The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-25
UNCLE SANS FIRST CAPTURES

UNCLE SANS FIRST CAPTURES
Copyright 1898 by the Associated Press.)
On Board the Flagship New York, of
Havana, April 2s.-2 a. m.-Morro Castle
opened fire on the blockading squadron
OF the United States last night About
ten shots were sent in the direction OF
our ships: but not one of them took effect
and no shots were fired in return.
The Spaniards apparently mad seen the
lights Of the New York while the latter
was signalling to a ship of the squadron
The firing was reported by the officer
of the deck, Ensign J. R. Eide. to Cap
tain Chadwick, who was asleep at the
time. The young officer asked the captain
in somewhat excited tones, whether the
New York had not better discontinue sig
mailing.
No" muttered Captain Chadwick with
the utmost GOODNESS; there is no neces-
sIty for stopping the signals; go ahead"
4 little later Captain Chadwick was on
the forward bridge, whence he watched
the tongues of flame shoot out from Moro
Castle He glanced in the direction of the
Spanish fortifications for a few seconds
and then turned his back on them in
silent contempt, and went back to his
bed. perfectly certain the Spaniards could
do no damage at five miles, which was
then the Approximate distance of the flag
ship from MORO Castle.
Another officer said: 1.-The Spaniards
probably became nervous. and decided
they could not sleep without some fire.
works. They can't hit anything, any
way"
There was no-excitement on board the
flagship during the Moro Castles futile
attempt at gunnery. The discipline was
really splendid. In fact, at this hour,
many people on board the flagship do
not know that SPANS first guns Of war
have been fired and that the New York
was their target.
The United States cruiser Cincinnatai,
Captain c. NJ. Chester, reported at the
flagship at midnight: 'I have a prize "
u is therefore evident that other ships
besides the New York have been busy
during the night. The extent or value of
the capture made by the Cincinnati is not
known at this writing.
brightly all the evening. was put out at
midnight The spanlards evidently re-
allied, though rather late, that the sole
use Of Moro light up to that time had
been to serve as a guide for the feet Of
the United States.
on Board the United States Flagship
New York. of Havana Harbor. April o.
The lighting squadron of the United States
fleet arrived safely off Havana tonight
Before the vessels took up their position
on the blockade line two prizes were cap
tured. One was taken under the shadow
Of the Cuban coast, and one was seized
fifteen miles south of Key West. There
were no casualties on either side. and the
first day of the war proved satisfactory
% our forces. more so, IN fact, than was
expected
The trip from Key West was made over
smooth seas. with a gentle breeze blowing
and the sun shining brightly.
The warships of the United States now
lie off Havana harbor in sight Of Moro
Castle light. At this hour Of writing. .
p. m. no shots have been fired from the
land.
The flagship New York captured the
Spanish tramp steamer Pedro. Of Bilboa,
between Matanzas and Havana at g
o'clock this evening and put a prize crew
on board. The Pedro IS now on her way
% Key West Two shots were fred at
her, after an exciting chase. The New
York left the fleet 10 effect the capture
The German steamer Reuns, from Ha-
vana for Santiago de Cuba. was also
stopped by shots, boarded and suisse
QuentIy released. Intense enthusiasm -,
been aroused throughout the fleet Ey the
capture Of the prizes.
A few minutes after 4 o'clock this (Fri-
dayl morning the signal was flashed from
the flagship to set under way and At AS
a. m. the captain was hauling up the an
Choir.
Dawn was breaking as the great gray
warships crept out from Key Yves; harbor
and took their designated places in line.
Rear Admiral Sampson. in command Of
the fleet, paced the quarter deck briskly.
and on the New Yerk's forward side deck
stood Captain Chadwick in charge OF as
fine cruiser as ever led a fleet. With
him were Lieutenant Potter. Lieutenant
Roller. the navigating officer. and Ensign
Brum5y. on the after bridge were As
slstant Chief Of STAFF Stanton. Flag
Lieutenant Bennett and Cadet Muslin.
Ensign Brumby and Cadet Muslin were
the two aides.
The cspstan creaked and grosned as It
dragged ne anchor from its bed. where Il
had been lying since the day after the
hSttleship Maine was blown Up in Ha-