Evening star., 1899-04-07
MERRIMAC VOLUNTEERS.
The Collier Could Have Been Man.
ned a Hundred Times.

Admiral Sampson In the Century.
Schley's intention Ito return to Key West
for coal) made me feel uncertain that my
orders to obstruct the channel would be
carried out, and therefore at once turned
my attention to perfecting the scheme.
The detail Of sinking the collier quickly
when once in position seemed to be doubt
full operation. 1t was then that L sent for
Mr.. Hobson, assistant naval constructor
who had been with us on the flagship, and
asked his opinion as to the best method of
causing the Merrimac to sink. In his
opinion, the opening of sea-valves would
not cause her to sink quickly enough. After
considerable ponderjng over the curious
problem, Mr.. Hobson left the cabin with
the understanding that he would consider
other plans, and that after he had found
what he considered feasible one, he would
return and report On the Both of May,
while We were on our way, he came into
the cabin with his plan, quite perfected, in
volVing the use OF ten torpedoeS. To I'M
provise so many torpedoes seemed to me to
be difficult task, but MIR. Hobson was con-
hdent of success. He had thought out every
detail even to the smallest point. 1t was
at this time that he requested the privilege
of commanding the expedition. L was well
aware that the success of the undertaking
absolutely depended upon the man VINO was
to be intrusted with its execution. L was
greatly impressed with the faith and the
absolute fearlessness which Mr.. Hobson
ulSplag eU- -NOl Ill itt ttdSb PdINlSuldl
he show particle of doubt OF success. He
had developed the whole plan to such de-
gree that no one else had, or probably could
have had, the matter so completely in
mind. For this reason alone prudence de-
manded that he should be intrusted with
the principal command.
AS soon as this point was decided the
work of preparation went ahead with great
rapidity, and in all details Mr.. HobSon
wished; so that when We reached Santiago
early on June 1. the preparations-torpe-
does, fuses, etc--were completed, except
the plan for adapting them to the collier
which We now saw for the first time. While
the work on the Merrimac was being push
ed, Commander J. M Miller. commanding
the vessel, came on board the New York,
and entered a most urgent protest against
being deprived of his command, even ques-
tioning my authority to remove him from
ship where he had been placed in command
by the Navy Department. He positively re-
fused to give up his command to any one in
the circumstances. He had my sympathy
but L succeeded in convincing him that in
the exceedingly short time at our disposal
it would be most unwise to make change
in the plans.
Volunteers We're called for to man the
collier, with the idea of enlisting in so haz-
arduous an undertaking only those most ca
pable and willing. To my surprise, enough
oucers and men volunteered to man a hum
dred Merrimacs, there being hundreds of
offers from single ship. AS only seven
men We're required, it was difficult matter
to decide who should be chosen TO go. Mr..
Hobson was to be the only officer. 1t was
daybreak of June when L Went on board
to have a final look at Mr.. Hobson's COM
pieted preparations. By the time / had
made even a hasty inspection the day was
advancing, and by the time the collier was
under way for the entrance to the harbor
reluctantly made up my mind that it was
already too light to make the attempt, and,
accordingly, signal was made for her to re-
turn and wait till the next morning. The
time was employed in making still more
satisfactory preparations. that before
daybreak on June 3 the Merrimac was
quietly steaming for the mouth of the har-
bOr.