The sun., 1898-06-12
Sampson Praises HObsOn.

Sampson Praises HObsOn.
Special Dispa.o,. tc TAr tUN.
WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE Navy De-
partment today posted the following
bulletin giving detailed official report
from Admiral Sampson upon the hero
ism OF Lieutenant Hobson and his men
in sinking the Merrimac IN the Santiago
channel:
"United States flagship New York, off
Santiago, june 3, 1S9S.-Permit me 10
call your special attention to Assistant
Naval Constructor Hobson. As stated in
a special telegram before coming here, |
decided to make the barbor entrance Sc
cure against the possibility of egress by
Spanish ships by obstructing the narrow
part OF the entrance by sinking collier
at that point. Upon calling upon Mr..
Hobson for his professional opinion as
to sure method Of sinking the ship, he
manifested the most lively interest in
the problem After several days con-
sideration he presented solution which
ne considered would insure the imne,
diatc sinking Of the ship when 81 e
reached the desired point in the channe'.
This plan we prepared for execution
when we reached Santiago.
The plan contemplated crew OF only
seven men and Mr.. Hobson, who begged
that it might be entrusted to him. II Q
anchor chains were arranged on deck for
both the anchors, forward and after, the
plan including the anchoring Of the ship
almost automatically.
"As soon as I reached Santiago and l
had the collier to work upon, the details
were completed, and diligently prose-
cuted, hoping to complete them in one
day. as the moon and tide served best
the first night after our arrival. Not
withstanding every effort, the hour OF 4
o'clock in the morning arrived, and the
preparation was scarcely completed:
After a careful inspection of the final
preparations, / was forced to relinquish
the plan for that morning, as dawn was
breaking.
"Mr. Hobson begged to try it at all
hazards.
'This morning proved more propi-
tious, as a prompt start could be made.
Nothing could have been more calamity
executed. We waited impatiently after
the firing by the Spaniards had ceased.
When they did not reappear from the
hal Dor at 8 o'clock feard that they had
all perished. A steam launch which
had been sent in charge 81 Naval Cadet
Powell to rescue the men appeared at
t..is time, coming ont under persistent
fire of the batteries, but brought none of
the crew. A careful inspection of the
harbor from this ship showed that the
vessel Merrimac had been sunk in the
channel.
'This afternoon the Chief OF Staff Of
Admiral Cervera came out under flag
of truce with a letter from the Admiral
extolling the bravery of the crew in an
unusual manner.
81 cannot myself too earnestly express
my appreciation of the conduct of Mr..
Hobson and his gallant crew. | venture
to saw that a more brave and daring
thing has not been done since Gushing
blew up the Albemarle.
Referring to the inspiring letter which
You addressed to the officers at the be.
ginning Of the war, ] am sure you will
offer a suitable professional reward to
Mr.. Hobson and his companions.
81 must add that Commander J. NJ.
Miller relinquished his command with
the very greatest reluctance, believing he
would reta n his command under all cir
cumstances. He was, however, finally
convinced that the attempt Of another
person to carry out the multitude of de-
tails which had been in preparation by
Mr.. Hobson might endanger its proper
execution. therefore took the liberty
to relieve him for this reason only. There
were hundreds of volunteers who were
anxious to participate; there we're 100
from the Iowa, nearly as many from this
ship. and large numbers from all the
other ships, officers and men alike.
(Signed) "W. I. SAMPSON.