The age-herald., 1898-07-27
CAPT. CLARK'S REPORT

Washington, July 26.-Following is the re- port of Captain C. E. Clark of the Oregon:
 "U. s. s. Oregon, First Rate,
 of Santiago de Cuba, July 4, 1898.
 "Sir:-1. I have the honor to report that at 93O a.. m. yesterday the Spanish fleet was discovered standing out of the harbor of Santiago. They turned to the westward and opened fire, to which our ships replied vigorously. For short time there was a- most a continuous flight of projectiles over this ship, but when our line was fairly en- gagged and the Iowa had made a swift ad- vance. as if to ram or close the enemy 5 fire became defective in train as well as in range The ship was only struck three times, and at least two of them were but fragments of shells. We had no casual ties.
 2. As soon as 1t was evident that the enemys ships were trying to break through and escape to the westward, he went ahead at full speed with the determination of carrying out to the utmost your order: "If the enemy tries to escape, the ships must close and engage as soon as possible and endeavor to sink his vessels or force them to run ashore" We soon passed all our ships except the Brooklyn, bearing the broad pennant of Comm modore Schley At first we only used our main battery. but when it was discovered that the enemy's torpedo boats were following the ships, we used our rapid-fire guns as well as the six inch guns upon them with telling effect. We ran up near the sternmost of the ships and when she headed for the beach, evil dently on fire, we raked her as we passedg pushing on for the next ahead using our starboard guns as they were brought to bear and before we had her fully abeam she, too, was making for the beach. The two remaining vessels were now some dis tance ahead, but our speed had increased to 1e knots, and our fire, added to that of fhnr fhxa o. caya. to the shore in flames. Only the Cris- tobal Colon was left, and for time 1t seemed as if she might escape, but when we opened with our forward turret guns and the Brooklyn followed, she began to edge in toward the coast and her capture or destruction was assured. As she struck the beach her flag came down and the Brooklyn signalled, "Cease firing" follow ing 1t with Congratulations for the grand victory; thanks for your splendid assist anee." -
 Taken Possession Of
 g. The Brooklyn sent boat to her, and when the admiral came up with the New York the Texas and Vixen, she was taken possession of. A prize crew was put on board from this ship under Lieutenant Commander Comwell, the executive officer, but before Il D. m., the ship, which had been filling in spite of all efforts to stop leaks, was abandoned, and just as the crew left she went over on her side.
 f. cannot speak in too high terms of the bearing and conduct of all on board this ship. When they found that the Ore- gon had pushed to the front and was hur- rying to a succession of conicts with the enemy's vessels if they could be overtaken, and would engage, their enthusiasm was in- tense. B. As these vessels were so much more heavily armored than the Brooklyn, they might have concentrated and oVerpowered her, and consequently I am persuaded that but for the way the officers and men of the Oregon steamed and steered the ship and fought and supplied her batteries, the Co., lon and perhaps the Vizcaya would have es- caped, Therefore I commend them all for meritorious service to their country. and while I cannot mention the name of each officer and man individually, am glad to append list of officers and the stations they occupied hoping that they may be of service to them should the claims of others for advancement above them ever be con sidered.
 CAPT. EVANS REPORT
 Washington, July %.-Captain Robley D.