The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-07-28


The CommandeT-In-chief U. 8. Naval
Force. North Atlantic Station. Cuba.
o. s. s. INDIANA, First Rate,
OFF SANTIAGO, July 4. 1903
sIR:-I have the honor to submit the
following report Of the operations OF the
indiana IN the action OF July 3, with the
Spanish squadron of Santiago de Cuba:
At 9:27 a. M, while the crew were at
quarters preliminary to general muster,
noted two guns hred from the Iowa and
general signal "Enemy's ships esciIp-
ing" flying. At once cleared ship for
action and the crew were at the guns
IN remarkably short time; all officers
and men showing an alacrity that lndi-
Gated clearly their pleasure at the OPP
portunity offered them.
3. The Spanish squadron was seen
emerging from the harboF, and in a few
moments a general action ensued. The
leading ship, which proved to be the
Infanta Maria Theresa, flying the flag
OF Vice Admiral Cervera. was followed
by the other vessels Of the squadron as
follows: ViscaYa, CristobaE Colon,
OquendO and the torpedo boat destroy
ers Furor and Pluton. The enemys
vessels headed to the westward and our
ships headed In the same direction,
keeping as nearly ABREAST Of them as
possible,
4. This ship fred on all Of them as
they came out one by one and continued
the action later by firing principally on
the Maria Theresl, Oquendu, Euror and
Ptuton. Several OF our shells were seen
to take effect on these vessels, Our Sec
ondRry battery guns were directed prin-
cip1lly on the degtroyers, as were also
the 6-inch guns. The destroyers were
sunk through the agency Of our guns
and those OF the Gloucester, which yes
Sci had. come up and engaSedthem close
aboard.
5. The initial FIRE OF the last two
ships was directed at this vessel. and al
though failing very close, only struck
this vessel twice, without INJECTING any
injury to ship or crew.
6. Our ranges were obtained by stad-
irneter angles on MORO as the ships
emerged and then by angles on the tops
Of the rear ships. The ranges were from
4,5QQto 5000 yards, observed from the
top. From the bridge could see that
our shooting was excellent and showed
Its effects. One OF our 13-inch shells was
seen to enter the Maria Theresa under
the quarter deck and explode, and that
ship was observed on fire very shortly
a.f!fEyard..
4. About 1918 a. m. observed the Ma
rid Teresa and Oquendo on fire and
heading for the beach, the fire from
their guns having ceased. We then de-
voted our special attention to prevent
the escape OF the destroyers, which
appeared more than a match for the
Gloucester, she being the only small
vessel near to engage them. They were
soon seen to blow up, apparently struck
by our 6.Inch and 6-pouuders. We now
fired our large guns at the Ndscaya,
which was at long range; she made for
the shore soon after, on fire and battery
sIlenced. These ships hauled down their
cosors as they made for the beach. The
Spanish flagship holBted the white flag
as she grounded.
s. We now ceased firing. The Colon
was observed well over the western ho-
rIzon, closely pursued by the Brooklyn,
Oregon and Texas, off shore OF her. The
flagship New York. gteam!Eg full speed
to the westward as soon as the VlSCaya
surrendered sigralled US: Go back and
guard entrance OF hRrbor." Several ex-
blossoms were observed on board the
burning ships At noon turned ard
stood to the eastward for our station In
obedience to the above signal. Observed
the Harvard and several transports
standing to the westward.
9. About 1890 the ReEolute came
within hail and informed uR.by mega
phone that a Spanish battlesht9 was
sighted to the eastward, standing to-
ward US. Later the Harvard passed
confirming the Information and adding
that the ship was painted white. We
made the vessel out ahead and stood for
her with our guns bearing. She proved
to be the Austrian armored cruiser Kali
seriul Mafia Teresa She sent an officer
on board and requested permission to
enter the harbor. referred him to the
COMMUNICATIVE She then stood
on to the westward and we resumed our
station.
10. During this action we used no
armor-percing shell except the smOke-
less powder 6-poundars, and the good
effect Of the common shell Is shown by
the fires on the eremy's ships and the
short time taken to disable them with
out piercing their armor, and with ale
most no injury to our ships
II. The guns and mounts worked well
only two failures OF electric primers
noted,
r. During the afternoon sent boats
with surgeon on shore to the burning
vessels to assist In caring for the
wounded The boats returned bringing
6He wounded oiIcer and II men as prls-
oners.
10. Received also during the after
noon and evening prisoners from the
Gloucester and Hist, in all seven officers
and 2l1 men, which were to-day trans
ferred to the ST. Louis
II. The conduct Of the officers and