Evening star., 1898-06-07
THROUGH AN AWFUL FIRE
Captain Miller of the Merrimac Tells of
Hobson's Deed.
1t Seemed Almost Impossible for the
Men to Survive Fire of
Batteries.

cs,5{. Miller of the collier Merrimac ar
rived at Key West Yesterday. In an inter-
view regarding Lieut.. Hobson's exploit he
said:
Lieut.. Hobson's act was the bravest
ever saw or heard of. The idea was 10
block the narrow exit from the harbor.
Whether Hobson proposed sinking the Mer-
rimac. l do rot know. but he arranged the
details between himself and the COM
mander. Every officer and man IN the
fleet would have volunteered to go, but
HobsOn, being a naval constructor, was the
man for the place. Three of the men be-
forged to the Merrinac. They were Cox
swain Deigran. Chief Machinist Phillips
and Water Tender Kelley. Another of the
heroes was Gunner's Mate Charterelle.
THE details were arranged and the crew
on board Thursday morning, and the ves-
sci had started, but day had commenced TO
break. and the admiral signaled for her
return Hobson begged to be permitted to
proceed, saying he would be successful.
However, the admiral insisted on his re-
turn. The men were given a good sleep,
and early the next morning the Merrimac
started again. She had been thoroughly
stripped of valuable articles. even the CLOCK
and bell being taken off.
Along one side a torpedo belt had been
arranged about ten feet below the water
line. six torpedoes being placed as to
break open the compartments. These tor
pedoes had electrical connection with
battery on the bridge. and were to be dis
charged by pressing a button.
Hobson the Man at the Key.
THE channel is only a few hundred yards
wide. 1t was arranged that the Merrimac
was to be swung across the channel till one
end grounded. The man that let go the
starboard anchor was TO let the life raft
fall and jump overheard. The man at the
pert anchor was to be the next to jump off,
then the helmsman; next, the engineers on
signals, were TO open the valves, let in the
water. climb to the deck and leap over
beard. Last of all. the man that pressed
the key would plunge into the water The
man al the key was undoubtedly Hobson.
He would be unlikely to assign another
man 10 the most dangerous post. Besides,
ne IS the best swimmer in the navy.
Tie plan was carried out perfectly
The only thing We had not counted on was
the Spaniards keeping such a sharp watch
Undoubtedly they knew something was
a1oot They permitted the Merrimac to
pass betweeen the Morro and EstreIa forts
without noticing her. but when she was in
range OF the other forts every gun in the
harbor was opened on her: we could not
count the shots, the firing was so furious
Inc forts must have fired a thousand tir.les
Il was on the New York watching and
the hearts of all of us faltered for il SEEM
ed as II no ship could live in that hell of
elIu lAieil IlO Ollc on DOslrt could escape.
The Merrimac anchored. the men jumped
overheard and the forts then subsidized re-
1using to fire at the men struggling in the
water. The men reached the raft where
they were captured and taken to MORO
fort.
Officers Wanted to Exchange.
After daylight Admiral Cervera's chief
of staff came aboard the New York He
said the Merrimac's men were safe and
would be Well treated. Two of them were
slightly wounded. They lacked clothes and
money. and their friends might send them
anything but written communications We
GERS OF the New York asked to be allowed
10 exchange places with Hobson. but this
was not permissible.
"CerNeTas 5 officer could not find strong
enough language to express his admiration
Tor the bravery Of the Americans.
Ills courtesy and the action of the forts
II. sparinS the men struggling in the water
changed oar opinion of the Spaniards. and
made US think the stories OF their honor
and chiNuiry not far wrong
After daylight We could see the masts
and funnel OF the Merrimac sticking out
Of the water. She was sunk exactly where
We wanted her
The Insurgents sent US word that the
men and guns from the cruisers had been
sent ashore. and II looks as though the
vessels would not try to get out. and the
Spanish officers had no nope of escaping or
victory. but We're determined to make a
brave, stubborn fight to maintain Spain S
honor The story printed in New York that
Lieutenant HobsOn and Rear Admiral
sampson quarreled just before the ale.Il-
mae went IN is an entire IaISehood.