? - 7 wee BANCROFT LIBRARY 0- THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SKETCHES -FROM THE- (D or I N TH E {Philippine TO AUGUST. 1898. PRESS OF U S 8. BALTIMORE SKETCHES -FROM THE- W ar IN THE Islands, /. A.ilVISMER. H. F. HUMPHREY. MAY TO AUGUST 1898. PREFACE. We get up this second edition of our little pamphlet somewhat altered, by request of those, who did not suc- ceed in getting a copy of the first, owing to the limited number printed. So much has already been written of t he naval battle on May ist, that any more in that direc- tion must needs be going over previously well beaten ground. Pretty much everybody has by this time of course read all the particulars of the American fleet's splendid achievements on that memorable day, but as a good many wishes to keep this little book as a souve- nir, and as it would be incomplete without at least a brief description of the opening and chief feature of the Spanish-American war in the Philippines, we reprint a condensed account of the battle and the movements leading up to it. In describing the miscellaneous events we have had to resort almost exclusively to our own observations, as news from the various ships as well as from the camps ashore, has been rather difficult to obtain. There is one statement of ours, which doubtless will cause comment: the fact that we give the number of dead on the Reina Christina as 364, while Admiral Dewey's report only shows 150, In alluding to the official report of the Spanish authorities, the local press makes use of the larger figure, and we have taken the liberty to do the same, although it is more than probable that a good many of the missing men were not killed in the battle. A large number of the Christina* s crew were native Filipinos, impressed in the service, and no doubt a good many of them availed themselves of the opportunity to desert, when the crash came. ^ M S S% i TKE l:/r r CFGF T f.frjp, . | he pjctn iij tlje philippics. i. The American fleet left Hong Kong, China, under command of Commodore Dewey in the flagship Olympia on Friday, April 25th, bound for the Philippine Islands, fully equipped as to ammunition, coal and provisions, and with an extra supply carried alongin the transports Nanshan and Zafiro, recently put under the American flag. After a short stop at Mirs Bay, the fleet got under- way foi the seat of future operations in the following formation : Olympia, Baltimore, Raleigh, Concord, Pet- rel and Boston, and after arriving off the Island of Luzon, steamed slowly in the direction of the entrance to Manila Bay on the afternoon of Saturday, the 3oth of April. The Boston, Concord and later the Baltimore were sent ahead to reconnoiter Port Subig, where Ad- miral Montojo's squadron was supposed to be laying in wait for us. The Baltimore "hove to" a small trading schooner flying the Spanish flag, with a 6 pdr. shell, which by the way was the first hostile shot on this side, but could obtain no information from her crew of na- tives. Finding no sign of the enemy, all our ships again assembled in the original formation, with the trans- ports convoyed by the dispatch-boat McCulloch forming a separate column to the right. 3 3 lit 2. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. Evening was coming on as the ships slowly ad- vanced, and at dark we were off the entrance to Manila Bay, Commodore Deweys plan being to enter under cover of darkness. For the purpose of avoiding detect- ion no lights were carried with the exception of a stern light on each ship as a guide. Passing in through Boca Grande to the southward of the strongly fortified Corrigedor Island after dark, with the enemy's batteries bearing on us from El Fraile Rock and Pt. Restinga, we succeeded in getting inside without being seen, but were discovered shortly after- wards, which was plainly demonstrated by the fact that the Spaniards opened fire on us. Their first shot went over, and struck the water on the other side of our line. Two more shots were fired in rapid succession, but they went wide off their mark. The Boston, Con- cord and McCulloch returned the fire, but the result is not known. There are rumors to the effect that a tor- pedo was also fired at our ships, but this has not been verified. By now the enemy inside were evidently aware of our approach, as numerous signals were seen flaring up from the surrounding hills, but as our Commodore had planned to attack at daybreak there was no cause for hurry, and we steamed leisurely up the bay (a distance of about 20 miles) at a four knot rate, with loaded guns and with every man at his station, eagerly on the look- out for a move on the part of the enemy. The order was given to He down by the guns and get as much rest as possible before the final "set-to", but although every- body availed themselves of the opportunity, sleep was out of the question. Nobody seemed a bit reluctant in going into action but was on the other hand eager for the fray wondering what the daylight would bring, and exchanging theories with his neighbor. THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 3. Arriving off Manila in the early dawn of Sunday morning, the enemy's fleet was found drawn up in line off Sangley Point and across the entrance to Cavite Bay in the following order, commencing at the northern end of the line: Marques del Duero, Don Juan de Aus- tria, Don Antonio de Ulloa, Castilla, Reina Christina , Isla de Luzon, Is/a de Cuba and a number of small gun- boats. They were supported on both flanks and in the rear by shore batteries. The opening bars were played by the Spaniards, who soon commenced firing from their ships and forts at extremely long range but without doing any damage. Leaving our transports, guarded by the McCulloch, in the bay out of range, our flagship lead the column in the original formation towards Cavite, with battle flags fluttering from mastheads and peaks, but holding our fire despite the fact that the enemy's shells fell thick and fast all around us. It was a grand picture thus unrolled before us on that memorable morning! The sun was just gilding the distant mountain tops, giving a golden lining to the brilliant eastern sky as the two combatants drew nearer and nearer to each other, belching forth fire and smoke until the latter, growing so dense that it shut out the view, hung like a death-pall over it all. But we had no time to grow sentimental; other things of a more press- ing nature demanded our attention just then. When within suitable range our fleet commenced a series of evolutions, carrying them out with the great- est precision and obtaining the most splendid results. Steaming in column back and forth before Cavite and the enemy's line, we delivered broadside after broadside with terrible effect. Five times we thus passed and re-passed the Spanish line of battle, each subsequent turn proving that the 4. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. fiery Dons were no match for the cool-headed Ameri- cans, though they kept up the fight with a stubbornness and a tenacity worthy of admiration. Despite the fact that our ships were hit several times no serious damage was done and were it not for a few men slightly wounded and for a few ugly, ragged holes in the sides of our ships, it would have been hard to realize that we were fighing a igth century naval battle with modern guns and implements. After a while it was discovered that the Spanish flagship, the Reina Christina was on fire and Admiral Montojo was seen to transfer his flag to the Castillo., his next largest ship. She however soon met the same fate as her doomed predecessor, and the admirals flag was again transferred, this time to one of the smaller vessels. Our fire becoming too hot for them, they finally re- treated into Bakor Bay and inside of Cavite mole, leav- ing the Ulloa just inside of Sangley Point and the large transport Mindanao, (roughly filted up as a cruiser), about two miles up the coast and close inshore. These two ships kept up a weak fire, as did the Christina al- though she was on fire all over, until we withdrew from action at 7.35. Standing offin the bay out of range of the forts which kept up a harmless fire we had breakfast and a chance to compare notes, And, strange to say, after almost 2^ hours terrific fighting we had not one man killed and less than a dozen slightly wounded, while the carnage on the other side was appalling, the number of dead and wounded estimated at nearly a thousand men. According to the official report of the Spanish authorities, the number killed on the Christina alone is 364 out of a complement of 491 men, as only 127 have so far been accounted for. THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. j. II. After holding a consultation with the commanders of his various ships, Commodore Dewey again gave the order to get underway at 10.15, this time to attack the enemy's fortifications. The Baltimore lead and after intercepting a steamer entering the bay, and which was found to he the English mail steamer Esmeralda, she steamed to within 2500 yards of the forts and com- menced the destructive work. The other ships came up and one by one the guns on the forts were silenced. In this second attack the Ulloa was sunk, going down stern first with colors flying, and the Mindanao was set on fire. Our smaller vessels were sent close inshore to com- plete the destruction, the light draught Petrel going in- side of Bakor Bay for, the purpose of setting fire to a number of Spanish gunboats. The enemy had already scuttled the Austria, Luzon, Cuba, Velasco, Duero, Argos and El Cano, before they fled, and the Petrel found them rapidly sinking. After setting fire to them she came out, signalling that the enemy had surrendered, and at high noon there was not one Spanish flag flying at or around Cavite. while a number of white ones had been hoisted. The task set before us now being accomplished, the main body of our fleet steamed over to an anchor- age off the City of Manila, making preparations for the slipping of our cables at the first alarming signal. We half expected a torpedo-attack, but the Spanish were evidently hors du combat and. made no attempt, despite the fact that they had a torpedo boat up the Pasig River, a fact that has since been ascertained. The Boston, Concord and Petrel patroled the scene of action during the night, and the latter brought out a number of captured launches and tugs. Later the 6. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. Concord put some Spanish officers on board the flagship for an interview with our Commodore. III. That night a small Spanish steamer, after commu- nicating with the flagship, steamed to the entrance of the harbor to inform the forces stationed on the forts there of the defeat, demand surrender to us and bring in the breech-plugs of the guns. Returning the next morning early they brought the reply, that ifive wanted the breech-plugs ive could come out and get them. As this could be construed in different ways, the Raleigh and Baltimore, when going out there the same day, kept all guns loaded and pointed, approaching the forts very cautiously. The Raleigh had in tow a tug which was flying the Spanish colors and the flag of truce, having on board a number of Spanish officers. When off Corrig- gedor she was sent ashore with an armed party, our guns covering them, ready to fire at the first sign of a treacherous move on the side of the Spaniards. Every- thing proved bona fide however, and a conference was held with the governor of Conigedor on board the Raleigh, It appeared from conversation with some of the soldiers that they would be more than glad to give up the fight, as they were weak from actual starvation, and they also claimed to have received no pay for the last seven months. To them surrender meant food at all events, which was more than the country they had fought so valiantly for was able to give them. Truly, a man with an empty stomach makes a poor soldier. The two ships returned to Manila after dark, and the following day the Raleigh and Concord went out to finish negotiations for surrender. Working parties were now sent ashore at Cavite, and everything of value sent on board our ships or put THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 7. in shape for fucure use. Our shells had wrought great havoc as they went tearing through the solid stone walls, carrying death and destruction in their wake. A large number of dead and wounded had been left behind by the fleeing Spaniards, and they presented a ghastly sight, while the stench was unendurable. Our men set to work burying the dead, and the American sense of humanity showed itself, when surgeons and nurses were sent ashore to help care for their wounded. The side- wheel steamer Isabel I (captured from the Spanish) was fitted up as a hospital ship and under the flag of the red cross sent to transfer the wounded to Manila. A guard of twelve marines was established at the captured navy yard, and to them belongs the distinction of raising the first American flag that ever flew over Cavite. The enemy's transport Manila loaded with cattle and a few supplies was brought out from behind the ar- senal, the Stars and Stripes hoisted on her and a prize crew sent on board. Since then a battery of 10 guns has been put on her, and she is now ready to fight her former owners. IV. The week following the naval battle two of our ships, this time the Baltimore and the Petrel with their tenders in tow, were sent to the entrance of the Bay for the purpose of destroying the Spanish means of com- munication, and whatever was left of the half dozen or so batteries, scattered over the various points and head- lands. Port Mariveles was entered and the Baltimore landed her Marines and two armed boats crews, the Petrel steaming close to the shore to cover the landing. Marching through the streets, the little town was found to be deserted save for a few men and boys, who were staring at us in open eyed wonder. Through an in- 8. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. terpreter we learned that the inhabitants had fled to the woods with their belongings when they saw us enter the bay. As soon as they found that we meant them no harm they began returning, and they told us that the small Spanish garrison stationed there was hiding in the woods north of the town. Skirmishers were sent out in all directions, but no trace of the enemy could be found. Night was now coming on, and after destroying the telegraph lines we returned to the ships. The next morning the tenders landed men at the various batteries, and after destroying all the guns, the ships returned and again joined the fleet offCavite. Early one bright morning a small vessel flying the Spanish colors and evidently wanting to communicate with the navy yard, as she had a string of signal flags hoisted, was seen entering the harbor. The Raleigh, which ship was patroling the bay, started for the little stranger and sent a shell whistling across her bows, but as this failed to check her, the Olympiaa.n<\ Boston also opened fire. .She still seemed to hesitate until a shell fell uncomfortably close. She then hove to and struck her colors, at the same time running up a white flag. On being boarded she was found to be the Spanish gun boat Callao coming from the southern islands, and having absolutely no knowledge of the existing war. When asked why he did not heave to sooner, hei Cap- tain gave the astounding answer, that he thought our ships were the Spanish, and that they were having tar- get practice. The Spaniards again had proof of the Americans generosity, as captain and crew of the cap- tured gun-boat were landed unmolested with their per- sonal effects, a thing which they hardly would have done to us, had the case been reversed. Half an hour THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 9. after the capture, the Callao was darting to and fro in our line, proudly flying Old Glory and manned by good Yankee sailors. VI. During all this time the rebels were not idle, but were on the other hand proving themselves allies of no small importance. Skirmishes between them and the straggling Spaniards took place at frequent intervals, the insurgent forces under the command of General Aguinaldo gaining more and more ground every day. Finally the now scattered forces of the enemy were all driven inside of the city wall of old Manila, where they fortified themselves as best they could seemingly deter- mined to make a last brave stand. The rebels advanced to Fort Malate in the southern suburb, but were restrained from attacking the city by our admiral, who, well know- ing that he did not have a sufficient force to effectually patrol so large a city, preferred to await the arrival of troops from the States. The insurgents were supplied with arms and ammu- nition captured from the Spaniards, as well as from a supply brought by the small steamer Faion of Amoy. Daily and nightly large numbers of prisoners of war were brought into Cavite, so man}', in fact, that they could be counted by the thousands. They were confined in prisons formerly belonging to themselves, and among them were captains, majors, colonels and even generals in their gaudy uniforms, a relic of former splendor. It must indeed have been galling to them to thus have the tables turned, and finding themselves at the mercy of those they had ruled with an iron hand for so long, showing the basest cruelty when opportunity offered. They could expect but little mercy from these sa- vages, as they were wont to call them, but the rebels io. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. led by intelligent and cultured men of their own race, showed more humanity than the Spaniards according to history ever did. The Spanish authorities still in power at Manila in vain appealed to the Filipinos to become loyal Spanish subjects, warning them against the American 'heretics', who they said would not only take their religion away from them, but "make them beasts of burden, and sub- ject them to monstrous atrocities, unheard of under the Spanish rule". But the poor downtrodden natives well knew their former tormentors, and their promises al- ternating with threats of a swift and terrible vengeance went unheeded. VII. Bright and early on the morning of June ijth., the Baltimore left the fleet in Manila Bay and steamed northward to meet the expected troops. After cruising around off the northern coast of Luzon Island for n days, keeping a sharp look-out for the much longed for ships, their vigilant watch was finally rewarded on the afternoon of June the 28th. It was just a little after half past one o'clock, when "smoke ahead" rang out from the masthead look-out, and at once there was a general rush for the fo'c'sle. Everybody of course had to satisfy himself that there was no faking. No, sure enough, there on the distant horizon could be made out a tiny column of smoke, rising perpendic- ularly in the calm, heated atmosphere. Soon another column sprang into view, then another and yet anothei. Rumors of Spanish fleets began flying around, as usual, and there was some speculation as to whether it really was our ships or not. It would have been a rather precarious situation for us, should the oncoming ships THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. //. have proved to be Spanish cruisers. But the good old Baltimore made for the now plainly visible four ships at full speed, and at ten min- utes to three they could be made out to be the Charles- ton^ convoying the City of Peking, Australia and City of Sydney. On they came, with the Stars and Stripes flying at every masthead, presenting a beautiful sight as they steamed in column over the mirror-like tropical sea. The}' had 2500 troops on board, and long before they came abeam of us, the upper decks and rails presented a very crowded appearance. On the Charleston were also a number of prisoners from the captured garrison at Guam, Ladrone Islands. At three o'clock the Baltimore stopped her engines, and as the ships passed, "in review" as it were, cheers, three times three, rent the air amid waving of hats and with the bands playing national airs. It was a grand meeting one of those which happens but seldom in a lifetime. The ships started again in the direction of Manila shortly before four o'clock. Two quite exciting incidents took place that night during the run down the coast. The Baltimore was leading at a ten knot rate, when suddenly a light was made out directly ahead at IT o'clock. It was fast dis- appearing and we immideately gave chase at full speed with all hands at quarters ready foraction. The stranger, whoever she was or whatever she was, at first seemed to be gaining, but after giving our engines a few extra turns \ve finally overhauled her and brought her to with a couple of 6-pdr. shells. On being boarded by an of- ficer in an armed boat, she was found to be the English steamer Chittagong from Aparri to Port Said with a cargo of tobacco. After satisfying our captain that she 12. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. was what she claimed to be, she was allowed to proceed. At 3.50 the next morning we were again broken out of our hard-earned sleep by the call to general quarters. Another light had been sighted. With loaded guns we bore down on the strange vessel, sending a 6-pdr. shell whistling over her. This hove her to, and after finding her to be the Britisher OnsangofL,ondon, she was also sent on her way unmolested. On the morning of June 3oth the ships were nearing Corrigedor. As a good many unforeseen things could have happened in the 13 days the Baltimore was absent, a sharp look out for anything out of the common was in order. When off Port Mariveles the masts and funnels of three men-of-war were caught sight of through a gap in the hills. "General quarters" were immediately sounded and everything made ready for an attack, but this was needless preparations as the ships were the German Ka iserin Augusta, Irene and Kormoran. Proceeding up the bay Cavite anchorage and our ships were finally made out. Everything was found to be exactly as we had left it two weeks before. The Charleston took the lead, and as the incoming ships slowly passed the line of the anchored fleet the cheering was immense. Salutes were exchanged, the bands played, and all rejoiced. The Peking brought us the first home papers since the war broke out. VIII. On the afternoon of the day before the arrival of the troops the Spanish gun -boat Leyte, a vessel some- what smaller than the previously captured Callao^ was driven out of the Pampangas River by the rebels and attempted to reach Manila. She was discovered by the flagship and the McCulloch was sent to head her off. THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 13. After bringing her over to our fleet she was found to have a large number of Spanish officers and men on board. They were starving, as their food supply up the river had been completely exhausted, but they had a large sum of money on board. This was confiscated, but not until after the men had been paid what was due them. Our admiral with his usual courtesy offered to parole the officers but they declined, preferring to be taken prisoners rather than be turned over to the quest- ionable mercy of their own people. The next morning they were taken to Cavite under a guard, disarmed and turned over to the rebels for confinement with the rest of the prisoners. The American flag was hoisted on the Leyte and she is now "one of us". IX. Shortly after their arrival the troops were landed at Cavite, and made as comfortable as possible in the buildings in the yard and in close proximity outside of the gate. Ammunition and stores were distributed among the various ships from the transports just arrived, and the Baltimore received a new carriage and shield for the six-inch gun disabled on the day of the battle, and this was put in position. Store ships loaded with all kinds of provisions came in from Hong Kong, and they found a ready sale for their goods among our ships and troops, at prices some- what high, but yet within reach. The large Belgian refrigerator steamer Culgoa ar- rived from Australia with a cargo of frozen beef and mutton, as well as a quantity of vegetables. Everybody fared well, and while the headstrong and obstinate Spaniards at Manila were eating horse flesh and what- 14- THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. ever they could get hold of, we were not wanting for anything money could buy. Admiral Dewey evidently would take no chances on running short of coal, for in addition to the many colliers already with our fleet, the large English steamer Nyanza and the ship Ellen A. Reed came in. X. One day the crew of the Spanish steamer Filipinos^ which had been in hiding in a river near Subig Bay. mutinied, killed their officers, and afterwards turned the vessel over to the rebels. These mounted a few guns on her, and commenced to, bombard Grande Island, Port Subig, on which there was a Spanish fort. After they had got fairly started the German man- of-war Irene, which seems to have been cruising around in the neighborhood, came up and interfered. The rebels immediately withdrew and reported the incident to Admiral Dewey. He lost no time in send- ding the Raleigh and Concord to the scene of action, with orders to take the place and turn it over with the prisoners to the insurgents. Our ships threw a few shells into the fort, but re ceived no reply until a shell was dropped into the Span- ish Commandant's house. A white flag was then run up, and 400 prisoners, including officers were taken and turned over to the rebels together with the arms and ammunition. The Spaniards asked not to be turned over to the insurgents, and the Concord was sent in to Cavite to confer with the admiral. His 'reply was short and de- cisive, and the prisoners were disposed of in accordance with his original orders. The rebels kept up their customary daily and nightly attacks on the Spanish outposts in the close vicinity to THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 15. Manila, and their advances and retreats were watched with great interest from our ships. There was a marked contrast in the two combatants mode of fighting. The rebels would crawl close up to the forts, scattering themselves in the heavy undergrowth in true "bush- whacker" fashion, and by a running fire try to pick off the Spanish gunners. These, on the other hand, would resort almost exclusively to volley-firing, aiming at nothing in particular, and as a consequence wasting their ammunition. Frequently the heavy guns on the forts as well as the rebels' field pieces were turned loose, mingling their heavy roar with the sharp, cracking re- ports of the musketry fire. In the morning of July I5th the first detachment of American troops were landed on the Manila side of the bay, for the purpose of scouting. XI. On July I3th the Boston weighed anchor and went to sea to meet the second installment of troops, now nearly due. A large four-masted steamer was seen entering in the afternoon of the i6th, and as she drew nearer could be made out as the China, coming along "with a bone in her mouth", and with American flags at every truck. She had met the Boston, and as she was the speediest of the fleet, and the coast was clear, she was sent in advance with the U. S. mail. The other ships convoyed by the Boston came in the next morning. They were the Senator, Colon and Zealandia. The number of troops brought by the four ships w r as nearly 3,500 and they were soon snugly quartered at Cavite. That afternoon the Japanese cruiser Naniwa entered 16. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. from Hong Kong. She brought the latest dispatches and from her we got the first news of Sampson's victory at Santiago de Cuba. When the Olympia signalled the news to the fleet it was hailed with loud cheers, and everybody felt elated over the fact, that our brothers on the other side at last had made a move. Landing of troops near the southern and southeast- ern suburbs of Manila now became part of the daily routine. Large cascoes or lighters loaded with men and out- fits and towed by the captured tug Rapido were seen to cross the harbor daily, and to the Spaniards, watching our movements from Manila, it must have looked as though the end was drawing near. But, like the obsti- nate race they have always been, they would not sur- render much rather fight it to the bitter end, although resistance must have seemed hopeless. They appeared to have implicit confidence in their leaders, and, no doubt, hoped for interference of some kind before we should strike the final blow. The Boston steamed close inshore to cover the troops, and small crafts were busily passing to and fro, carrying supplies and messages. To all outward appearances we were now ready to attack the city, and the foreign press began to comment on the slow and what they chose to call a too deliberate manner in going at it. But those in command of the American forces evidently knew what they were about. There was still a large contingent of troops to come, and with them General Merritt, the newly appointed governor of the Philippines. The monitor Monterey with her escort, the collier Brutus was daily expected, and it was an understood thing, that the bombardment would take place shortly after their arrival. THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 17. XII. On July 25th the Newport, General Merritt's flag- ship slipped into the harbor and anchored near our fleet. She had left San Francisco two days later than the other ships of the third expedition, but beat them sir days, as the Indiana, Ohio, Morgan City, City of Para and Valencia did not put in an appearance until Sunday July the 3ist, when they steamed up the bay, led by the Indiana, General Mac Arthur's flagship. As they passed through our line to get to an anchorage on the inside of it, they gave us an ovation worthy of Uncle Sam's sol- diers, and it is needless to add, that we returned the cheers with interest. The troops were landed at the camp near Paranaque by means of small steamers assisted by steam launches and boats from our ships. One night the Raleigh, which ship had relieved the Boston as guard at our camp, signalled: "General Green reports that the enemy has mounted two more guns and that they are adding to their works daily." From this it was evident, that the Spaniards meant re- sistance to the bitter end, and it looked as though any further delay on our side was uncalled for. XIII. In the forenoon of August 4th, smoke was reported in Boca Chica, and when shortly afterwards it was announced that the Monterey was actually entering the bay, a sigh of relief went up from every man in the fleet, as her arrival was looked upon as "the beginning of the end." Yes, there she was at last the much talked of and long looked for "pet", with her escort the collier Brutus. Thote two ships had just completed an ocean voy- iS, THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. age without precedence in naval history, and they did not look any the worse for it. But then it must be re- membered, that they were American ships, and that it was a Yankee undertaking. Active preparations for the bombardment now began taking definite shape. Boats and spare gear were sent ashore at Cavite or to the store ships for safe keeping, and our fighting ships were again cleared for action. The inhabitants of Manila were given the customary notice of the impending bombardment, and on Monday morning, August 8th, small craft of all kinds, loaded with non-combatants began crossing the bay to take up their residence at Cavite. The Charleston relieved the Raleigh at Paranaque and the Baltimore got up steam ready to assist the former in reducing the fort at Malate in case it should open fire on our troops. The Zafiro, which ship had gone to Hong Kong with mail and dispatches did not return until several days overdue, and considerable anxiety was felt for her safety. When she did arrive she brought the news that Spain was still sueing for peace, but that she was reluc- tant to accept the terms set by President McKinley. As a consequense hostilities were to continue unabated. On Tuesday morning, August the 9th, the foreign fleet began to move from their anchorage in front of the city. The British squadron, consisting of four men-of- war and a half dozen or so merchant steamers loaded with refugees came over to Cavite, and so did the Japan- ese cruiser Naniwa with one coasting steamer flying the Japanese flag. On the other hand the German and the French took their refugees to Mariveles, while their fleets of five and two ships respectively, took up an anchorage off Malabon to the northward of Manila. THE WA R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 19. But our fleet did not make a move with the exception of sending the Concord and Petrel over to watch the northern portion of the bay in the vicinity of the French and German squadrons. The rest of our ships remained off Cavite occupied in putting the finishing touches to the preparations for the shelling. XIV. Wednesday morning, the roth day of August, was ushered in with a clear tropical sky, and dazzling sun- shine quite an ideal day for the task set before us, and a great contrast to the stormy and rainy weather of the past few weeks. But we did not shell the city on that day a great disappointment to every man-jack among us. A little after ten o'clock, when everybody was im- patiently watching for a signal to "get underway" or to "prepare for action"; the flagship signalled: "Attack has been postponed", and instead of going at the long hoped for bombardment, the Baltimore was sent along- side of the Cyrus to coal ship. A more dispirited lot of men than we were on that morning would have been hard to find, and a good many expressed a fear that peace would be declared before the undertaking of the desirable piece of work. But on the morning of August I3th everything was at last ready for the final move, and it was no false alarm this time. At ten minutes to nine o'clock our ships weighed anchor and stood out from Cavite with battle-flags streaming in the gentle breeze, The English cruiser Immortalite with her band playing American national airs also got underway with her consort the Iphigenia, and stood over towards the French-German fleet. The so. THE WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES. Kwong Hoi, which up to this time had been under the British flag, came out on that morning loaded with troops, and with the American colors floating over her. As she passed our ships the Boys in Blue gave three hearty cheers, and were given a rousing response. Nearing the Manila side of the bay, the Olympia^ Raleigh, Monterey, Petrel and Callao formed for attack, while the Charleston, Baltimore and Boston formed as support. When off the fort at Malate, the Olympia opened fire followed by the Raleigh, Petrel and Callao. The firing was kept up until about IT o'clock, when the U.S. troops were in possession of the fort, and "Old Glory " was flying over it. The Spaniards had evidently lost all heart, as they did not make much of a stand. Step by step our land forces marched on the city, and the little Callao steamed close to the shore to cover the column, sending an occasional shell over their heads and into the woods beyond to warn off possible bush- whackers. From our ships the long line of soldiers could be seen winding their way along the beach, until about noon, when they entered the city. A steam launch flying a flag of truce at the bow and the Belgian ensign at the stern was then sent ashore, having on board a representative of our Admiral. At half past twelve only one Spanish flag was seen flying over Manila and a white one had been hoisted on the south bastion of the old town. At 2.30 the Belgian launch returned from the shore and at 2.35 the flagship signalled to the fleet, that the enemy had surrendered. As the string of signal-flags fluttered in the breeze from the yard-arm of the Olympia, it was loudly cheered by the assembled vessels, although most of the men THE IV A R IN THE PHILIPPINES. 21. were somewhat disappointed over the seemingly too easy victory. But no doubt it was best so, and as the end was gained without much bloodshed, everybody ought to be satisfied. The large Spanish flag was still flying in the very heart of the old city, and it was exactly 5.45 p. m., when it was seen to be hauled down and a large Ameri- can one was hoisted in its place. Then, as the latter proudly shook out its glorious folds, it was hailed by the national salute of 21 guns, thundering forth from every ship in our fleet. The Stars and Stripes were waving over Manila at last, and the proud old Spanish town was occupied by Americans, a fitting sequel to our achievements on the first of May ! And far inshore, at the mouth of the Pasig River, a Spanish gun -boat was blazing evidently set on fire to avoid capture. The flames shed a soft radi- ance over the now placid scene, and lingered lovingly on the folds of "Old Glory", while the band of our ship played patriotic music to a patriotic crew on a patriotic occasion. APPENDIX. CONTENTS. 1. Secretary of the Navy's cablegram to Dewey, 2. Admiral Dewey's report of victory. 3. Proclamation of Captain General. 4. Opinion of Spanish Press before the battle. 5. Spanish account of battle. 6. Aguinaldo's Proclamation. 7. President McKiuley's Message to Dewey. APPENDIX. Cablegram from Secretary of the Navy to Admiral Dewey, April 24th: 'Dewey, Hong Kong, China. 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. You must capture vessels or destroy them. Use utmost endeavors. Long." Cablegrams from Admiral Dewey to Secretary Long reporting victory and taking possession of Cavite. "Manila, May i. The squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this morning. Immediately engaged the enemy, and destroyed the following Spanish vessels: Reina Christina, Castilla, Ulloa, Isla de Cuba, Gene- ral Lezo, Duero, Correo, Velasco, Mindanao, one transport and the water battery at Cavite. The squadron is uninjured, and only a few men were slightly wounded. The only means of telegraphing is to the American Consul at Hong Kong. I shall communicate with him. Dewey." "Cavite, May 4. I have taken possession of naval station at Cavite, Philippine Islands. Have destroyed the fortifications at bay entrance, paroling garrison. I control bay completely and can take city at any time. The squadron in excellent health and spirits. Spanish loss not fully known, but very heavy. One hundred and fifty, including Captain, killed on Reina Christina. I am assisting in protecting Spanish sick and wounded. Two hundred and fifty-six wounded in hospitals within our lines. Much excitement at Manila. Will protect foreign residents. Dewey." APPENDIX. iii. Proclamation of the Captain General of the Philip- pine Islands, dated Manila April 23rd: "Spaniards: Between Spain and the United States of North America hostilities have broken out. The moment has arrived to prove to the world, that we possess the spirit to conquer those who, pretending to be loyal friends, take advantage of our misfortunes and abuse our hospitability, using means which civilised nations count unworthy and disreputable. The North American people, constituted of all the social excrescences, have exhausted our patience and provoked war with their perfidious machinations, with their acts of treachery, with their outrages against the laws of nations and international conventions. The struggle will be short and decisive. The God of Victories will give us one as brilliant and complete as the righteousness of our cause demands. Spain, who counts upon the sympathies of all the nations, will emerge triumphantly from this new test, humiliating and blasting the adventurers from those states, that, without cohesion and without a history, offers to humanity only infamous traditions and the ungrateful spectacle of chambers in which appear united insolence and defamation, cowardice and cvnicism. A squadron manned by foreigners, possessing neither instruction nor discipline, is preparing to come to this archipelago with the ruffianly intention of rob- bing us of all that means life, honor and libertv. Pre- tending to be inspired by a courage of which they are incapable, the North American seamen undertake as an enterprise capable of realisation the substitution of Protestantism for the Catholic religion you profess, to treat you as tribes refractorv to civilisation, to take possession of your riches, as if they were unacquainted with the rights of property, and to kidnap these per- sons whom they consider useful to man their ships, or to be exploited in agricultural or industrial labor. Vain designs! Ridiculous boastings! Your indom- itable bravery will suffice to frustrate the attempt to carry them into realisation. You will not allow the faith you profess to be made a mock of, impious hands to be placed on the temple of the true God, the images iv. APPENDIX. you adore to be thrown down by the unbeliever. The aggressors shall not profane the tombs of your fathers; they shall not gratify their lustful passions at the cost of your wives' and daughters' honor, or appropriate the property your industry has. accumulated as a provision for your old age. No, they shall not perpetrate any of the crimes in- spired by their wickedness and covetousness, because your valor and patriotism will suffice to punish and abase those, who, professing to be civilised and culti- vated, have exterminated the natives of North America instead of bringing them them the life of civilisation and progress. Philippinos! prepare for the struggle, arid united under the glorious Spanish flag, which is ever covered with laurels, let us fight with the conviction that vic- tory will crown our efforts, and to the calls of our enemies let us oppose with the decision of the Christian and the patriot the cry ^Vive EspanaS Your General. Basilic Augustin Davilla." Opinion of the Spanish press before the battle of May ist. (Translated from an editorial in El Diario, Manila's leading daily paper.) "Some of our evening colleagues comment with alarm upon the arrival at Hong Kong of the North American Pacific Squadron. In this they seem to see a menace to the Philippines, and under this head we feel under obligation to say a few words. Remain tranquil. We will not allow ourselves to be needlessly alarmed by those persons, who like an ostrich hide their heads under their wings and rest in fancied security; we will view the question reduced to its just proportions. The rendezvous of these five North American ships, which they have dignified with the name of a squadron is not a serious menace to our dominion in the Philip- pines; no more than was the invasion of the English in 1762, for the audacious Britons left for their health after being sufficiently punished. APPENDIX. v. A London telegram says that the men-of-war united at Hong Kong are the "iron-dads" Olympia, Raleigh, Boston, Concord and the eun-hoat Petrel. There is not among them a single iron-cl^d. The Olympia is a fine cruiser with a protective deck, but no armor nor protection for the battery. Her disolacement is 5.800 tons, and she has a supposed speed of 21 knots, but the real speed is much less, as she has not been docked for some time. She was sent to this part of the Pacific after the beginning of the Hawaiian question. The Boston and Raleigh are cruisers of the second class, also with protective decks, doubtless very thin. They have a displacement of 3,189 and 3.183 tons resp., and their armament offers nothing extraordinary r or vessels of the tvoe. The Concord and Petrel are protected gun-boats of 1,700 and 890 tons respectively, and with a verv moder- ate speed. At the extreme we would assign to them a speed of 14 knots. From these data it will be seen that this is not a squadron to cause a single tremor to the Spanish power in the Philippines. We have here our own cruisers of over 3,000 tons, others of more than i.ooo tons and verv many gun-boats. We also have land batteries which can do very effective work against the North American ships. If one of our projectiles should penetrate one of them and disable their machinery, they would have no opportunity of repairing them. We do not believe the North American ships will attempt such a doubtful adventure; nevertheless we cannot consider that the Yankees are merely making a straw fire; then with what object have they assembled their squadron at Hong Kong? For the same reason they have at Lisbon a little "squadron" consisting of the medium sized shit) San Francisco, which in less than an hour the Maria Teresa or any similar ship of her class could destrov, the object of this is to make us believe that not onlv Cuba but the Philippines and the Spanish peninsula will be attacked from the four sides at once, as it were. As we have so often said, the Americans are merely testing the strength and spirit of our government. They do not care for war, 'but expect to gain all vi. APPENDIX. the successes that war would give them, assuming those strategic positions without the necessity of war. Looked at in this light, the approximate visit of the American fleet to the Philippines in not sufficient to raise a single fear, much less to produce the moral effect intended bv the Washington government. It all looks like the movements on a chess-board, whereby the government at Washington is attempting to force movements on the Sagasta Cabinet. To gain the advantage without loss to himself, is the whole object of McKinley's play." (It is evident that the Spaniards were not so well informed after all, as they fail to mention the 4,600 ton cruiser Baltimore, which ship joined the Asiatic squadron on April 22nd.) The Spanish account of Naval Battle of Cavite. (From El Diario de Manila, May 4th, 1898.) "When the enemy's squadron was sighted in perfect line of battle through the clouds of a misty dawn on the morning of the ist of May, gloom and surprise were general among the people of Manila. At last these ships had strained their boldness to the point of appearing on our coast and defying our batteries, which showed more courage and valor than effect when they opened fire on the squadron. It needs something more than courage to make projectiles penetrate indeed it does! The inequality of our batteries when compared with those of the squadron which alarmed us at five in the morning, was enough to transform our tranquil tem- peraments. While the ladies and children in carriages or on foot fled in fright to seek refuge in the outlying suburbs from dangers multiplied by their imagination, every man from the stately personage to the most humble workman, merchants and mechanics, Spaniards and natives, soldiers and civilians sought their stations and put on their arms, confident that never should the enemy land in Manila unless he passed over their corpses. Yet from the first moment the strength of the enemy's ar- mor and the power of his guns demonstrated that his ships were invulnerable to our energies and armaments; APPENDIX. vii. the hostile squadron would never have entered our bay had not its success been guaranteed by its manifest superiority. The city walls, church towers, roofs of high build- ings and all high places convenient for observation were occupied bv those who were not retained by military duties, and the slightest details noted as the enemy's ships advanced towards Cavite in a line parallel with the water front of Manila, as though coming out of Pasig River. There was not a gap in the line and all \vho appreciated the impunity with which the hostile ships maneuvered as if on a harmless parade were full of such rage and desperation as belongs to the brave man who can not make use of his courage. On they stood at full speed in column of battle and headed for Cavite with the decision due to a sense of safety and a firm assurance of success. Then the battle began, and for more than an hour and a half the bom- bardment held in suspense those whose souls followed the unequal struggle, in which the Spanish ships went down with their glorious banners flying. What was going on at Cavite? From Manila we saw the two squadrons almost mingled together through clouds of smoke. This was not far from a victory for our side, considering the weakness of our batteries, for once alongside the enemy the cry of "boarders away", and the flash of cold steel might have enabled our brave seamen to disturb the calm in which \vatches and instru- ments were regulated and directing those engines of destruction. How could we paint the heroic deeds of our men-of-war in the blindness of our rage? Those who fought beneath the Spanish flag bore themselves like men, as chosen sons of our native land, who never measure forces, nor yield to superior force in the hands of an enemy, who would rather die without ships, than live in ships which have surrendered. Since we cannot construct the bloody scene which was enacted last Sunday at Cavite, we will not attempt a description, which would only be a pale shadow of great deeds deserving a perpetual place in the pages of history. When the hostile squadron turned toward Cavite, the crew of the steamer Isla de Mindanao heard the drums beat to quarters, and answered with enthusiasm, viii. APPENDIX. with three cheers for the Kins:, the Queen and vSpain. Later until a quarter to five, absolute silence reigned as everything was ready. The idea of death was lost in ardor for the fray, and everv eye was fixed on the battle flags waving at our mastheads. In perfect and majestic order why should we deny this? the nine Yankee ships advanced in battle arrav. The Olvmfiia bearing the Admiral's flag led the column, followed bv the other ships steering at full soeed towards Cavite. Their flagship opened fire and an instant reply came from the batterv on the mole which kept on firing at five minute intervals, while the iron-clad shaped her course for the Reina Christina and Castillo., Into both these ships she poured a stead v and rapid fire seconded by the ships which followed in her wake. Another shin which kept up a very heavv fire on our line was the Baltimore, and so the cannonade went on until a quarter to eight. At that moment the Don Juan de Austria advanced against the enemy, intending to board the Olvmpia, and if a tremendous broadside had not stopped her self-devoted charge, both ships would -perhaps have gone down. The captain of the Christina seeing that the resolute attempt of his consort had failed, advanced at full speed until within 200 yards of the Olympta. aiming to attack her. Then a shower of proiectiles swept the bridge and decks filling the ship with dead and wounded. Heroes and martyrs whom the nation will remem- bes as long as it endures! A dense column of smoke from the how-compart- ment showed that an incendiary projectile, such as the law of God and man prohibits, had set fire to the ship. She still kept up her fire on the enemy and withdrew towards the arsenal, where she was sunk to keep her from falling into the hands of the enemy. The desperation of her men was aggravated by the sight of the Castilla also in a blaze from a similar use of inrendiary projectiles. The principal ships of our little squadron having thus been put out of action, the Yankee vessels, some of them badly crippled, stood out towards the entrance of the bav, ceasing their fire and occupying themselves in repairing injuries until TO o'clock, when they began a second attack to complete their work of destruction. APPENDIX. In this second attack the fire at the arsenal was silenced, and they occupied themselves in cannonading the blazing gun -boats. One of their ships, which seemed to have nothing more venturesome to undertake, set to work to riddle the mail steamer Is/a de Mindanao, Now that our ships were in flames Admiral Montojo who had shown his flag as long as there was a vessel afloat landed, and hostilities ceased. The only Spanish ship which had not been destroyed by fire or by the enemy's projectiles sunk herself so she could not be taken by the enemy, Such in broad outlines, which we cannot at this moment correct, was the naval battle of Cavite, in which the last glimpse of our squadron showed the Spanish flag. The gunners of the batteries defending Manila and Cavite showed the highest degree of heroism. The one which did the most harm to the enemy was the battery on Point Sangley made up of Hontoria guns. From this came the shot that hit the Boston while four ships were pouring in their fires to reduce it to silence. To one of its shots is also attributed the hurt which turned the Baltimore from the fight. The Luneta battery at Manila assailed the Yankee ships with much vigor, and was the object of the ene- my's special attention as he stood past the fortifications of Manila, heading for Cavite. Guns of about 6-inch calibre were mounted at the entrance to the bay on Corrigedor and Caballo Islands, on El Fraile Rock, on the south shore at Pt. Restinga and Mariveles and on the north shore on Punta Gorda and Point Lasisi. Admiral Montojo has received a telegram of con- gratulations from the Minister of Marine, who in his own name and in the name of the Queen of Spain filici- tates the navy of this Archipelago for gallant behavior on the day of Cavite. These are the terms of the tele- gram referred to: 'Honor and glory to the Spanish fleet which fought so heroically in the bay'." Proclamation of General Aguinaldo, the leader of the Insurgent forces in the Philippines: "Filipinos: The great North American nation, the repository of true liberty and therefore the friend of APPENDIX. freedom for our nation, oppressed and subjugated by the tyranny and despotism of its rulers, has come to afford to the inhabitants a protection as decisive as it is undoubtedly disinterested, regarding our unfortunate country as possessing sufficient civilisation and aptitude for self-government ; and in order to justify this high conception formed of us by the great American nation, we ought to reprobate all such acts as may derogate from that conception, such as pillage, robbery, and every class of outrage against person and property. In order to avoid international conflict during the period of our campaign, I order as follows: Art. I. The lives and property of all foreigners shall be respected, including in this denomination Chi- nese and all Spaniards who have not directly or indirectly contributed to the bearing of arms against us. Art. II. Equally respected shall be those of the enemy who shall lay down their arms. Art. III. Medical establishments and ambulances shall also be respected and the persons and the effects attached thereto, unless they display hostility. Art. IV. Persons disobeying the provisions of the three preceeding articles shall be summarily tried and executed if their disobedience leads to assassination, incendiarism, robbery or rape. Given at Cavite, May 24th, 1898. Emilio Aguinaldo." Cablegram from President McKinley to Admiral Dewey through the Secretary of the Navy, dated Wash- ington May i2th; "Dewey, Hong Kong. Following is quotation from joint resolutions tend- ering thanks of Congress to Commodore George Dewey U. S. N., and to officers and men of squadron under his command; 'Resolved by Senate and House of Repre- sentatives of the United States in Congress assembled: That in pursuance of the recommendation of the Presid- ent, the thanks of Congress and the American people' APPENDIX. xi. are hereby tendered to Commodore George Dewey,U.S. Navy, Com'd'r. -in-Chief of U. S. Naval Force on Asiatic Station, for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet and batteries in the harbor of Manila on May ist, 1898. 'That the thanks of Congress and the American people are hereby extended through Commodore Dewey to officers and men of his command for the gallantry and skill exhibited by them on that occasion . 'This act having been approved by the President on May loth, you have been commissioned Rear Admiral. The Department takes great pleasure in transmitting this information to you, which you will convoy to the officers and men under your command. Long." When bright and early. on that morn We battled for the right We little thought ere noon was "born Ho Spaniard 'd "be in sight. Yet so it was; when noon-day glare Of tropic sun did shed It's rays upon our ships, it were The Spanish, who had fled.