Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1898-05-18

FORTS NOT SILENCED.

San Juan, Porto Rico. is no longer forti-
fed base Part OF Admiral Simpsons fleet
for three hours Thursday morning poured
shot and shell into the Notifications,
which. though not silenced, were rendered
comparatively ineffective.
The Spanish squadron from Cape Verde
must look to some other fortified port for aid
in its efforts to be victorious over tho war
ships OF the United States.
Though the forts were not demolished.
Admiral Sampson regards his mission to
San Juan as successful. The bombardnent
was terrific.
GAVE TIE MEN EXPERIENCE
The fighting gave the men on the warships
experience and enabled them to test their
Workmanship In action, which was desired
before giving battle to the armorclads OF
Spain. They are now better prepared than
ever to meet the foe, having the additional
confidence which comes from having been
under fire.
The American sailors would have liked to
continue Smelling the San Juan Notifications
until they we're completely shattered. but
Admiral Sampson decided that sufficient
damage had been done to make the port
useless as q fortified base.
I'D the DOUDbIuIlcuJ Ouc VI Jul uiCu woo
killed and seven were injured. Another died
from the heat. How heavy was the loss
among the Spaniards Is not known, but 1t Is
believed TO have been severe
BIG SHIPS IN ACTION.
The American feet approached San Juan
about three o'clock In the morning. 1t In
cluded the New York, Iowa, Indiana, Terror,
Amphltrite, Montgomery and detroit. The
torpedo boat Porter and the tug Wampatuck
kept In the rear.
Admiral Sampson was on the Iowa. He
decided - move upon the Notifications ct .
o'clock. Shortly after that hour the signal
"Clear for action" was given then came the
order ITO general quarters
The attack was directed on the eastern arm
Of the harbor, where there was good shore
battery OF six-inch guns, as well as the
less effective Moro battery. The Iowa
began the fighting, by throwing shell from
twelve inch gun. She quickly turned her
broadside to the shore battery, and belched
forth tremendous missiles Of destruction.
MORO BATTERY SET on FIRE.
In spite Of the great clouds Of smoke II
could be seen that the shells from the Ameri'
can warships had set fire to the Moro bat
terry In several places. These fires were ex'
tinguished by the Spaniards In short time
Owing to the condition OF the sea and the
binding smoke. our gunners conducted the
bombardment under considerable difficulty
IL was impossible fol them to obtain good
aim at times. but when the smoke would
clear temporarily the Workmanship was
magnificent
A shell from the shore battery struck par
OF the superstructure Of the Iowa ant
sent spinters flying. These splinteri
caused injuries to some Of the men on tn.
battle ships. No disorder followed. Through
out the bombardment the sailors OF all thu
warships conducted themselves herolcally.
MONITORS LENT PARTING SHOTS.
Admiral Sampson ordered the lombard
ment to cease at about 7:15 O'Clock. Tn
two monitors were 10th to leave the battl
ground They sent parting shots into tn
| battered Notifications.
Many shells went over the batteries dur
| Ing the bombardment.
When the warships hauled of shore afte
Admiral SIMPSONS signal to cease fighting
the Spanish base was no longer effective
while the American ships were ready 10
battle at any moment.