The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1913-04-08

SIncEa din~ the harbor OF Santiago.
an waa detailed on the inner n OK
nafroI and vas constantly / actlve
service. It was during this GeSi0o Va
blockade that Lieutenant bus. y"
two occasions at the request o. Al
miral Sampson, went through n
Spanish lines to the harbor anc oD-
tanned Information about the Spani
ships inside. This was done by scout
ing while in uniform, and not as q
spy as Is generally believed. During
these scouting trips he was some
times near enough to Spanish soldiers
to hear them talk. n had seFerai
narrow escapes from capture.
The following letters show the est
mate placed by Lieutenant Blues su-
perior officers on his Skill and heroism
displayed in these exploits. and the
importance OF the results accom-
Sailors Snug Harbor,
New Brighton. n. Y.
Oct s. 1898
Sir.
In reply to the Bureaus circular
letter No. 14O698 I have h pleasure
Of reporting Lieutenant Victor Blue
the Executive Officer OF the u. S. S.
SUWANEE for extraordinary heroism
On two occasions in the late war.
On June 18th 1 landed him from the
e. &ASoOA oASA w. d0O0S ~
miles to the left Of the entrance OF
Santiago de Cuba Harbor, with in
structiOnS to proceed to the vicinity OF
the harbor Of Santiago de Cuba with
guides furnished by the insurgent
forces and ascertain if the Spanish
feet was at anchor there, the number
Of ships composing it and their ioca-
ton within the harbor.
He returned to the ship on the 18th
June, having successfully performed
the duty, passing the Spanish lines in
close proximity t the enemy on sew
eral occasions. He performed the
same duty on July 25th, returning to
the ship on 2Sth Of June. On each Of
these expeditions he secured accurate
information concerning Cervera's fleet,
| n on both occasions the information
was of great value to the Commander
ln-Chief and h Navy Department.
Very respectfully,
d. DELEHANTY.
Lieutenant Commander T.. S. N.
Chief Of Bureau OF Navigation.
Navy Department,
Washington, Z. c..
After the first expedition was re-
ported to the Navy Department, Lieu
tenant Blue received the following let
ter from the Secretary Of the Navy:
Navy Department,
Washington, June2O, 1898.
Sir:
l. The Department is in receipt of
he following cablegram. dated Mole
St Nicolas. June Is, 1898, from Rear
Commander-in-Chief U. 8. Naval
Force, North Atlantic Station:
Lieutenant Blue just returned after
q detour OF seventy statute miles to
observe in the harbor Of Santiago de
Cuba He reports h Spanish f1eet all
there"
2. The Department realizes that this
simple caoiesram Is evidence that your
enorts In making this detour into the
> heart o. the enemy's country, b,
+ which o. ascertained Information
|. very much desired. must have been at.
tended with great risk to your DER.
sonai safety. and that you possessed
y the GOODNESS, nerve. and bravery re.
' Quistte to perform such duty undo,
trying circumstances. Undoubtedly, i
4 must have been gratifying to the Com
r mander-in-Chief to know that the con
: fdence he reposed In you to perform
q this duty was not misplaced. and tn,
$ Department takes much pleasure |
highly recommending you for this ser
n vice. and feels sure that your actio,
will prove to be an example for you
y O4O14AC1 O411NCKd W CUluxdl6, ana a mos
9 favorable augury for your future ca
8 reer in a service already distinguishes,
d bera.
e Very respectfully,
8 JOHN d. LONG,
Secretary.
/ Lieutenant
J. Victor Blue, q. s. N.
tt L. s. S. SuWanee,
II North Atlantic Station.
IS (CoLnmander-in-Chief.
d On June 25th. Admiral Sampson o,
e. dered Commander Delehanty to or
h tain additional Information Of the II
to cation OF the enemy's feet In the ha,
Dor OF Santiago de Cuba; and agai
A. the Commander entrusted the periIor
m task to Lieutenant Blue. In reportin
the results OF the expedition to Adm
es raw Sampson. Commander Delehant
said:
ct herewith enclose J3ovt p,..