The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-09
BOMBARDMENT OF SANTIAGO.
Interesting Account of the Attack by
an Eve Witness.


The following detailed account or the
Smelling Of the Santiago forifications Is
given by the New York Sun Of yester-
day:
OFF SANTIAGO DE CUBA, June 8. via
Kingston, Jamaica. June IA dispatch
yesterday TO The Sun told of the deci-
sion arrived at by Admiral Sampson 70
make another attack on the fortihca-
lions at Santiago to- complete the WORK
begun by Commodore Schey. Early on
Monday morning the outer line OF the de-
fences was bombarded. and when the
ships stopped firing most Of the Spanish
batteries had been silenced. while those
that were not silenced were 50 baby
disabled that their fire practically
amounted TO nothing.
on Sunday all the captains under Ad-
miral Sampson were summoned by Sig
nal to board the flagship New YORK.
Everybody INDUCED i'm speculation as 10
what the conference meant. and later
there was much joy aboard all the yes
sells when It became known that the Ad-
miral was going to give his men another
chance at the Spaniards.
1t had been seen that the Spaniards
were displaying the greatest activity III
repairing the batteries damaged at the
time of Commodore Schley's lombard
ent and in constructing new defences.
Adiral Sampson concluded that 1t was
time to stop this, and 1t was TO discuss
his plans and to see that all the details
were thoroughly understood that he sum-
moned his captains.
Ii was decided that there should be
general bombardment to reduce the for
tincations. and each captain was instruct
ed as TO the part his ship should take In
It.
It had been evident for some days
that the Spaniards did not expect 20 be
allowed so proceed with their work with
out mocstation from the American fleet.
Judging from their preparations and
movements. IL was thought they expected
when they were attacked It would be
about dawn. but Admiral Sampson de-
cided that the bombardment should be-
gin later I'm the morning. In order that
all the men might have their breakfast
and 10 into the fight with full stom-
achs.
At 6 o'clock the signal was given TO
clear for action. and the officers and men
sprang TO their stations with alacrity.
Forty minutes later the ships slowly
formed into two lines, 500 yards apart. on
each side OF the entrance to the harbor.
To the east were the New York, Admir-
al SIMPSONS flagship; Iowa, Oregon.
Yankee and Dolphin, while to the west
were the Brooklyn. with Commodore
Schloy on board; Massachusetts,, Texas,
Vixen and Suwanee.
The lines were formed six miles off
shore. When the ships had got into their
assigned positions they steamed slowly
in toward the mouth Of the harbor until
they were about 1900 yards from the
shore.
1t could be seen from the uo-..s OF the
warshps that the Spaniards were pre-
pairing for the attack that was impend-
ing.
II was nearly o'clock when the en-
gagement was opened by a laundering
roar from the flagship New York. and
a shell from one Of her s-inch rifles went
hustling through the air toward the
MORO the ancient fort which the Span
iards have heretofore believed 10 be Inn
pregnable. They knew more when the
battle ceased.
Almost simultaneously with the shot
from the New York one OF the guns of
the Brooklyn roare1 defiance TO the
enemy.
As the firing opened the two lines be-
gan TO manoeuvre, presenting a beautiiul
and imposing sight to those on the sun
disnatch boat, which was as close TO
The lighters as the regulations estab-
lished by Admiral Sampson would permit.
Admiral SIMPSONS squadron turned 70
the east and Commodore Schley's 10 the
west. At the same time the lighter ships.
in obedience 10 signal, steamed out OF
the range Of the heaviest shore batteries
for the purpose OF attacking the Hight
field batteries that had been erected near
the beach.
The ha.tleships, remaining considera-
Bile distance apart steamed slowly In,
pouring a devastating fire on the strong
shore defences that were grouped at the
mouth OF the harbor.
The fire from the warships was vigorous
and sustained showing that the men
were ENJOYING the work that had been
crt out for them. The shore batteries
answered weakly at first, but the gunners
I'm them seemed to gain more confidence
and GOODNESS as the battle continued. and
their fire then became strong.
The Spanish batteries were armed with
Krupp and Armstrong guns. which were
taken 10 Santiago by the Spanish ste nm
or Montserrat These were manned ty
German and French artillery nxperfs.
v,hes. - ow'rd g 81 Amerir rarksriaH'
.hlr wa. greatly augmented during the
light
The spsniards had boosted that no
feet would live before these imported
experts. but they proved themselves Ia
ha ahaut "a Door artiilsrists a. thu snsn-