THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY.
_May 1._ “Manila, May 1.—The squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this
morning. Immediately engaged the enemy, and destroyed the following
Spanish vessels: _Isla de Cuba_, _Isla de Luzon_, _Reina Christina_,
_Castilla_, _Don Antonio d’Ulloa_, _Don Juan d’Austria_, _Velasco_,
_General Lezo_, _El Correo_, _Marques del Duero_, _Isla de Mindanao_, and
the water-battery at Cavite. The squadron is uninjured. Few men were
slightly injured. The only means of telegraphing is to American consulate,
Hongkong. I shall communicate with him.
“DEWEY.”
All the world loves a hero, but idolises him when he performs his deeds of
valour without too many preliminaries, and, therefore, when on the seventh
of May the telegram quoted above was flashed over the wires to an
anxiously expectant people, it was as if all the country remembered but
one name,—that of Dewey.
_April 25._ It was known to the public that the Asiatic Squadron had
sailed from Hongkong on the 25th of April to avoid possible complications
such as might arise in a neutral port, and had rendezvoused in Mirs Bay,
there to await orders from the government at Washington.
[Illustration: ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY.]
_April 26._ So also was it known that on the next day Commodore Dewey
received the following cablegram.
“WASHINGTON, April 26th.
“_Dewey, Asiatic Squadron_:—Commence operations at once, particularly
against Spanish fleet. You must capture or destroy them.
“MCKINLEY.”
_April 27._ On the twenty-seventh came information from Hongkong that the
squadron had put to sea, and from that day until the seventh of May no
word regarding the commodore’s movements had been received, save through
Spanish sources.
Then came a cablegram containing the bare facts concerning the most
complete naval victory the world had ever known. It was the first
engagement of the war, and a crushing defeat for the enemy. It is not
strange that the people, literally overwhelmed with joy, gave little heed
to the movements of our forces elsewhere until the details of this
marvellous fight could be sent under the oceans and across the countries,
thousands of leagues in distance, describing the deeds of the heroes who
had made their names famous so long as history shall exist.
During such time of waiting all were eager to familiarise themselves with
the theatre of this scene of action, and every source of information was
applied to until the bay of Manila had become as well known as the nearest
home waters.
For a better understanding of the battle a rough diagram of the bay, from
the entrance as far as the city of Manila, may not come amiss.(1)
Twenty-six miles from the entrance to the bay is situated the city of
Manila, through which the river Pasig runs, dividing what is known as the
old city from the new, and forming several small islands.
Sixteen miles from the sea is the town and arsenal of Cavite, which,
projecting as it does from the mainland, forms a most commodious and safe
harbour. Cavite was well fortified, and directly opposite its fort, on the
mainland, was a heavy mortar battery. Between the arsenal and the city was
a Krupp battery, at what was known as the Luneta Fort, while further
toward the sea, extending from Cavite to the outermost portion of Limbones
Point, were shore-batteries,—formidable forts, so it had been given out by
the Spanish government, such as would render the city of Manila
impregnable.
Between Limbones and Talago Point are two islands, Corregidor and Caballo,
which divide the entrance of the bay into three channels. On each of these
islands is a lighthouse, and it was said that both were strongly fortified
with modern guns. North of Corregidor, nearly opposite, but on the inner
shore, is the point of San José, where was another water-battery mounting
formidable guns. That channel between Corregidor and San José Point is
known as the Boca Grande, and is nearly two miles wide. The middle
channel, or the one situated between the two islands, is shallow, and but
little used. The third, which separates Caballo Island from Limbones
Point, is nearly three miles in width, at least twenty fathoms deep, and
known as the Boca Chica.
All of these channels, as well as the waters of the bay, were said to have
been thickly mined, and the enemy had caused it to be reported that no
ship could safely enter without the aid of a government pilot.
In addition to the vessels of the American fleet, as set down at the
conclusion of this chapter, were two transports, the steamers _Nanshan_
and _Zafiro_, which had come into the port of Hongkong laden with coal
shortly before Commodore Dewey’s departure, and had been purchased by him,
together with their cargoes, in anticipation of the declaration of war.
And now, the details having been set down in order that what follows may
be the better understood, we will come to that sultry Sunday morning,
shortly after midnight, when the American fleet steamed along the coast
toward the entrance to Manila Bay, the flag-ship _Olympia_ leading, with
the _Baltimore_, the _Raleigh_, the _Petrel_, the _Concord_, and the
_Boston_ following in the order named. In the rear of these came the two
transports, the _Nanshan_ and _Zafiro_, convoyed by the despatch steamer
_McCulloch_.
The commodore had decided to enter by the Boca Grande channel, and the
fleet kept well out from Talago Point until the great light of Corregidor
came into view.
Then the crews of the war-vessels were summoned on deck, the men ordered
to wash, and afterwards served with a cup of coffee. All lights were
extinguished except one on the stern of each ship, and that was hooded.
All hands were at quarters; all guns loaded, with extra charges ready at
hand; every eye was strained, and every ear on the alert to catch the
slightest sound.
Perhaps there was not a man from commodore to seaman, who believed it
would be possible for the war-vessels to enter the bay without giving an
alarm, and yet the big ships continued on and were nearly past Corregidor
Island before a gun was fired.
The flag-ship was well into the bay, steaming at a four-knot speed, when
from the smoke-stack of the little _McCulloch_ a column of sparks shot up
high into the air. In the run her fires had fallen low, and it became
necessary to replenish them. The firemen, perhaps fearing lest they should
not be in at the death, were more energetic than prudent, and thus a
signal was given to the sleepy garrison of Corregidor.
[Illustration: U. S. S. OLYMPIA.]
“Perhaps they will see us now,” the commodore remarked, quietly, as his
attention was called to this indiscretion.
A flash of light burst from the fort; there was a dull report, and in the
air could be heard that peculiar singing and sighing of a flying
projectile as a heavy missile passed over the _Olympia_ and the _Raleigh_.
The garrison on Corregidor was awakened, but not until after the last
vessel in that ominous procession had steamed past.
It was the first gun in the battle of Manila Bay, and it neither worked
harm nor caused alarm.
Again and again in rapid succession came these flashes of light, dull
reports, and sinister hummings in the air, before the American fleet gave
heed that this signal to heave to had been heard.
Then a 4-inch shell was sent from the _Concord_ directly inside of the
fortification, where it exploded.
The _Raleigh_ and the _Boston_ each threw a shell by way of salute, and
then all was silent.
The channel, which had been thickly mined, according to the Spanish
reports, was passed in safety, and the fleet, looking so unsubstantial in
the darkness, had yet to meet the mines in the bay, as well as the Spanish
fleet, which all knew was lying somewhere near about the city.
On the forward bridge of the _Olympia_ stood Commodore Dewey, his chief of
staff, Commander Lamberton, Lieutenant Rees, Lieutenant Calkins, and an
insurgent Filippino, who had volunteered as pilot.
In the conning-tower was Captain Gridley, who, much against his will, was
forced to take up his position in that partially sheltered place because
the commander of the fleet was not willing to take the chances that all
the chief officers of the ship should be exposed to death on the bridge.
The word was given to “slow down,” and the speed of the big ships
decreased until they had barely steerageway.
The men were allowed to sleep beside their guns.
The moon had set, the darkness and the silence was almost profound, until
suddenly day broke, as it does in the tropics, like unto a flash of light,
and all that bay, with its fighting-machines in readiness for the first
signal, was disclosed to view.
From the masthead of the American vessels rose tiny balls of bunting, and
then were broken out, disclosing the broad folds of the stars and stripes.
Cavite was hardly more than five miles ahead, and beyond, the city of
Manila.
The _Reina Christina_, flying the Spanish rear-admiral’s flag, lay off the
arsenal. Astern of her was moored the _Castilla_, her port battery ready
for action. Slightly to seaward were the _Don Juan de Austria_, the _Don
Antonio de Ulloa_, the _Isla de Cuba_ and _Isla de __Luzon_, the _El
Correo_, the _Marques del Duero_, and the _General Lezo_.
They were under steam and slowly moving about, apparently ready to receive
the fire of the advancing squadron. The flag-ship _Reina Christina_ also
was under way.
“Prepare for general action! Steam at eight-knot speed!” were the signals
which floated from the _Olympia_ as she led the fleet in, keeping well
toward the shore opposite the city.
The American fleet was yet five miles distant, when from the arsenal came
a flame and report; but the missile was not to be seen. Another shot from
Cavite, and then was strung aloft on the _Olympia_ a line of tiny flags,
telling by the code what was to be the American battle-cry: “Remember the
_Maine_,” and from the throat of every man on the incoming ships went up a
shout of defiance and exultation that the moment was near at hand when the
dastardly deed done in the harbour of Havana might be avenged.
Steaming steadily onward were the huge vessels, dropping astern and beyond
range the transports as they passed opposite Cavite Point, until, having
gained such a distance above the city as permitted of an evolution, the
fleet swung swiftly around until it held a course parallel with the
westernmost shore, and distant from it mayhap six thousand yards.
Every nerve was strained to its utmost tension; each man took a mental
grip upon himself, believing that he stood face to face with death; but no
cheek paled; no hand trembled save it might have been from excitement.
The ships were coming down on their fighting course when a shell from one
of the shore-batteries burst over the _Olympia_; the guns from the fort
and from the water-batteries vomited jets of flame and screaming missiles
with thunderous reports; every man on the American fleet save one believed
the moment had come when they should act their part in the battle which
had been begun by the enemy; but up went the signal:
“Hold your fire until close in.”
Had the American fleet opened fire then, the city of Manila would have
been laid in ashes and thousands of non-combatants slain.
The _Olympia_ was yet two miles from Cavite when, directly in front of the
_Baltimore_, a huge shaft of water shot high into the air, and with a
heavy booming that drowned the reports of the Spanish guns.
“The torpedoes!” some one on the _Olympia_ said, in a low tone, with an
indrawing of the breath; but it was as if Dewey did not hear. With
Farragut in Mobile Bay he had seen the effects of such engines of
destruction, and, like Farragut, he gave little heed to that which might
in a single instant send his vessel to the bottom, even as the _Maine_ had
been sent.
Then, so near the _Raleigh_ as to send a flood across her decks, another
spouting of water, another dull roar, and the much vaunted mines of the
Spaniards in Manila Bay had been exploded.
[Illustration: U. S. S. BALTIMORE.]
The roar and crackle of the enemy’s guns still continued, yet Dewey
withheld the order which every man was now most eager to hear.
The Spanish gunners were getting the range; the shells which had passed
over our fleet now fell close about them; the tension among officers and
men was terrible. They wondered how much longer the commodore would
restrain them from firing. The heat was rapidly becoming intense. The
guns’ crews began to throw off their clothes. Soon they wore nothing but
their trousers, and perspiration fairly ran from their bodies.
Still the word was not given to fire, though the ships steadily steamed on
and drew nearer the fort. Orders were given by the officers in low voices,
but they were perfectly audible, so great was the silence which was broken
only by the throbbing of the engines. The men hugged their posts ready to
open fire at the word.
A huge shell from Cavite hissed through the air and came directly for the
_Olympia_. High over the smoke-stack it burst with a mighty snap.
Commodore Dewey did not raise his eyes. He simply turned, made a motion to
a boatswain’s mate who stood near the after 5-inch gun. With a voice of
thunder the man bellowed an order along the decks.
“Remember the _Maine_!” yelled a chorus of five hundred gallant sailors.
Below decks in the engine-rooms the cry was taken up, a cry of defiance
and revenge. Up in the turrets resounded the words, and the threatening
notes were swept across the bay to the other ships.
“Remember the _Maine_!”
In that strange cry was loosed the pent-up wrath of hundreds of American
sailors who resented the cowardly death of their comrades. It bespoke the
terrible vengeance that was about to be dealt out to the defenders of a
detestable flag.
“You may fire when you are ready, Gridley,” was Commodore Dewey’s quiet
remark to the captain of the _Olympia_, who was still in the
conning-tower.
The _Olympia’s_ 8-inch gun in the forward turret belched forth, and an
instant later was run up the signal to the ships astern:
“Fire as convenient.”
The other vessels in the squadron followed the example set by the
_Olympia_. The big 8-inch guns of the _Baltimore_ and the _Boston_ hurled
their two hundred and fifty pound shells at the Spanish flag-ship and at
the _Castilla_.
The Spanish fleet fired fast and furiously. The guns on Cavite hurled
their shells at the swiftly moving vessels; the water-batteries added
their din to the horrible confusion of noises; the air was sulphurous with
the odour of burning powder, and great clouds of smoke hung here and
there, obscuring this vessel or that from view. It was the game of death
with all its horrible accompaniments.
One big shell came toward the _Olympia_ straight for the bridge. When a
hundred feet away it suddenly burst, its fragments continuing onward. One
piece struck the rigging directly over the head of Commander Lamberton. He
did not wince.
[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY.]
The _Olympia_ continued on. It was evident Commodore Dewey was making
straight for the centre of the enemy’s line, which was the big cruiser
_Reina Christina_.
Being the nearest ship, the _Olympia_ received more attention from the
Spaniards than any of the other vessels.
The water was now getting shallow. Commodore Dewey did not wish to run
aground. He altered his course when about four thousand yards from the
Spanish vessels, and swung around to give them his broadside.
A small torpedo-boat was seen to emerge from the shore near the arsenal,
making for the coal-laden steamers at a high rate of speed. The secondary
batteries on the ships nearest were brought to bear upon her; it was a
veritable shower of shot and shell which fell ahead, astern, and either
side of her. To continue on would have been certain destruction, and,
turning in the midst of that deadly hail which had half disabled her, the
craft was run high and dry on the beach, where she was at once abandoned,
her crew doubtless fearing lest the magazines would explode.
“Open with all guns,” came the signal as the course of the American
vessels was changed, and soon all the port guns were at work.
The American fleet was steaming back and forth off Cavite Bay as if bent
on leaving such a wake as would form a figure eight, delivering broadside
after broadside with splendid results.
All this time the enemy’s vessels were keeping up a steady fire, the
smaller ships retreating inside the mole several times during the action.
The forts were not idle, but kept thundering forth their tribute with no
noticeable effect. The enemy’s fire seemed to be concentrated on the
_Baltimore_, and she was hit several times.
A 4.7-inch armour-piercing shell punctured her side on the main-deck line,
tore up the wooden deck, and, striking the steel deck under this, glanced
upward, went through the after engine-room hatch, and, emerging, struck
the cylinder of the port 6-inch gun on the quarter-deck, temporarily
rendering the gun unfit for use.
In its flight it also struck a box of 3-pounder ammunition, exploding one
shell, which in turn slightly wounded one of No. 4 gun’s crew.
One shell pierced her starboard side forward of No. 2 sponson, and lodged
in a clothes-locker on the berth-deck; another struck her port beam a
little above the water-line, and a few feet forward of, and above this,
another shell came crashing across the berth-deck, striking a steam-pipe
and exploding behind the starboard blower-engine, but with no serious
results. A fragment of a shell went through one of the ventilators, and
the colours of the mainmast were shot through.
[Illustration: U. S. S. BOSTON.]
The concussion from the 8-inch guns on the poop shattered the whaleboats,
and they had to be cut adrift. A fragment of a shell that burst over the
quarter-deck cut the signal halliards which Lieutenant Brumby held in his
hand.
On the _Boston_ a shell came through a port-hole in Ensign Doddridge’s
stateroom, and wrecked it badly. The explosion set a fire which was
quickly put out. Another shell struck the port hammock netting, where it
burst, setting fire to the hammocks. This was also soon extinguished.
Still another shell struck the _Boston’s_ foremast, cutting a great gash
in it. It came within twenty feet of Captain Wildes on the bridge.
The _Raleigh_ was forced inshore by the strong current, and carried
directly upon the bows of two Spanish cruisers. By all the rules of
warfare she should have been sunk; but instead, her commander delivered
two raking broadsides as she steamed back into place.
Three times the American ships passed back and forth, opening first with
one broadside and then with another as the ship swung around, and then the
_Reina Christina_, black smoke pouring from her stacks, and a vapour as of
wool coming from the steam-pipes, gallantly sallied out to meet the
_Olympia_.
Between the two flag-ships ensued a duel, in which the Spaniard was
speedily worsted to such a degree that she was literally forced to turn
and make for the shore. As she swung around, with her stern directly
toward the _Olympia_, an 8-inch shell struck her squarely, and the
explosive must have travelled directly through the ill-fated craft until
it reached the after boiler, where it exploded, ripping up the decks, and
vomiting forth showers of iron fragments and portions of dismembered human
bodies.
A gunboat came out from behind the Cavite pier, and made directly for the
_Olympia_. In less than five minutes she was in a sinking condition; as
she turned, a shell struck her just inside the stern railing, and she
disappeared beneath the waves as if crushed by some titanic force.
Navigator Calkins of the _Olympia_ had soundings taken, and told Commodore
Dewey that he could take the ship farther in toward the Spanish fleet.
“Take her in, then,” the commodore replied.
The ship moved up to within two thousand yards of the Spanish fleet. This
brought the smaller guns into effective play.
The rain of shell upon the doomed Spaniards was terrific.
The _Castilla_ was in flames from stem to stern. Black smoke poured up
from the decks of the _Isla de Cuba_, and on the flag-ship fire was
completing the work of destruction begun by the American shells.
It was 7.35 A. M. when the battle, which began at 5.41, came to a
temporary close. The first round was concluded.
There was yet ample time in which to finish the work so well begun, and
from the flag-ship _Olympia_ went up the signal:
“Cease firing and follow.”
The fleet was headed for the opposite shore, and, once partially beyond
range, “mess-gear” was sounded.
The only casualty worthy of mention which had occurred was the death of
Chief Engineer Frank B. Randall, of the steamer _McCulloch_, who died from
heart disease, probably superinduced by excitement, while the fleet was
passing Corregidor.
There were handshakings and congratulations on every hand as
smoke-begrimed friends, parted during the battle, met again, and loud were
the cheers that went up from the various ships in passing.
After breakfast had been served and the ships made ready for the second
round, or, in other words, at 10.15 in the forenoon, the Spanish flag-ship
_Reina Christina_ hauled down her colours, and the admiral’s flag was
transferred to the _Isla de Cuba_.
At 10.45 a signal was made from the _Olympia_:
“Get under way with men at quarters.”
Again the fleet stood in toward Cavite, the _Baltimore_ in the lead, but
the latter vessel’s course was quickly changed as a strange steamer was
observed entering the bay.
Not many moments were spent in reconnoitring; the signal flags soon told
that the stranger was flying the English ensign.
Then came the order for the _Baltimore_ to stand in and destroy the
enemy’s fortifications, and ten minutes later the battle was on once more.
Now the fire was slow and deliberate, the gunners taking careful aim, bent
on expending the least amount of ammunition with the greatest possible
execution.
The _Baltimore_ suffered most at the beginning of this second round,
because all the enemy’s fire was concentrated upon her.
Soon after this second half of the engagement had begun a Spanish shell
exploded on the _Baltimore’s_ deck, wounding five of the crew, and another
partially disabled three. It was as if every square yard of surface in
that portion of the bay was covered by a missile from the enemy’s guns,
and yet no further damage to the American fleet was done.
When the _Baltimore_ was within twenty-five hundred-yard range she poured
a broadside into the _Reina Christina_ which literally blew that craft
into fragments, and the smoke from the guns yet hung like a cloud above
the deck when the ill-fated flag-ship sank beneath the waters of the bay.
The _Don Juan de Austria_ was the next of the enemy’s fleet to be sunk,
and then a like fate overtook the _El Correo_.
The _General Lezo_ was run on shore and abandoned to the flames.
The cruiser _Castilla_ was scuttled by her crew lest the fire which was
raging fiercely should explode her magazine.
The _Velasco_ went down before all her men could escape to the boats. The
guns of the _Don Antonio de Ulloa_ were fought with most desperate
bravery, and even as she sank beneath the surface were the pieces
discharged by the brave Spaniards who stood at their posts of duty until
death overtook them.
The _Concord_ started after the _Mindanao_ lying close inshore, and was
soon joined by the _Olympia_, who poured 8-inch shells into the transport
until she was set on fire in a dozen places.
The entire Spanish fleet had been destroyed; not a vessel remained afloat,
and Commodore Dewey turned his attention to the Cavite battery.
It was 12.45 P. M. when the magazine in the arsenal was exploded by a
shell from the _Olympia_, or the _Petrel_, it is impossible to say which,
and the battle of Manila had been fought and won.
Not until the thirteenth of May was Commodore Dewey’s official report
received at the Navy Department, and then it was given to the public
without loss of time. It is copied below:
“FLAGSHIP OLYMPIA, CAVITE, May 4, 1898.
“The squadron left Mirs Bay on April 27th. Arrived off Bolinao on the
morning of April 30th, and finding no vessels there proceeded down the
coast and arrived off the entrance to Manila Bay on the same afternoon.
The _Boston_ and _Concord_ were sent to reconnoitre Point Subic.... A
thorough search of the port was made by the _Boston_ and the _Concord_,
but the Spanish fleet was not found....
“Entered the south channel at 11.30 P. M., steaming in column at eight
knots. After half the squadron had passed, a battery on the south side of
the channel opened fire, none of the shots taking effect. The _Boston_ and
_McCulloch_ returned the fire.
“The squadron proceeded across the bay at slow speed, and arrived off
Manila at daybreak, and was fired upon at 5.15 A. M. by three batteries at
Manila and two near Cavite, and by the Spanish fleet anchored in an
approximately east and west line across the mouth of Baker Bay, with their
left in shoal water in Canacoa Bay.
“The squadron then proceeded to the attack, the flag-ship _Olympia_, under
my personal direction, leading, followed at distance by the _Baltimore_,
_Raleigh_, _Petrel_, _Concord_, and _Boston_, in the order named, which
formation was maintained throughout the action. The squadron opened fire
at 5.41 A. M.
“While advancing to the attack two mines were exploded ahead of the
flag-ship, too far to be effective. The squadron maintained a continuous
and precise fire at ranges varying from five thousand to two thousand
yards, countermarching in a line approximately parallel to that of the
Spanish fleet. The enemy’s fire was vigorous, but generally ineffective.
[Illustration: U. S. S. CONCORD.]
“Early in the engagement two launches put out toward the _Olympia_, with
the apparent intention of using torpedoes. One was sunk and the other
disabled by our fire, and beached before an opportunity occurred to fire
torpedoes.
“At seven A. M. the Spanish flag-ship, _Reina Christina_, made a desperate
attempt to leave the line and come out to engage at short range, but was
received with such a volley of fire, the entire battery of the _Olympia_
being concentrated upon her, that she was barely able to return to the
shelter of the point. The fires started in her by our shell at this time
were not extinguished until she sank.
“The three batteries at Manila had kept up a continuous report from the
beginning of the engagement, which fire was not returned by this squadron.
“The first of these batteries was situated on the South Mole head, at the
entrance to the Pasig River, the second on the south bastion of the walled
city of Manila, and the third at Malate, about one-half mile farther
south. At this point I sent a message to the governor-general, in effect
that if the batteries did not cease firing the city would be shelled. This
had the effect of silencing them.
“At 7.35 A. M. I ceased firing and withdrew the squadron for breakfast.
“At 11.16 A. M. returned to the attack. By this time the Spanish flag-ship
and almost the entire Spanish fleet were in flames. At 12.30 P. M. the
squadron ceased firing, the batteries being silenced, and the ships sunk,
burned, and destroyed.
“At 12.40 P. M. the squadron returned and anchored off Manila, the
_Petrel_ being left behind to complete the destruction of the smaller
gunboats, which were behind the point of Cavite. This duty was performed
by Commander E. P. Wood in the most expeditious and complete manner
possible.
“The Spanish lost the following vessels:
“Sunk: _Reina Christina_, _Castilla_, _Don Antonio de Ulloa_.
“Burned: _Don Juan de Austria_, _Isla de Luzon_, _Isla de Cuba_, _General
Lezo_, _Marques del Duero_, _El Correo_, _Velasco_, and _Isla de
Mindanao_, transport.
“Captured: _Rapido_ and _Hercules_, tugs, and several small launches.
“I am unable to obtain complete accounts of the enemy’s killed and
wounded, but believe their losses to be very heavy.
“The _Reina Christina_ alone had 150 killed, including the captain, and
ninety wounded.
“I am happy to report that the damage done to the squadron under my
command was inconsiderable. There were none killed, and only seven men in
the squadron were slightly wounded.
“Several of the vessels were struck, and two penetrated, but the damage
was of the slightest, and the squadron is in as good condition now as
before the battle.
“I beg to state to the department that I doubt if any commander-in-chief
was ever served by more loyal, efficient, and gallant captains than those
of the squadron now under my command.
“Capt. Frank Wildes, commanding the _Boston_, volunteered to remain in
command of his vessel, although his relief arrived before leaving
Hongkong. Assistant Surgeon Kindleberger of the _Olympia_ and Gunner J. C.
Evans of the _Boston_ also volunteered to remain after orders detaching
them had arrived.
“The conduct of my personal staff was excellent. Commander B. P.
Lamberton, chief of staff, was a volunteer for that position, and gave me
most efficient aid. Lieutenant Brumby, flag lieutenant, and Ensign W. P.
Scott, aid, performed their duties as signal officers in a highly
creditable manner.
“The _Olympia_ being short of officers for the battery, Ensign H. H.
Caldwell, flag secretary, volunteered for and was assigned to a
subdivision of 5-inch battery. Mr. J. L. Stickney, formerly an officer in
the United States navy, and now correspondent of the _New York Herald_,
volunteered for duty as my aid, and did valuable service.
“I desire specially to mention the coolness of Lieut. C. G. Calkins, the
navigator of the _Olympia_, who came under my personal observation, being
on the bridge with me throughout the entire action, and giving the ranges
to the guns with an accuracy that was proved by the excellence of the
firing.
“On May 2d, the day following the engagement, the squadron again went to
Cavite, where it remained.
“On the 3d, the military forces evacuated the Cavite arsenal, which was
taken possession of by a landing party. On the same day the _Raleigh_ and
_Baltimore_ secured the surrender of the batteries on Corregidor Island,
paroling the garrison and destroying the guns.
“On the morning of May 4th the transport _Manila_, which had been aground
in Baker Bay, was towed off and made a prize.”
List of the two fleets engaged at the battle of Manila Bay, together with
the officers of the American fleet:(2)
AMERICAN FLEET.
The U. S. S. _Olympia_, protected cruiser, 5,870 tons, speed, 21.6 knots.
Battery: four 8-inch rifles, ten 5-inch rapid-fire guns, fourteen
6-pounder rapid-fire guns, six 1-pounder rapid-fire cannon, four Gatlings,
with six torpedo tubes, and eight automobile torpedoes.
The U. S. S. _Baltimore_, protected cruiser, 4,600 tons, speed, 20.09
knots. Battery: four 8-inch, six 6-inch rifles, four 6-pounder, two
3-pounder rapid-fire guns, two 1-pounder rapid-fire cannon, four
37-millimetre Hotchkiss cannon, and two Gatlings.
The U. S. S. _Boston_, protected cruiser, 3,189 tons, speed, 15.6 knots.
Battery: two 8-inch, six 6-inch rifles, two 6-pounder, two 3-pounder
rapid-fire guns, two 1-pounder rapid-fire cannon, two 47-millimetre
Hotchkiss cannon, and two Gatlings.
The U. S. S. _Raleigh_, protected cruiser, 3,213 tons, speed, nineteen
knots. Battery: one 6-inch, ten 5-inch rapid-fire guns, eight 6-pounder
rapid-fire guns, four 1-pounder rapid-fire cannon, and two Gatlings.
The U. S. S. _Concord_, gunboat, 1,710 tons, speed, 16.8 knots. Battery:
six 6-inch rifles, two 6-pounder, two 3-pounder rapid-fire guns, two
37-millimetre Hotchkiss cannon, and two Gatlings.
The U. S. S. _Petrel_, gunboat, 892 tons, speed, 11.7 knots. Battery: four
6-inch rifles, one 1-pounder rapid-fire gun, two 37-millimetre Hotchkiss
cannon, and two Gatlings.
The U. S. S. _McCulloch_, revenue cutter, 1,500 tons, speed, fourteen
knots. Battery: four 4-inch guns.
The _Nanshan_ and _Zafiro_, supply ships.
SPANISH FLEET.
The _Reina Maria Christina_, 3,520 tons, speed, seventeen knots. Battery:
six 6.2-inch hontoria guns, two 2.7-inch and three 2.2-inch rapid-fire
rifles, six 1.4-inch, and two machine guns.
The _Castilla_, 3,342 tons. Battery: four 5.9-inch Krupp rifles, two
4.7-inch, two 3.3-inch, four 2.5-inch rapid-fire, and two machine guns.
The _Velasco_, 1,152 tons. Battery: three 5.9-inch Armstrong rifles, two
2.7-inch hontorias, and two machine guns.
The _Don Antonio de Ulloa_ and _Don Juan de Austria_, each 1,130 tons,
speed, fourteen knots. Battery: four 4.7-inch hontorias, three 3.2-inch
rapid-fire, two 1.5-inch, and two machine guns.
The _General Lezo_, and _El Correo_, gun vessels, 524 tons, speed, 11.5
knots. The _General Lezo_ had two hontoria rifles of 4.7-inch calibre, one
3.5-inch, two small rapid-fire, and one machine gun; the _El Correo_ had
three 4.7-inch guns, two small rapid-fire, and two machine guns.
The _Marques del Duero_, despatch-boat, 500 tons. Battery: one smooth
bore, six 6.2-inch calibre, two 4.7-inch and one machine gun.
The _Isla de Cuba_ and the _Isla de Luzon_ were both small gunboats, 1,030
tons. Battery: four 4.7-inch hontorias, two small guns, and two machine
guns.
The _Isla de Mindanao_, auxiliary cruiser, 4,195 tons, speed, 13.5 knots.
Two torpedo-boats and two transports.
Officers of the U. S. Asiatic Squadron: Acting Rear Admiral George Dewey,
commander-in-chief; Commander B. P. Lamberton, chief of staff; Lieut. T.
M. Brumby, flag lieutenant; Ensign H. H. Caldwell, secretary.
U. S. S. _Olympia_, flag-ship: Captain, Charles V. Gridley;
Lieutenant-Commander, S. C. Paine; Lieutenants, C. G. Calkins, V. S.
Nelson, G. S. Morgan, W. C. Miller, S. M. S. Strite; Ensigns, M. M.
Taylor, F. B. Upham, W. P. Scott, A. G. Kavagnah; Medical Inspector, A. S.
Price; Passed Assistant Surgeon, J. E. Page; Assistant Surgeon, C. P.
Kindleberger; Pay Inspector, D. A. Smith; Chief Engineer, J. Entwistle;
Assistant Engineers, E. H. Delaney, J. F. Marshall, Jr.; Chaplain, J. B.
Frasier; Captain of Marines, W. P. Biddle; Gunner, L. J. G. Kuhlwein;
Carpenter, W. McDonald; Acting Boatswain, E. J. Norcott.
U. S. S. _Raleigh_: Captain, J. B. Coghlan; Lieutenant-Commander, F.
Singer; Lieutenants, W. Winder, B. Tappan, H. Rodman, C. B. Morgan;
Ensigns, F. L. Chidwick, P. Babbit; Surgeon, E. H. Marsteller; Assistant
Surgeon, D. N. Carpenter; Passed Assistant Paymaster, S. R. Heap; Chief
Engineer, F. H. Bailey; Passed Assistant Engineer, A. S. Halstead;
Assistant Engineer, J. R. Brady; First Lieutenant of Marines, T. C.
Treadwell; Acting Gunner, G. D. Johnstone; Acting Carpenter, T. E. Kiley.
U. S. S. _Boston_: Captain, F. Wildes; Lieutenant-Commander, J. A. Norris;
Lieutenants, J. Gibson, W. L. Howard; Ensigns, S. S. Robinson, L. H.
Everhart, J. S. Doddridge; Surgeon, M. H. Crawford; Assistant Surgeon, R.
S. Balkeman; Paymaster, J. R. Martin; Chief Engineer, G. B. Ransom;
Assistant Engineer, L. K. James; First Lieutenant of Marines, R. McM.
Dutton; Gunner, J. C. Evans; Carpenter, I. H. Hilton.
U. S. S. _Baltimore_: Captain, N. M. Dyer; Lieutenant-Commander, G.
Blocklinger; Lieutenants, W. Braunersreuther, A. G. Winterhalter, F. W.
Kellogg, J. M. Ellicott, C. S. Stanworth; Ensigns, J. H. Hayward, M. D.
McCormick; Naval Cadets, D. W. Wurtsburgh, I. Z. Wettenzoll, C. M. Tozer,
T. A. Karney; Passed Assistant Surgeon, F. A. Heiseler; Assistant Surgeon,
R. K. Smith; Pay Inspector, R. E. Bellows; Chief Engineer, A. Kirby;
Assistant Engineers, H. B. Price, H. I. Cone; Naval Cadet, C. P. Burt;
Chaplain, T. S. K. Freeman; First Lieutenant of Marines, D. Williams;
Acting Boatswain, H. R. Brayton; Acting Gunner, L. J. Waller; Carpenter,
O. Bath.
U. S. S. _Concord_: Commander, A. S. Walker; Lieutenant-Commander, G. P.
Colvocoresses; Lieutenants, T. B. Howard, P. W. Horrigan; Ensigns, L. A.
Kiser, W. C. Davidson, O. S. Knepper; Passed Assistant Surgeon, R. G.
Broderick; Passed Assistant Paymaster, E. D. Ryan; Chief Engineer, Richard
Inch; Passed Assistant Engineer, H. W. Jones; Assistant Engineer, E. H.
Dunn.
U. S. S. _Petrel_: Commander, E. P. Wood; Lieutenants, E. M. Hughes, B. A.
Fiske, A. N. Wood, C. P. Plunkett; Ensigns, G. L. Fermier, W. S.
Montgomery; Passed Assistant Surgeon, C. D. Brownell; Assistant Paymaster,
G. G. Seibles; Passed Assistant Engineer, R. T. Hall.
Revenue Cutter _McCulloch_: Captain, D. B. Hodgdon.
American loss: Two officers and six men wounded.
Spanish loss: About three hundred killed, and six hundred wounded.