SPECIAL BULLETIN. U. S. FLAGSHIP NEW YORK
ABSTRACT OF THE LOG OF THE CHRISTOBAL COLON FROM APRIL 8TH TO JULY 3RD, 1898.
(The Sea-Day from Noon to Noon was used.)
Date. | Course. | Distance. | NOON POSITION. | SPEED. | WIND | Revolutions. | Seam Pressr. | No. of Boilers. | Coal consu'd. | REMARKS. | ||
April. | Latitude | Longitude | Direction. | Force. | ||||||||
8-9 | S. 47° W. | 230.0 | 34° 02' N. | 8° 31' W. | 12.0-13.0 | E.S.E. & N.E. | 3-6 | 60-62 | 120-140 | 7 | 81 tons. | Left Cadiz in company with Maria Teresa (Flag) 4.37 p. m. April 8th, 1898. Roll 10° to 20°, period 6.5 s. |
9-10 | S. 45° W. | 284.0 | 30° 40' 11" N. | 7° 31' 00" W. | 10.0-12.5 | N.N.E. | 5-6 | 50-65 | 110-140 | 6-7 | 83 tons. | Celebrated High Mass at 10. Read Art. of War. Published G. C. M. Order. |
10-11 | S. 41° W. | 235.0 | 28° 00' 51" N | 10° 17' 00" W. | 6.0-12.5 | N.N.E. to N. | 4-7 | 40-60 | 110-130 | 4-6 | 66 tons. | Sighted Tenerif ahead. Exchanged signals by Inter national code. Pilot board with sealed package for Captain. |
11-12 | S. 34° W. | 310.0 | 23° 54' 13" N | 13° 25' 45" W. | 12.0-12.5 | N.E. to N. | 3-5 | 60-63 | 130-140 | 7 | 85 tons. | No. 2 gun failed to turn; found the fault and remedied it. After part exercised Small arms. |
12-13 | S. 36° W. | 279.0 | 20° 11' 07" N | 16° 17' 10" W. | 10.5-12.5 | N.E. | 4 | 54-60 | 120-130 | 6-7 | 73 tons. | The after part exercised Carbines in the afternoon. |
13-14 | ……… | …. | …………. | …………. | 9.0-11.0 | N.E. | 4-5 | 54-56 | 120-130 | 6 | ……… | 9.40 a. m. flagship anchored. At 10.08 anchored in 8 fms.: Pajaros Id., N. 20° W.; Fort, N. 70° S.; West point, N. 12° E.; in St. Vincent, Cape de Verde I's. |
14-15 | At anchor in St. Vincent, Porto Grande. | At 8 p.m. went into sea watches; extinguished all unnecessary light from outside view. Doubled the guards and redoubled vigilance, both inside and outside the ship in compliance with orders. Distilling. Two steamers came in and anchored. Kept Battery (secondary) ready for action. | ||||||||||
16-17 | In 19m water | do | and 45 fms. on port chain. | Coaling from lighters. | ||||||||
17-18 | do. | Coaling from lighters. Shifted anchorage to following bearings: N. 17° W.; Fort, N. 73° E. The Spanish mail steamer San Francisco entered during forenoon watch. | ||||||||||
18-19 | do. | Finished coaling in the 4 to 8 (evening) watch. Cleaning ship. The Almirante Oquendo and Viscaya came in and anchored during the forenoon watch. | ||||||||||
19-20 | do. | 10 to 10.30 a. m. exercised clear ship for action without arms, followed by great gun drill until 11. | ||||||||||
20-21 | do. | The Commodore and Captains met on board at 1.00 p. m. in obedience to signal, they left at 5.00. Exercised 12 c-m and 15 c-m guns of battery from 10 to 11 a. m. | ||||||||||
21-22 | do. | Exercised great guns from 10 to 11.15 a. m. | ||||||||||
22-23 | do. | After part exercised carbines from 2 to 4 p. m. | ||||||||||
23-24 | do. | Lighter with 30 tons coal came alongside during first watch; commenced coaling at 4 and finished 8.00 a. m. Another lighter with 78 tons came alongside during forenoon watch, from which took 25 tons by noon. | ||||||||||
24-25 | do. | Afternoon watch Commanding Officer Teresa came on board—commenced coaling 1.30 p. m.—4 to 8 watch another coal lighter with 50 tons arrived; finished previous one; at end of watch about 25 tons left in lighter. 8 to 12 p. m., 54 tons more came. Finished coaling during forenoon watch. | ||||||||||
25-26 | do. | Lighters came alongside during p. m. with coal and a 75mm gun for the destroyer Furor, together with 8 bbls. Olive Oil and 2 cases mineral oil (44 tons loose coal and 45 in bags). | ||||||||||
26-27 | do. | P. M. 89 tons coal, artillery stores and supplies for the Furor, and wines and provisions came alongside. Coaling. Rec'd 4 boxes exercise torpedo-heads and a 75-mm gun for Furor. | ||||||||||
27-28 | do. | Receiving coal loose, 21.5 tons, and in bags, 20.0 tons, and store for the Furor. Sent to the Furor 16 cases of stores. Finished coaling during forenoon watch. | ||||||||||
28-29 | S. 86° W. | 33.0 | 16° 52' 40" N | 19° 26' 30" W. | 10.0—Stopped and Manoeuvred. | N.E. | 2-4 | 49 | 120 | 5 | 11 tons. | Left Porto Grande, a. m. April 29, in company with Infanta Maria Teresa (flagship), Oquendo, Viscaya, and destroyers Furor, Terror and Pluton. |
29-30 | S. 86° W. | 90.0 | 16° 45' 52" N | 21° 17' 30" W. | 2.0-13.0 | N.E. | 3-5 | 45-50 | 90-120 | 5 | 32 tons. | Torpedo-boats in tow. Trouble with st'b'd air pump. 60 revs, with port engine. Exchanged signals. |
30-1 | S. 86° W. | 180.0 | 16° 29' 20" N | 24° 16' 30" W. | 5.5-9.0 | N.E. | 3-4 | 40-58 | 110-120 | 5 | 33 tons. | Steaming with port engine, helm 10° port. Towing Furor. Reported st'b'd engine ready noon; watch by sig. Held divine service. |
Date. | Course. | Distance. | NOON POSITION. | SPEED. | WIND | Revolutions. | Seam Pressr. | No. of Boilers. | Coal consu'd. | REMARKS. | ||
May. | Latitude | Longitude | Direction. | Force. | ||||||||
1-2 | S. 84° W. | 152.0 | 16° 13' 53" N | 26° 45' 27" W. | 4.0-8.0 | N.E. to E.N.E. | 3-4 | 40 | 100-120 | 5 | 29 tons. | Teresa towing Pluton; Oquendo towing Terror; we towing Furor. Tried elec. primers. 11 a. m. slowed down to allow the Oquendo to resecure her tow |
2-3 | S. 85° W. | 182.0 | 16° 01' 00" N | 29° 58' 30" W. | 6.0-7.0 | E.N.E. | 3 | 40-42 | 100-120 | 5 | 28 tons. | Repaired Capstan damaged at St. Vincent. Terror signalled to fire. Signal made to exercise frequently at General Quarters at unexpected times day and night without previous notice being given. |
3-4 | S. 83° W. | 175.0 | 15° 43' 30" N | 32° 51' 15" W. | 6.0-7.3 | E. to E.N.E. | 1-2 | 40 | 100-120 | 5 | 29 tons. | Terror had firing drill in the afternoon. Slowed to renew tow p. m., then proceeded. |
4-5 | S. 84° W. | 170.0 | 15° 30' 00" N | 35° 42' 15" W. | 6.0-7.0 | E. | 3 | 40 | 100-110 | 5 | 28 tons. | Screw of torpedo-boat fouled by flotsam at 9.05 a. m.; stopped and cleared it; started ahead at 10 a. m. |
5-6 | S. 84° W. | 170.0 | 15° 16' 16" N. | 88° 34' 45" W. | 6.5-7.0 | E. | 3 | 40 | 100 | 5 | 30 tons. | Towing Furor. Forenoon flagship signalled "We are steering by hand." |
6-7 | S. 85° W. | 170.0 | 14° 59' 55" N. | 41* 24' 15" W. | 7.0-8.0 | E. to N.E. | 2-4 | 40-44 | 98-105 | 5 | 30 tons. | Artillerists given theoretical instruction. Slowed from 10.30 to 11.15 a. m. to allow flagship to renew tow. |
7-8 | S. 84° W. | 180.0 | 14° 44' 20" N. | 44° 27' 30" W. | 7.0-8.0 | N.E. to E. | 4 | 44-45 | 90-100 | 5 | 34 tons. | Received permission to try search-lights. Slowed 7 a. m. to renew towline of torpedo-boat which had parted. |
8-9 | S. 84° W. | 170.0 | 14° 32' 25" N. | 47° 18' 15" W. | 8.0 | E. | 4-6 | 44-45 | 90-100 | 5 | 32 tons. | At 8.50 slowed, and at 9.00 a. m. stopped both engines for repairs and cast off tow. Started ahead 10.50 a. m. |
9-10 | S. 87° W. | 160.0 | 14° 19' 45" N. | 49' 56' 45" W. | 6.0-9.0 | N.E. to E. | 4 | 41-53 | 95-100 | 5-6 | 32 tons. | Slowed down afternoon watch to repair starboard engine, and at 2.25 p. m. to allow Oquendo to repair tow. Stopped during 1st watch to let other vessels catch up. |
10-11 | S. 88° W. | 218.0 | 14° 13' 20" N. | 63° 38' 10" W. | 8.0-10.0 | E. to N. | 3-6 | 47-50 | 90-100 | 6-5 | 46 tons. | 6.45 p. m. cleared ship for action and gent all hands to their stations to remain there all night. 9.00 a. m. sighted vessel to port; went General Quarters until made her out to be Terror. She communicated with Flagship. |
11-12 | S. 81° W. | 90.0 | 14° 28' 00" N. | 55° 08' 00" W. | 3.7-7.0 | E. | 3-4 | 24-33 | 100-110 | 4-8 | 22 tons. | 4-8 Martinique on starboard hand. Beat to General Quarters and kept all hands at their stations. Stopped from 5.15 to 6.15 a. m. Flagship cast off Terror from tow. 7.30 a. m. sent 3rd cutter to Flagship. 7.10 Diamond Rock 4m. |
12-13 | S. 73° W. | 281.0 | 13° 18' 41" N. | 59° 47' 28" W. | 10.0-1.0 | S.W. to E.S.E. | 0-4 | 55-68 | 100-105 | 6-8 | 60 tons. | 12.20 p. m. lost sight of Martinique. At 5.45 a. m. secured and went to breakfast. 9.25 a. m. Flagship signalled;-"The vessels, on entering port, will be as clean as possible, and the crews will shift." |
13-14 | S. 70° W. | 208.0 | 12° 02' 40" N. | 62° 43' 00" W. | 8.0-12.0 | S.E. | 4-6 | 33-55 | 75-110 | 6 | 43 tons. | 6.30 a. m. sighted Curacao, and at 8.00 it bore N. Forenoon watch the Flagship and Viscaya entered the harbor; this vessel, the Oquendo and the destroyers remaining outside. |
14-15 | Off S. Coast of Curacao. |
|
|
|
| S.E.-E.S.E. | 4-6 | As Ordered | 70-90 | 2-5 | 23 tons. | At midnight the Santa Ana light bore N. Forenoon watch lowered 3rd and 4th cutters, and took Terror in tow. Moving engines at times to maintain position near Oquendo. |
15-16 | N. 48° W. | 110.0 | 13° 28' 00" N. | 64° 28' 16" W. | 4.0-9.0 | S.E. | 3-6 | 23-45 | 100-110 | 5 | 36 tons. | P. M. coal Terror with cutters, which was finished at 6.30 p. m., having supplied her with 34½ tons. 5.15 Pluton came out of harbor with Teresa and Viscaya. Stopped and waited for Viscaya to make repairs to engine. |
16-17 | N. 48° W. | 189.0 | 15° 36' 31" N. | 66° 65' 30" W. | 5.0-9.0 | S.E.-E.S.E. | 4-5 | 45 | 110 | 5 | 40 tons. | 2.30 p. m. Flagship made signal:—" If you want a cow send boat." Answered:—"Many thanks, do not require any." At 7.30 p. m. went to General Quarters and kept crew at stations all night. |
17-18 | N. 42° W. | 158.0 | 17° 32' 00" N. | 68° 50' 00" W. | 5.0-8.5 | S.E. | 4-3 | 28-34 | 105-110 | 4-5 | 33 tons. | Morning watch Flagship signalled:—"Oquendo change station with Viscaya." "Admiral intends making port of Santiago." " Be prepared for action tonight in case the enemy appears." |
18-19 |
| 5.0-12.5 | S.E.-N.N.E. | 0-6 | At 4.30 a. m. sighted island of Cuba ahead. Entered Santiago harbor on the morning of the 19th of May. At 8.20 anchored in 10m. water with 15 fathoms on starboard chain; bottom, mud. Cheered by Mercedes on coming in. | |||||||
19-24 | Santiago de Cuba, | W. I.--[No record in log between these two dates; 24-25 being designated as the first day of "Singladura " (Day's run, or, "Current Events ").] | ||||||||||
24-25 | do. | do. | Shifted anchorage in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba on the morning of May 25th, 1898; draft for'd 7m.50, aft 6m.45. At 6 engines ready and, with the pilot on board, weighed anchor, which was soon catted; east to port. Under direction of the Commanding Officer passed between Ratones Cay and Julias P't and proceeded in the channel to a point to the N'd of Smith Cay and at mouth of Gaspar Bay, where we anchored at 7.00 a. m. in 20m. of water with the port anchor, mud bottom. At this time the vessels of the enemy were discovered off the mouth of the harbor; Morro made signal to begin firing; orders were given to man the main battery; but in a short time it was seen that it would be obstructed as an English steamer was about to enter the harbor. Got out stream cable from port quarter to the south beach of the bay (Gaspar) and veered and hauled chain until another was gotten from starboard to the opposite shore and then secured both. Head S. 57° W. with 75 fathoms of chain outside and moored on the following bearings:—Gorda P't, N. 19° W.; Cuarentina P't, Smith Cay, S. 48° E.; and Morro P't, S. 5° E. 8.40 a. m. to noon got out a second mooring to starboard and made fast until we had secured the buoy on the same quarter which had been placed as a mark. Got out steel hawser on starboard side, and sent crew to breakfast. | |||||||||
25-26 | Anchored with springs on cables, in Gaspar Bay. | Lowered 2nd steam launch which took sailing launch in tow to bring back liberty men and provisions at 3.30 p. m. During 4 to 8 watch the small arms were gotten ready and the rapid-fire battery loaded. At 6.00 a. m. secured small-arms, unloaded rapid-fire battery, and then crew went to breakfast. 8 a. m. to Noon lighter came alongside which commenced unloading at once. Squally. | ||||||||||
26-27 | Anchored in Gaspar Bay. | At 3.00 p. m. hove in port chain to 30 fathoms, heaving in on port stream chain and veering on the starboard. Finished coaling 4 to 8 p. m. watch. 8 to 12 p. m. semaphore signalled two suspicious vessels in sight. Mid to 4 a. m. steam launch returned towing water boat. 8 a. m. to noon veered cables to bring stern to the beach in such wise that the 15.2 c-m. gun No. 2 would cover the mouth of harbor with its fire. The watch-tower signaled 3 of the enemy's vessels in sight accompanied by torpedo-boats or smaller vessels. | ||||||||||
27-28 | do. | do. | Noon to 4 p. m. anchored and moored in Gaspar Bay, 75 fathoms on port chain, and two moorings to port and one to starboard; secured to the beach. Artillery (main battery) ready for action. 4 coal lighters came alongside, commenced discharging at once. 5.30 p. m. semaphore signalled:—"The enemy has disappeared." Coaling and taking in water. | |||||||||
28-29 | do. | do. | Finished coaling at 4.00 p. m. Sent Ensign La Ciera to Morro for information regarding enemy's vessels and the buoys said to have been planted by them; he reported as follows by semaphore: —18t, Black buoy S. W. ¼° S., distance difficult to determine but estimated 4 miles; another buoy is being looked for. 2nd, The enemy disappears to the S. W. ½° S.; no white buoy is seen. 3rd, Seven vessels in sight, the Brooklyn and Iowa distinguishable; two vessels are approaching the buoy. The semaphore, in its turn, announced:—"5 vessels in sight with small vessels or torpedo-boats." 4 to 8 p. m. lighted a red light and showed in on starboard side in order to indicate position of our bow to the rest of the squadron. At 7.30 a. m. commenced firing at 14,000ms., the enemy's squadron coming from the E'd and steaming in column past the mouth of the harbor. There were recognized the Brooklyn, Indiana, Iowa (flag), Minneapolis, Texas, and a merchant vessel. Manned all the starboard battery and loaded with heavy ammunition. | |||||||||
29-30 | do. | do. | Noon to 4 p. m. various North American vessels in sight, among which could be distinguished the Iowa, Indiana, Brooklyn and Texas type and some merchantmen. 4 to Mid American vessels continue to pass by mouth of harbor with their search-lights thrown on the coast. At 4.00 a. m. the two destroyers returned, having been cruising at the mouth of the harbor and reporting enemy's vessels from W. to S. E. from point, i. e.: B., T., Ind., Ia., a yacht and merchantmen. The Ensign of the Pluton, on passing this vessel on way to the Flagship, reported having been within about 4 miles of the enemy's vessels. At 11.00 sent an officer and 2 Quartermasters to the semaphore on duty; they reported:—" Enemy's Squadron in sight," by semaphore; and by flag signals announced the arrival of a man-of-war with two masts, with three military tops on each, and two smoke-stacks. | |||||||||
30-31 | do. | do. | Noon to 4 p. m. paid the crew; at end of watch 4 enemy's vessels in sight which appeared to be the B., Min., Tex., and an armed merchant vessel. At sunset two enemy's vessels below horizon. During Mid watch the destroyers and vedettes cruised several times to the mouth of the harbor, and when one of the vedettes returned it signalled the letter K with the Colomb signals and then disappeared behind Cay Smith. Morning watch sent ten men to coal torpedo-boats; semaphore signalled:—"Enemy's Squadron in sight" and at end of watch "Two shots to the W'd." |
Date. |
| REMARKS. |
May. | Position. |
|
June. |
|
|
31-1. | Anchored in Gaspar Bay and at Ratones Key. | At 1.16 sent 10 men to coal Pluton. At 2.15 the Iowa passed W. to E. at short distance firing at us; beat to General Quarters-2.15 to 5.00 p. m. Bombarded by the enemy's Squadron from 3 p. m. At General Quarters for action. As soon as the enemy's Squadron opened fire and was standing across the mouth of the harbor from the western point and heading to the Eastward at high speed, and consisting of the Iowa (flag), Massachusetts, Brooklyn, Amazonas, Texas, Marblehead, City of Rome (apparently), and four auxiliary cruisers; we commenced firing with the port 15 cm. battery. which continued with rapidity, and correcting the excitement conveniently in order to diminish tendency to waste ammunition. Then commenced with the 12 cm, guns and continued the firing during the time it took them to moss the mouth of the harbor. The Amazonas and large transatlantic steamer having stopped, we then concentrated all our fire on them both. In a short time the other battleships returned, and then the action continued on both sides, but our shot falling short on account of the enemy keeping at too great a distance. A battleship, apparently the Brooklyn, and the transatlantic liner remained in front, and repeating our fire, a tug was seen to approach the latter and astern of her the other battleships were nearing the former. Observed that they retired, convoying them and another steamer at a greater distance, also appearing to have suffered damage, to the S'd without answering our fire. At 3.15 H. E. the Comd't Gen'l of the Squadron, came on board in the Teresa's steam launch, and soon afterward ceased firing on account of the silence and withdrawal of the enemy. We were accompanied in our offensive attack by the Socapa battery and that of Morro. 62 rounds were fired from the 15 cm. battery and 14 from the 12 cm. The firing-pins of three of the 12 cm. guns and of six of the 15 cm, were damaged, but they were at once repaired. An enemy's shell exploded near the stern, making dents in the side and cracking some bowls in the round-house. When the ships retired it was in disorder and, in our judgment, confirmed the fact that two of them required convoying by the Brooklyn as already mentioned. Kept the whole port battery loaded, and at 5.00 p. m, resumed sea watches. At 9.30 P. M. six of the enemy's vessels passed from E. to W. across the mouth of the harbor, returning at 11.30 the other way. Semaphore signalled:—"The Flagship has seen a vessel to the E'd. near the coast, and that upon the vedettes going out two shots were heard, and that the enemy's Squadron would pass close by the mouth of the harbor." The Flagship asked the distance: replied that report would be made upon return of vedette. 4 to 8 a. m. the enemy's Squadron in sight, pawing the mouth of the harbor, first from E. to W., afterward from W. to E., at a great distance and beyond range of our guns; they appear to have been re-enforced by several vessels. At 9.00 a. m. sent men to coal the Furor. At 10.20 a. m., by order of the Comd't General of the Squadron. cast off the springs. At 10.35 a. m. got underway, and under direction of the Commanding Officer east to starboard and under slow speed passed between Punto Gorda and the bow of the Oquendo. Directed our course into the inner harbor until 11.60 a. m., at which time we came to an anchor in 9.5m. of water, with 15 fathoms on port chain; bearings at anchor Ratones Cay, S. 36° W.; Yarey Pier, N. 11° W.; and Compadres Rock, S. 30° E. |
1-2 | At anchor in harbor of Santiago de Cuba. | During afternoon watch unloaded the 12 cm. guns and the 154 mm. battery. 4 to 8 p. m. unable to unload 4, 6, 8. and 10 of the 15 cm. battery. Semaphore made signal that the enemy's Squadron was in sight, and at 5.00:—"The enemy is approaching"; the Flagship transmitted the signal:—"The enemy is directing his course to the month of the harbor." |
2-3 |
| Afternoon watch semaphore signalled the enemy's Squdron in sight-3.30 p. m. coal lighter came to starboard side; commenced coaling. Stopped coaling at 9, p. m. At 3.25 a. m. hearing a lively firing of guns at the mouth of the harbor, called and armed the crew, got the battery ready. And supplied a case of ammunition for each rapid-fire gun. 4 to 8 a. m. the firing continued at short intervals at the mouth of the harbor. Lighted two boilers and shifted closer to Ratones Cay with 15 fathoms on port chain and ready to slip at a moment's notice. Lowered 2nd steam launch and anchored all the boats which -were in the water close to the coal lighter. At 7.00 a. m. received information from the Flagship by signal:—"Merchant vessel which had entered the mouth of the harbor was sunk while massing Nispero Bay; she was struck by two torpedoes, one from the Pluton and the other an observation mine; we captured one officer and seven North American sailors." 8 a. m. to noon got out kedge with 60 fathoms on it, and secured on the following bearings;—Ratones Cay, S. 27. W.; Compadres Rock, S. 78' E.; and Julias Lookout, S. 12° E. Signals were made to us concerning the movements of the enemy's vessels. |
3-4 | At anchor in harbor of Santiago de Cuba. | At 1.00 p. m. H. E., the General Second in Command left the ship; lowered his flag. Flagship made signal:—"Light fires under all boilers and have steam by 6.00," soon afterward;—"Amended, steam on boilers by 10 o'clock." 4 to 8 p. m. semaphore signalled that the enemy's Squadron was. approaching. The Flagship made signal:—"Do not let fires go down but have the boilers ready for steam in 4 hours." At nightfall some shots were heard in the direction of the Morro. At 10.30 p. m. cannon-firing was heard at regular intervals and two discharges at the mouth of the harbor. Watering ship. |
4-5 | do | 4 to 8 p. m watering ship. The semaphore made signal:—"The enemy opens fire." After supper armed the crew without loading the small-arms. At 3.30 a. m. steam launch brought coal lighter to port side; finished coaling during 4 to 8 a. m. watch and commenced taking in water from launch. At 10.00 a. m, held divine service. At end of watch signal still hoisted on semaphore:—"Enemy's Squadron in sight." |
5-6 | do | 7.45 a. m. the enemy opened lire. 8 a. m. to noon cast loose and loaded the rapid-fire pieces of both batteries. The enemy's fire lasted until 10.35, being answered by the shore batteries; at this time the semaphore made signal that the enemy was withdrawing to the E'd. At 11.15 firing was again heard to the E'd, which continued to end of watch, though far distant. At 10.30 the Chief of Staff arrived and, by his orders manned the rapid-fire guns of the Mercedes, which had been installed at the month of the harbor; sent two petty officers, four artillery men from the turrets, and thirty men from the turrets, all in command of Lieutenant Grisi (or Gusi) and Ensign Servert. This force returned on board by order of the Admiral of the Squadron, but upon arrival was held in readiness for immediate departure. Sent several men to the hospital. |
6-7 | do | Merid. to 4 p. m. sent the 34 men to the Mercedes. Received information of the death of Com'd'r E. Costa, Executive of the Mercedes, and of 5 men; Ensigns M. Dore and A. Molines. and 12 men were wounded. Unloaded the charges from both batteries. At 5.20 p. m. semaphore made signal that the enemy were firing upon the shore; several distant shots were heard. At 9.00 p. m. asked permission to test search-lights, which worked satisfactorily. Taking in water from launch. Secured the Marymak's boat, repaired it and supplied it with a new rudder. |
7-8 | do | Taking in water. At 7.00 p. m. four search-lights of the enemy were seen illuminating the shore. |
8-9 | do | During the afternoon watch launched two torpedoes from the starboard stern tube to test their speed. 7.00 p. m. enemy's search-lights illuminating the shore which continued all night. Held divine service at 10. |
9-10 | do | The North American ships continued lighting the coast with their projectors, especially the mouth of the harbor. The Viscaya made signal at 9.30 p. m. that the ships were about 3 miles from shore. At 1.00 a. m. same informed the Flagship that the enemy's ships were firing rockets and burning blue lights. 10.30 semaphore signalled that the enemy had opened fire. At end of watch the enemy retired. |
10-11 | do | The enemy's Squadron kept the shore constantly illuminated with their projectors during the night, especially the mouth of the harbor. Watchword, "Gonzalo"; password, "Gibara"; countersign, "Granetazo"; which signals of recognition were reserved for the large ships; for the torpedo-boats, tugs, etc., the night letter for the 11th to 12th insts. is "N." |
11-12 | do | Nothing of importance. Watchword, "Ibo"; password, "lbega"; countersign, "Intento." |
12-13 | do | Enemy's search-lights illum'ing shore and harbor all night. Watchword, "Muneria"; password, "Mueritas"; countersign, "Monio" Night letter 12" to13", "M"—for to-night, "A." |
13-14 | do | At 11.15 p. m. heard seven shots which seemed to have been fired from the Socapa. Enemy's search-lights trained on shore and entrance to port all night. |
14-15 | do | Received on board 5 tons of rice; other provisions alongside. Enemy's search-lights trained on shore and entrance to port all night. |
15-16 | do | At 11.15 p. m. heard five shots fired, one, apparently, from the Socapa, and the others by the enemy. At 5.20 a. m. the enemy's Squadron opened a heavy fire, aiming at the shore batteries; several projectiles fell inside the harbor. At 6.30 the enemy's fire slacked, and our batteries continued answering them until 6.35. |
16-17 | do | Enemy's search-lights on port entrance all night. Sent 10 armed men to the Mercedes. At 5.00 a. m. the enemy opened fire to the W'd, on Cabrera P't, which lasted until 5.45 a. m.; according to signal received this was done by the Texas, a yacht and two steamers. 9 to 10.30 a. m. exercised in landing artillery. Sent launch for water. |
17-18 | do | Enemy's search-lights trained on month of harbor all night. |
18-19 | do | 4 to 8 p. m. boat returned from making an examination of the Merrvmak. At 10.50 p. m. about 5 shots were heard, evidently fired by the Socapa and Morro at an enemy's ship which had approached within a short distance of the entrance. At 7.00 a. m. heard some cannon shots which subsequently were supposed to be an American yacht saluting the Squadron. Watchword, "Salvador "; password, "Soria "; countersign, " Sobre." At 10.00 held divine service, and read some of the Articles of War. |
19-20 | do | Enemy's search-light trained on shore and mouth of harbor all night. At noon an explosion occurred at the wharf; cause unknown. Watchword, " Nicario"; password, " Nada "; countersign, " Norise." |
20-21 | do | Enemy's search-lights trained on shore and month of harbor all night. At 7.30 a. m. the General Second in Command* came on board in the Mercedes' boat; hoisted his flag. At 11.15 a. m. the Mercedes came up into the inner harbor and anchored |
21-22 | At anchor in harbor of Santiago de Cuba. | At 10.45 p. m. shots were heard, apparently from the Vesuvius, which were answered by our batteries. At 8.05 a. m. shots were heard from the enemy's Squadron, which were replied to by our batteries; the enemy continued firing slowly until 11.30 a. m. |
22-23 | At 10.40 p. m. three shots were heard near the entrance, and also others further off. In obedience to signal disembarked with provisions and ammunition, in two launches, in command of Ensign Gossi and Sagrara. 8 a. m. to noon sent provisions on shore for the landed force. Launch with 30 tons of coal came alongside, which commenced discharging at once. | |
23-24 | do | Requisition for provisions for the company on shore was made upon the Captain of the Port. 4 to 8 p. m. Lieut. Emilio Butron was lent for duty in the Estrella battery. At sunset the enemy's search-light began to illuminate the shore. Ensign Eurique de la Cierva returned from duty in the Estrella. At 8 p. m. armed and kept all hands at their stations. Finished coaling at 8.00 a. m. Sent steam launch with fresh provisions and stores to the company on shore. Sent 60 fixed charges on shore for the pieces with the landed company. At end of morning watch semaphore signalled that the enemy had opened fire on the beach to the eastward. |
24-25 | do | Semaphore flying signal:—"The enemy is firing at the shore to the E'd." At 1.00 p. m. some cannon shots were heard to the E'd. Sent three days pro. visions to the company landed at La Cruz. Flagship signalled:—"Guardship Oquendo, doctor Teresa, chaplain Teresa." At 4.40 a. m. heard cannon firing to E'd, and the semaphore signalled that the enemy had opened fire on the beach in that direction. Sent provisions to the detachment at the "Dos Caminos del Cobre," and by the steam launch to that of Los Cruces. At 10.30 semaphore signalled:—"Enemy is firing on the beach to the E'd." Lieutenant Milre left for Estrella. |
25-26 | do | At 4.00 p. m. several cannon shots were heard, and semaphore signalled that the enemy was firing on the shore to the E'd; shortly afterward and in the next watch two discharges of musketry were heard. At sunset two picket-boats and a destroyer left for outside. At midnight four shots were heard, two of them from the Morro; soon after Viscaya signalled Teresa that the Vesuvius had thrown two shells, the Morro replying with the other two. Enemy's search-lights trained on entrance all night. At 10.00 a. m. the steam launch took provisions to the detachment at Dos Cruces, returning immediately. Held divine service. |
26-27 | do | 4 to 8 p. m. sent cartridges and five chests of Mauser ammunition to the detachment in command of 3rd officer. Got ready the artillery of the port battery. At 10.30 p. m. the Viscaya signalled to Teresa that the Vesuvius, a destroyer and a picket-boat were in front of the semaphore and about 3 miles distant. At 1.15 a. m. two discharges were heard at the Morro; the Viscaya reported that the Vesuvius had thrown three shells, to which the Morro replied. At 2.15 a. m. three shots were heard to eastward, which the Viscaya reported had been fired at Aguadores. At 5.00 a. m. sent steam launch to iron-pier to take 3 cases of ammunition to the detachment at Dos Cruces, and one day's provisions were taken to the other detachment by the messmen. |
27-28 | do | At 8.45 p. m. musket-firing was heard toward the city, at which the Oquendo reported that infantry firing had been seen in the direction of Dos Caminos del Cobre, which report was transmitted to the Flagship. At 9.00 a. m. Ensign J. M. Arancibia relieved the officer of the torpedo station (hut) at Estrella. Flagship made signal to hold divine service. |
28-29 | do | At 1.00 p. in. one day's ration were sent to the detachment at Dos Cruces. At 4 p. m. sent one day's ration and a change of clothing to each person in the detachment at Dos Caminos del Cobre. At 6 p. m. semaphore showed signal:—"The enemy opens fire to E'd," lowering it at 6.30; during this time heard cannon firing in the direction indicated. At 1.00 p. in. Viscaya signalled to Teresa that "four cruisers were at entrance of harbor and distant four miles," the Amazonas, two yachts, and two merchantmen; at same time heard cannon and musketry firing in the direction of Daiquiri. Enemy's search-lights illuminating entrance all night. |
29-30 | do | During first watch the Viscaya informed the Teresa that there was a destroyer within a thousand metres of the entrance to the harbor. At midnight the Viscaya informed the Teresa that the Amazonas and a small vessel were three miles off the port entrance, and at 12.30 that the Morro was firing with rifles at a boat which was within 180 metres of the entrance. The destroyers came in, and at 7.30 a. m. the Alvarado left. The steam launch was sent with rations to the detachment at the Cruces. |
June. | do |
|
July. | do |
|
30-1 | do | 7.30 a. m: musket-firing was heard in the direction of Dos Cam mos. At every hour of the first watch shots and musket-firing were heard, apparently in the direction of Dos Caminos del Cobre. At 11.00 a. m. an explosion was heard resembling cannon fire near the land, and a shell struck near the bow; we then beat to General Quarters for action and kept all hands at their stations. |
1-2 | At anchor in harbor of Santiago de Cuba. | At 12.30 p. m. firing was heard between the town and Siboney, the enemy firing on the port. Twice artillery and musket-fire was heard at the beach, that of the enemy's Squadron at the port, ceasing at 2.00 p. m., but continued that at the land. The Flagship made signal:—"For to-morrow, guardship, doctor and chaplain, the Colon." At 6.00 p. m. artillery and musket-firing again heard. Ambulances were seen from on board taking wounded to the hospital. At 2.00 a. m. five volleys of musketry were heard at Punta Blanca. At end of Mid watch Flagship made signal:—"Light fires under all boilers," and having asked if we were to light fires at once they replied "No, have steam ready by two o'clock in the afternoon." At 6.00 a. m. musketry fire was heard toward the town and shortly afterward fire was opened on the batteries and the bay. Beat to General Quarters for action, kept all hands at their stations and loaded starboard battery. |
2-3 | do |
|
6 p. m. weighed anchor. |
| |
8. p. m. anchored |
|
NOTE.—The columns for the 2nd and 3rd are entered up to midnight; but someone has torn out the page of remarks for that day
* A flag officer in the Spanish service is usually spoken of as "General." The officer here mentioned was a "Capitan de Navio" of the First Class, equivalent to our "Commodore."