New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-11
As SEEN FROM THE VIXEN.
THE CHASE AFTER AND DESTRUCTION
OF THE SPANISH SHIPS.

or Santiago De cuba July g. Via Port Antonio
Jamaica. July q g p. mD.-Fo.lowing is the Off
c,al account OF the engagement with the Span
,sh SQUADRON az seen from the United States
steamer Vixen:
Al 0:45 2 m the quarternaster on duty re-
ported that tug was coming out OF the har-
bor. Examination proved the vessel 10 be a
Spanish cruiser flying a large Spanish nag and
n smaller flag at the masthead. which was
thought to be the Admiral'a flag. as II was on
the leading ship The Vixen Mt this time was
lying about two miles Of shore and four miles
to the westward of Moro Castle. and from this
time 10 the end was never out Of sight Of the
chase AID was within two miles o, the des,ruc-
ton Of the three arnored cruisers.
Word was ai once sent 10 the commanding
cffcer. and All hands were called 10 quarters.
Full speed vas ordered. and the helm was put
10 port 10 stand further IN shore and leave the
Brooklyn's fire llnc unobstructcd. The Brook
lyn had hoistel "A signal that the eremy was at
tempting 70 escape. and the Vixen. noticing that
the leading ship turning TO the westward
signalled that the enemy was attempting 10
escape in that direction.
CLOSING IN ON THE sPANfARDs.
The fleet at this time had resumed its sta lion
and The vessels began rapidly IN "lose In toward
the mouth of tho harbor. concentrating tor
rife long range fire upon the enemy
There was doubt that the enemy was COM
Ing out There were several anxious moments
before it could be determined whether tho Span
ish Admiral would order his fleet to dlspcrse
and attempt 20 break through the blockadng
squadron. or would keep his ships together. The
leading vessel had changed her course fo the
west when n second vergel appeared. followed
shortly by the CrstObal Colon. The Colon was
easily identified, because her mast was placed
between her two smokestacks. The other ships
could not go easily be identified. as the Viz
caya the AiIn.rante Oquendo and the Tnfanta
Maria Teresa had the same appearance.
Meanwhile the fleet approached the mouth OF
the harbor. and when the fourth vessel ap-
peared and turned to the west II became evident
that Admiral Cervera had reconnotred the field
and selected the west az the weakest part or
the blockade because the strong eastern cur
rent had drifted the heavier ships to the east
OF their customary places. The western part
of the blockading circle was defended by the
Vixen and the Brooklyn. The Brooklyn headed
north apparently intending to Intercept the
head Of the enemys column.
HEAVY FIRE FROM TIE BATTERIES.
As the leading ships Of the enemy's column
appeared tie western battery opened heavy
FIRE. apparently directed at the eastern and CEN
trail ships of the blockading squadron. At 10
a m the Brooklyn was nearest and engaged
the two leading ships. which we're close to-
Rether. with an interval Of three-auarters OF
mile between the second ship and the Cristobai
Colon. At 1905 the Brooklyn turned with
port helm. making a complete turn to the east
80 that she was again heading west The en-
emy's leading ship were on her starboard quar-
ter and the fourth vessel was coming up astern
RAPIDLY. At this time the Vixen was west OF
the leading ships and was steaIning on paral-
lei course.
For the next fifteen minutes the Brooklyn ~