Chapter 3

On the morning of June 8th, the first definite confirmation of the news of an engagement off Santiago was published. The vessels which are reported to have taken part in the engagement were the _Brooklyn_, _Marblehead_, _Texas_, and _Massachusetts_ forming the first division; the _New York_, _New Orleans_, _Yankee_, _Iowa_, and _Oregon_ the second division. Very early on the morning of the 6th, they steamed in toward the entrance of the harbor in double column, the first division to the left, the second to the right, the vessels being in the order named above. When about three thousand yards off shore the first division turned toward the west and the second division toward the east; the little vessels _Vixen_ and _Swanee_ remaining far out on the left of the first division to watch the riflemen on shore, and the _Dolphin_ and _Porter_ occupying similar positions on the right for the same purpose. The fight was started by a 12-inch shell from the _Iowa_, which struck the base of the Estrella battery and tore up the works. This was a signal for all of the vessels to begin firing, and from that time until the firing ceased the bombardment was terrific. The vessels had run up in the beginning at the point where the range of the forts and batteries was known, and, in consequence, although the smoke hung so thickly about the ships that the forts could not be seen, the shots were very effective. The vessels of the first division had been instructed to concentrate their fire at the fortifications at the left or west side of the entrance to the harbor; those of the second division attacking Morro Castle and fortifications to the right, and the Spanish vessels in the harbor which were within range. The Spanish gunners on shore replied promptly, but their marksmanship was of no better quality than in previous engagements, and it is reported that practically no damage was done to our fleet. It is reported that one Spanish shell struck the military mast of the _Massachusetts_, but nobody was hurt. One man on the _Swanee_ was slightly wounded, and it is said that he is the only one who was hurt on our side. As the bombardment proceeded, Commodore Schley's ships moved nearer to the shore, and the effect of their fire at such short range was tremendous: earthworks were simply blown to pieces, and the Spanish gunners soon forced to stop firing. The Estrella fortification, which was probably the strongest one there, was given particular attention by Schley's column. The fort offered great resistance, but when the vessels had moved to closer range the heavy guns of the _Texas_ and _Marblehead_ were turned upon it. The Spanish guns were soon silenced and the fortification set on fire. The Cayo battery was silenced by the _New York_ and _New Orleans_ after a terrific fire of about half an hour. Many of the American shells were wasted for the reason that the fortified points on the shore could not be accurately located in the thick weather. There was a heavy rain and fog at the time, and this made marksmanship much less accurate. Shortly after nine o'clock the firing from shore ceased, and a signal was hoisted by Admiral Sampson to cease firing. It was then seen that the earthworks and the Estrella and Catalina fortifications were so damaged that it is doubtful whether the Spaniards will be able to use them again.

Reports of the engagement make particular mention of the good showing made by the naval militia on the _Yankee_. They worked like old blue-jackets, pouring a savage fire into the enemy, and it was accurate too. They kept close in shore and paid particular attention to the batteries near the beach. This was their first experience under fire, and they showed the stuff they are made of. Indeed, they proved themselves so fond of that sort of thing, that when orders were given to stop the engagement, there was a great deal of amusement on board the larger vessels when it was seen that they hammered away with their stern guns as long as they were within range; even after the order had been signalled to cease firing, they turned slowly and reluctantly away, as if they were sorry to leave.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: =Latest News=]

June 10th, "Old Glory" was raised on Cuban soil, and the welcome sight was Deceived with rousing cheers by the marines, who had landed.

On Thursday, the 9th, orders were given to a number of the vessels to go to Guantanamo Bay and assist in a landing there.

On Friday, under cover of the guns of the _Oregon_, _Marblehead_, _Yankee_, _Yosemite_, _Porter_, _Dolphin_, and _Vixen_, six hundred marines of the first battalion landed with small boats near Caimanera in Guantanamo Bay. This place had been shelled several days before, in order that the Spaniards should have no fortifications to aid them in preventing this landing.

No Spaniards appeared, however, and our men had soon landed tents and the necessary implements with which to make an encampment. The site chosen was the hill where the blockhouse had been, as this high spot was considered the most healthful position.

Orders were given to destroy the few houses and huts, to prevent all possibility of catching yellow fever from any germs which might have been lingering there. These hovels made a fine bonfire, as they were built of light materials with thatched roofs.

The men were glad enough to get ashore, for they have been cooped on the transports most of the time since April 22d, knocking about on the ocean. In that hot climate it is not over-agreeable to be on ship-board, even with ample room to move about in; but when crowded as the men on transports are, there is no end of discomfort.

All Friday afternoon and evening the men worked away at their camp, and were tired enough when they were ordered to turn in for the night.

Every precaution was taken to guard against a surprise, although no attack was expected. Saturday the men continued their work, which was getting along finely and almost completed, when late in the afternoon, while a large number of men were hauling water up the hill, and others, who had been working hard all day, were taking a swim in the bay, there was suddenly heard the sharp crack of Mauser rifles, and the men knew that the Spaniards were there.

As a matter of course, the attack came from the thick underwood surrounding the rear of the camp, and soon the air was filled with bullets whistling around the heads of our men.

As soon as the shots were heard the men came running to aid their comrades. Many of them who had been swimming grabbed up their rifles and cartridge-belts, and began firing, without waiting to dress.

With great coolness the men were formed and soon repulsed the Spanish force. Firing was kept up until midnight. In the darkness the Spaniards became bolder and attacked the camp, the white tents making a good mark. If their marksmanship had been better, our losses must have been serious. As it was, however, but four men were killed--Assistant Surgeon J. B. Gibbs, Sergeant C. H. Smith, and two privates, William Dunphy and James McColgan. During the night the vessels off shore kept their powerful searchlights turned upon the heights, and this greatly interfered with the Spaniards, who could not leave the woods without exposing themselves to the fire of our men.

The first news of this, our first land encounter with the Spanish, was published on Monday of this week.

News of the fall of Manila, received Monday, the 13th, came by way of London from our ambassador there. But particulars were not given, and we do not know whether the city was surrendered to the rebels or to Admiral Dewey.

* * * * *

SELECTED LIST OF NEW BOOKS

* * * * *

=FRENCH= =WITHOUT A MASTER. ENTIRELY NEW=

=Pitman's Practical French Grammar=

=and Conversation for Self-Instruction.= The latest and most successful method for learning and teaching HOW TO SPEAK FRENCH, with IMITATED PRONUNCIATION and copious VOCABULARIES. =Price, paper boards, 40 cents; cloth, 50 cents, postpaid.=

"A book of great value to those who would master French without a teacher."--Prof. J. H. GROVE, A.M., Pres. Howard Payne College, Brownwood, Tex. ADDRESS

=ISAAC PITMAN & SONS, THE PHONOGRAPHIC DEPOT, 33 UNION SQUARE, NEW YORK=

_Take Lessons at Metropolitan Shorthand School, 170 Fifth Avenue._

* * * * *

The Educational Courier

W. I. THAMES, Editor

Is the oldest School Journal published in Mississippi. Devoted to the general cause of education. Keeps in close touch with educational matters in MISSISSIPPI. Publishes STATE BOARD QUESTIONS and educational news from everywhere. A splendid ADVERTISING MEDIUM. Subscription Fifty Cents per Annum. Advertising rate card sent on application. . . . . . THE EDUCATIONAL COURIER Poplarville, Miss.

* * * * *

=The Great Round World REFERENCE ATLAS=

New maps by W. & A. K. JOHNSTON, Edinburgh, Scotland. Specially adapted for ready reference, and invaluable in tracing geographically the current of events. Sent postpaid upon receipt of 25 cts. Address

=THE GREAT ROUND WORLD PUB. CO., 5 West 18th Street, New York City=

* * * * *

BOUND VOLUMES

=THE GREAT ROUND WORLD= is bound four parts to the year. Part V., containing January 1 to March 31 (13 numbers) is now ready :: ::

Numbers in good condition may be exchanged for bound parts on payment of 35 cents for binding and 10 cents for return carriage.

=Price of Bound Part, $1.00.= May be had in Red, Blue, or Green Binding.

_=THE GREAT ROUND WORLD PUB. CO., 5 West 18th St., New York City.=_

* * * * *

=Patriotic Songs=

=Words and Music= =10 Cents a Copy=

JUST READY

_ADDRESS:_

THE GREAT ROUND WORLD PUBLISHING COMPANY 5 West 18th Street, New York

* * * * *

.CLUB RATES.

"The Great Round World"

* * * * *

_Subscription Price.. 52 numbers.._

$1.50

_per year_

_Address_

_The Great Round World Publishing Co._

_3 and 5 West 18th Street

New York City_

PRICE WITH SEPARATELY "G. R. W." Atlantic $4.00 $5.00 Book Buyer 1.00 2.25 Bookman 2.00 3.25 Chap-Book 2.00 3.00 Century Magazine 4.00 5.00 Cosmopolitan 1.00 2.25 Critic 3.00 4.25 Current Literature 3.00 4.00 Forum 3.00 4.00 Harper's Bazaar 4.00 4.75 Harper's Monthly 4.00 4.75 Harper's Weekly 4.00 4.75 Illustrated American 4.00 4.75 Independent 3.00 4.00 Judge 5.00 6.00 Leisure Hour 1.00 2.25 Life 5.00 6.00 Lippincott's 3.00 3.75 Literary Digest 3.00 4.25 McClure's 1.00 2.25 Munsey's 1.00 2.25 New England Magazine 3.00 4.00 North American Review 5.00 5.75 Our Little Ones and Nursery 1.00 2.25 Outing 3.00 3.75 Outlook 3.00 4.25 Puck 5.00 6.00 Review of Reviews 2.50 3.50 Saint Nicholas 3.00 4.00 Scientific American 3.00 4.25 Scribner's 3.00 4.00 Short Stories 2.50 3.75 Truth (New York) 2.50 3.50

="The Great Round World"= will make club rates on any magazines

"The Great Round World" will make club rates on any magazines

* * * * *

..TESTIMONIALS..

_From Miss Mabel J. Penfield, Bellville, Kan.:_

"I feel that I can not get along without your paper the coming year. I am a teacher in the city schools in Bellville."

* * * * *

_From Miss M. M. Hughes, 202 West 83d Street:_

"My pupils are very much interested in your little weekly paper."

* * * * *

_From S. W. Probert, School No. 13, Paterson, N. J.:_

"Kindly continue our subscription for the paper. We would not be without it for five times the amount."

* * * * *

_From W. D. Lewis, Executive Committee New York State Council of Grammar School Principals:_

"I consider THE GREAT ROUND WORLD one of the most valuable factors in my school work. It takes the children out of the beaten paths and gives them an active interest in current history. Not only is it valuable for the children, but it furnishes an incentive to thought work so useful to many teachers."

* * * * *

_From Roland L. Beale, Kansas State Normal School, Emporia:_

"I have been taking THE GREAT ROUND WORLD for six weeks, and it is the best little paper I ever saw. I cannot speak too highly of it."

* * * * *

_From Mrs. Ella F. Switzer, Denver, Col.:_

"I am a teacher in this city, and a subscriber to THE GREAT ROUND WORLD. My pupils read it, in consequence of which they have more definite ideas on subjects relating to current events than many older people. Many of the parents of my pupils have spoken in praise of it. The other members of my family as well as myself read it instead of _wasting_ time over the daily papers."

* * * * *

_From Mr. A. F. Otis, Houghton Gram. School, Augusta, Ga.:_

"I am delighted with the paper."

* * * * *

_From Miss A. W. Shortridge, 257 Benefit St., Providence, R. I.:_

"Enclosed please find check for seventy-five cents for renewal of subscription of your publication for six months. I should like to tell you that having had classes in current events for both old and young people, I have never seen any other publication which so fully carries out my ideas of the subjects to be presented in such classes as your little magazine does. I have had classes every day in the week. I find moreover in your publication a most excellent résumé, especially for the younger classes. I have moreover recommended the magazine to many of my older people. I am writing this because I think it may be pleasant for you to hear that your work is appreciated."

=The Great Round World=

* * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

Notation for macron characters is denoted by [=e] and [=a].

Obvious punctuations errors repaired.

Page 758, "sailors's" changed to "sailors'". (the sailors' friend.)

Page 758, "orginator" changed to "originator." (originator of)

Page 762, "expreses" changed to "expresses." (expresses great)

Under Club Rates, "Bazar" changed to "Bazaar." (Harper's Bazaar)

Remainder of archaic spelling retained.