The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-11

ing ship. The Vixen was lying about
two miles of shore. and about four miles
to the westward of Morro castle. and
from this time on was never out of
sight of the fleet.
Word was at once sent to the COM
manding officer. and all hands were
called to quarters. All speed was or
dered and the helm was put to port to
stand further off shore and leave the
Brooklyn's fire unobstructed. The
Brooklyn had hoisted a signal that the
enemy was attempting to escape, and
the Vixen. noticing that the leading
ship was turning to the westward, sig
nailed that the enemy was attempting
to escape in that direction. The fleet
at this time had resumed its station,
and the vessels began rapidly TO close
in toward the south end of the harbor,
continuing a terrific long range fire on
the enemy.
There was no doubt that the enemy
was coming out There were several
anxious moments before IL could be de-
termined whether the Spanish admiral
would order his feet TO disperse and
attempt to break through the blockad-
ing squadron or keep his ships to-
gether. The leading vessel had changed
her course to the west, when a second
vessel appeared, followed shortly by the
Cristobal Colon. The Colon was easily
identified because her mast was between
her smokestacks. The other ships could
caya, the Almirante Oquendo and In
fanta Maria Teresa had the same ap-
pearance.
Meanwhile the fleet approached the
mouth of the harbor, and when the
fourth vessel appeared and turned to
the west Ii became evident that Admiral
Cervera had reconnoitered the field and
n. IL.
the blockade, because the strong eastern
current had drifted the heaviest ships
to the east of their customary positions.
The western portion of the blockading
circle was defended by the Vixen and
Brooklyn. The Brooklyn headed north,
apparently intending to intercept the
head of the enemy's column. As the
leading ships of the enemys column ap-
peared, the western battery opened a
heavy fire, apparently directed at the
eastern and central ships of the block
aiding squadron. At 10 a. m. the Brook
lyn was nearest and engaged the two
leading ships, which were close together,
with an interval of three-quarters of a
mile between the second ship and the
Cristobol Colon. At 1906 the Brooklyn
turned with port helm, making the
complete turn to the east, so that she
was again heading west. The enemy's
quarter, and the fourth vessel was COM
ing up astern rapidly. At this time the
Vixen was west of the leading ship and
was steaming on a parallel course.
For the next fifteen minutes the
Brooklyn received and returned the fire
of the two leading ships. and an occa-
sional shot from the Cristobal Conlon. At
0:30 the chasewa well formed, the po-
sitions being as follows: The enemy's
ships in column between Cabanas and
Guayacabon, the Brooklyn steering a
parallel course a mile distant, with the
oregon two miles southeast. The other
American vessels were obscured by the
smoke.
At 1888 the Colon and the leading
ships of the enemy were close together,
just clear Of the Brooklyns bow, as
viewed from the Vixen. the Cristobal
Colon gaining speed and closing up. IL
was apparent that the leading vessel
was disabled and on fire as she dropped
rapidly astern. She apparently headed
for the shore off Juan Gonzales.
The Oregon, forging ahead capitally.
engaged the fourth ship. AS she passed
two smaller Spanish vessels, probably
the Furor and Pluton. TO the westward
of Cabanas, engaged the Iowa, and the