Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-02
NEWS OF THE SHIPS.
Information Taken From the Dali
Squadron Bulletin.

Information Taken from the Daily
Squadron Bulletin.
Additional official information from Ad-
miral Sampson, in the form of the Squad
ron Bulletin" issued daily on the flagship
New York, off Santiago de Cuba, was re-
ceived at the Navy Department today. The
first of these bulletins is under date of
June IS. Admiral Sampson reports that on
the 18th ultimo a reconnaissance was made
of the vicinity of Cabanas bay. The force
under command of Lieutenant Harlow con-
sisted of two steam cutters, one from the
New York, in charge of Naval Cadet Pow
ell. and the other from the Massachusetts,
in charge of Naval Cadet Hart.
The boat started into the bay at 4:i5 a.
m. Almost Immediately after passing the
old fort at the entrance they We're fired
upon, and the fire was so continued and
heavy and at such short range that they
were obliged to withdraw. Much of the
firing was from within fifty yards. The
two launches were struck seventeen times,
but no one was injured. The Texas and
Vixen went to the support Of the launches,
and, opening vigorous and effective fire
at short range, dispersed the enemy. Spe-
cial mention is made of the conduct of
Naval Cadets Hart and Powell, CoXswain
ODonnel and Seaman Blom
Admiral Sampson says that the Cuban
forces hold all the country between San
tiago and Guantanamo, and that the Gu
bans state it would be impossible for the
garrison of Guantanamo to effect a juno
ton with the forces at Santiago Artillery
is being transported by the Spaniards from
the shore batteries to Guantanamo town.
A spy reports that the Sandoval gunboat
is filled with straw preparatory to her de-
struction by fire. A few shots were fired
by the oregon on the 18th ultimo, one Of
the shells destroying a railroad car and
firing a large warehouse.
Referring TO the torpedo system in the
bay of Guantanamo. Admiral Sampson says
there are TWO electrical stations for tor
pedoes at the Socapa battery. one at the
Estrella battery and one at the Cayo
Smith. These stations are connected with
two lines of torpedoes of the Lattimenclar
system. One line in the channel has seven
torpedoes of which one was fired when the
Merrimac was sunk. but without affect on
her. The second line had five, also In the
channel, about one hundred meters from the
first. One of these torpedoes was also fired
at the Merrimac without effect. The tor
pedoes are in square boxes of iron contain
ing 226 kalos of gun cotton.
The admiral is informed from what he
evidently regards as a reliable source that
the sunken Merrimac does not block the
channel entrance to Santiago bay. The
wrecked vessel lies a little to the right of
the channel, and vessels can enter or leave
the bay without striking the obstruction.
The admiral states that during the bonn
bardment of June one the shells from the
| fleet struck the Reina Mercedes and killed
Capatano de Fragata Emilio Acostay Her.
man, second in command of the vessel and
| five men, and wounded six men,
| Under date of June 10. Admiral Sampson
reports that the Yankee left the night be-
| fore to blockade Cienfuegos. The Dixie
| was sent to blockade off Cape Cruz.
Referring to his conference with General
Garcia and other Cuban officers, Admiral
| Sampson reports that Garcia had about
| 1000 men back In the country, perhaps two
days march from Santiago, and about
| 1900 men still further back who were en-
gagged in observing Spanish forces, number
| ing perhaps 10000 men at Holguin, In order
| to prevent their leaving for Santiago. He
| says that Garcia's men are well armed and
| supplied with ammunition. the Florida ex-
| petition having made up all deficiencies.