The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-15

TAMPA, FLA, June H.-After weeks
Of waiting and preparation the first army
OF invasion to sail from the Eastern
shores OF the United States finally de-
parted under the command Of General
Shafter this morning at 3 o'clock.
The fleet OF transports consisted OK
thirty-hye vessels, four tenders and four
teen conveys. These are all now upon
the Gulf of Mexico headed 10 the south
ward until they pass Key West at least.
Should the destination be Cuba they
will continue their present course until
Cape Antonio at the west end OF the
island Is doubled, when an easteriy
course will be sailed until they reach the
vicinity of Santiago.
1t has been definitely decided that IL
this exposition lands In Cuba at all, the
place of disembarka ton will be on the
south coast near Santiago.
VESSELS RECALLED.
AS already stated in these dispatches,
the actual embarkation or the troops be-
gan on Monday, June 9th. The work pro-
ceeded diligently until late on Wednes-
day afternoon, when after-the departure
Of several transports, an important order
came calling a halt In the proceedings.
The Castine was dispatched TO at once
overhaul the disappearing ships and re-
call them. They all came back but one,
the City OF Washington, which vessel was
reported to be aground down the bay.
II has been subsequently learned, how
ever that this vessel had outstripped the
messenger until the coast OF cuba was
actually sighted. what gives color 10
this is the fact that neither the Washing
ton nor the Castine returned TO her an-
chorage at Port Tampa until Saturday.
THOSE MYTHICAL SHIPS.
The cause Of the delay was the
report that the Hornet which was out
scouting had sighted several Spanish whr
vessels
KEEN DISAPPOINTMENT.
Like wet blanket came the order 10
halt. Checrfuiness was displaced by keen
disappointment Two questions were on
every tongue-Has Spain surrenderedY'
HAS our fleet met with q reyerseg' The
former met with the readiest belief. many
believing the words In the order "Indeh-
nitely postponed meant peace.
Those who followed each event closely
were assured that such was not the case.
While horses and mules were being dis-
embarked men and equipments were mov-
ing abroad I'm a steady stream.
sl-ha unloading % the Florida which
had been run into by the Miami gave
grounds for the rumor that the transports
were being unloaded
SAIL AT DAYLIGHT.
Newspaper men had been told on FRI
| day night that they had better go aboard
| The following day II was openly said tnas
the sailing would occur on Sunday noon.
The rush OF the previous Monday was re-
oH
| 10 Port Tampa Sunday morning at s.A
| 10 deliver parting instruction. During q
heavy rain sauall on Saturday night al
2 o'clock while the transports were
strainlng at their cables and the wind
shrieking through the rigging, the little
tug. Captain sam, steamed from ship 10
ship megaphonlng in deep tones the mes
sage stand ready 10 sail ~ daylight
| Above the roar OF the storm wild cheers
were heard and bright Hash OF light
ming revealed the soldiers standing In the
| rain waving their wet hats and hurrah-
ing.
General Miles and his stan from pri-
va,e car far down the pier could witness
| al the scenes OF the enbarkation. From
this point OF vantage messengers went
ss,urrvInn while uniformed dignita-
| ,ses hovered near during the entire day.
The busy piers were lined with trans
norts. The docks were an everchangine
scene OF box cars, fat cars, stock cars,
barrage and express cars. Most OF these
were loaded With soldiers who were cheer.
ed until their ears ached and VINO eneerco
IN turn untll hoars2.
bright coiored dresses and fragile para
sols IN the crowds OF blue coats fnds.
Gated the presence OF the fair sex. Curt
osity attracted the women. as u had
most OF the crowd.
some were sobbsng while others wert
taking In the sights with tears coarsins
down their cheeks. Horses and mules
.tcontsnued on Fifth Page.)