Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-10-12

tNSPOi 10 III Z OllStt lSuiOuS IeaQIIss, DuI
the following from Commander Harry
l.. Cannon, of the First Naval Bat
TALON of Virginia Reserves, with head
quarters in this city, is an exception:
Headquarters First Naval Battalion,
Virginia Volunteers,
Norfolk. Va, October Z, 1899.
Sir,-I have the honor to submit the
following report, covering the cruise
OF the First Naval Battalion. Virginia
Volunteers, on board the Siren, to take
part in the Dewey celebration. and
their return:
The Siren was Differed as follows:
Commander. Harry l.. Cannon: Lieu
tenant, William NJ Hudgins; Executive
officer, Lieutenant William l.. Butcher
and Ensign Louis V. r. Smith: Watch
Officers, Lieutenant William l.. Mayer,
chief engineer, and Assistant Engln-
GERS Murllle and Hefiey, and having
on board Captain William w. Barrow,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gcneral, OF
Richmond, Va.
the 2Gth September, 1899; ran down to
Old Point and took on board twelve
men of the Hampton Division, making
up her crew OF siXty-thrce reserves.
officers included; got under way, and,
while i'll the Roads. swung ship and adj
justcd compass; at midnight passed
out of the Capes. moonlight night and
weather favorable. but high seas run
ming, from which the spray occasional
ly broke over the ship. and men more
or less seasick. With the breaking of
the day the men. with few exceptions,
recovered from their seasiclness, and,
the weather being favorable, the crew
were drilled in firing the rapid-fire
guns.
On the morning of the 2Sth the Siren
dropped anchor In New York harbor,
OH quarantine. At 10 Il m we ran
down to the Olympia and saluted the
Admiral with seventeen guns, which
was returned by the Olympia with
seven. being commanders salute.
In company with Captain Barrow. OF
Richmond, in full uniform, I boarded
the Olympia to extend Norfolk's off,
cial invitation to Admiral Dewey to
visit the city of Norfolk. We were re-
ceived courteously and with every show
or genuine friendliness by the Admiral
captain Lamberton, and Flag Lieuten-
ant Brumby.
TIE ADM1RAL'S COMPLIMENTS.
The Admiral complmented us upon
the fine appearance OF the Siren, and
expressed great satisfaction that the
virginia reserves were present to take
part in his celebration. and happy that
NA'E' y 40 odCl q Ou lecIlnE eStSttnC be-
tween the two sections OF the country,
lie felt honored. he said, by the SIRENS
salute. and returned 1t with pleasure.
ana said he would cause an entry of
the same to be made in the ships log.
lie insisted that We should take part
in the marine parade. and later we
were assigned q conspicuous place In
the naval parade, following the New
York Reserves.
on the goth. at 1 o'clock, the marine
parade formed column and passed up
lne river. We were in the rear of the
new York Reserves who followed the
vessels of the navy, the yachts and
merchant marine bringing up the rear.
IN coming down the river the warshIp,
hred n national salute as they an
preached Grants tomb, and then drop.
pea anchor. allowing the rear vessels
to pass them.
THE SALUTE TO GRANT.
AS the Siren came down caused the
guns 10 be made ready. and. when in
posltion' hred national salute OF
President. This act drew forth cheer
after cheer. the steamers closing in
around US. saluting with their whistles
ana the bands changing from the
pieces they were playing 10 America :"
AS we passed on the way to our
.HooiinSs we were received with sa-
lutes from the officers of all the war
SHIPS mt anchor. When we passed the
olympia Captain I.amherton and his
officers took off their caps to the of1l-
GERS and reserves, who were lined I'm
on the starboard side. The reserves
returned the greeting
Great credit should be given to Chief
engineer William L. Mayer for the
manner in which he handled the
engines or the Siren during the parade
hitch OF moment wouId have
meant u collision. As it was thn
engines responded to the signals from
the bridge Instantly.
The great land parade was vitncssa,,
by the reserves. The Mayor of Nav
YORK sent the officers special invita-.
lions to the grandstand.
On sunday, ut 4 p. m we got ,,ndar
way Tor our return trip. and drnnna6
down ana anchored off Sandy Hook A.
midnight we left Sandy Hook ana con-
tinucd down the beach: weather n1aos-
ant, but sea- n little rough, nothing or
consequences occurring on In, rim
down; men in better condition ol we'll
and in better health. ''' wen
At Old Point we landed the Hamnto,
Reserves; also, Captain Harrow vie
desired to take the early train to Rich
mond; after which we continued m N
Norfolk. dropping anchor Mt G:s0 q n,
on the Sd day OF October. 1880
Respectfully.
(StGneO HARRY l.. CANNON
Commander. Commanding First N,yo,
Battalion. Virginia Volunteers
General w. Nalle. Adjutan.. General of
Virginia, Richmond