The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-07-02
Letter from James E. Devilbiss.

The following letter from Mr.. james L.
Devilbiss was received by his mother, Mrs.
Shorb, of New Windsor The letter is dated
cat Sea, June II, 1898, on board L. S. 5.
America, while on its way from Guantanamo
to Key West, Florida.
This is lovely day and the sea is fairly smooth
my first spell of sea sickness since we left Ports
mouth, May 80. We left Key West June 9TH and
had smooth seas and delightful weather, acct
dents, but some little excitement The U. S. s.
supply loaded with provisions for the feet,
and the torpedo boat destroyer Scorpion, ac-
companied on the southern trip. On
second day out we sighted big steamer; thinking
it was the enemy the Scorpion gave chase but
found it to be the IL. NJ S. Cruiser Talbot English
and the next excitement was Thursday night, 9th
instant. About IL O'Clock we sighted two vessels
and again gave chase, but found them to be the U.
s. s. Yosemite and the Panther. The Panther had
about 500 Marines on board for Guantanamo They
arrived ahead of us and were met by the torpedo
boat Porter and several Others. They bombarded
and landed the Marines. On Friday June 10th, We.
proceeded to Santiago and reached there about
10 O'Clock Friday morning, and there we found
Sampson, Schley and Evans with the big American
fleet, with such ships as the New York, Brooklyn.
YiuS ST. Paul, st. Louis and many Others. They
had bombarded Moro Castle and bockaded the
only entrance to Santiago de Cuba, with Spanish
fleet within. On Monday, 9th instant, pro-
ships, and ON Tuesday, the 18th instant. received
orders from the Flagship New York to take the
mainder OF the cargo to Guantanamo 40 miles East
OF santiago, and then go to Key West for further
orders DO not know where we Will go from there,
but upon our arrival there will mail this and then
before leaving will try to let you know where we
go next.
On the way South had regular watch with the
Junior officer but as ! had much writing, was
relieved and the apothecary was put in my place:
his name is Louis Eckwork, from New York and IL
very nice fellow. We have IL very nice lot of men
aboard and only five officers getalOng fine with
all of them The one was on the Bird ge with Mr.
Mclean, is fine fellow, and my desk is just aside
of his and he to take quite an interest in me-
Well, now will tell you something of the bonn
Herald of New York they have full account of it,
for each one has despatch boat there also the As
ISOLATED Press, by which the papers all over the
country get their news
sunday night 18th instant, the Vesuvius went up
! within mile of the forts at Santiago and threw
three shells into the city, all taking effect. Mon
! day morning the L. S. S. New Orleans went near
and the fort opened fire, but don't think they hit
1t once Then several of our ships fired few shots
but were not close enough for much good.
After getting orders we left Santiago on Tuesday,
18th, at p M, arriving at Guantanamo about p.
m, and just opposite Camp McCalla we anchored
for the night with the rest of our eet-the Marble
and several Others besides this the only AMERICA
| The Marines and a lot of Cubans at Camp Nc
| Gala, and about p. m. Tuesday night there was
some lively firing ashore; killed of our and
| wounded about 10 We killed Is Spaniards that
! know of, the number injured we don't know, cap
! tured Is SpaniardS and one officer, and Span
| iards surrendered and said they had been without
rationS and water for 80 hours; that the Spanish
| government had not paid them for eleven months,
and said if all the Spaniards knew how good the
| Americans were they would throw down their
arms ut once out the spanish OncerS tell them II
| they fall into the American pigs hands they will
| cut them all up and eat them, and to show them
how 1t is done they cut two of Marines terribly
Their ears cut off. heart cut out and head split to
| the shoulders. No wonder they afraid but |
don't think it will be long until we will have made
! the whole forces surrender or give up.
! Wednesday. June 18TH about o'clock the Texas.
Marblehead and Suwanee steamed up the river
| from Port Guantanamo toward the fort, and opened
| fire They demolished the fort and threw a few
big shells into the city; that was about all they
| could do. Now they are waiting for the troops to
take possession. We then finished that, the Texas
| going back to Santiago Wednesday night. Ten of
| the men and one officer went ashore to assist in
picket duty ut Camp McCalla, and returned Thurs
! day morning. At II O'Clock we began to haul out
| toward the sea, at 245 p. we turned our head
| toward the East rounding Cape Maysi during the
night, and at this hour 100 p m, Friday, we are
| going almost due West and expect to reach Key
| West tomorrow saturday. afternoon. We are
running about u knots an hour, that is nearly II
miles. We are far from the fastest, but some of
! them are slower The st. Paul and st. Louis
| good for % or % knots an hour and the torpedo
| boat Porter %, that is fine. The big ships make
| about Il or Is knots.
| Give my best wishes to all friends. With lots of
! love to yourself and the children am your son,
| J. L. D.
| Sunday, June 18th, ga. Must arrived all well
and happy.