Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1914-07-24

ship at 2:45 g. m. After explaining
the situation to the admiral. he decid-
ed to land his forces and the seaman
and marine battalions of the Arkansas.
New Hampshire. South Carolina. Mich
igan and New Jersey. landed at Z q.
M, under cover of darkness and
promptly moved to their assigned 20
sitions joining the organization on
shore.
Early in the morning Of April %
efforts to get In communication with
the authorities we're renewed BY
eight o'clock 1t was definitely ascer-
tanned that the firing of the enemy was
not under organized control or acting
under the direction Of competent au-
thority.
The marine forces advanced
through all the streets to the north Of
Avenida Independence. where they
were met with heavy rife and machine
gun fire from houses. hotels. hospital.
church steeples and military barracks.
They advanced slowly. clearing houses
and roofs of snipers and entering ev-
cry house In every block az they ad-
vanced.
The second seaman regiment under
Captain Anderson. U. 8. navy. was
marched toward the waterfront and in
front Of the new market. naval school
and artillery barracks. In crossing
the open ground between the naval
school and Benito Juarez lighthouse.
about three hundred and fifty yards
In width. they were met by q heavy
rife. one-pounder and machine gun
fire from the naval school building.
This situation looked critical. The
Chester, Prairie and San Francisco
simultaneously opened fire with three
inch. four-inch and five-inch batteries
against the second story Of the naval
school building. In short time the
upper story was riddled by 40 shots
and the fire silenced.
Our forces advanced steadily
through the city, entering houses from
which they were being fred upon and
disarming the occupants. The Cbes-
ter, from a favorable position COM
handing the southern part Of the city,
shelled the enemy out of houses along
the water front. old Fort Santiago.
and from the vicinity of the military
barracks. BY IL a. m. our forces were
in complete possession Of all parts OF
the city and fighting had practically
ceased.
THE following signal was sent to
the cruisers Chester. Prairie. San
Francisco. and to brigade headquar-
tiers on shore:
1.-The division commander desires
to express his appreciation and ad-
miration for the splendid and efficient
work Of the naval brigade in their cap
ture Of the city of Vera Cruz. and the
efficient support given them by the
cruisers in the harbor reflect a great
credit on the accuracy Of fire of their
gunners.
FLETCHER
THE Atlantic fleet under command
Of Rear Admiral Badger approached
the harbor of Vera Cruz on the night
Of April 81 at full speed. all ready to
land. and came to anchor In the outer
harbor several hours ahead Of the ex'
pected time. am not allowed to CON-
mend my superior officer. but think
1t only proper to say in this report
that Rear Admiral Badger during the
naval operations on shore at Vera
Cruz afforded me the most prompt and
willing assistance and my slightest re-
quest or recommendation or call for
aid was in all cases met with immedi-
ate compliance. 1t Is a great pleasure
for me to record the thoroughly fine
and generous spirit that was shown
by him and his staff in their hearty
support of the work on shore.
The work Of the three vessels.
Chester Commander Moffett. Prai'
RE Commander Stickney). and San
Francisco Commander Harrison). In
supporting our troops on shore was
most effective aad is deserving special
praise. Initiative and clear judgment
were required on the part of the com.
manding officers and the results
showed in a striking manner the EN-
cheney Of the ships under their com