Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-06-18

hausted. Soon the tropical sun came
out and almost roasted us. We kept
on through the Gays. When within
six miles of our destination, as / was
searching every island with my glasses,
saw two white sails between the tree
tops on the opposite side of the island
from u.s.. AS we kept on our course
and they did not move, l concluded
they had not seen us. They had no
idea that we would be so bold as to
pass out so near Cay Frances. But
they reckoned without their host. We
rounded the island and attacked and
captured both vessels inside of 10 min
utes. 1t was the most complete SUR
prise ever saw. The vessels were
anchored very near the shore, which
allowed the Spaniards a chance to
escape. Amidst hail of lead from
our guns, they lowered their boats,
pulled ashore and went heller skelter
through the woods. 1t was a sight to
see them run. After it was all over,
1 laughed until I got pain in my side
about big, fat Spaniard who was left
all alone on one of the vessels without
boat to get ashore in. He jumped
overheard and am almost tempted to
say that he was going so fast that he
ran on top of the water, not having
time to sink. When he got to land,
there was no doubt at all about his
flying. I never saw a fat man 60 so
fast in my life before. We ran along
side the nearest vessel and | sent q
few men on board to cut her adrift
from her moorings and get her under
way and out to sea at once; while l
with the others went to the other ves-
sci, which was lying within so yards
of the shore, hoisted her anchor and
took her in tow until we got away
some distance from the land, for l did
not know but at any moment we might
receive volley from whole regiment
lying in the woods close by.
"For us everything was favorable
the wind and tide were exactly in the
right direction-and within few min
utes we were sailing gaily out to sea
with our prizes. 1t was a bloodless
victory for us, as the Spaniards did
not take time to turn and fire shot.
The officer in command even left his
sword which l now have as trophy.
Of the two swords captured, I gave
one to Captain Delhanty, Of our ship.
We got lot of highly priced trophies,
not to mention two Spanish flags.
"You should have seen us when we
returned to the ship. Comparatively
speaking a little midget. of a boat
bringing in two large sloops. As we
approached the ship we could see
everybody lined up at the rail and
wondering what it all meant. Three
hearty cheers greeted US as we came
alongside and many were the congrat-
ulations we received when we got on
board. s.
II do not know what injury we did
the Spaniards. Some of them might
have been wounded but 1 do not
think any of them were killed outright.
The fat man got out all right, for the
men shooting at him were laughing so
hard they could not take good aim.
With the capture of these vessels we
got the whole heliograph signal outfit
that the enemy had at Cay Frances,
and 1 was sufficiently avenged for
their having put the gunboat on my
trail the night before. AS soon as l
get to Key West again 1 will send my
sword (the trophy home to be kept
for me. 1t is a valuable souvenir to
have.
"Of the vessels we captured one was
given to the Cubans and the other was
sunk to prevent its falling into the
hands of the enemy again. We had
other work to perform and did not
have time to take the vessels to the
United States. Had the latter been
done I would, have received a large
amount of prize money; but l was
amply repaid in having the honor of
capturing them and in getting sword
as a trophy. If the Spanish officer
had had the courage to stand and fight
until he was compelled to surrender
he would have got his sword back. 1t
is said that I am the first to plant the
American flag on the main land OF
Cuba, but I will not claim this credit,
as am not sure of it. Other officers,
l know, have planted it on Cuban soil,
but it is said they planted it on ada
cent islands. However, will not dis
pute their claims. The Cubans give
me the credit.
"On the expedition I gained some
valuable information, which think
will materially help our cause.
"Yours, VICTOR"