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If we come to a minefield, our infantry attacks exactly as it were not there.

-- Marshall Geogi Zhukov

Report of the Secretary of the Navy, 1898, Spanish-American War

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NAVY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, November 15, 1898.

The PRESIDENT.

Sir: Since my last annual report the Navy has, for the first time since its rehabilitation, been put to the supreme test of war. Years of patient, persistent training and development had brought it to a point of high efficiency, which resulted in the unparalleled victories at Manila and Santiago--victories which have given the names of our naval commanders world-wide fame, and added an additional page to the glorious naval history of our country.

It is not possible in the space of an annual report to state in detail the operations of the Navy in the recent war, or do justice to the conspicuous gallantry of its officers and men. Only a brief summary of the appendices which accompany this report can be given.

[John D. Long]

The War
Throughout the year 1897 the vessels on the North Atlantic Station were busily engaged in enforcing the observance of our neutrality laws, and the Department exercised all possible vigilance and activity in that regard. At the same time the condition of affairs in Cuba and the consequences to the United States and Spain made it evident that war might come between them.

The Department, recognizing this fact, on the 11th of January last directed the commander in chief of the European Station to retain those men whose terms of enlistment were about to expire. The Helena, then on her way to the Asiatic Station, was directed to proceed to Lisbon and there await further orders. The commander in chief of the South Atlantic Station was informed of the critical condition of affairs in Cuba, and was directed to proceed with the Cincinnati and Castine from Montevideo to Para on the north coast of Brazil.

On January 24 the Maine was ordered to Havana, Cuba. This was the first visit of a vessel of the United States Navy to any port in Cuba for several years, although the necessity of protecting American interests made the presence of our flag in Cuban ports desirable.

On February 15, at 9.40 p.m.7 this noble battle ship was blown up in Havana Harbor, and two hundred and sixty-six lives were lost. The news of this appalling catastrophe was communicated in the following dispatch from the commanding officer.

HAVANA, February 15, 1898.

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,
Washington, D. C.:


Maine blown up in Havana Harbor at 9.40 tonight, and destroyed. Many wounded and doubtless more ki1led or drowned. Wounded and others on board Spanish man-of-war and Ward Line steamer. Send light-house tenders from Key West for crew and the few pieces of equipment above. No one has clothing other than that upon him. Public opinion should be suspended until further report. All officials believed to be saved. Jenkins and Merritt not yet accounted for. Many Spanish officers, including representatives of General Blanco, now with me to express sympathy.

Sigsbee.


This judicious telegram did much to secure in the public mind a dispassionate view of the disaster. A board of inquiry, appointed to report to the Department the cause ofthe explosion, proceeded to Havana and began its investigation February 21.

After an exhaustive examination of the wreck, and after taking the testimony of witnesses and of experts, the board reported on the 21st of March that the Maine had been destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, but that it was unable to fix the responsibility upon any person or persons. It was evident that the cause of the disaster must have been from the outside. Meantime the commander in chief of the European Station was instructed to attach the Albany and New Orleans--then purchased in England of the Brazilian Government to his command, and bring the latter, the other being unfinished, to the United States. The Commander in Chief of the Asiatic Squadron was ordered to assemble his squadron at Hongkong. The Olympia, under orders at that time to San Francisco, was retained on the Asiatic Station. The Oregon was ordered to proceed from Bremerton, Wash., to San Francisco and prepare for a long voyage.

Commanders in Chief of stations were ordered to husband ammunition and to keep their vessels filled with the best coal obtainable. Enlistments, even in excess of the established quota, were ordered to fill the complements of men for the Columbia, Minneapolis, Miantonomoh, and other vessels. The North Atlantic Fleet was greatly strengthened, and vessels were concentrated in the neighborhood of Key West. The Flying Squadron was organized, under command of Commodore W. S. Schley, and stationed at Fortress Monroe for the protection of any point on the coast which might be menaced by a Spanish fleet.

On the 9th of March Congress passed the emergency bill appropriating $50,000,000 for national defense, and the Department at once was appointed and directed to make thorough examination of such vessels as might be desirable for purchase. Purchases were made upon the recommendation of the board; the vessels bought were at once sent to the different navy-yards and private yards; the changes necessary to fit them for naval purposes were pushed forward with the utmost dispatch, and the purchase of ammunition, guns, and all classes of naval war material went rapidly on.

The commander in chief of the Asiatic Station and the commander in chief of the North Atlantic Station had been engaged in thoroughly preparing the units of their commands for the test of war. The squadrons, ships, officers, and crews were in admirable condition and training had been for months engaged in tactical maneuvers and gunnery practice, and were strengthened by the addition of the auxiliary vessels as rapidly as converted. The bureaus of the Department had, by wise forethought, prepared them with every facility in the way of men, supplies, ammunition, information, and drills, and as early as April 15, four weeks before Admiral Cervera's fleet reached Cuban waters the Navy of the United States was ready for the outbreak of hostilities. The North Atlantic fleet at Key West covered Cuba; the Flying Squadron at Hampton Roads stood ready to defend our own coast, or to threaten that of Spain, and the Asiatic Squadron at Hongkong only awaited information of the outbreak of hostilities.

On the 19th of March the Oregon left San Francisco for Callao, Peru. The Department issued orders to the Marietta, then at San Jose de Guatemala, to precede her, in order to arrange for coal and to facilitate in every way possible the passage of this powerful vessel to reinforce the fleet in the North Atlantic. From Callao she proceeded to Valparaiso, then to Sandy Point, Patagonia, and arrived at Rio Janeiro on April 30, at which point the Department advised the commanding officer of the declaration of war and of the sailing of the Spanish fleet from the Cape de Verde Islands on April 29. She arrived off Jupiter Inlet, Florida, on the 24th day of May, in good condition and ready for service, and was ordered to Key West;, where, after coaling, she took her place with the blockading squadron and became a part of the command of Admiral Sampson.

In order to provide for the protection of the Atlantic coast between the capes of the Delaware and Bar Harbor, Maine, the Northern Patrol Squadron was organized, and was placed under the command of Commodore J. A. Howell on April 20. This squadron consisted of the San Francisco (flagship), Prairie, Dixie, Yankee, and Yosemite. At various times there were also attached to it the Columbia, Minneapolis, Badger, and Southery.

On April 21 Congress declared war. Admiral Sampson, in command of the North Atlantic Fleet, which had been engaged during the five or six preceding months in gunnery and tactical practice off Florida, was at one ordered to blockade that part of the northern coast of Cuba extending from Cardenas to Bahia Honda. At 6.30 a.m. on April 22 the admiral sailed on that errand.

Asiatic Squadron.
On the 24th of April the following telegram was sent by the Department to Commodore Dewey, in command of the Asiatic Squadron:

WASHINGTON, April 4, 1898.

Dewey, Hongkong:

War has commenced between the United States and Spain. Proceed at once to the Philippine Islands. Commence operations at once, particularly against the Spanish fleet. Yon must capture vessels or destroy. Use utmost endeavors.

LONG.

On the 27th this squadron, composed of the Olympia (flag), Baltimore, Raleigh, Petrel, Concord, Boston, and McCullock, sailed from Mirs Bay, China.

On the morning of May 1 it entered the harbor of Manila, successfully passing the forts and mine defenses guarding the entrance to the bay, and destroyed the Spanish fleet under the guns of the forts at Cavite.

The Reina Christina, Castilla, Don Antonio de Ulloa, Don Juan de Austria, Isla de Luzon, Isla de Cuba, General Lezo, Marques del Duero, El Correo, Velasco, and Isla de Mindanao (transport) were burnt or sunk, and the tugs Rapido and Hercules and several small launches were captured. Admiral Dewey has contracted for the raising of the Cuba, Luzon, and Austria, and this work is now in progress.

The Spanish loss, as given in the report of Admiral Montejo, was, including those at the arsenal, 381 men killed and wounded. Not a man was lost in our fleet, and but nine slightly wounded. No damage was done our ships.

This victory gave to our fleet the complete control of the bay of Manila. The naval station at Cavite was taken possession of and its fortifications were destroyed. The Admiral reported that the city could be taken at any time when a sufficient number of troops were on hand to hold it.

Aside from the mere fact of having won without the loss of a single life such a brilliant and e1ectrifying victory at the very outset of the war, with all the confidence which it infused throughout the country and into the personnel of every branch of the service, it removed at once all apprehension for the Pacific coast. The indirect pecuniary advantage to the United States in the way of saving an increase of insurance rates and in assuring the country of freedom from attack on that coast is incalculable.

It was at once determined to reenforce the Asiatic Squadron and to send troops to take and occupy the city of Manila.

Early in June the Charleston, which had previously sailed from San Francisco, was joined at Honolulu by the chartered steamer City of Pekin and on the 4th sailed with her and with the army transports Australia and City of Sidney for Manila, carrying the first detachment of troops. The Charleston proceeded to Guam, one of the Ladrone Islands, arriving there June 20. Demand was made for the immediate surrender of the defenses of the island of Guam and all officials and persons in the military service of Spain. The surrender followed and the American flag was hoisted.

With a view to further reenforce the Asiatic Squadron, the Montery sailed, with the collier Brutus, from San Diego on June 11, and the Monadnock, with the collier Nero, from San Francisco on June 25.

Admiral Dewey continued to exercise in the Philippines a wise discretion, which constantly strengthened the power of the United States in those islands, and on August 13, after the arrival of General Merritt, the city of Manila surrendered to the Army and Navy.

Pacific Squadron
On July 27, 1898, Admiral J. N. Miller, U. S. N., commander in chief of the United States Naval Force on the Pacific Station, sailed from San Francisco, Cal., for Honolulu, to participate in the ceremonies attending the assumption of sovereignty by the United States over the Hawaiian Islands. The Philadelphia arrived at Honolulu on August 3, joining the U.S.S. Mohican already at that port. On the 12th of the same month, the date set for the transfer of the islands to the United States, the officers of the Philadelphia and Mohican, and a force under arms from those vessels, represented the Navy at the ceremonies.

North Atlantic Fleet
This fleet was under the command of Admiral Montgomery Sicard, U. S. N., until March 26, when it was found necessary, on account of his health, to relieve him from that onerous and exacting duty. Captain Sampson, the senior officer present, who was thoroughly familiar with the personnel and materiel of the fleet, and with all the arrangements which had been made preceding the actual outbreak of hostilities, was given command of the fleet, with the rank of rear admiral.

The North Atlantic Fleet was composed of the blockading squadron, Commodore J. C. Watson commanding from May 6 to June 21; the First North Atlantic Squadron, Commodore J. C. Watson commanding from June 21 to June 27; Commodore J. A. Howell commanding from July 1, on which date the Northern Patrol Squadron became part of Admiral Sampson's command to the close of hostilities; the Flying Squadron, Commodore W. S. Schley commanding from May 24, upon which date it was placed under the orders of Admiral Sampson, to June 21, upon which date it ceased to exist; and the second North Atlantic Squadron, Commodore W. S. Schley commanding from June 21 to the close of hostilities.

A squadron called the Eastern Squadron, Commodore J. C. Watson commanding from July 7 to September 20, was organized with the view of threatening the coast of Spain; but owing to the suspension of hostilities it did not proceed upon that duty.

In addition, Commodore George C. Remey, who was in command of the naval base at Key West, was directed, on June 21, to exercise command over all vessels within signaling distance, under the authority of Admiral Sampson.

During the entire period of hostilities a portion of this fleet was engaged in the blockade of the coast of Cuba.

On April 29 Admiral Cervera's fleet, composed of the armored cruisers Cristobal Colon, Vizcaya, Almirante Oquendo, and Infanta Maria Teresa, and the torpedo gunboats Furor, Terror, and Pluton sailed from the Cape de Verde Islands.

As its destination was uncertain, Admiral Sampson sailed east with a portion of the fleet under his command for the purpose of observation. He left Key West on the 4th of May in the flagship New York, and off Havana picked up the Iowa, Indiana, and Detroit. On the way east he was afterwards joined by the monitors Terror and Amphitrite and the Montgomery, Porter, Wompatuck, and collier Niagara.

At Cape Haitien on May 7, he received dispatches from the Department advising him that the Spanish squadron was reported at St. Thomas, West Indies. Instructions were also received that the vessels accompanying him were not to be risked or crippled in the bombardment of fortifications, as it was considered unwise to risk any of the vessels of our Navy until the Spanish fleets had been met and destroyed. Continuing eastward in the hope of finding the enemy at San Juan, Porto Rico, he found it necessary, on account of the small coal supply of the monitors, to take them in tow, and the squadron did not arrive off San Juan until the morning of the 12th. A bombardment of that place followed for two hours and a half, but as there was no land force to hold it in case of its surrender, and as the Spanish fleet was not there, it was determined to return to Havana, where it was possible Cervera might have gone.

While the squadron was on its return the following dispatch was received:

The Spanish fleet from Cape Verde Islands off Curacao, West Indies, May 14. Flying Squadron en route Key West, Florida. Proceed with all possible dispatch to Key West.

Meantime the St. Louis, which had joined the squadron, was ordered to proceed to Santiago and Guantanamo for the purpose of cutting cables; to Ponce, Porto Rico, for the same purpose, and thence to St. Thomas to wait orders. This work was bravely done under exposure to the enemy's fire.

On the morning of May 17 the flagship left the squadron in the Bahama Channel and proceeded to Key West. That afternoon the Du Pont was met with a dispatch from the Department stating that the Spanish fleet bad munitions of war destined for the defense of Havana, and was under imperative orders to reach Havana, Cienfuegos, or a port connected with Havana by rail; and that as Cienfuegos appeared to be the only port fulfilling the conditions, the Flying Squadron would be instructed upon arrival at Key West to proceed to Cienfuegos. Instructions were at the same time given to Admiral Sampson to increase the Flying Squadron by such armored ships as he might deem desirable.

On May 19 the Flying Squadron, composed of the Brooklyn, Texas, Massachusetts, and Scorpion, sailed from Key West for Cienfuegos with instructions to establish a blockade at that place as soon as possible.

On May 20 the Iowa, Castine, and the collier Merrimac sailed to join Commodore Schley's squadron off Cienfuegos. On this day the Department informed Admiral Sampson of a report that Cervera's squadron was at Santiago de Cuba, and advised him to order Commodore Schley to proceed off that port with the vessels under his command.

Admiral Sampson left Key West for the Havana blockade on the 21st, having previously sent the Du Pont with dispatches to Commodore Schley and ordered the Marblehead and Eagle to join the Flying Squadron. By the Marblehead orders were sent to Commodore Schley advising him that the Spanish squadron was probably at Santiago de Cuba and directing him, if he was satisfied that it was not at Cienfuegos, to proceed with all dispatch to Santiago de Cuba, and upon arrival there to establish communication with some of the inhabitants and ascertain definitely whether the ships were in port or not. The Hawk followed with duplicate dispatches which were delivered to Commodore Schley on the 23d.

On May 22 Admiral Sampson received a dispatch from Key West stating that Cervera's squadron was in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba on the morning of the 21st; also a telegram from the Department that it was expected to visit San Juan, Porto Rico, and if Commodore Schley found that it had left Santiago, he should follow it.

At 8 a.m. on the morning of the 23d Admiral Sampson left off Havana, sailing eastward, with a view to occupying Nicholas Channel in such manner as to prevent the approach of the Spanish squadron in that direction. The Montgomery joined him on the 24th, with dispatches stating that information had been received to the effect that Cervera's squadron had not left Santiago.

On the 26th Admiral Sampson received from Commodore Schley a letter dated May 23, stating that he was by no means satisfied that the Spanish squadron was not at Cienfuegos, and that he would, therefore, remain off that port with his squadron.

The Wasp was sent on May 27 to carry ad vices to Commodore Schley, informing him that daily confidential reports received at Key West from Havana stated that the Spanish squadron had been in Santiago de Cuba from the 19th to the 25th, inclusive, and directing him to proceed with all possible dispatch to that port. At this time two telegrams dated Cienfuegos, May 24, were received by Admiral Sampson from Commodore Schley, stating that coaling off that port was very uncertain; that he had ascertained that the Spanish fleet was not in Cienfuegos, and would go eastward on the next day, the 25th, but that on account of short coal supply in ships he could not blockade if the Spanish squadron was in Santiago, but would proceed to the vicinity of Nicholas Mole, on the western coast of Haiti, from which point he would communicate.

Upon the receipt of this information Admiral Sampson at once decided to go to Key West for coal, and, if authorized by the Department, to proceed to Santiago in person. The New Orleans was instructed on this same day, May 27, to proceed as rapidly as possible to that port, in company with the collier Sterling, and with orders to Commodore Schley "to remain on the blockade at Santiago at all hazards, assuming that the Spanish vessels are in that port." This order further directed that the collier Sterling should be used to obstruct the channel leading into the harbor, and that in the meantime the utmost care should be exercised that none of the Spanish vessels in that port be allowed to escape. Admiral Sampson arrived at Key West on May 28 and cabled to Commodore Schley, advising him that the New Orleans would meet him off Santiago on May 29 with important dispatches, and farther emphasizing the importance of immediate communication with persons ashore, in order to ascertain definitely whether or not Cervera's squadron was in the port of Santiago.

Commodore Schley left Cienfuegos on the evening of the 24th, and at 5:30 p.m. on the 26th reached a point 20 miles or more to the southward and eastward of Santiago, where the squadron stopped while repairs were made to the collier Merrimac. At 7:50 p. m. he signaled to the squadron, "Destination Key West, via south side of Cuba and Yucatan Channel, as soon as collier is ready. Speed, 9 knots." About 9 p.m. the squadron got underway, and after steaming to the westward until 11:20 p.m., stopped to make repairs to the Yale.

On the morning of the 27th the Harvard, from Mole St. Nicholas, delivered to Commodore Schley the following dispatch:

Washington, May 25, 1898.

HARVARD, St. Noichola Mole, Haiti:

Proceed at once and inform Schley and also the senior officer present off Santiago as follows: All Department's information indicates Spanish division is still at Santiago. The Department looks to you to ascertain facts and that the enemy if therein does not leave without a decisive action. Cubans familiar with Santiago say that there are landing places 5 or 6 nautical miles west from the month of harbor, and that there insurgents probably will be found and not the Spanish. From the surrounding heights can see every vessel in port. As soon as ascertained notify the Department whether enemy is there. Could not squadron and also the Harvard coal from Merrimac leeward off Cape Cruz, Gonaives Channel, or Mole, Haiti? The Department will send coal immediately to Mole. Report without delay situation at Santiago de Cuba.

LONG.

At 11 a.m., two hours after receiving this dispatch from the Department, Commodore Schley signaled to the squadron, "Can you fetch into the port of Key West with coal remaining? Report by signal." At noon the Harvard left, carrying his reply to the Department's dispatch, as follows:

KINGSTON, May 28, 1898.

SECNAV, Washington:
*** Merrimac engines disabled; is heavy; am obliged to have towed to Key West. Have been unable absolutely to coal the Texas, Marblehead, Vixen, Brooklyn from collier, all owing to very rough sea. Bad weather since leaving Key West. The Brooklyn alone has more than sufficient coal to proceed to Key West; can not remain off Santiago present state squadron coal account. Impossible to coal leeward Cape Cruz in the summer, all owing to southwesterly winds. * * * Much to be regretted, can not obey orders of Department. Have striven earnestly; forced to proceed for coal to key West by way of Yucatan Passage. Can not ascertain anything respecting enemy positive. * * * Very difficult to tow collier to get cable to hold.

SCHLEY.

Later in the day, the squadron meantime having again moved westward, the signal "Stop" was made to the Flying Squadron, after which the Texas and Marblehead went alongside the Merrimac and coaled. The squadron was at that time distant about 40 miles to the southward and westward of Santiago.

The Flying Squadron remained here until 1:12 p.m. of the 28th, when signal was made to return in the direction of Santiago. This course was kept until a little after dark, when the squadron stopped for the night about 10 miles to the southward of Santiago, with the Marblehead scouting 2 miles inside the squadron.

Early on the morning of the 29th a Spanish man-of-war, the Cristobal Colon, was seen lying at anchor inside the harbor entrance, and later a second man-of-war and two smaller vessels. At 10 a. m. Commodore Schley cabled that Cervera's squadron was at Santiago. On the morning of the 31st with the Massachusetts, Iowa, and New Orleans he exchanged fire with the ships inside the harbor and the forts at a range of about 7,000 yards.

On June 1 Admiral Sampson arrived off Santiago and found Commodore Schley's squadron in column to the westward of the mouth of the harbor. Immediately upon the concentration of these two forces at Santiago a close and efficient blockade was established, Admiral Sampson in command. The harbor was closely guarded day and night by our ships in a semicircle. Powerful search-lights were thrown upon its entrance during the dark. A plan of attack, by which our vessels were to close in at once upon any of the enemy's coming out, was provided for in standing orders. On June 3 an attempt was made to close the harbor by sinking across its entrance the collier Merrimac. This attempt, though unsuccessful in its object, was daringly executed. It is now one of the well-known historic marvels of naval adventure and enterprise, in which Naval Constructor Hobson and his men won undying fame.

On June 7 the Marblehead and Yankee took possession of the lower bay of Guantanamo as a harbor of refuge for the fleet, and on June 10 the first battalion of marines was landed there and went into camp. For three days and nights these men, supported by the Marblehead and Dolphin, fought almost constantly. The position which they defended was a most important one for the fleet, as it was necessary to have near at hand a harbor in which ships could be coaled and repaired in safety.

On June 15 the fort on Cayo del Toro in Guantanamo Bay was destroyed by the Texas, Marblehead, and Suwanee.

In May the Department advised Admiral Sampson of the intention of the War Department to send about thirty transports with troops from Tampa, Fla., to Santiago, and instructed him to provide a suitable convoy.

On June 4, in reply to a telegram from the Department asking if the convoy was ready, the commandant of the naval base at Key West stated, "Vessels all ready."

On June 8 information was received at Tampa, through the naval base at Key West, from two different sources, indicating the possible presence of a force of Spanish vessels in Nicholas Channel. The War Department was informed of this news, and orders were issued to Admiral Sampson to reenforce the convoying squadron by two armored vessels. On the next day the expedition was directed to proceed without regard to this information, as it was discredited both by Admiral Sampson and the Department, and the following telegram was sent:

WA5HINGTON June 9, 1898

NAVAL BASE, Key West, Fla.:
*** The expedition will proceed without reference to the Spaniards. Department will inform commander in chief North Atlantic Station and the War Department of this.

ALLEN, Acting Secretary.

A suitable convoy was retained at Tampa until the transports were ready. The Army expedition finally left Tampa on the 14th, this Department having rendezvoused additional vessels off Rebecca Shoals where the transports arrived at 8 p.m. June 15, and thence proceeded to Santiago.

Upon arrival of the convoy off Santiago Admiral Sampson sent his chief of staff to communicate with General Shafter. The chief of staff took with him a chart of Santiago Harbor and explained to General Shafter that, in order to enable the vessels of the Navy to enter, it was necessary that the positions occupied by the eastern and western batteries of the enemy should be carried. The possession of these points insured the destruction of the mines, the entrance of the naval vessels, and an attack upon Admiral Cervera's squadron. To this plan General Shafter gave cordial assent. The landing place on which he finally decided was Daiquiri.

General Shafter reported to Admiral Sampson on June 22 his intention to commence the landing of troops, and Admiral Sampson at once put an officer in charge of the disembarkation, which was begun during the forenoon of the 22d by means of the steam launches and cutters from the ships of the squadron. The naval vessels shelled the coast about Daiquiri, and a demonstration was made at Cabanas to engage the attention of the enemy. All the troops were successfully landed by the boats of the navy, and the joint operations of the army and navy began, which finally resulted in the surrender of Santiago.

On July 1, in accordance with a request from General Shafter of June 30, the forts at Aguadores were bombarded and a demonstration made at the entrance of the harbor of Santiago, and on July 2 the batteries at the entrance of the harbor were heavily bombarded, especially the Punta Gorda battery by the Oregon and Indiana.

A report of this bombardment was sent to General Shafter, and Admiral Sampson stated that it was impossible to force an entrance to the harbor until the channel could be cleared of mines, which could only be done after the forts at the entrance of the harbor were taken by our troops.

General Shafter replied that it was not possible to say when he could take the batteries at the harbor's mouth, and urged that an effort be immediately made by the navy to force an entrance. Admiral Sampson wrote to General Shafter that the forts which bad been bombarded by the squadron could not inconvenience the army in capturing the city, as they could not fire except to seaward; that as the channel to the harbor was strewn with observation mines an effort to force an entrance would result in the sinking of one or more naval vessels and in closing the entrance to the harbor; but that if it was desired that the navy should attempt to force the entrance he would at once prepare to undertake it, although he had hoped that an attack by the army on the shore batteries from the rear would leave the navy at liberty to drag the channel for torpedoes.

On the morning of July 3, an interview having been prearranged between General Shafter and Admiral Sampson, the latter, in the flagship New York, left the fleet for Siboney. When the flagship was about 4 miles east of her blockading station, and about 7 miles from the Morro, the Spanish squadron was seen steaming out of the harbor entrance. This was at 9:30 a.m. The vessels of the blockading squadron were, as usual, in their designated positions, making a semicircle about the harbor entrance, counting from the eastward in the following order: Indiana, Oregon--the New York's place being between these two--Iowa, Texas, and Brooklyn. The Massachusetts had gone that morning to Guantanamo for coal. The Gloucester and Vixen lay to the eastward and westward of the harbor entrance, close to the land. The torpedo boat Ericsson was in company with the flagship.

Admiral Cervera's squadron came out of the harbor in the following order: Infanta Maria Teresa, Vizcaya, Cristobal Colon, Almirante Oquendo, and the torpedo-boat destroyers Pluton and Furor. The New York turned and steamed for the escaping fleet, flying the signal to close in toward the harbor entrance and attack vessels, but our ships had already, in accordance with standing orders, at once engaged the Spanish ships with the utmost spirit and vigor, and in the course of a running fight, which continued until 1:20 p.m., the latter were completely destroyed and sunk, and the famous victory, with its splendid credit to officers and men, was won. The casualties on our side were 1 man killed and 10 wounded most of them in the drum of the ear by the concussion caused by the guns. Our ships suffered no injury of any account. Admiral Cervera, about 70 officers, and 1,600 men were made prisoners, while about 350 Spaniards were killed or drowned and 160 wounded. These estimates are probably considerably below the actual numbers. Many of the enemy were rescued from their sinking ships by our men. The prisoners, except the officers, who were sent to Annapolis, were brought to Portsmouth, N.H., and kept in Camp Long, on Seavey's Island in the harbor of that city until they were released. During this time they were fed and clothed and comfortably cared for. There was little sickness, and the wounded and ailing soon recovered under good treatment.

On July 4, at night, the Spanish cruiser Reina Mercedes, which had not left Santiago with Cervera's squadron, was seen steaming out of the harbor. She was sunk just before reaching the narrow part of the entrance channel, presumably by the fire of the Massachusetts and Texas. The object of this maneuver is still in some doubt, but it had the effect of further obstructing the channel.

On July 5 the Department telegraphed to Admiral Sampson that the President had issued the following order:

General Shafter and Admiral Sampson should confer at once for cooperation in taking Santiago.

General Shafter immediately requested Admiral Sampson to come to him for conference. On the next day Admiral Sampson, being ill, sent his chief of staff, who had a conference with General Shafter, in which it was arranged that in case the Spanish commander refused the second demand for surrender, a continued bombardment of Santiago should be begun by the fleet on the 9th that, if this was not sufficient, there should be an assault on the Socapa battery by the marines and Cuban forces, and an effort made by some of the smaller ships of the squadron to enter the harbor.

On July 10 the squadron, complying with the request of General Shafter, began a further bombardment of Santiago. This was continued on the 11th. At 12 m. General Shafter signaled:

Please continue firing with heavy guns until 1 o'clock, and then cease tiring until further orders.

At 4:45 p.m. the Brooklyn reported to the flagship:

General Shafter states that fire from ships very accurate, shell falling in city; lines have been advanced. Flag of truce went forward to demand unconditional surrender. Will communicate with you fully directly to Aguadores as to time of firing and result of truce.

On July 12 the admiral received a dispatch from General Shafter stating:

My lines are now complete to the bay north of Santiago. Your shots can be observed from there perfectly, at least those that fall in the town. Flames followed several shots fired today.

At 8.10 p. m. General Shafter signaled:

A truce now exists and will probably continue all day tomorrow, the 13th.

On July 13, at 9:05 a.m., Admiral Sampson signaled to General Shafter:

As commander-in-chief of the naval forces engaged in joint operations, I expect to be represented in any conference held to arrange the terms of surrender of Santiago, including the surrender of the shipping and the harbor. Questions are involved of importance to both branches of the service.

This was replied to at 2:40 p.m. by General Shafter, as follows:

I shall be glad to have you represented, but difficult to let you know. Conference may take place at any hour. ***

At 1.15 p. m., on the 14th, General Miles telegraphed to 'AdmiralSampson:

I will be glad if you will send to these headquarters an officer to represent you during negotiations for evacuation.

At 1:38 p.m. General Miles was replied to:

When do you want Admiral Sampson's representative there?

At 2:23 p.m., before any arrangement could be made by which Admiral Sampson could send a representative to the headquarters of the Army, General Miles telegraphed:

Enemy has surrendered.

On the next day, July 15, General Miles advised Admiral Sampson that the surrender had not actually been concluded, and then on the 16th wrote him that at the request of the Spanish officials delay had been granted to communicate with Madrid. This letter inclosed a copy of the agreement of capitulation.

Later in the day General Shafter telegraphed:

Enemy has surrendered. Will you send some one to represent Navy in the matter?

Admiral Sampson's chief of staff arrived at the front at the earliest hour it was possible for him to do so, and informed General Shafter of Admiral Sampson's expectation that, in view of the fact that Santiago had surrendered in face of the joint operations of the Army and Navy, he be one of the signatories to the agreement of capitulation. This General Shafter declined to permit.

The Department, immediately after the battle of Santiago, had an examination of the Spanish wrecks made, and entered into a contract with the Merritt & Chapman Wrecking Company to raise these ships. The Maria Teresa was successfully raised and an effort was made by contractors to bring her to the Norfolk Navy-Yard, as under their contract vessels raised were to be delivered at that port. At the of the company, a naval officer was on board. On November 1 encountered heavy weather off the island of San Salvador and was that night abandoned. She was accompanied by the Vulcan, Leonidas and wrecking tug Merritt, and it was anticipated that she had sunk deep water. On November 7 information was received that she was ashore on Cat Island. The Vulcan and the tug Potomac were sent to the scene of the wreck, and after an examination reported it was not practicable to save her. A court of inquiry into this matter has been ordered.

The contracts for wrecking the other ships have been canceled.

It is probable that a contract will be made with a wrecking company to raise the Reina Mercedes, as reports received by the Department indicate that it is possible to save her.

Operations of the Blockade
The blockade was of an extremely arduous character, unrelieved by the exhilaration of combat. Many devoted officers crews, from the beginning of the war to the end, rendered most valuable and conscientious service without opportunity for winning distinction in battle.

On April 27 Admiral Sampson, having received information that Spaniards were adding to the defenses of Matanzas, proceeded off port with his flagship, and, in company with the Puritan and Cincinnati, shelled the battery. This occasion is notable]e principally as the first time our ships were under fire. On April 29 the Eagle, reconnoitering off the entrance to Cienfuegos, was engaged by of the enemy's vessels in that port; after a short engagement withdrew, serious injury to one of them, the torpedo gunboat having been inflicted. The Marblehead immediately afterwards the fortifications and gunboats and inflicted damage.

On May 11 boats from the Marblehead and Nashville cut two cables off Cienfuegos under a heavy infantry fire, during which they were supported by the guns of the Marblehead and Nashville, and later the Windom. In this action one man was killed and eleven men were wounded. On the same date the Machias, Wilmington, Winslow, and the revenue cutter Hudson were engaged at Cardenas. The Winslow, when well within the harbor, suddenly found herself under the fire of masked shore batteries. Many of the enemy's shells struck her, disabling her port main engine, forward boiler, and steering engine, and setting one compartment on fire. Ensign Worth Bagley, her executive officer, and four of her crew were killed. Her commanding officer was wounded and the vessel, with the rest of the crew, was only saved from entire destruction by the gallant action of the commanding officer of the Hudson, who took his vessel in under a severe fire and towed the Winslow out. In connection with the same expedition, a force was landed on Diana Cay, in Cardenas Bay, to explode the harbor mines, which were understood to be controlled from a station on that cay. The station having been hurriedly abandoned, the American flag was hoisted over it. This, so far as the records of the Navy Department show, was the first raising of the American flag in Cuba during the war.

On the 13th of June the Yankee had an engagement with a gunboat and batteries off Cienfuegos. On June 15 the Texas, Marblehead, and Suwanee proceeded into Guantanamo Harbor and, after engaging and silencing the adjacent fort and battery, took possession of the harbor. On June 22 the St. Paul engaged the torpedo boat Terror, supported by the gunboat Isabel II, off San Juan, and drove them both into port, the former being so seriously injured that she had to be run on shore when inside. On June 29 the Eagle and Yankton had an engagement with a force of Spanish cavalry off the mouth of the Rio Hondo. On June 30 the Hist, Wompatuck, and Hornet, while making a reconnoissance between Cape Cruz and Manzanillo, were engaged with the enemy's vessels, field batteries, and infantry at Manzanillo. The Hornet was struck many times, and had her main steam pipe cut, being thereby absolutely disabled. The Wompatuck gallantly towed the Hornet out of danger. Another action occurred at Manzanillo on July 1, in which the same Spanish gunboats were engaged on one side and the Scorpion and Osceola on the other.

On the morning of July 5 the Alphonso XII was run ashore and destroyed off Port Mariel, to the westward of Havana, while attempting to escape from the Hawk.

On July 12 the Eagle chased, forced ashore, captured, and destroyed the Spanish armed steamer Santo Domingo to the westward of the Isle of Pines. On July 15 the Annapolis was engaged with the batteries near Barracoa. On July 18 the Wilmington, Helena, Scorpion, Hist, Hornet, Wompatuck, and Osceola engaged the gunboats and shore batteries at Manzanillo, and succeeded in destroying gunboats in that harbor. On the same date the Annapolis, Wasp, Leyden, and Topeka took possession of the Bay of Nipe, during which the Spanish cruiser Jorge Juan was attacked and sunk.

On the 12th of August the Newark, accompanied by the Resolute, carrying the First Battalion of Marines, and the Suwanee, Hist, Osceola, and Alvarado, proceeded to Manzanillo, where a demand for the surrender of the place was made. This refused, the place was bombarded. At daylight on the morning of the 13th a large number of white flags were seen floating from the block houses and batteries, and a boat came out from the shore carrying a flag of truce. The captain of the boat delivered to the senior officer present the cipher dispatch of the Department stating that the President had signed the protocol of peace and had proclaimed an armistice.

Marine Corps
The excellent work done by the Marine Corps during the war with Spain is set forth in the report of the Colonel-Commandant. An allotment of $106,529 was made to this corps from the money appropriated for national defense, and energetic measures were immediately to put it in complete readiness for war. The first marine battalion, composed of six companies, one of which was an artillery company, was organized at New York, under Lieutenant-Colonel Huntington, and equipped for service in Cuba. The command numbered 24 commissioned officers and 623 enlisted men, and under instructions from the Department sailed for Key West on April 22 on board the transport Panther. On June 7 the Panther left Key West for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she arrived on the 10th, and the battalion landed and went into camp. This was the first permanent landing by our forces on Cuban soil. On the following day the camp was attacked by a force of Spaniards and from that time until the 14th was constantly under fire. Asst. Surg. John Blair Gibbs and five enlisted men were killed.

Too much praise can not be given these officers and men for the gallantry and discipline displayed under the trying conditions which confronted them almost immediately upon landing on Cuban soil. For three days and nights they were compelled to remain constantly under arms, repelling the Spanish attacks, and this, too, in a semitropical country, where the dense undergrowth afforded shelter to the sharpshooters of the enemy.

This command remained in camp at Guantanamo from the lOth of June to the 5th of August and did not lose a man by disease, while the cases of sickness was only 2 per cent. This speaks for the careful preparation of the battalion for the service which devolved upon it, and for the vigilance and care of those intrusted with the health and comfort of the men.

But praise is not alone due to those officers and men of the Marine Corps who served with the First Marine Battalion. The records are full of incidents in which conspicuous and gallant service was rendered.

In view of the prospective increase of the Navy and the necessity of guarding the naval stations which will be needed in the newly acquired territory of the United States, and especially in view of the general efficiency displayed by this Corps, it should be increased to at least 5,000 men and necessary officers, and attention is called to the report on this subject of its Colonel Commandant.

Naval Militia
Prior to the outbreak of hostilities it was found necessary in the preparations for coast defense and for the purpose of providing crews for auxiliary ships to make a large increase in the enlisted force of the Navy.

The only additional trained men available were the officers and men of the naval militias of the several States, which, under appropriations from Congress, had been armed and equipped and given a certain amount of training in the line of preparation for the defense of the shores and harbors of their several States. In the absence of authority for calling these men into service, the governors of these States patriotically granted them leaves of absence or permitted them to resign from the State organizations in order to enlist in the Navy. During the war about 4,00O officers and men were added to the enlisted force of the Navy in this manner, and were assigned to duty in the Auxiliary Naval Force, the Coast Signal Service, and especially on board of cruising ships, some of which, for instance the Yankee, Dixie, Prairie, and Yosemite, were entirely officered and manned by them with the exception of the commanding, executive, and navigating officers.

These organizations were largely recruited outside of the seafaring class, and lacked the experience in gunnery, navigation, and the habits of the sea which are essential to immediate efficient service in the Navy. On the other hand, they were men of a high standard of education and intelligence, and rapidly acquired while on shipboard the knowledge necessary for their efficiency. Considering their 1ack of experience, the services rendered by them were so valuable that the country has been amply repaid for the money expended in their instruction and training.

The United States Auxiliary Naval Force
This force was organized for service in the war with Spain under the terms of a joint resolution of Congress approved May 26, and its provisions were immediately applied in the preparations for coast defense which had been progressing since March 23.

The personnel of the force was almost entirely contributed by the naval Militia organizations of the various States. A small percentage was supplied by the merchant marine. Ten of the old monitors which had been laid up for many years were put in commission and officered and manned by the Naval Militia. Many of these vessels cruised from port to port and went to sea for target practice, which gave the officers and men valuable training. In addition, this service afforded a sense of protection to the people along our entire coast line.

Ten yachts and five tugs were purchased out of the appropriation of $3,000,000 carried by the joint resolution, their cost aggregating $593,500. At the time of its maximum strength the fleet of the Auxiliary Naval Force included 41 vessels in commission. These were distributed at various important ports and strategic points on the coast, which, for the purposes of administration, was divided into 9 districts, 6 on the Atlantic, 2 on the Gulf, and 1 on the Pacific coast.

The duty of protecting mine fields and of maintaining quarantine regulations was performed by a fleet of 8 converted yachts, 10 converted tugs, and 1 side-wheel steamer, all officered and manned by men from the Naval Militia, and by 4 revenue cutters, with their regular officers and crews, which were stationed on the Pacific coast.

The officers and men of the force displayed special aptitude for the work connected with patrol duty, owing to their intimate knowledge of home waters and their acquaintance with the harbors, bases of supply, and local prevailing weather conditions.

Coast Signal Service
The coast line was divided into eight districts, in which were distributed 36 signal stations, officered and manned entirely by the State Naval Militia. Under instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury, the Life-Saving Service and the Light-House Service cooperated, and the observers of the Weather Bureau were also called upon. The different stations of the Signal Service were connected with the general telegraph and telephone systems of the country, and with the Life-Saving Service telephone lines, that link together every station along the coast.

When all these arrangements were complete there were 2,326 men on the lookout for the approach of an enemy's vessel or of suspicious craft of any kind. Practically our entire coast line from Maine to Texas was under observation. While this service was not called upon to report the movements of any of the Spanish ships, it gave a feeling of security to the people along our entire coast line, and the experience gained by the instruction of this large number of men in the use of the international code flags and books, and of the "wigwag" code and nava1 night signals, will greatly add to the efficiency of such a service should it be necessary to again organize it.

Purchase of Auxiliary Vessels
Upon the passage of the bill appropriating $50,000,000 for national defense, the Department at once took steps for the purchase of auxiliary vessels. On March 12 a board was appointed and directed to communicate with the owners of vessels and obtain from them the terms on which they were willing to sell or charter, and to examine thoroughly such vessels as the Department might designate or the board consider desirable for the use of the Navy, giving particular attention to the condition of the boilers and engines, coal capacity, etc.

The following is the list of vessels purchased. In addition to these, the City of Pekin was chartered from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company at $1,000 a day for the transportation of supplies from San Francisco to Manila. Also four steamers of the International Navigation Company were chartered--the St. Paul, St. Louis, New York (renamed the Harvard), and the Paris (renamed the Yale)--at $2,500 a day each for the first two and $2,000 a day each for the last two. These four steamers were, at the request of the War Department, turned over to it to meet its necessities in the way of transporting troops--the Yale for sixty-five days, the Harvard for twelve days, the St. Louis for twenty-eight days, and the St. Paul for forty-eight days. The city of Philadelphia loaned to the Navy Department, for the nominal sum of $1, its ice boat No. 3 (renamed the Arctic). The yachts Free Lance and Buccaneer were also generously loaned for service during the war, without charge, the former by Mr. F. Augustus Schermerhorn and the latter by Mr. William R. Hearst.

Name before Purchase Renamed Date of Purchase Purchase Price Previous Owners
Columbia Wasp Mar. 26, 1898 $ 95,000 J.H. Ladew
Alicia Hornet Apr. 6, 1898 117,500 Henry M. Flagler
Almy Eagle Apr. 2, 1898 110,000 Frank Gallitin
Hermione Hawk Do. 50,000 Henry L. Pierce estate
D.C. Ivans Nezinscot Mar. 25, 1898 30,000 Moran & Co.
P.H. Wise Sioux Mar. 26, 1898 25,553 Do.
Winthrop Osceola Mar. 31, 1898 100,000 Staples Coal Co.
El Toro Accomac Mar. 26, 1898 40,000 Southern Pacific Line
Wilmot Potomac Apr. 14, 1898 125, 300 Ocean Towing and Wrecking Co.
Edward Luckenback Tecumseh Apr. 2, 1898 45,000 Luckenback & Co.
Walter A. Luckenback Uncas Do. 75,000 Do.
Atlas Wampatuck Apr. 4, 1898 65,000 Standard Oil Co.
Josephine Vixen Apr. 9, 1898 150,000 T.A.B. Widener
Mayflower Mayflower Mar. 19, 1898 430,000 Odgen Goelet estate
Soverign Scorpion Apr. 7, 1898 300,000 M.C.D. Borden
Creole Solace Do. 300,000 Cromwell S.S. Line
Diogenes Topeka Apr. 2, 1898 170,327 Thames Iron Works (London)
Not named Manly Apr. 13, 1898 24,250 Chas. R. Flint
Do. Somers Mar. 26, 1898 72,997 Schichau Iron Works, Elbing, Germany
Saturn Saturn Apr. 2, 1898 290,000 The Boston Towboat Co.
Lebanon Lebanon Apr. 6, 1898 225,000 Philadelphia and Reading R.R. Co.
El Norte Yankee Do. 575,000 Southern Pacific Co.
El Rio Dixie Apr. 15, 1898 575,000 Do.
El Sol Prairie Apr. 6, 1898 575,000 Do.
El Sud Yosemite Do. 575,000 Do.
Nictheroy?El Cid Buffalo July 11, 1898 575,000 Brazilian Government
Amazonas New Orleans Mar. 16, 1898 1,429,215 Do.
Almirante Abru Albany Do. 1,205,000 Do.
Merrimac Merrimac Apr. 12, 1898 324,000 Hogan Line
Niagara Niagara Apr. 11, 1898 200,000 Ward Line Steamship Co.
Sterling Sterling Apr. 16, 1898 190,000 Black Diamond Transportation Co.
Enterprise Modoc Apr. 29, 1898 30,000 American Towing Co.
No. 18 No. 18 Apr. 18, 1898 2,800 Philadelphia Transportation and Lightering Co.
Nashan Nashan Apr. 6, 1898 155,728 Frank Smythe
Zafiro Zafiro Apr. 9, 1898 87,597 China and Manila Steamship Co.
Alice Alice Mar. 26, 1898 19,000 John M. Worth
C.G. Coyle Choctaw Apr. 19, 1898 82,500 W.G. Coyle
Penwood Powhatan Apr. 8, 1898 42,500 Walsh & Doran
Fearless Iroquois Apr. 18, 1898 150,000 J.D. Spreckels Bros. Co.
Vigilant Vigilant Apr. 19, 1898 60,000 Do.
Active Active Apr. 18, 1898 75,000 Do.
Hercules Hercules Apr. 26, 1898 40,000 Standard Oil Co.
Southery Southery Apr. 16, 1898 100,000 Edward Luckenback
Venezuela Panther Apr. 19, 1898 375,000 Red D Line Steamship Co.
Yumuri Badger Do. 367,000 Ward Line Steamship Co.
Yorktown Resolute Apr. 21, 1898 475,000 Old Dominion Steamship Co.
T.P. Fowler Mohawk Apr. 23, 1898 44,000 Cornell Steamboat Co.
Thespia Hist Apr. 22, 1898 65,000 David Dows, jr.
Restless Restless Apr. 22, 1898 29,000 Hiram W. Sidley
Illawara Oneida May 31, 1898 60,000 Eugene Tompkins
Viking Viking Apr. 22, 1898 30,000 Horace A. Hutchins
Chatham Vulcan May 2, 1898 350,000 Merchants and Miners? Line
Penelope Yankton May 20, 1898 125,000 H.E. Converse
Right Arm Pontiac Apr. 23, 1898 30,000 Merritt & Chapman
Philadelphia Peoria May 23, 1898 100,000 Philadelphia Pilot Association
Corsair Gloucester Apr. 23, 1898 225,000 Pierpont Morgan
Menemsha Iris May 25, 1898 145,000 Miami Steamship Co.
John Dwight Pawnee May 6, 1898 25,000 Geo. T. Moran
Justin Justin Apr. 23, 1898 145,000 Bowring & Archibald
Hortense Takoma Apr. 30, 1898 28,000 O?Conner & Smoot
Aileen Aileen May 2, 1898 55,000 Richard Stevens
Scindia Scindia May 12, 1898 267,657 Henderson Bros.
Comanche Frolic May 28, 1898 115,000 H.M. Hanna
Illinois Supply Apr. 30, 1898 325,000 International Navigation Co.
Kingstor Caesar Apr. 21, 1898 175,194 John Holman & Sons
Dorothea Dorothea May 21, 1898 187,500 Thos. McKean estate
Gov. Russell Gov. Russell May 11, 1898 71,000 City of Boston
East Boston East Boston June 2, 1898 57,500 Do.
W.H. Brown Piscataqua May 11, 1898 130,000 W.H. Brown
J.D. Jones Apache May 24, 1898 54,510 Merritt & Chapman Wrecking Co.
Celtic King Celtic May 14, 1898 340,900 Federal Line (London)
Rhaetia Cassius May 24, 1898 160,594 William Lamb
A.W. Booth Massasoit Apr. 25, 1898 30,000 Moran Towing Co.
Joseph Holland Hannibal Apr. 16, 1898 147,941 Francis Stanley Holland (London)
Atala Alexander Apr. 25, 1898 206,826 New Star Blue Line Steamers (London)
Eliz. Holland Leonidas Apr. 16, 1898 147,941 Francis Stanley Holland (London)
Harlech Pompey Apr. 19, 1898 111,929 Jas. & Chas. Harrison (London)
Abarenda Abarenda May 5, 1898 175,000 J. Graham
(Not known) Scipio Do. 85,769 Geo. P. Walford
Peter Jebsen Brutus June 3, 1898 215,000 L.F. Chapman & Co.
No. 55 Water Barge No. 1 May 25, 1898 24,000 Standard Oil Co.
Whitgift Nero June 30, 1898 215,000 McCondray & Co.
Norse King Rainbow June 29, 1898 176,576 Thomas Ronaldson
Enquirer Enquirer Do. 80,000 W.J. Conners
Inca Inca June 13, 1898 35,000 Frank B. McQueston
Huntress Huntress June 7, 1898 27,500 F.C. Fowler
Stranger Stranger June 9, 1898 75,000 Mrs. Mary Lewis
Kate Jones Seminole June 6, 1898 25,000 Boston Towboat Co.
Bristol Cheyenne July 8, 1898 20,000 J.J. Cummings
Eugenia Siren June 9, 1898 40,000 J.G. Cassat
Elfrida Elfrida June 15, 1898 50,000 Dr. Seward Webb
No. 295 Sylph June, 1898 50,000 John Roach & Co.
Shearwater Shearwater May 9, 1898 26,000 Henry W. Wolcott
Sylvia Sylvia June 13, 1898 25,000 Edward M. Brown
Hercules Chickasaw June 25, 1898 15,000 M. Revel
Confidence Waban Do. 20,000 Do.
Kanawha Kanawha June 7, 1898 50,000 John P. Duncan
Pedro Hector June, 1898 200,000 (Prize)
Port Chalmers Glacier July, 1898 340,550 Federal Line (London)
Titania Marcellus June 13, 1898 90,000 William Lamb
Refrigerating ship 247,704
Lucilene Arethusa Aug. 12, 1898 218,992 Thos. S. Hopkins

The Fighting Force
The number of enlisted men allowed by law prior to the outbreak of hostilities was 12,500. On August 15, when the enlisted force reached its maximum, there were 24,123 men in service. This great increase was made necessary by the addition of 128 ships to the Navy. The maximum fighting force of the Navy, separated into classes, was as follows:

Battle ships (first class) 4
Battle ships (second class) 1
Armored cruisers 2
Coast defense monitors 6
Armored ram 1
Protected cruisers 12
Unprotected cruisers 3
Gunboats 18
Dynamite cruiser 1
Torpedo boats 11
Vessels of old Navy, including monitors 14


Auxiliary navy:

Auxiliary cruisers 11
Converted yachts 28
Revenue cutters 15
Light-house tenders 4
Converted tugs 27
Converted colliers 19
Miscellaneous 19


In General
Fleet and squadron commanders and the captains of individual vessels serving far away from their bases of supply and information were kept in touch with the Department by means of cable communication and dispatch-boat service, and were furnished promptly with information collected from the many sources at the disposal of the Department. Arrangements were made to supply the fleet in Cuban waters and the squadron in the Philippines with coal and fresh provisions, and the North Atlantic fleet had at its disposal a thoroughly equipped hospital ship, distilling ships, and a repair vessel capable of making any but the largest repairs.

The Department feels, in contemplating the vast amount of work necessary to the successful operations of the Navy during the past year, that the country as well as the service has cause for congratulation in the results which have followed and which have been so generally approved, and in the further fact that no personal feeling has arisen to mar the glorious victories and magnificent work of the service.

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This Day in History
1738: English parliament declares war on Spain.

1800: The USS Essex becomes first U.S. Navy vessel to pass the Cape of Good Hope.

1814: The HMS Phoebe and Cherub capture the USS Essex off Valparaiso, Chile.

1854: Britain and France declare war on Russia.

1862: Union forces stop the Confederate invasion of New Mexico territory when they turn the Rebels back at Glorieta Pass.

1864: A group of Copperheads attack Federal soldiers in Charleston, Illinois. Five are killed and twenty wounded.

1917: The Womens Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) is founded, Great Britains first official service women.

1939: The Spanish Civil War ends as Madrid falls to Francisco Franco.

1941: Andrew Browne Cunningham, Admiral of the British Fleet, commands the British Royal Navys destruction of three major Italian battleships and two destroyers in the Battle of Cape Matapan in the Mediterranean.

1942: A British ship, the HMS Capbeltown, a Lend-Lease American destroyer, which was specifically rammed into a German occupied dry-dock in France, explodes, knocking the area out of action for the German battleship Tirpitz.