As soon as it was evident that the enemy's ships were trying to break through and escape to the westward we went ahead at full speed, with the determination of carrying out to the utmost your order-"If the enemy tries to escape the ships, close and engage as soon as possible and endeavor to sink his vessels or force him to run ashore." We soon passed all of our ships except the Brooklyn, bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Schley. At first we only used our main battery, but when it was discovered that the enemy's torpedo-boats were following their ships we used our rapid-fire guns as well as the 6-inch upon them, with telling effect.

As we ranged up near the sternmost of their ships she headed for the beach, evidently on fire. We raked her as we passed, pushing on for the next ahead, using our starboard guns as they were brought to bear, and before we had her fairly abeam she, too, was making for the beach. The two remaining vessels were now some distance ahead, but our speed had increased to sixteen knots, and our fire, added to that of the Brooklyn, soon sent another, the Vizcaya, to the shore in flames. Only the Cristobal Colon was left, and for a time it seemed as if she might escape, but when we opened with our forward turret guns and the Brooklyn followed she began to edge in toward the east, and her capture or destruction was assured. As she struck the beach her flag came down and the Brooklyn signalled "Cease firing," following it with "Congratulations for the grand victory; thanks for your splendid assistance."

The Brooklyn sent a boat to her, and when the Admiral came up with the New York, Texas and Vixen she was taken possession of. A prize crew was put on board from this ship, under Lieutenant-Commander Cogswell, the executive officer, but before 11 PM the ship, which had been filling in spite of all efforts to stop leaks, was abandoned, and just as the crew left she went over on her side.

I cannot speak in too high terms of the bearing and conduct of all on board this ship. When they found the Oregon had pushed to the front and was hurrying to a succession of conflicts with the enemy's vessels, if they could be overtaken and would engage, their enthusiasm was intense.