The San Francisco call., 1898-06-13

kee with her naval reserve crew and the New Orleans followed suit. The fir ing was rapid and fairly good. Great clouds flew up on the hillside. The Ore gon and Iowa were still rather far out while the New York was close in shore, firing at a 4000 yard range. The west erly column was almost out of sight and apparently out of position, but 1t was firing rapidly at the western bat teries.
 Smoke began to hang over the shore and several times the firing was or dered to stop until the smoke cleared away. The men waited for the shrek of the enemy's shells, but they were seldom heard.
 Out where the Iowa lay rising jets of water occasionally showed where the enemy's aim was directed On the starboard bow of the New York was a small railroad trestle close to a little battery. A freight train was seen go- ing in the direction of Santiago de Cuba. When it came to the eastern end of the trestle it stopped, as if afraid to cross. Then, with smoke pouring from the engine, it flew across the trestle and was lost to sight be- hind cliff before a shot could reach it.
 At o'clock rain commenced to fall. By this time Morro Hill, which is 1S0
 
 from the waters edge to where the lighthouse stands at the top. Great clouds of smoke and dust arose con- tinually and when shots hit the rocks sparks flew back several hundred feet in the sea. The rain came down heav- fly at S:1 o'clock and the smoke was so thick it was impossible to tell the ef- feet of the shells and a general signal to cease firing was hoisted By this time Wa al few minutes later, with more delibera- tion, the attack was recommended Commodore Schley's division at this time and until the end of the lombard ment could be seen but fairitly. White clouds arising on the western arm of the harbor were the only sign that there was another attacking force besides the easterly column.
 The New York steamed closer. until she was 2000 yards east of the batteries. and mile from the shore In this po- sition most effective work was done. three guns on the eastern battery be- ing dismounted.
 The Naval Reserves on the Yankee cheered vociferously every few minutes as shots were seen to land
 The officers on deck were at this stage of the engagement rigged out in their southwestern and oilskins The ad- miral went below, reappeared in black oilskins and tramped the forward bridge. Captain Chadwick was outside the coming tower, just below the ad- miral.
 An incessant fire was kept LID by the easterly column, then using its star board batteries. The guns and build ings adjoining Morro received awful punishment The Spanish flag flying on Morro Castle was shot away. and was quickly hoisted again.
 At 9.45 a. m., when there was no further response from the enemy. the New York signaled Cease firing" and steamed away. The Yankee was al- lowed to still batter away at the three guns to the eastward, all that were left.
 When the New York passed the New Orleans, Captain Chadwick hailed her. on the admiral's order. and shouted to her through the megaphone to join the Yankee and dismount the three guns to the right of Morro Castle. Captain Folger shouted back: Aye, aye, sir. We can do it."
 The New Orleans crew gave an en- thusiastic yell as they heard Captain Folger's reply and followed this up with three ringing cheers for the New York. The flagship's crew gave 1t back with interest Then the Oregon, which was close by, followed the New Orleans example and cheered Justify. The New York's crew did not seem to realize that the Oregon had cheered them and did not reply.
 Answer that cheer" shouted Cap-