Connecticut western news., 1898-06-09
LIEUTENANT ROBSON.


 vizcaya and Almirante oquendo, with the two torpedo boat destroyers Furor and Fulton, are no longer of any use 10 Spain.
 This result was accomplished through the heroism of Lieutenant Richmond F. Hobson, assistant naval constructor. and Daniel Montague, George Charette, J. c. Murphy, Oscar Delgnan, John F. Phillips, John Kelly and H. Clauson. The latter, a cockswain of the New York, tookpart in the expedition against orders. They were all captured by the Spaniards. but the Spanish admiral, in recognition of their bravery, sent word to the American admiral under a flag of truce that he was willing to exchange the prisoners and assuring the Ameri- can commander that they would be treated with the greatest kindness. Money and provisions have been sent to them. and the necessary steps are being taken to bring about their exchange.
 The Merrimac had on board 500 tons of coal when she was scuttled across the channel.
 Lieutenant Hobson started on his dar- ing errand at 3 o'clock in the morning. The Merrimac was lying to the west ward. Under cover of the clouds over the moon she stole in toward the coast and made her way to the eastward, fol- lowed by a steam launch from the New York with the following crew on board: Naval Cadet J. w. Powell of OsweEo, N. r.; P. K. Peterson, coXswain; H. Hand- ford. apprentice of the first class; J. Mulllngs, coal passer; G. l.. Russell, machinist of the second class. In the launch were bandages and appliances for the wounded.
 Under the Enemys Guns.
 At o'clock thin streams of smoke were seen against the western shore quite close to the Spanish batteries, and strong glasses made out the launch of the New York returning to the flag ship. Scarcely had the small craft been sighted before q puff of smoke issued from a battery on the western arm of the harbor and shot plunged far over the launch. Then for 15 minutes the big guns ashore kept up an irregular fire on the little launch. As the shells fell without hitting the object they were in- tended for, the men on board the New York jeered at the Spanish marksman- ship and cheered their shipmates.
 At 6:15 a. m. the launch came along side the flagship. but she did not have on board any of the crew of the Merri- mac. Cadet Powell reported that he had been unable to see any signs of the Merrimac's crew. It developed that with great bravery the cadet had gone right under the batteries and only re- turned when all hope of taking on board the crew of the Merrimac had to be abandoned.
 Cadet Powell also reported that he had clearly seen the Merrimac's masts sticking up just where Hobson hoped to sink her. north of the Estrela battery and well past the guns of Morro castle. But of the heroes who had pinned the Spaniards in there was not sound or a sign.
 Cadet Powell believes the torpedoes previously fixed about the Merrimac were exploded as planned, as Lieuten- ant Hobson was well up the harbor be- fore the Spaniards opened fire on the Merrimac.
 Hobson's Plan of Action.
 What actually happened on board the Merrimac can best be judged from what Lieutenant Hobson said just be- fore leaving the flagship. Sitting in his cabin, his face Drowned by the sun and his eyes flashing with excitement, he remarked.
 q shall go right into the harbor until about 400 yards past the Estrella bat tery, which is behind Morro castle. do not think they can sink me bsfore I reach somewhere near that point. The Merrimac has 1000 tons buoyancy, and II shall keep her full speed ahead. She can make about ten knots. When the narrowest part of the channel is reached shall put her helm hard aport stop the engines, drop the anchors, open the sea connections, touch off the tor
 Al. .lg lying athwart the channel, which is not as broad as the Merrimac is long. There are ten s inch improvised torpedoes be- low the water line on the Merrimacs port side. They are placed on her side against the bulkheads and vital spots, connected with each other by a wire under the ships keel. Each torpedo contains S2 pounds of gunpowder. Each torpedo is also connected with the bridge, and they should do their work in a minute. and 1t will be quick work even if done in minute and a quarter
 "On deck there will be four men and myself In the engine room there will be two other men. This is the total crew, and all of us will be in our un- derclothing. with revolvers and ammu- nttion in water tight packing strapped around our waists. Forward there will ha a man on deck. and around his waist will be a line. the other end of the line being made fast to the bridge. where l shall stand. By that mans side will be an ax. When I stop the engines l shall jerk this cord, and he will get the sig nal to cut the flashing which will be holding the forward anchor. He will then jump overheard and swim to the four pared diIfgy. which we will tow astern. The dingy Is full of life buoys and Is unsuitable. In 1t are rifles. It is to be held by two ropes. one made fast o. 1,ar bou. ond o,,. a. Aa. .s,rt, Tha