The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-05

Additional Details of the Blocking of
the Santiago Harbor.


the Santiago Harbor.
Copyright 1898. by the Associated Press)
PORT ANTONIO, Jamaica. June (De-
7ayed in transmission.)-A single deed Of
magnificent American daring has lost to the
kingdom of Spain the powerful fleet of Ad-
miral Cervera. Just before dawn to-day
seven gallant seamen took the collier Merri-
mac under the blazing Moro battery and
anchored and sunk her beneath a spiteful
fire Of nusketry and heavy cannonading
from the shore, and the wrecked hull of the
sunken vessel effectually closes the entrance
to the harbor within which the Spanish
squadron is hopelessly and helplessly locked.
This splendid stroke, which leaves the gov
eminent at Washington free to act without
further fear of the Snaniards' fleet, was
planned by Lieut. Richard p. Hobson, who
commanded the expedition. He is naval
constructor. attached to the Annapolis, and
his home is in Brooklyn. With him went
Daniel Montague. George Charette, j. e.
Murphy, Oscar Deignan, John P. Phillips
and John Kelly. all roLcommissioned Off
the flagship New York, commanded by Ca
det J. w. Powell, followed the Merrimac to
the mouth of the harbor and despite the
fire from the fort cruisedsif the vicinity for
an hour and half after the collier was
sunk. but no sign of the brave Americans
was seen, and Cadet Powell was finally COM
PEELED to rejoin the flagship.
The plan to block the entrance to Santiago
had been under consideration for several
days, as Rear Admiral Sampson had de-
cided that it was impossible to take his fleet
inside. Lieutenant Hobson had expected to
DO the work on Wednesday night but, ow-
ing to the delay in preparing the ship, it
was deferred. The daring officer attempted
to run in after daylight on Thursday, and
was only stopped under protest. after stern
orders to return from the admiral. All day
yesterday the preparations proceeded, and
by nightfall the craft was in readiness. A
row of torpedoes had been arranged outside
the hui so that Lieutenant Hobson could
explode them from the bridge of the vessel
and thus insure her rapid sinking. AT night
fall the various ships of the fleet passed
the doomed Merrimac, cheering her Justify.
Hundreds of men and scores of officers
volunteered for the duty and Commander
Merrill, who had been the captain of the
Merrimac, begged permission of Admiral
Sampson to 60 but Lieut.. Hobson wanted
only six men. BY 10 o'clock all but the
men who were going on the dangerous err
rand had been taken from the Merrimac
and the collier took position near the New
York to wait the appointed hour. 1t was an
impressive night among the men of the
feet, for few expected that the members of
the little crew would see another sunrise
The night was cloudy, with ftful lightning
flashes behind the dark lines of the hostile
shore, now and then showing the grim
shadows of the battlements. Soon after
o'clock the black hun of the Merrimac be-
gan to drift slowly toward the land and
IN half hour was lost TO sight 1t was
Lieutenant Hobsons plan to steam past
MORO. swinging crosswise. the channel drop
his anchors, open the valves explode the
torpedoes on the port side, leap overheard.
preceded by his crew. and make their es-
cape in little life boat which was towed
astern If possible. and If not to attempt to
swim ashore. All the men were heavily
armed ready to make a fierce resistance
to capture
Scarcely had the ship disappeared when
fash from Morro's guns proclaimed that
she had been discovered. Immediately the
other batteries around the harbor opened
IRE. but the ship went steadily on; for this
morning the top of her masts can be seen
IN the water beyond MORO and near the
Estrella battery A heavy cannon and mus
kerry fire continued for about half an hour,
and guns were fred at intervals until long
after daylight. None of the American ships
dared to fire for fear of striking the Mer-
rimac's crew.
AS daylight came on the steam launch
gould be seen cruising close to the harbor
Entrance. Until $50 the search was contin-
uea, and then, under a shower OF Spanish
shells. which few wide of their mark. Cadet
Powell steamed away. and half hour later
boarded the New York and reported to Adj
miral Sampson that he believed the entire
crew Of the Merrimac had been lost. Not
one Of them did he catch sight Of The
Nerrimac. he said, lay well across the cham
mel. her masts showing that Lieutenant