Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1898-08-05
CAPTAIN cLARK'S VERSION.
Commander of the Oregon Details the
Engagement.


Commander of the Oregon Details the
Engagement.
Sir:-First-I have the honor to re-
port that at $3.50 a. m, July 3, the
Spanish feet was discovered standing
out of the harbor at Santiago de Cuba
! They turned to the westward and
opened fire, to which four ships re-
piled vigorously. For a short time,
there was an almost continuous fight
of projectiles over this ship, but when
our line was fairly engaged and the
4 Iowa had made swift advance; as if
to ram or close, the enemy's fire be-
came defective in train as well as
range. The ship was only struck three
times, and at least two of them were
by fragments of shells. We had no
casualties.
Seconds soon as it was evident
that the enemy's ships were trying to
break through and escape to the west
ward we went ahead at full speed with
the determination of carrying out to
the utmost your order. IF the enemy
tries to escape the ships must close and
engage as soon as possible and en-
deavor to sink his vessels or force them
to run ashore We soon passed all OF
our ships except the Brooklyn, bear
ing the broad pennant of Commodore
Schley.
At first we only used our main bat
terry. but when it was discovered that
the enemy's torpedo boats were fol-
lowing their ships we used our rapid
FIRE guns as well as the six-pounders
upon them with telling effect As we
ranged up near the sterDmost of their
ships. she headed for the beach. evil
IDENTIFY on fire. We raked her as Wa
passed, pushing on for the next ahead.
using her starboard guns as they were
brought to bear, and before we bad
her fairly abeam, she, too. was making
for the beach.
The two remaining vessels were now
some distance ahead, but our speed hal
increased to sixteen knots and our fire.
added to that of the Brooklyn, soon
sent another, the Vizcaya, to the
shore in flames. Only the Cristobnl
Colon was left, and for a time il
seemed as if she might escape, but
when we opened fire with our forward
turret guns and the Brooklyn fol-
lowed. she began to edge in toward the
coast, and her capture or destruction
was assured As she struck the beach
her flag came down and the Brooklyn
signalled cease firing, following with
congratulations for the grand victory.
thanks for your splendid assistance.
Third-The Brooklyn sent boat TO
her and when the admiral came up
with the New York and Texas and
Vixen. she was taken possession Of
A prize crew was put on board from
this ship under LieutenaDt-Command
Cogswell, the executive officer, but be-
fore II p IN. the ship. which had been
filing. in spite of all efforts to stop
leaks. was abandoned, and just as the
crew left, she went over on her side
FOURTH cannot speak in too high
terms of the bearing and conduct of
all on board this ship. When they
found that the Oregon had pushed to
the front and was hurrying to sue
cession of conflicts with the eDenys
vessels, if they could be overtaken and
would engage, their enthusiasm was
intense.
Fifth-As these vessels were so
much more heavily armored than the
Rrooklyn they might have concentrated
lpon aud overpowered her. and conse-
;uently am persuaded that, but for
he way the officers and men of the
oregon steamed and steered the ship
md fought and supplied her batteries,
he Colon. and perhaps the Vizcaya
would have escaped Therefore, feS
hat they rendered meritorious service
o the counry. and while i canno'
nen ton the name of each officer an6
nan individually. l am going TO append
list of the officers with their stations
hat they occupied. hoping that they
nav be of service to them should
laims Of others for advancement above
hxrs ever be oone 'dered.