The Red Cloud chief., 1898-06-17
SAMPSON PRAISES HOBSON
An Oniciai Report ON the sinking ~ the
Marrimac.

WASHINGTON. June l3.-The Navy
department posted the following bull
letin to-day, giving "a detailed official
report from Admiral Sampson on the
exploit of Lieutenant Ilobson and his
men in sinking the Merrimac in the
Santiago channcl:
UNITED STATES FLAGSHIP NEW YoHK. OFF
SANTIAGO. June 3. Isps. Permit me TO call
your special attention to Assistant Naval COM
structor Hobson. As stated In "a special ,ele-
gram before coming here, | decided to make the
harbor entrance secure against the possibility
OF erress by Spanish ships by obstructing the
narrow part OF the entrance by sinking n coll
her at that point. Calling upon MIR. Hobsun for
ms professional opinion u Ia a secure method
oi sinking the ship, he manifested the most
lively Interest In the problem. After several
uuys consideration he presented a solution
when ne considered would insure the immedi-
itc sinking OF the ship when he reached the de.
sired point In the channel. This plan was pre-
pared for execution when we reached Santiago.
the plan contemplated u crew Of only seven
men and Mr.. Hobson, who begged that il might
be entrusted TO him. The anchor chains were
arranged on deck for both the anchors. forward
ana oft, the plan including the anchoriug OF the
snip almost automatically
As soon rs | reached Santiago and I had the
collier To work upon, the details were con pleted
anu diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete
them In one day, a. the moon aud tide served
best the first night after our arrival. Notwith-
standing the hour OF 4 o'clock In the morning
arrived und preparation was scarcely com
pleted. After u careful explanation Of the final
preparations I was forced to re.inauish The
plan Tor that morning, rs dawn Vas breaking
Mr.. Hobson begged us to try IL at All hazards.
TINS morning proved more propitious. and n
prompt start was made. Nothing could have
been more Rallantly executed. We waited inn
patiently after the firing by the Spaniards had
ceased When they did not rcappear from the
harbor at o o'clock I feared tina, they had nh
persisted. A steam launch which had been sent
In charge Of Naval Cadet Powell 10 rescue the
men appeared ut this time con Ing out under n
persistent fire Of the batteries. but brought
none Of the crew. A careful inspection Of the
harbor from the ship showed that the vessels
Mcrrimsc had been sunk la the channel.
This afternoon the chief Of stan OF Admiral
Cervera came out under u fag OF truce with u
letter from the admiral cxtolling the bravery
OF the crew In an unusual manner.
cannot myself too earnestly express my APP
preciation Of the conduct OF Mr.. Iiobson and
his gallant crew. venture 10 say that "a more
brave and daring thing has not been done since
Gushing b!,W up the Alhcnarle.
Referring 10 the inspiring letter which YOU
addressed 10 the officers ~ the beginning OF IN,
war. ] am sure YOU viii oncr IA suitable pro-
f~ess.onal reward to Mr.. Hobson and his com.
p%anions,
must add that Commander j. y. Miller has
relinquishcd his IN with the very great
est reluctance, believing ne would retain his
command under all circumstances. He was
however, finally convinced that the attempt OF
another person To carry Tt the multitude Of
details which had been In preparation by Mr.
Hopson might eudangcr it, proper execution.
therefore took the liberty to relieve him 10,
this reason only. There were hundreds of vol.
unteers who were anxious to participate: Their,
were $50 from the Iowa, nearly a. MANY from
this ship and large numbers from all the othp,
ships, officers and mcn alike, W. 4. Sampson.