The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-14
..FLYING" SOUTHWARK.
Commodore Schley's Squadron Puts
to Sea in a Hurry.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va, May 13.-Five
vessels of the flying squdaron, led by the
flagship Brooklyn, steamed out of Hampton
roads this afternoon, and after passing the
Virginia capes took a southerly course, go
ing, it is said, to augment Admiral Samp
sons fleet now in the vicinity of Porto Rico.
The order directing the squadron to put to
set came at midnight last night few
minutes later the signal, BE ready to put
to sea at daybreak,'' was flashed from the
flagship. Back from the men-of-war came
the answer. In a jiffy the men were sum-
moned to the decks and the work of max
ing the ships ready to sail commenced. Sup
pressed excitement mingled with delight,
prevailed The little steam launches were
hoisted aboard and decks cleared. Then
the men waited for the signal to weigh an
Choir. Day broke, but the signal was not
hoisted. The day wore on toward noon,
and until the sailing flag was seen small
craft ran to and fro carrying dispatches.
Excitement gave way TO impatience, for the
men had been lying off Old Point for the
last six weeks waiting for orders to go to
sea, and they were afraid they were to be
disappointed, but not So
AT o'clock a signal ordering the battle
ship Massachusetts the Texas, dispatch
boat Scorpion and collier Sterling to weigh
anchor was run up to the top of the Brook
lyn's military mast. Thirty minutes later
smoke was curling from the stacks on the
ships and they went ploughing the sea at
rate of fifteen knots. Hundreds of people,
most of them guests of the hotels and
wives and daughters of the men on the
ships, waved and shouted God-speed TO
the men who We're going TO do battle for
apes the Scorpion took the lead acting as
Il scout The fleet will join Admiral Samp-
sons squadron. This statement came from
a reliable source. The ships passed the
capes at 7:15 O'clock After reaching the
open sea it is said the vessels took the mid
die course proceeding under full steam
The cruisers Minneapolis and New Or
leans were left behind, as was also the aux
iliary cruiser ST Paul, which is still an
cfored in the harbor here taking on sup
ply of ammunition. AT s O'Clock tonight
the Minneapolis hauled up her anchors and
steamed out at full speed to overtake the
squadron. 1t has been reported that the ST
Paul, Captain SigSbee commanding and the
New Orleans. would not leave before day
break tomorrow, but late this evening Cap
tain Sigsbee received orders to proceed at
midnight. She will join the New Orleans
at Old Point and both vessels will then put
to sea. They are expected to overtake Com
modore Schey some time tomorrow even
ing or early Sunday morning. The fact
that the Sterling. laden with 1900 tons of
coal, accompanied the fleet, indicates that
O. Ions sail is contemplated. The arrival of
the flying SQUADRON will! greatly strengthen
Admiral Simpsons fleet.
There is another report in circulation to-
night that a fotilla of Spanish torpedo
beats has been sighted cruising along the
Atlantic coast, and that the flying squadron
has been ordered out to intercept the fleet
and sink the boats. but an officer from the
St. Paul says no credence should be placed
in the rumor. Commodore Schley left un-
der sealed orders. He refused to diVulge
his destination. The squadron is consid-
cred very formidable, and the caIibre and
number of guns are in excess of any other
squadron as TO number in the world.