The San Francisco call., 1898-07-28
INDIANA'S CAPTAIN
 PROUD OF HIS MEN

WASHINGTON, July 27.-Captain Fay Tor of the Indiana reports as follows: L. S. S. INDIANA, FIRST RATE,
 off Santiago de Cuba, July 4.-Sir: have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Indiana in the action of July with the Spanish squadron off Santiago de Cuba:
 At 9:37 a. m., while the crew were at quarters preliminary to general muster,
 noted two guns fired from the Iowa and general order, "Enemy's ships escap- 1 ing" flying. At once cleared ship for ac- tion and the crew were at the guns in a remarkably short time, all officers and men showing an alacrity that indicated clearly their pleasure at the opportunity offered them.
 The Spanish squadron was seen
 emerging from the harbor and in a few
 moments a general action ensued. The
 leading ship, which proved to be the h.
 fanta Maria Teresa, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Cervera, was followed by
 the other vessels of the squadron as fol-
 lows: Vizcaya, CristobaI Colon Oquendo and the torpedo boat destroyers Furor and Pluton. The enemy's vessels head ed to the westward and our ships head ed in the same direction, keeping as nearly abreast Of them as possible.
 This ship fired on all of them as they came out, one by one, ana continued lIS action later by firing principally on the Maria Teresa, OQuendo, Furor and Plu- ton. Several Of our shells were seen to take effect on these vessels. Our sec ondary battery guns were directed par ticularly on the destrovers, as also were the six-inch guns. The destroyers were sunk through the agency of our guns and those of the Gloucester. which vessel had come up and engaged them in close board.
 The initial fire of the last two ships was directed at this vessel, and although falling very close only struck the ship twice, without any Injury to the ship or crew.
 Our ranges were obtained by angles on Morro as the ships emerged and then by ranges were from 4500 to 5000 yards, ob- served from the top. From the bridge l could see that our shooting was excellent and showed its effect. One of our thir- Maria Teresa under the Quarter-deck and explode, and that ship was observed on fire very shortly afterward.
 About 10:15 a. m. We observed the Ma ria Teresa and Oquendo on fire and head ing for the beach, the fire from their guns having ceased. We then devoted special Stroyers, which appeared more than a match for the Gloucester, she being the only small vessel near to engage them. ently struck by our six-inch and six pounders. We now fired our large guns at the Vizcaya, which was at long range. CIlt IOI luc dlleT DclnR on fire. and her battery was silenced These ships hauled down their colors as they made for the beach. The Spanish flag ship hoisted the white flag as she
 We now ceased firing. The Colon was observed well over the western horizon, shd siSfefK feEan o sRgre BS the EoGky ay0 York, steaming full speed to the west ward, as soon as the ViZcaya surrendered. signaled, "Go back and guard entrance of the harbor." Several explosions were observed on board the burning ships. At noon we turned and stood to the east ward for our station, In obedience to the above signal. We observed the Harvard and several transports standing to the westward.
 At 12:3O o'clock the Resolute came phone that a battle-ship was sighted to the eastward, standing toward us. Later the Harvard passed, confirming the infor- painted white. We made out the vessel ahead and stood for her. with our guns bearing. She proved to be the Austrian She sent an officer on board and request ed permission to enter the harbor I re- ferred him to the commander-in-chief She then stood on to the westward and we resumed our station.
 During this action we used no ar nor piercing shell except the smokeless- of the common shell is shown by the effect on the enemy's ships and the short time taken to disable them without pierc- ing their armor and with almost no in- fury to our ships.
 The guns and mounts worked well: only two failures of electric primers | noted.
 surgeon on shore to burning vessels to | assist in caring for the wounded. The | boats returned, bringing one, squad of Of 6cers and fifteen men as prisoners
 The conduct of the officers and crew was In every respect commendable. Cool 1 ness and good discipline prevailed, | coupled with marked enthusiasm; atl rus This d,1e fo the efforts of the officers, and I | desire to commend to thee the commander-in, Commander John A. Rodgers, and all the | officers of the ship for the part taken by victory and the complete destruction of | the enemy's squadron. Very respect fully, ct, n. S Tn1,s, LOh, The commander-in-chief United States
 naval forces on the North Atlantic
 station.
 nI