The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-20

at the place designated in the
andum delivered to him at sis o'clock
a. m of that date.
He should have proceeded from Cien-
fuegos to Santiago de Cuba with all dis
patch. aid should have disposed his
vessels with a view of intercepting the
enemy in any attempt to a the flying
squadron. He should not have delayed
the squadron for the Eagle.
He should not have made the retro
grade turn westward with his squadron.
He should have promptly obeyed the
navy departments orders OF May 18th
He should have endeavored to capture
or destroy the Spanish vessels at anchor
near the entrance OF Santiago harbor
on Nay 18th and 30 b. He did not do his
utmost with the force under his COM
mand TO capture or destroy the Colon
and other vessels Of the enemy which
he attacked on May 31st.
BY commencing the engagement on
JUL 3rd with the port battery. and
turning the Brooklyn around with port
helm, Commodore Schley caused her to
lose distance and position with the
Spanish vessels-especially with the
Viscaya n Colon. The turn OF the
Brooklyn. to starboard was made to
avoid getting her into dangerous prox-
unity to the Spanish vessels. The turn
was made towards the Texas and caus-
vi AA4al VESSEL 10 sup anu 10 DdCk ueE
engines to avoid possible collision.
Admiral Schley did injustice to Lieu
tenant Commander Hodgson in publish
ing only a portion of the correspon-
dence which passed between them.
Commodore Schley's conduct in con-
nection with the events of the Santiago
campaign prior to June 1, 1898, was
characterized by vacillation, dilatori-
ness and lack Of enterprise. His official
reports regarding the coal supply and
the coaling facilities of the flying
squadron were in accurate and mislead-
ing.
His conduct during the battle Of July
Srd was self-possessed and he encour-
aged. in his own person, his subordinate
officers and men to fight c~ourageously.
TSigned1 GEORGE DEWEY
Admiral L. s. N, President.
SAM c. LEMLY,
Judge Advocate Geneal u. S. N.
Judge Advocate.
Dewey's Dissenting Opinion.
In the opinion of the undersigned the
passage from Key West to Cienfu-
egos was made by the flying squadron
with all possible dispatch, Commodore
Schley having in view the importance
of arriving off Cienfuegos with as much
coal as possible in the ships bunkers-
The blockade of Cienfuegos was effec-
tive.
Commodore Schley in permitting the
steamer Adula to enter the port OF CT
enfuegos expected to obtain information
concerning the Spanish squadron from
her when she came out.
The passage from Cienfuegos to a
point about twenty-five miles south of
Santiago was mad with as much dis
patch as was possible while keeping the
squadron a unit.
The blockade of Santiago was effeo-
tive.
Commodore Schley was the senior Off
Ger Of u squadron off Santiago when
the Spanish squadron ATTEMPTED to es-
cape or the morning of July 3. 1898. He
was in absolute command and is enti-
tiled to the credit due to such COM
handing officer for the glorious victory
which resulted in the total destruction
of the Spanish ships.
[Signed1 GEORGE DEWEY,
Admiral U. S. N.
SAM G. LFiLY.
Judge Advocate General u. S. N.
Judge Advocate.
Recommendation.
In view Of the length of time which
has elapsed since the occurrence of the
events of the Santiago campaign, the
court recommends no further proceed
ings be had in the premises.
[Signedl GEORGE DEWEY,
President.
SAM. G. LEMLY,
Judge Advocate General U. S. N.
Judge Advocate.