The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1898-06-16
TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY.
HEROlSM OF HOBSON AND HIS MEN
RECOGNIZED BY CERVERA.

| AAAA~O II AZ DANAA Ian .
HEROISM OF HOBSON AND HIS MEN
RECOGNIZED BY CERVERA.
The Spanish Admirars Chivalrous Act
In Sending Representative to Ad-
miral Sampson Telling Him of the
Safety of Lieutenant Hobson and
His Brave Companions After They
Had Blown up the Merrimac and
Closed the Channel at Santiago.
Lieutenant Hobson and the seven
brave men who constituted the crew
with him in the perilous undertaking
of sinking the collier Merrimac in
the channel of Santiago de Cuba last
week, having successfully accom-
plished their object were unable to
reach the launch awaiting just out
side to take them back to their ship
and SO fell into the hands of the
enemy making their way to Admiral
Cervera's flag ship on the raft by
means of which they probably escaped
death by drowning. The rest is told
in the following account:
Admiral Cervera was astouned at
the bravery of the American sailors
who took part in the Merrimac ex-
pedition. He fastened to uphold the
best traditions of the Spanish navy
by taking generous and apprecia-
tive stand-a step that will add
honor to his past strategy in the eyes
of the world.
He sent his chief of staff, Capt.
Burtamente Ovideo, on the Spanish
tug Colon from Santiago harbor next
evening bearing flag of truce to
Admiral Sampson. The Spanish Ad-
miral through Captain Ovideo, told
his adversary of the deeds of the
heroic eight, and offered to exchange
the prisoners for Spaniards captured
by the Americans. This you have
already heard, but will tell you the
story in detail.
When the lookouts on the New
York saw little black craft steam
ing from Santiago harbor at 3 o'clock
Friday afternoon there was considera-
BILE curiosity as to the mission of the
diminutive stranger. Is it torpedo
boat? wondered the jackies. They
gathered their trousers with a hitch
and awaited for the summons to pre-
pare for the enemy and demolish the
little craft.
AS the tug drew nearer the war
ship it was seen that there was
Spanish flag flying at her stern
There was another flag at her fore
top. 1t was a flag of truce.
The Vixen, which is constantly on
scout duty, was nearest the ap-
preaching Graf. She hurried toward
the Spaniard, to send the latter to
the bottom if the mission were
hostile, but the flag of truce dispell-
ed the thought of miniature bat
tie. The American vessel ran close
to the Colon and acted as an escort
to her.
NAVAL CEREMONY
When the two small vessels ap-
peared at the flagship there was
throng of jackies at the side of the
big warship with faces full of curios-
ity. They saw on the deck of the
Colon Captain Ovideo, radiant in his
uniform, gold lace and side arms.
Admiral Sampson sent the flagship's
launch to the Colon, when the latter
stopped about 100 yards from the
New York. Captain Ovideo was then
brought up to the flagship. He
climbed up an iron ladder and sa-
luted the officers of the deck with a
graceful dignity.
Naturally, on the American shi p there
was strong undercurrent of excite
ment. Did it mean surrender? The
Spanish Captain stepped briskly with
an orderly, who escorted him to Ad-
miral Sampson. The Admiral was
seated aft.
AS Captain Ovideo advanced the
officers of the flagship rose. The
Spanish Captain was received with
marked courtesy. A seat opposite
Admiral Sampson was given to him.
HIGH PRAISE FROM CERvERA.
Captain Ovideo proceeded to state
his mission without parley. He bore
the respects of the Spanish Admiral
to the American commander of the
naval forces before Santiago and
desired to inform Admiral Sampson
that the intrepid volunteer crew of
the Merrimac was safe. 1t was Ad-
miral Cervera's wish, said he, that
Admiral Sampson would feel assured
of the safety of the brave men, who
had SO greatly honored their country
and the American Navy. He added
that Admiral Cervera would be glad
to release the prinsoners as soon as
an exchange could be agreed upon.
In reply Admiral Sampson desired
the Captain to convey to the Spanish
Admiral his appreciation of the COM
pliment which had been paid to the
eight heroes and an assurance that
the exchange would be facilitated.
The American Admiral spoke briefly,
but with great dignity and politeness.
Then Captain Ovideo offered to
take change of clothing to the pris-
oners. Admiral Sampson gave orders
that their apparel be placed on board
the Colon at once. While this was
being attended to Admiral Sampson
and his visitor had a pleasant con-
versation. 1t was during this time
that Captain Ovideo explained sue
cinctly and with enthusiasm the
manner in which Hobson and his
comrades accomplished their heroic
deed, and the thrilling events lead
Ing up to their capture.
STORY FROM INSIDE THE HARBoR.
As is now known, the Merrimac