The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-05-09

word. There was no spout OF fire from
rurret or sponsor, and Dewey vas tax
ing his Yankee time with great delib-
Grafton.
A jackie on the McCulloch told me the
admiral had s~lgnalled, "Hold your fire
until close In" Another asserted the sig
nails read, Save your powder until at
close range"
In any event the Olympia went on in
grim silence. Most OF the men had never
been under fire before. and my heart
pounded like a hammer.
Then off the bow OF the Baltimore sud-
denly vomited n great spout OF water,
blacked with harbor mud. "The mines!
The mines! They're among the mines!"
Il men said. Another geyser cane up
lear the Raleigh. Great waves washed
out, but nothing was hurt. 1t was $3.50
before the Olympia opened her eight
inch guns, and the American fleet
swung In front Of the Spanish ships and
forts In single file, firing their port guns.
Then wheeling, they passed back, firing
their sturboard guns. This manoeuvre
was repeated five times. The entire
American fleet passed all the Spanish
Ships and batteries, and each time drew
in closer and delivered fire at more
deadly range.
During two hours and 4 half there was
tremendous resistance from the eleven
Spanish ships and five shore batteries.
all in full play against the American
warships.
But most of their powder was spent In
vain, while the American marksman-
ship was faultless.
At 7:45 we withdrew TO ascertain dam
ages and permit the smoke to clear. 1t
was then seen that several Spanish ships
were crippled or burning. while our. YES
sells had suffered hardly at all. Admiral
Dewey called his captains into consult
alton, and arranged for another attack.
At 1910 he again attacked, the Balti-
more leading. She advanced straight
upon the enemy, Smelling them con-
stantly, and the other Americans fol-
lowed, working their guns us rapidly as
as they could load and fire. The effect
OF this assault was terrific. Ship, after
ship OF the S%paniards went down or was
run ashore 10 keep from falling into our
hands.
At 1915 p. m. the Spaniards struck
their colors. Admiral Patrlcio Montejo
went to Manila, and most Of his sur
vlvors fled with him.
This ended the work Of May ]. 4 day
ever to be glorious in American history.
The next day. May ., Commodore
Dewey landed n force OF marines at Ca
wife. They completed the destruction Of
the Spanish fleet and batteries and es-
tdblished guard aver them for the pro-
lection OF the Spanish hospitals.
All, the American damage was prac-
tIcally on the cruiser Baltimore. When
she made her gallant dash in the second
engagement, come ammunition on her
deck exploded, and this was what in
jured most Of the Americans who were
hurt.
On approaching Carite, two torpedo
boats put out to menace the American
fleet, but after sighting us Immediately
ran for cover. without ~dischargins a
single torpedo.
The resistance OF the forts could
hardly be called effective or desperate.
The Olympia turned a few guns on.
Cavite arsenal and Its magazine eNplod-
ed, killing over forty Spaniards anu
wound!ng many more. This practically
| ended the fire from the batteries. the
Spanish artillerlsts fearing the deadly
craftsmanship Of the American gum
ners.
When / left, Commodore Dewey was
practically in complete control, though
the city proper had not fallen. Proba-
bly, at this writing 1t has completely ca
pitulated. Although the Spaniards have
q numerous force. they have not the
wherewIthnl to stand a siege.
Admiral Montejo and his officers are
still In the old portion OF Manila.
Altogether 1t was the greatest naval
fight Of the age.