The times., 1898-07-09
LIEUT.. HGBs0N'5 STORY
Tells How He Sunk the NIeTri-
mae in >aniiasO Channel.
STRUCK BY SPANISH TORPEDO
Uncertain yvhcf fher His own ESpio-
sives or the Enemy's Missile Blew
Up the CoIIier-Think Our Ships
Can Force the BarboI-Ris Treat
ment by eiie Spnniards.

ment by che Spaniards.
New York. July S.-The Herald prints
the following, dated before Santiago,
July 6. via Port Antonio, Jamaica July
Z:
Equaled only by the demonstration Of
joy at Cerveras defeat was the magniti-
cent welcome extended by the American
forces today to Richmond Pearson Hob
son and hs men.
No noble band of heroes could have
been more overwhelmed by the enthusi-
asm of their comrades than were the
brave men of the Merrimac's crew.
Heroes all they were received back
among their comrades amid glad re1oic-
ing. Bands played, from countless points
the Stars and Stripes huttered in the
breeze, and men cheered themselves
hoarse. Whistles on half a dozen yes
sells in the vicinity notified Hobson
band that further honors were awaiting
them on the water even while they were
receiving the plaudts of the American
forces on land.
Unique and inspiring was the welcome
given to the heroes of the Merrmac. En-
thusasm born of joy over their safety
and pride in what they did pervaded the
American forces on land and sea Their
enthusiasm was given free vent, and
there resulted a patriotic scene to Wit
ness which well was worth all The hard
ships and exposures it had cost those
present
News came by the military telegraph
line shortly before o clock this after
/ noon that Assistant Naval Constructor
Hobson and his men had been trans
! ferred to the Americans and that they
were entering Gen. Wheeler camp
/ Presently bands were playing OtlceFs
/ and men were shouting for joy. Fl1gs
were flying. men were throwing their
hats high in the air and Army reSuia-
+ tions were being cast to the winds
our officers made no attempt to re-
strain their men. but such an attempt
would have been useless. When Hob
son appeared %ithlhl the lines al o'clock
4 the band playing FWhen Johnny Comes
Marching Home = the enthusiasm Of our
| men knew no bounds. Never did heroes
. have a more inspiring reception in the
field Their ADVANCE through the lines
from Santiago 10 sSSboney was a continu-
. Gus triumphal march. IN which the cheer
/ ing Thousands Vied5 with one another in
/ their efforts TO do greatest honor TO the
men just reIeasedzfrom prison.
Hobson rode on a horse while George
Charette. Oscsr Reignan John Kelly,
Z Daniel Montague, J. +. Murphy, John
p Phillips and Randolph Ciausen. the
other members- af the Merrimac's crew,
I walked on behind. All were well dressed.
having been provided with new uniforms.
When Hobs3n and his men -Trived az
Sfboney they found the flagship New
York lying a short, distance out, waiting
to take them on board. A boat from the
flagship came tQ-she shore. and the dis
patch boats in the vicinity made another
demonstration as the MerTimac's crew.
who arrived at SibOney at dusk, were
being transferred to the New York.
whistles blew and men cheered
The whole ships company fairly went
wild when Hobsun went aboard. They
recalled the early morning scene of the
day the Merrindc was sunk. when Hob
son absolutely fearless and full OF de-
termination. had gone down the ladder
to take charge of the MerrimaC on hel
final cruise. None of the men on the
New York ever expected to see him
again.
When Hobson reached the deck of the
flagship one of the first to greet him wa:
Admiral Sampson. Their meeting wa:
most affecting. The American admiral
who al once had been struck by the bold
ness of Hobsons plan when the assistan
naval constructor first proposed TO snl
the Merrimac, displayed a fathers inter
est in the returning hero. He fairly EN-
braced Hobson, giving him welcome, th
sincerity and pleasure of which could no
be mistaken. Hordly less delighted owe
Hobson's safe return were Captain Chad
wick and his officers.
After he had been showered with con
gratulations and compliments by the mel
on the flagship. asked Mr.. Hobson abou
his experiences on the Merrimac ant
while he was Spanish prisoner.
Il must ask the Herald 10 excuse m
from speaking about the Merrimac sor tn
present" he replied. I must of course
first make my official report to Admira
Sampson. Later on, If the Herald still
cares for more particulars OF the expIoi
than are brought out in the official re
port l shall be glad to give them.
But really" Hobson added. modestly
what we did was not much of a feat"
Were you surprised at your reception
by Admiral Cervera?'' asked.
Well was the reply. the Spanish ad
miral complimented me on the effort w
had made. Cervera was very kind to al
of us. He seemed to think he could no
: do too much for us.
asked Mr.. Hobson about the conffne
ment of himself and his men in Morrc
and inquired particularly as to whethe
they were alarmed during the lombard
ments of the Santiago defenses by III
American fleet.
I'VE were confined in MORO Castle bu
four days Mr.. Hobson replied. Dur
ing that time we were not disturbed il
: any way. In fact. at no time were we 4
danger. because ii happened that the flee
did all of its heavy bombarling ei.he
before we were taken TO MORO. or afte
5 we had left there.
t you were Imprisoned in the city itsel
: after the first four days, then?"
mo; from Morro we were taken o.
S board the Reina Mercedes, which tn
e Spanish were using as a hospital shiy
During the firing on Friday many win
: dows of the ship were broken by Ameri
f can bullets, but no one was hurt
t How about your hopes and fears dur
/ ing Imprisonment? Did you expect
D go aboard an American vessel again?"
The question brought a smile to Hot
sons face He allowed his memory
3 drift back over the events of the preced
a ing weeks. He did not answer for a me-
:. ment.
e 81 was greatly depressed at tines h
\ said presently, .'as were the other me
r of the Merrimac's. crew. 1 had a sligt
5 attack of fever but it did not last Ion.
: Yes; 1 am entirely well now and hop
to participate in the war from now unit
e the close.
e Mr.. Hobson again referred feelingly
: the manner in which he and his me
4 @Tsga@