The evening times., 1899-05-19

then follow the Spanish hcrt and report their
destination. II you learn nothing after four days
on station. proceed TO Cape iizitien. Haiti. and
telegraph Sampson at Key West, F1a., and the
Department. The 81. Paul will cruise between
Morant Point Jamaica. and west end Of Haiti.
Your orders must he kept secret absolutely. even
from your officers LONG.
The Navy Department learned on May
II that the Spanish fleet had touched at
Curacao and the following cable messages
were sent:
Washington, May II, 1898.
Naval Station, Key West, ria:
Spanish fleet with torpedo boats is reported
sighted of Curacao by our consul at that place
morning May ~. Is probably fleet which was at
Martinique on May Il. Keep close lookout ior
Yucatan channel, the enemy may round Cape
san Antonio, enter the Guif of .IeXico. Keep
very efficient dispatch service to these LOOK
out ships st. Paul probably will join you early
morning May IL. Enemy may appear nj point
the south side OF CUBA LONG.
Washington, May II. 1895.
Naval Station, Key West, fIa.:
On account of the presence OF the Spanish
feet near Curacao. send with all possible dis
patch. swift vessel to direct all excepting small
blocEading vessel OH Cienfuegos 10 return TO
Key West Warn bloekading vessels north coast
of Cuba, but do not remove any Of them.
LONG.
Washington, May l6, 1898.
American Consul, Curacoa:
Ascertain from butch authorities why coal was
given to the Nizcaya and Teresa and protest
against any Of the Others being coaled
Key West. May ls ls9,
Secretary of Navy. Washington, d. C.:
Flying squadron has arrived. REMEf.
1t was on May IS that Commodore Schley
was advised that the Spanish fleet was
making for Cienfuegos. few hours later
Schley with the flying squadron was steam
ing for Santiago.
On May 20, the Navy Department was
advised that the fleet under Cervera had
entered the harbor of Santiago on May -.
On May 2S the Spanish fleet was bot
tied up" The department was not assured
that the fleet was in the harbor and the
following dispatch was sent to Schley:
Washington, May %, 1875.
Schley. Mole, Haiti:
tAlso sent to Port .Antonio and to Kingston,
Jamlica.)-
1t is your duty to ascertain Immediately if the
Spanish fleet is IN Santiago and report. Would
be discreditable to the Navy if that fact not
ascertained Immediately. All military and naval
movements depend upon that point. LONG.
The answer follows:
Mole st. Nicholas, via Haiti.
Secretary OF Navy, Washington:
On Santiago de Cuba, May %. 10 i. m. Enemy
In port Recognized Cristoba1' Colon. infanta Ma
ria Teresa. and two torpedo boat destroyers.
noorcd inside Moro. behind point Doubtless the
others are here. have not sufficient coal Max
ing every effort to get coal in. Vixen has blown
out manhole gaskst. | have sent boiler makers
ON board 10 repair. Collier repaired. machinery
being put together. Have about 1900 tons 0f
coat III collier. but not easy to get aboard here.
II there is no engagement in neat two three
days. simpsons squadron could relieve this one
10 coal at Gonaiyes Port su Prince. Hasten
me dispatch vessels for picket work. The Brook
lyn. Iowa. Texas Massachusetts,. Marblehead, vix.
cn. and collier compose squadron here. 1 am
sending st. Paul TO communicate with sampson.
SCHT.El