messages
i'm Their Behalf.
H0BSON, POWELL, NEWCOMB
The Hero of the Nerrimac 10 he
Transferred TO the Line and Pro-
moted-Cadet Powell Promoted
10 De Ensign-Lieut. Newcomb and
His Crew 10 Receive Medals of
Honor-Capt. Hodgson Retired.

Three heroes of the war, Richmond
p. Hobson, Joseph W. Powell and Frank
H NewcOmb. were honored yesterday by
three individual messages from the Pres
ident, wherein il was recommended that
their distinguished services be recognized
by promotion and the thanks of Congress.
One message was to the Senate and the
other two were addressed to Congress.
They are as follows:
Executive Mansion,
Washington, June 81 1898.
To the Senate of the United States:
nominate Naval Cadet Joseph w Pow
eli TO be advanced two numbers under the
provisions Of section 1896 of the Revised
Statutes and 10 be an ensign in the Navy,
Tor extraordinary hercism while in
charge Of the steam launch which accom-
panied the collier Merrimac for the pur-
pose OF rescuing her gallant force when
that Nesse! was, under the command of
naval Constructor Hobson, run into the
mouth OF the harbor Of Santiago. Cuba. on
The Sd inst, and dexterously sunk in the
channel. WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
To the Congress of the United States:
On the morning Of the Sd of June. 1895.
Assistant Naval Constructor Richmond
y. -
volunteer crew of seven men. in charge
OF the partially dismantIed collier Mer-
flmac, entered the fortified harbor Of San
uago, Cuba, for the purpose Of sinking
the collier in the narrowest portion of
The channel. and thus interposing a seri-
Gus obstacle 10 the egress of the Spanish
fleet which had recently entered thar
harbor. This enterprise demanding cool
ness, judgment and bravery amounting to
heroism, was carried into successful ex-
ecuuon in the face of a persistent fire
from the hostile fleet as well as from the
fortihcations on shore.
Rear Admiral Sampson commander-iu-
chief OF our naval force in Cuban waters.
In an official report. dated OF Santiago
de Cuba. June 3, 1895, - and addressed to
the Secretary Of the Navy. referring TO
Mr.. Hobson's gallant exploit. saws:
As stased in a recent telegram. before
coming here decided TO make the har-
Dor entrance secure against the POSSIBLE
ity OF egress Of the Spanish ships by OBJ
structing the narrow part Of the entrance
by sinking collier at that point Upon
Calling upon Mr.. Hobson for his profes-
sional opinion as TO a sure method of
sinking the ship, he manifested a most
lively interest in the problem. After sew
eral days consideration. he presented a
solution which he considered would in
sure the immediate sinking of the shin
when she had reached the desired point
IN the channel. The plan con-
templated crew Of only seven men
and Mr. Hobson, who begged that it
might be intrusted TO him
AS soon as reached Santiago and had
the collier to work upon. the details were
commenced and diligently prosecuted.
hoping 10 complete them in one day, as
the moon and tide served best the first
night after our arrival. Notwithstanding
every effort. the hour of o'clock in the
morning arrived and the preparations
were scarcely completed. After a careful
inspection Of the final preparations l was
forced 10 relinquish the plan for that
morning as dawn was brea king Mr.
Hobson begged 10 try 1t at all hazards.
This morning proved more propitious,
as a prompt start could be made. Moth
ing could have been more gallantly exc
cuteo-. - A careful inspection of the
harbor from this ship showed that the
Merrimac had been sunk in the channel.
Il cannot myself too earnestly express
my appreciation Of the conduct OF Mr..
Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture
10 say that more brave and daring
thing has not been done since Cushing
blew up the Albemarle"
The members Of the crew who were with
Mr.. HoBsOn on this occasion have already
been rewarded for their services by ad-
Tancement which, under the provisions of
law and regulations, the Secretary of the
Navy was authorized to make: and the
nomination 10 the Senate of Naval Cadet
Powell. who, in steam launch. followed
the Merrimac on her perilous trip for the
purpose Of rescuing her force after the
sinking Of that vessel to be advanced in
rank and 10 the grade of ensign. has
been prepared and viii be submitted.
cushing, with whose gallant act in
blowing uD the ram Albemarle during the
civil war Admiral Sampson compares
Mr.. Hobson's sinking OF the Merrimac.
received the thanks of Congress upon
recommendation of the President. bv
name and was in consequence, under the
provisions Of section l50S Of the Revised
Statutes, advanced one grade, such ad
Eancement embracing fifty-six numbers.
The section cited applies, however. to
line ofilcers only, and Mr.. Hobson. being
member OF the staff Of the Navy. could
not under its provisions be so advanced
In considering the question of suitsbI,,
rewarding Assistant Naval Constructo
Hobson for his valiant conduct on the
occasion referred to. / have deemed II
proper TO address this message TO Won
win the recommendation that he receive
the thanks Of Congress; and. further
that he be transferred TO the line of the
Navy, and promoted 10 such nosi,ior
advice and consent Of the Senate. NAV
determine. Mr.. Hobson's transfer from
the construction corps to the line is full
ly warranted, he having received the
necessary technical training as a eradu-
ate Of the Naval Academy. where he
stood number one in his class; and such
action is recommended, partly in defer
ence 10 what is understood TO be his own
desire, although he being now a prison.
er in the hands OF the enemy. no direct
communication on the subject has been
received from him, and partly for the
reason that the abilities displayed by
him at Santiago are OF such a character
as 10 indicate especial fitness for the du-
ties Of the line.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, June q, 1858.
To the Congress OF the United States:
On the Ilth day of MAY 1898 there oc-