The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1914-09-10

r. l., the torpedo station, arriving
there on the Goth we proceeded to
try the torpedoes. on the 21st, we
raised anchor and proceeded to Nor
folk, Va, there we replenished our
bunkers and provision lockers, and
received sealed orders to proceed to
sea. When we were the allotted
distance from shore the orders were
opened, ahd we found we were to
make all haste and join Admiral
Sampson off Havana, Cuba, but we
were to stop at Key West for more
coal and provisions. We left Key
West on the Oath bound for Ha-
vaua. and as the distance is only 80
miles we were not long in fetching
up with the Mosquito Fleet" that
was blockading that port. 1t might
be we'll to tell you that the reason
this ti-et was called the Mosquito
Fleet was on account of the small
size of each vessel. They were all
converted yachls and torpedo boats.
We learned from them that Samp-
son and his formidable fleet was off
the coast a short distance. in fact he
was off Matanzas cutting the cable
so we joined him there. The fol-
lowing day he bombarded the city
of Matanzas.
Every one was jubilant at the
thought of joining Schley. for we
AL knew that if there was a chance
for a fight we would be given an
opportunity to show our fitness.
You will note that | am passing
over many minor incidents that
could be gilded up into great vol
ume. but | am only giving you things
that your mind crave, namely aclion.
With these orders to join Schley we
also had orders TO convoy the Mer-
rimac to Santiago. Not knowing
the exact location of Cevera's fleet,
duty of conveying a slow tramp
steamer was a ticklish undertaking
for we were compelled to protect
her at all hazards. This old tub,
the Merrimac. was only capable of
making seven knots. or eight miles
an hour, whereas we could kick out
twenty three knots an hour and did
not have to be scared to do it either.
Our course as laid out for us was
along the northeast coast IF Cuba to
Cape Maysie, then southwest to
Santiago. We left the fleet about
p. m. with the convoy. The first
night was very dark, and we were
running with all lights extingulshed.
but the "Old Man." our Captain was
inviting trouble, for he had the Mer-
rimac light up every light she had,
and we followed in her wake to
protect her in case she was over
hauled. About midnight there was
a shot fired across her bow as sig
nal to stop, Then it was we had
our first thrill. the general alarm
was sounded throughout the ship
duu OtCly ludu W hiS Stdt1Ou, duu
say; we were disreputable looking
lot. some without shirts, others with
out trousers, every one bare-footed,
in fact we were all more or less in a
dishabille condition. Then we saw
this intruder upon our peaceful
slumbers, was playing search-light
on the poor old Merrimac.
If were to tell you that within
two minutes after the general alarm
was sounded every gun was loaded
and ready for action you might not
believe it, 10 view of the fact that
each OF the shells for the larger guns
weighed los pounds, but it is a fact
and anyone who has saw service in
the Navy in time of peace or war
will vouch for the truthfulness of
this statement. Every man was
standing with strained eyes and
nerves, some with their finger on the
trigger waiting for the word to fire.
Then after we were in proper pos
ition. l mean in position to put this
intruder out of business. we signaled
her with our masthead signals to find