The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-28

ers We're sunk through the agency of our
guns ana those of the Gloucester. which
ssssel mad come up and engaged them close
IS The initial fire of the last two ships
was directed at this vessel, and, although
Iaiilng very close, only struck the ship
crew.
% Our ranges were obtained by stad-
emerged, and then by angles on the tops
or the rear ships. The ranges were from
1850 feet to 5000 yards. observed from the
top. From the bridge / could see our shoot
ing was excellent and showed its effects.
one OF our thirteen-inch shells was seen to
enter the Maria Teresa under the quarter
served on fire very shortly afterward
4 About 1915 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 our attention to
prevent the escape of the destroyers, which
appeared more than match for the
near TO engage them. They were soon seen
10 blow up apparently struck by our six
inch and six-pounders We now fired the
large guns at the Vizcaya, which was at
long range She made for the shore soon
after, on fire and her batteries silenced.
These ships hauled down their colors as
they made for the beach. The Spanish flag
ship hoisted the white flag as she grounded.
IS Then we ceased firing. The Colon was
closely pursued by the Brooklyn, Oregon
and Texas, off shore of her. The flagship
New, York, steaming full speed to the west
ward as soon the Vizcaya surrendered,
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 eastward for our station i'll
obedience to the above signal. Observed
the Harvard and several transports stand
ing to the westward
49, About 1890 the Resolute came within
hail and informed us by megaphone that
Spanish battle ship was sighted to the east
ward, standing toward u.s. Later the Har-
passed. infOrma
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 Teresa. She sent officer on board
and requested permission to enter the har-
Dor. referred him to the commander in
chief She then stood on to the westward
and we resumed our station.
~: during TINS action we USED no ar
powder six-pounders, and the good effect OF
the common shell is shown by the fires on
to disable them without piercing their
NOR and with almost no injury to our ships;
IL The guns and mounts worked well.
Only two failures of electric primers noted
II. During the afternoon sent boats with
surgeons on shore TO the burning vessels 10
assist in caring for the wounded The
and seventeen men as prisoners.
'lS. Received also during the afternoon
and night prisoners from the Gloucester and
Hist, in all seven officers and az men. which
were to-day transferred to the st. Louis.
IA. The conduct of the officers and crew
was in every respect commendabe, GOODNESS
and good discipline prevailing. coupled with
a marked enthusiasm. This desirable con-
dition of affairs is largely due to the efforts
of the officers, and desire to commend to
the commander in chief the executive officer,
Lieutenant Commander John A. Rodgers,
and all the officers of the ship for the part
taken by the Indiana in bringing about this
great victory and the complete destruction
of the enemy's squadron. Very respectfully,
III. c. TAYLOR, Captain Commanding.
ITO the commander in chief, United States
naval forces on North Atlantic Station.