The times., 1898-07-27
THE FAMOUS OREGON.
Report of Capt. Clark on Its share
in the Fight
U. S. S. Oregon, First Rate.

U. 5. S Oregon, First Rate.
on Santiago de Cuba July 4, 1898.
Sir: ]. 1 have the honor to report that
at $50 a. m. yesterday the Spanish fleet
was discovered standing out of the har-
Dor of Santiago de Cuba They turned To
the westward and opened fire. to which
our ships replied vigorously. For a short
time there was an almost continuous
flight of Drojectiles over this ship. but
when our line was fairly engaged and
the Iowa had made a swift advance as il
to ram or close, the enemy's ire became
defective in train as we'll as in range
The ship was only struck three times and
al least two of them by fragments Of
shells. We had no casualties
?. As soon as it was evident that the en-
emys ships were trying To break through
and escape to the westward We went
ahead at fun speed with the determine
ton OF carrying out 10 the utmost your
order: III the enemy tries 10 escape the
ships must clpse ami engage as soon as
possible and endeavor 70 sink MS vessels
or force him TO run ashore" We soon
passed all OF our ships except the Brook
lyn, bearing the broad pendant Of
Commodore SChley. At first we only used
our main battery. but when IL vas dts-
covered that the enemys torpedo JJltS
We're following their ships we Ised cur
rapid-fire guns, as well as the six-inch,
upon them with telling effect. As we
ranged up near the sternmost Of their
ships she headed for the beach evidently
on fire. We raked her as we passed.
pushing on for the next ahead. using our
starboard guns as they were brought 10
bear and before we had her fairly abeam
she, too. was making for the beach. The
two remaining vessels were now some
distance ahead. but our speed had in
creased 10 sixteen knots and Osr fire.
added TO that of the Brooklyn soon sent
another. the Vizcaya. 70 the shore In
flames. Only the CristobaI Colon was
left, and for a time it seemed as If she
might escape. but when we opened with
our forward turret guns and the Brook
lyn followed she began to edge in to-
wards the coast and her capture or de-
structiOn was assured. As she struck the
beach her flag came down and the Brook
lyn signaled cease firing" following #
with Congratulations for the grand vic
tory; thanks for your splendid assist
ance."
3 The Brooklyn sent a boat to her, and
when the admiral came up with the New
York. Texas and Vixen. she was taken
possession of, 4 f.r,Ze crew was put on
board from this ship under Iieurau..nt
Commander COgsweII. the executive Of
ficer, but before II p n. the ship, which
mad been filing in spite OF all efforts 10
stop leaks. was abandoned. and Just as
the crew left she vent over on her side
T. l cannot speak in too high terms OF
the bearing and conduct of ali on board
this ship. When they found the Oregon
had pushed TO the front and was hurry
ing TO a succession of conflicts with the
eneIny's vessels if they could he over
taken and would engage their enthu-
siasm was intense.
>. As these vessels were so much more
heavily arm0red than the Brooklyn they
might have concentrated upon and over
powered her. and consequently I am per-
suaded that. but for the way the officers
and men OF the Oregon steamed and
steered the ship and fought and sup
piled her batteries. the Colon and per-
haps the Vizcaya would have escaped.
Therefore I feel that they rendered
meritorious service 10 the country. and
while I cannot mention the name of
! each officer and man individually I am
/ going 10 append a list of the officers with
( their stations that they occupied. hoping
! thar 1t may be OF service 10 them
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