Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-23
THE FIRST CAPTURE.
GUNBOAT NASHVILLE PICKS tP
SPANISH STEAMER.
PRIZE TOWED INTO KEY WEST.
Captain Did Not Know War Had
been Declared - Destination OF
anxas-Aranguren Along.

KEY WEST, FLA, April 22.-The CRUZ
ser Nashville has captured the Spanish
steamer Buena Ventura. for Rotterdam.
having on board cargo of lumber. she
was on her way from the coast OF Texas.
The Nashville towed her prize into the
harbor at Ii o'clock this morning. The
news Of the capture of the Spaniard set
the people of Key West frantic with en-
thusiasm. All work was suspended, and
the docks were soon crowded.
The United States feet was about
twelve miles off Sand Key light this
morning at o'clock, when the Spanish
merchantmen was sighted, bound north.
The gunboat Nashville ran her down and
put shot across her bows from the A.
inch gun on the port side aft, manned
by Lieutenant Dillingham;. The Spaniard
ignored the shot. but another closer 10
her bows brought her to- prize crew,
under Ensign Il. Z. Magruder, was put
aboard. Captain Lucarraga in com
mand OF her was astOunded. He said
he did not know that war had been de-
clared. but when he was informed OF the
state of affairs he shrugged his shoulders
and accepted the situation philosophical
~.
NASHVILLE REJOINS FLEET.
The Nashville has taken on stores and
will return to the feet carrying Ensign
Magruder who will be relieved by En-
sign Carlton Of the Snow A body Of
marines is pacing the deck of the Spa
p1 ,,f o. "a 20
lounging about the decks in nonchalant
fashion Not Il man is i'm irons. Ac-
cording to prize laws. Captain Maynard
will turn the prisoners OF war over TO
the United States District Attorney, who
will decide the question of their DISPOSE
ton.
The monitor Puritan is taking on coal
and water, and will sail to join the fleet
tonight.
On excellent authority it is stated that
the destination of the fleet is Mantanzas.
CAPTAIN ARANGUREN.
on board the flagship is Captain Aran-
guren, brother of the late Brigadier-
General Nestor Arangure1. He will pilot
the fleet to Matanzas The Cuban pilots
went on board last night after u o'clock
The Detroit sailed TO join the fleet this
afternoon. 1t is believed TIA. one or
two ships will be left. at least tempo
rarily. here.
THE PRIZE TO BE LIBELLED.
KEY WEST. FLA. April 22-Com.
mander Lyons, of the Dolphin, has de-
livered to United ates-District-Attor-
ney Stripping the papers of the Buena
Ventura. captured by the Nashville. He
will libel the ship in the usual way.
The unfortunate merchantmen is still
lying in the harbor. Her captain was al
| lowed To remain or board. but the crew
of twenty-eight were taken over TO the
| Dolphin and made to assist in the work
of coaling.
THE NASHVILLE PROUD.
The gunboat Nashville steamed proudly
| out of the harbor late this afternoon,
| having achieved the first victory OF the
war. although a boodless one. She had
gene about twelve miles when the Dol
phin signalled her to return. She steam
| ed back and received orders, the nature
of which was not diyuged. and put to sea
| again finally, TO join the fleet and Incl
| dentalIy 10 pick up any other vagrant
/ shin of the enemy that she happens to
| come within range OF.
The cruiser Marblehead. the monitor
| Puritan. the Algonquin. and the Man
| grove sailed this morning TO join the
| fleet. The only ships of the squadron
| remaining here arc the Dolphin the Ter
ror. and the Helena all Of which are
| likely to move within a few hours.
THE PRIZE AGROUND.
It is reported this evening that the
Buena Ventura IN aground on reef
| about a mile out and Is leaking. rugs
went TO her assistance and pulled her of.
| Considerable mystery surrounds the al
| fair.