The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-07-28
TAYLOR--IYDI4yA.
U. S. s. Indiana. First Rate
OFF Santa go. JlI1y 1893


SRI have the honor 10 submit the fo7
lowing report Of the operations of the In
diana in the action of July with tbs
Spanish squodran off Santiago de Cuba:
At 9:37 a. m. while the crew were al
quarters. preliminary 10 general muster
| noted two guns fired from the Iowa anC
general signal "enemys' ships escaping
| flying. At once cleared ship for action
and the crew were at the guns in a re.
markedly short time, all officers and men
! showing an alacrity that indicated clearly
| their pleasure at the opportunity offered
them.
The Spanish ships were emerging
| from the harbor, and in few moments
a general action ensued. The leading ship,
which proved TO be the Infanta Maria
Teresa, flying the flag or Vice Admiral
| Cervera, was followed by the other YES
sells of the squadron, as follows: Viz
caya, Cristobal Colon, Oquendo and the
torpedo boat destroyers Furor and Plu-
ton. The enemy's vessels headed to the
westward and our ships headed in the
same direction, keeping as nearly abreast
Of them as possible.
This ship fired on all of them as they
came out one by one. and continued the
action later by firing principally on the
Maria Teresa, Oquendo, Furor and Plu-
ton. Several of our Shells were seen to
take effect on these vessels. Our Sec
ondary battery guns were directd princi-
pally on the destroyers. as also were the
6-inch guns. The destroyers were sunk
through the agency Of our gun and those
of the Gloucester, which vessel had come
up and engaged them close aboard. The
initial fire of the last Two ships was
directed at this vessel and, although fall
ing very close, only striking the ships
twice without any injury to ship or crew.
Our ranges were obtained by angles on
MORO as the ships emerged and then by
angles on the tops of the rear ships. The
ranges were from 1850 to 5000 yards, OBJ
served from the top. From the bridge 1
could see that our shooting was excellent
and showed its effects. One of our 13-
inch shells was seen to enter the Maria
Teresa under the quarterback and ex-
plode. and that ship was observed on fire
very shortly afterward.
About 1918 a. m. observed the Maria
Teresa and Oquendo on fire and heading
for the beach. the fire from their guns
having ceased We then devoted special
attention to prevent the escape of the
destroyers, which appeared more than
match for the Gloucested, she being the
only small vessel near to engage them.
They were soon seen to blow up, appar-
emily struck by our 6-inch and 6-pound-
ers.
We now fired our large guns at the
TIL,
made for the shore soon after, on fire,
and battery siIenced. These ships hauled
down their colors as they made for the
beach. The Spanish flagship hoisted the
white flag as she grounded.
We now ceased firing. The Colon was
observed we'll over the western horizon
closely pursued by the Brooklyn, Oregon
and Texas, off shore of her. The flagship
Ntw York, steaming full speed to the
westward as soon as the Vizcaya sur
rendered, signaled US Go back and guard
entrance of harbor." Several explosions
were observed on board the burning ships.
At noon, turned and stood to the east
ward for our station in obedience to the
above signal. Observed the Harvard and
several transports standing to the west
ward.
About 1890 the Resolute came within
hail and informed us by megaphone that
a Spanish battleship was sighted to the
eastward standing toward us Later the
Harvard passed, confirming the informa
ton. and adding that the ship was painted
white We made out the vessel ahead and
stood for her with our guns bearing. She
proved to be the Austrian armored cruiser
Kaiserin Maria Theresa. She sent an Of
ficer on board and requested permission
TO enter the harbor. 1 referred him to
the commander-in-chief. She then stood
on to the eastward and we resumed our
station.
During this action we used no armor-
piercing shells, except the smokeless pow
der 6-pounders. and the good effect of the
common shell is shown by the effect on
the enemy's ships and the short time
taken to disable them without piercing
their armor and with almost no injury
to our ships. The guns and mounts
worked well, only two failures Of Electric
primers noted.
During the afternoon sent boats with
surgeon on shore to the burning vessels
to assist in caring for the wounded. The
boats returned bringing one wounded OF
fcer and seventeen men as prisoners.
The conduct of the officers and crew
was in every respect commendable. Cool
ness and good discipline prevailed. coupled
with a marked enthusiasm. This deSir-
able condition Of affairs is largely due to
the efforts of the officers, and 1 desire
to commend to the commander-in-chiefI
the executive officer. Lieutenant Com
mander John A Rodgers, and all of the
officers of the ship for the part taken by
the Indiana in bringing about this great |
victory and the complete destruction of
the enemys' squadron, Very respectfully, |
H G. TAYLOR.
Captain Commanding.
PHIEgp-TEX