The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-08
HEROES OF THE
MERRlMHC F7REE
Lieutenant Hobson and His Brave Compan-
ions Have Been Exchanged-Their Wild
ly Enthusiastic Reception by Our
Boys IN Blue.
THEY HAD BEEN WELL TREATED
Every Step of their Journey Was Marked by the Widest
Demonstrations on the Part of the American Soldiers
They Were Literally Dragged Over the En-
trenchmens- Shouts that Sounded
Like an Indian War Dance

next regiment to fall upon Hobson and
his men. and almost Immediately the
Ninth and Tenth cavalry. both colored
regiments, joined in the general en-
thusiasm, and cheer after cheer arose,
as Hobson and his companions forced
their way through the lines of white
and colored soldiers.
HohSon. as far rs possible. grasped
each hand extended toward him, and
neither he nor his men made any pro
test against the most uncomfortable
crowding and jostling which they had to
undergo.
Ii the young officer, whose home is
in Alabama, has any race prejudice he
certainly forgot all about it. as he pass
ed through the line of soldiers on his
way to General Wheeler's headquarters.
He saw it was the uniform of the
United States army. and he cared not
for the color of its wearers, grasping
the hands of the ebony -hued troopers of
the Ninth and Tenth cavalry, and ex-
pressing his thanks for patriotic welcome
with as much heartiness as he displayed
toward the men of his own race He
and all Of his men were overcome by
the reception accorded them. and tears
crowded around them.
As Hobson and his party approached
Captain Crimes battery, the men cried
out on every side to have a salute fired
in their honor Hobson protested against
this and shouted to the artillery men.
who had also caught the infection, not
to fire their guns. Some of the most en-
thusiastic of the men appealed to Col
I Il. q a IN
the spirit of opposition. and said the men
needn't obey Hobsons orders as
he was only a lieutenant but the officers
Of the battery prevented the men from
firing the guns.
Assistant Naval Constructor Hobson
finally reached General Wheeler's head
quarters. where the veterans cavalry
men and others officers gave him warm
welcome. BY this time, Captain Chad
wick, of the New York. and the naval
escort from the flagship. had reached
Hobson and his men. and they were the
first persons. with whom the rescued
prisoners had any previous acquaintance
whom they had met since they entered
Santiago harbor on their perious mis-
sion. Captain Chadwick and all others
took each man by the hand and extend
ed the heartiest@ greeting.
The escort had brought change of
clothing, including new uniforms for
Hobson and his men, and the latter were
given short respite, while they changed
their apparel. Hobson was also given a
horse to ride over the trail to Juragua.
and his men were placed in an army
ambulance.
Before leaving for the seacoast, Hob
son was taken to General Shafter's
headquarters and warmly greeted by the
commanding general.
The correspondent Of the Associated
Press asked Hobson Yor an interview
and statement rs to his experiences on
the memorable night when he took the
collier Merrimac into Santiago harbor
He declined to say anything with re-
gard to the Merrimac, on the ground
that he intended to submit a complete re
port to Admiral Sampson on the subject,
and that it would be outside the line of
his duty to say anything about the sink
ing Of the ship until after he had made
such a report, or at least had an oppor-
tunity to consult the admiral.
He could not be induced to say any
thing on this subject; but with regard
~ HIS tADcElcHttS as si VI w
in Santiago, he said:
During the first four days we were
prisoners of war we were confined in
MORO Castle. and | can assure you
those were extremely uncomfortable and
dsagreeable days. The Spaniards did
not exactly illtreat us, but it took them
some time to recover from the shock
caused by what most Of them considered
our Yankee impudence in trying to block
their harbor.
''As Il rule the officers and men who
came into contact with us were gruff in
speech and sullen in manner. There
were many threatening glances shot in
our direction. For Admiral Cervera
have nothing but the highest admira-
ton.
His act in informing Admiral Samp-
son of our safety, | regard as that Of n
kind-hearted, generous man and chival-
ous officer. ! expressed to him my sin
cere thanks and the thanks Of my men
for taking this means of relieving the
anxiety Of our shipmates and our
friends mt home. He repeatedly spoke
to me Of his admiration of what he call
cd one of the most daring acts in naval
history. though | am sure we were not
entitled to the commendaton we re-
ceiyed, for there were hundreds Of other