The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-15
TO START FOR CUBA
a Fleet of So Vessels Sailed From
Port Tampa

Tampa, Fla, June 15.-After weeks of
waiting and preparation, the first army
of invasion TO start from the eastern
shores OF the United States has depart
ed under the command of General Snaf-
ter. The fleet OF transports consisted
of thirty-five vessels. four tenders and
fourteen conveys. These are all upon
the Gulf of Mexico headed southwark
until they pass Key West at least. II
the destination be Cuba they viii con-
tinue their present course until Cape
Antonio, at the west OF the island, is
doubled, when an easterly course will
be sailed, until they reach the vicinity
of Santiago.
The actual embarkation OF the troops
began on Monday, June 6. The work
proceeded diligently until late on We'd
nesday afternoon, when after the de-
parture of several vessels, an important
order came calling a halt in the pro-
ceedings. The Castine was dispatched
to at once overhaul the disappearing
vessels and recall them. They all came
back but one, the City of Washington,
winch was reported to be aground
down the bay. 1t has been subsequent
ly learned that this vessel had out
stripped the messenger until the coast
of Cuba was really sighted. Neither
the Washington nor the Castine re-
turned to Port Tampa until Saturday.
The alleged cause of the delay was
the report that the Hornet while out
scouting had sighted several Spanish
warships. Like a wet blanket came
the order to halt. CheerfulnesS was
Two questions were on every tongue:
Has Spain surrendered?'' Has our
fleet met with reverse?" The for
mer met with the readieSt belief, many
believing the words in the order-''in-
definitely acknowledgment peace.
The unloading of the Florida, which
had been run into by the Miami and Sc
riously damaged last Wednesday, gave
grounds for the rumor that all the
transports were being unloaded. News
paper men were confidentially told on
haf l1nI had hot on
board. The following day it was open
ly stated that the sailing would occur
on Sunday noon.
The rush of the previous Monday was
repeated, General Miles and his staff
went TO Port Tampa Sunday morning
at 6:3O to deliver parting instructions.
During the heavy rain squall on Satur-
day night. while the transports were
straining at their cables, the little tug
Captain Sam steamed from ship to
ship, megaphoning the order, stand
ready to sail at DAYLIGHT Above the
roar of the storm wild cheers were
heard, and bright flash of lightning
revealed the soldiers standing in the
rain waving their wet hats and hurrah-
ing. When the morning broke piers
were lined with transports, the docks
were crowded with box cars, fiat cars,
baggage and express cars. Most of
these were crowded with soldiers, who
were cheered until their ears ached and
who cheered in return until hoarse.
Bright colOred dresses and fragile
indicated the presence of the fair sex.
Horses and mules were kicking up
clouds of dust and the sun poured down
in hot rays, sweltering the mass of hui
mainly. Thus Sunday passed. the trans
ports at the docks and those in mid
stream receiving their. quotas of men,
and the necessaries to sustain them.
General Miles again went to the
port on Monday on the early train.
The stirring scenes continued, the mad
rush had not abated. General Miles
from the observation end of his car,
watched the crowd as it passed near
him. The transports swinging at their
mornings were plainly in view as We're
also many of those at the docks. The
embarkatiOn of animals was progress i
ing satisfactorily.
Shortly after 8 o'clock, the tunnels of
the transports began to pour forth
volumes of black smoke. The Olivette
Margaret, Mateo and Laura were visit
ing the fleet. giving water to one, troops
to another, animals and equipments to
another. Along the pier could be heard
the voices of the transport commanders
as they gave their orders to cut loose
The gang planks were pulled in, the
hatchways closed, lines cast off and the
engines were put motion.
The vessels awaited the order to sail.
after 1 o'clock. All eyes We're riveted
the Seguranca, the flagship, and
when the final signal came a mighty