The age-herald., 1898-08-04
ANOTHER HERO.
Boatswain Nevis, of the Bancroft, Dis
 tinguishes Himself.

Key West Aug. 3.-9:30 D.. m.-Another Jackie" has achieved the reputation of a hero. He is Boatswain Mat Nevis of the gunboat Bancroft. One day last week, the Bancroft, accompanied by the converted yacht Eagle which had been covering the blockading station around the Island of Pines, sighted small Spanish schooner in Sugunea bay.
 The Bancrofts steam launch in charge of Nevis and one other seamen, each armed with a rifle, was sent in to take the schooner. This was only the task of min utes and the pretty launch returned with her prize which proved to be the little schooner Mite with no cargo. Her captain was an American and with him was his Cuban wife and seven children, all avow- ing loyalty to the Cuban cause. They pleaded poverty and that the Mite was their only means of livelihood.
 Commander Clover, of the Bancroft, promised to return her at the proper time. Meanwhile he sent Nevis in with her to anchor near the wreck of the Spanish transatlantic liner Santo Domingo sunk by the Eagle few weeks ago. Then the Bancroft and Eagle cruised off to Mangle Point, where they happened to be in con- munication with the insurgent camp. Two hours later they returned Nothing could be seen of the launch nor of the prize. Suddenly Commander Clover, who was scanning the water with his glass; shouted to Captain Sutherland, of the Eagle, By heavens, they have .recaptured my prize!'
 The little schooner lay near the wrecked steamer but the Spanish flag was flying from her mast, and instead of only Nevis and his companion, she was apparently filled with men. Meanwhile the gunboat Maple had drawn up, and Commander Clover sent her to the rescue. With guns ready she steamed toward the schooner, but the sight that greeted the Naples ,l.,% .tAI and his companion sat alone in the boat, attempting to navigate her out of the harr bor. Each had his rifle acros his knees and was keeping wary eye on party of half adozen covering Spaniards hud, dled in the other end of the boat The Maple offerd Nevis a tow, but he replied with joke and declined the proffered ass sistance.
 Then it developed that in going into an- chor he had observed the other small Spanish boats near the wreck of the Santo Domingo and resolved to capture them also. He knew that it was a hazardous work but bluff carried him through. He took the Spanish colors off the schooner. ran them up on the launch and boldly ran in. There were six men in the other boats, and they watched the approach of their sup' posed compatriots, when Nevis and the other "jackies'' suddenly shifted their rifles to their shoulders and demanded an i'm mediate surrender The scared Spanish seamen lost no time in complying and had the unique experience to surrender to theii own flag.
 The capture was no mean one, for these men gave important information to the Americans. They were residents of the little town of Cuaz, province of Santa Clara on what is called Pirates lagoon, because fin ancient days it was favorite resort oi the brethren of Captain Kidd. The towr
 
 and Eagle would have taken possession but they could not spare a permanent force | to protect the non-combatants. women and ' children. @t T 2,