The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-08-04
TWO JAcKIEs PROVE HEROES.
single Handed They Capture n COu-
pie of Spanish smncIss.

Key West, Fla, Aug. 3, $50 p m.-An-
other Jackie has achieved the reputation
of hero, BE is Boatswain Mat Nevis of
the gunboat bancroft
One day last week the Bancroft, accom-
panied by the converted yacht Eagle.
which had been covering the blockadlng
station around the Isle Of Pines, sighted
small Spanish schooner In Sugunea bay.
The Bancroft's steam launch. IN charge
of Nevis with one other seaman, each
armed with a rifle, was sent in 70 take the
schooher. This was only the task of
minutes, and the pretty launch returned
with her prize, which proved to be the
schooner Mite, little more than smack,
ana witch no cargo. Her captain was an
American and with him were his Cuban
WIFE and seven children, all vowing loyalty
TO the Cuban cause They pleaded pow
erty and that The Mite was their only
means of livelihood
Commander Glover Of the Bancroft prom
ised Co return her at the proper time.
Meanwhile he sent Nevis In with her to
anchor near the wreck OF the Spanish
transatlantic liner Santo Domingo, sunk
by the Eagle few weeks ago
Inon the Bancroft and Eagle oruised
off to Maugle Point. where they happen
ed to be i'm communication with the insur-
gent camp.
Two hours later they returned. Nothing
could be seen of the launch nor the prize
Suddenly Commander Glover, who, was
scanning the water with his glass, shout
ed to Capt. Sutherland of the Eagle:
by Heavens, they have recaptured ny
prize.
The little schooner lay near the wrecked
steamer, but the Spanish flag was flying
from her mast and she was apparently
hlled with men.
Meanwhile. the gunboat Maple had
drawn up. and Commander Glover sent
her to the rescue. With guns ready, she
made toward the schooners, but the sight
that met the Naples crew was not what
was expected. Nevis and his companion
sat alone in the boat apparently unable
to navigate her out of the harbor. Each
had rifle across his knee, and was keep
ing wary eye on a party of half dozen
SDanards huddled IN the other end Of the
boat The Maple offered Nevis a tow. but
he replied with a Joke and declined the
proffered assistance. Then 1t developed that
in going into anchor he had observed two
small Spanish boats near the wreck OF
the Santo Domingo, and resolved to cap
| ture them also. He knew that II was
hazardous work but a buff carried him
| through.
He took the Spanish cQlors off the
| schooner, ran them up and boldly ran
! III lneIe were SIX men IN the other boats
! and they watched the approach Of their
supposed compairiots. when Nevis and
the other "jackies" suddenly shifter the
| rifles to their shoulders and demanded an
Immediate surrender. The scared Span.
| lsh seamen lost no time in complying end
had the unique experience of surrender.
| ing to their own flag.
The capture was no mean one for these
men gave important information to The
American ships. They were residents ol
the little town Of Cuaz, province OF
Santa Clara on what Is called Pirates
Lagoon because in ancient days It was
favorite resort OF the brethren of Capt
! Kidd.
The town has a population of 600 and
the Bancroft and Eagle would have taken
possession but they could not spare a
permanent force to protect the noncom-
bataut women and children.