The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-12-09

Admiral C~ervera's fleet, but their for
tunate arrival dispelled these appre-
tensions, and lent much needed re-
enforcement. Not until Admiral Ger
vera took refuge in the harbor of
Santiago de Cuba about May 18th, was
it practicable to plan a systematic ma
val and military attack upon the An
tillean possessions Of Spain.
Several demonstrations occurred on
the coasts of Cuba and Porto Rico in
preparation for the larger event. On
May 18th the North Atlantic squadron
shelled San Juan de Porto Rico. On
May Goth Commodore Schley's squad
ron bombarded the forts guarding the
mouth of Santiago harbor. Neither at
tack had any material result. 1t was
evident that we'll ordered land opera
tions were indispensable to achieve a
decisive advantage.
HOBSON'S EXPLOIT.
THE nex act in the war thrilled not
alone the hearts of our countrymen,
but the world, by its exceptional hero
ism. On the night of June 3rd, Lieu
tenant Hobson, aided by seven devoted
volunteers, blocked the narrow chan
mel outlet from Santiago harbor, by
sinking the collier Merrimac in the
channel, under a fierce fire from the
shore batteries, escaping with their
lives as by a miracle, but falling into
the hands of the SDaniards. 1t is a
most gratifying incident of the war
thai the bravery of this little band Of
heroes was cordially appreciated by
the Spanish admiral, who sent a flag
of truce to notify Admiral Sampson of
their safety and to compliment them
on their daring act. They were subse-
quently exchanged July eth.
LANDIUG OF FIRST TROOPS.
by June eth the cutting of the last
Cuban cable isolated the island. There
after the invasion was vigorously pros
ecuted. IN June 10th under a heavy
fire, a landing of 600 marines from the
Oregon, Marblehead and Yankee was
effected in Guantanamo bay, where it
had been determined to establish a
naval station.
This important and essential port
was taken from the enemy after sewers
fighting by the marines, who were the
first organized force of the United
States to land in Cuba. The position
so won was held despite desperate at
tempts to dislodge our forces.
FIGHTING BEFORE SANTIAGO.
by June 18th additional forces were
landed and strongly e~ntrenciled. On
June 22nd the advance of the invad-
ing army under Major General Shafter
landed at Daiquiri, about fifteen miles
VI ~ III d dCCOI11pIlSlI-
ed under great difficulty, but with
marvellous dispatch. On June 23rd the
movement against Santiago was be-
gun. On the oath the first serious en-
gagement took place in which the First
and Tenth cavalry and h First
United States volunteer cavalry, Cen
eral Young's brigade of General Wheel
er's division participated, losing heav-
lily. By nightfall, however, ground
within five miles of Santiago was won.
The advantage was steadily increas-
ed. On July 1st a severe battle took
place, Jul forces gaining the OutWOrks
of Santiago; on the End Ell Caney and
San Juan were taken after a desper-
ate charge, and the investment of the
city was completed. The navy cooper
ated by Smelling the town and the
coast forts.
DESTRUCTION OF CERVERA'S
FLEET.
ION the day following this brilliant
achievement of our land forces, the
Bird of July, occurred the decisive ma
val combat Of the war. The Spanish
fleet, attempting to leave the harbor,
was met by the American squadron
under command of Commodore Samp-
son. In less than three hours all the
Spanish ships were destroyed, the two
torpedo boats being sunk and the Ma
ria Teresa, Almirante Oquendo, Viz
and Crfstobal Colon driven
ashore. The Spanish admiral and over
l 300 men were taken prisoners, while
the enemy's loss of life was d~eplorably
large, some 500 perishing. On our side
but one man was killed, on the Brook
Ign, and one man seriously
Although our ships were repeatedly
struck, not one was seriously injured.
Where all so conspicuously distin-
tInr,ro1x-nc froyo tho nnro-
manders to the gunners and unarmed
heroes in the boiler room, each and
all contributing toward the achieve
ment of this astounding victory, for
which neither ancient nor modern his
tory affords a parallel in the complete
ness of the event n the marvellous
d~isprOpOrtiOn of casualties, it would
be invidious to single cut any for espe-
cial honor. Deserved promotion has
rewarded the more conspicuous actors.
The nations ~prOfOundest gratitude is
due to all of these brave men who
by their skill n devotion in a few
short hours crushed the sea. power of
Spain and wrought a triumph whose
decisiveneSS and far reaching cOnse |
quences can scarcely be measured.
car we be unmindful of the
les and artisans for their skill in the
construction of Our WarShiDS.
with the catastrophe of Santiago |
SPANS effort upon the ocean virtually |
ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the
end of June to send her Mediterranean
under Admiral Camara to relieve
was abandoned, the expedition
being recalled after it had passed
through the Suez canal. |
CAPITULATION OF SANTIAGO.
THE c~apitulation of Santiago follow
ed. The city was closely besieged by
while the entrance of our ships |
the harbOr cut off all relief on
side. After a truce to allow of |
the removal of nOn-combatants, pro- |
tracted negotiations continued from
July 3rd to July 18th, under menace |
of immediate assault. until the pre- |
of surrender were agreed
upon. On the 18th Genera Shafter oc- |
cupied the city. The capitulation en- |
braced the entire eastern end of Cuba. |
The number of Spanish soldiers sur |
rendered was %, 900, all of whom were
subsequently conveyed to Spain at the
charge of the United States. The stony
of this successful campaign is told |
in the report Of the secretary of war, |
which will he Ibid bafora Won TIL in I