Volume 4, Issue 4

A Newsletter for the Supporters of the Naval Museum The Adventures of the Other Merrimac by Bill Eley e ships of the Hampton Roads­ ased Flying Squadron were in 11arge part very respectable and majestic ships. For example, the Massachusetts mounted powerful13-inch guns and the armored earned high praise for its design. The converted yacht Scorpion, the squadron's smallest ship, had a majestic feel to it since it once belonged to a millionaire tycoon. The - squadron has even been Iabe led The ugly mule of the "romantic" Flying Squadron, the coal collier USS Merrimac (consistently spelled "romantic" by some Naval historians. withoutthe"k''), is pictured here off the coast ofCuba during the Spanish-American War. To her left is 1 OOth Anniversary the Norfolk-built and based ballleship USSTexas. (Naval Historical Center photo ofan 1898 print) The Spanish American War 1898-1998 Museutn Opens New There was one exception, the squadron's coal collier USS Merrimac. There was nothing romantic about Exhibit on the Spanish­ Merrimac's outward appearance or design (this Merrimac is consistently spelled without a "k.") Coal colliers Atnerican War were the pack mules of the old Steel by Joe Judge Navy as they hauled much needed coal for warships underway. But, during the he Hampton Roads Naval temporary exhibit attempted since the Spanish-American War, this "mule" Museum celebrates the museum relocated to Nauticus in 1994. ship was the key player in the most Tcentennial of the Spanish­ The exhibit is called " Libre" gallant Naval raid of the war. Like American War with the opening of ("Free Cuba") to let visitors know that • Hampton Roads' more famous Civil "Cuba Libre: The Spanish-American the theme is the Atlantic campaign, and Merrimac continued on page 6 War in the ." The exhibit to remind them of the pre-eminent Inside The Day Book examines the war in the Caribbean, place of Cuba in the politics of the time. focusing on the actions of the American The exhibit begins with an The Director's Co1umn ...... 2 Navy in 1898 and the drive to liberate examination of the volatile situation in The Cienfuegos Expedition ...... 4 Cuba from the Spanish. The display Cuba in 1898, a bloody rebellion that Volunteer News & NQtes ...... lO features artwork, photographs, artifacts made 's colony front page news in The Museum Sage...... ll and ship models and is the largest Cuba Libre continued on page 4 The Spanish-American W a1k The Director's Column by Becky Poulliot n May 11, the Hampton Roads joint exhibit allows visitors to literally Naval Museum opens the walk through the Spanish-American OSpanish-American War show War. Both institutions should profit "Cuba Libre: The Spanish-American by an increased exposure, visitation, War in the Caribbean," our museum's and certainly a more in-depth most ambitious temporary exhibit to date. presentation of a war whose The display showcases more than 50 consequences are still being felt. The items. Many artifacts have never been MacArthur Memorial is operated by viewed by the public such as Alexander the City of Norfolk and is open daily Stewart's oil painting of the battleship from 10a.m.to5p.m. Call(757)441- Maine and the ship's jack salvaged by a 2965 for more information. Admission Navy diver after the Maine exploded. to both exhibits is free. See the front page article for more On May 14, the museum hosts a information on this exhibit. special Media Day for Cuba Libre in Cuba Libre focuses on the the morning followed by a luncheon Caribbean theater of the war. Several presentation by the Living History blocks away on Norfolk's City Hall A venue, the MacArthur Memorial Associates. Go back to the February 15 luncheon is $8. Museum is showing "Pacific Empire: day in 1898 when the Maine exploded Another cooperative museum effort The United States in the ," and talk to the journalist who wrote about comes to fruition on May 18, which describes the war events in the the disaster. The Living History International Museum Day, when our Pacific. These two displays do not result Associates is a company comprised of very frrst international intern arrives. Ms. from coincidence, but from long term historical interpreters whose first person Berangere Malvezy comes from planning, with each institution pooling accounts are expressive and authentic. Marseilles, where she is enrolled resources and focusmg on 1ts respectiv_.,.e- ...... -o-c-n't miss out. a or reservatwns at m o 1ce management curriculum at the strengths. Staff members have 322-2992. The event is being held at Lycee Technique Prive Jeanne collaborated on posters and guides 11:30 a.m. at the Norfolk Naval Perrimond. She will work directly with advertising both displays. This unusual Station's Pier 26. Cost for the me on several projects including docent work. I may be calling on volunteers to assist Berangere in learning about our regional naval history. Berangere's internship lasts until June 26, so please Lora/ History. World Events. stop in and say hello. About The Day Book HRNM Staff Also say hello to the museum's newest Leading Petty Officer I st Class The Day Book is an authorized publication ofthe Hampton Fire Control Technician (Surface Roads Naval Museum (HRNM). Its contents do not necessarily Director reflect the official view of the U.S. Government, the Department Becky Poulliot Warfare) Mike Rosa. FCl Rosa is a of Defense, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not Curator fifteen year veteran of the Navy and a imply endorsement thereof. The HRNM is a museum dedicated Joe Judge native of New Jersey. His previous Education Specialist to the study of 220 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads assignments have included serving region. The museum is open Mondays from 9 am. to 4 p.m. Bob Malleson and Tuesday through Sunday from I 0 am. to 5 p.m. Admission Exhibits Specialist aboard the USS Stump (DD- is free. Marta Nelson 978) and Preble (DDG-46), the cruiser The Day Book!s purpose is to educate and inform readers on Museum Technician Joseph Daniels (CG-27), as well as Ofelia Elba historical topics and museum related events. It is written by the serving as an instructor at Dam Neck staff and volunteers of the museum. The newsletter takes its HRNMOJC name from a I 9th century Norfolk newspaper. Ensign Rod Hartsell Fleet Training Center. Questions or comments can be directed to the Hampton HRNM LPOITPU Admin. As the exhibit "The Sailor's Best Roads Naval Museum editor. The Day Book can be reached at FCI (SW) Mike Rosa Friend: Animals in the U.S. Navy" closes, Editor ofThe Day Book (757) 322-2993, by fax at (757) 445-1867, e-mail at I want to say a special thank you to all of [email protected], or write The Day Book, Hampton Gordon Calhoun Roads Naval Museum, One Waterside Drive, Suite 248, Norfolk, Director, HRNHF the contributors who donated to the joint VA23510-1607. The museum can be found on the World Wide Maj.Gen.Dennis Murphy, HRNM/Norfolk SPCA "Vittles for USMC(Ret) Web at http://naval-station.norfolk.va.uslnavy.html. The Day Critters." Book is published bi-monthly with a circulation of I ,200.

2 The Cable Cutting Expedition The Norfolk-based USSNashville participates in a gallant attempt to cut Spain's communications from Cuba by Janet Beauvais n May 11, 1898, the initiated a cable Ocutting expedition off of Cienfuegos, Cuba. The cruiser USS Marblehead (C-11) and the Hampton Roads-built and-based gunboat USS Nashville (PG-7) were the two lead boats of the exercise. Their purpose was to destroy the lines of communication between the Spanish forces in Cuba and u Spain. Long distance communications in 1898 ran through a series of 1 OOth Anniversary The Spanish-American War 1898-1998 underwater cables, and American military planners had decided early on A boat ofsome ofthe surviving Navy and Marine members ofthe Cienfuegos cable cutting expedition pose fora photograph in front ofUSSNashville (PG-7) shortly after war ended. The Marine sharpshooter that they had to be cut. in the middle of the boat is holding a 6mm Navy Lee rifle. The rifle was not a very successful weapon The one set of cables that ran of and procurement halted soon after the war. (Naval Historical Center photograph) Cienfuegos had two purposes, the frrst Ironworks in , she was equipped gunboat was built for service in the being that it connected this small town with nine five-inch guns and six six-inch coastal regions of the world (namely the in the south central part of Cuba to guns. Her partner in this mission was rivers of ) and was the perfect ship . The second purpose was the the Nashville. Nashville was built by for this type of mission. connection from Cuba back to Spain. Newport News Shipbuilding in 1896 and The plan for this raid was to use the Marblehead was a small unarmored, commissioned and based at the Norfolk warships' two sail boats and two steam steel hulled, cruiser. This ship was used Navy Yard in 1897. The steel hull patrol launches to sail close to shore, grapple mainly during peace time efforts gunboat was the frrst warship ever built the cables, and then cut them using overseas. Built at the City Point by Newport News. The shallow drafted hacksaws. Marblehead and Nashville would provide cover fire. The four smaller boats were armed with one pounder rapid fire guns and Colt Automatic Guns. Lt. Winslow was in charge oftheNashville's boats while Lt. Anderson was in charge of the Marblehead's boats. Nashville was the main source of arsenal in the expedition. Serving as Winslow's executive officer on this raid was a veteran lieutenant named Arthur C. Dillingham. (Twenty years later Dillingham would become the frrstadmiral ofthe new Norfolk Naval Base and would serve as Norfolk's City • Manager in the early 1920's.) A call for volunteers to man the four small boats went out. Hundreds of men responded, though only sixty were needed. Among The Newport News-built and Norfolk-based patrol gunboat USSNashville (PG-7) shown here at the 60, 12 Marines sharpshooters were the shortly before theMaine exploded. The gunboat was the first warship ever built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry-dock Company. (January 1898 Naval Historical selected to provide cover frre in addition Center photograph) Cienfuegos continued on page 9

3 Cuba Libre continuedfrompage I America. And "front page news" was a Navy stationed a "Flying Squadron" of making her famous dash from the West term with impact in the 1890's when ships here during the early stages of the Coast to the Caribbean. The U.S. Naval "yellow journalists" like William war. Harper 's Weekly prints give a Historical Center, a generous source of Randolph Hearst thundered their views flavor ofNorfolk life at the time. This many artifacts on exhibit here, has with huge headlines. A reproduction of section of the exhibit features the loaned a flag from this ship for the a New York Journal front page gives the second ship model, USS Brooklyn, the exhibit. As with each section of the flavor of this style. The newspaper, flagship of the squadron, renowned as exhibit, photographs obtained from the which trumpets the destruction of the "the Bulldog of the Fleet." National Archives and the Naval Hampton Roads-based battleship USS Once Congress authorized the Historical Center supplement artwork Maine, is a fitting introduction to the next President to use the Armed Forces (a and artifacts. section of the exhibit, highlighting one Constitutional requirement almost The war took a more dramatic tum as of the most famous warships and famous events in American history. The second class battleship Maine exploded into immortality on February Spanish-American War 15 , 1898. Her distinctive design, and yes, unusual beauty will be represented by the builder's model of the ship. This Centennial Exhibits model, on loan from the US Navy's curator of models, has been exhibited There are two exhibits on the Spanish-American War currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution in in downtown Norfolk. Admission is free to both museums. , D.C. for many years. The "Cuba Libre: The Spanish-American War in the Caribbean," museum has also borrowed a beautiful an exhibit about the U.S. Navy and the drive to liberate Cuba, painting of the ship by the well-known maritime artist A.C . Stuart. The is on display at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum from May painting, Stuart's last, was in private 11 to Nov. 15, 1998. Call 757-322-2987 for more information. hands on 's Eastern Shore for most of this century until purchased by the Navy Art Collection earlier this year. Our "Cuba Libre" exhibit will L o e •I Hi 1 tory. Wo r I tl E "err 1 ' · mark its first-ever public viewing. The last item in a stellar trio of Maine­ "Pacific Empire: The United States in the Philippines, 1898- related artifacts is the jack of the ship, 1902," an exhibit on America's Rise in the Pacific, is currently recovered from the wreck by a civilian on display at the MacArthur Memorial until April 2, 1999. diver assigned to the investigation after Call 757-441-2965 for more information. the blast. This jack is also being placed on view for the first time. These three reminders of the great ship will be joined by smaller *MacArthur Memorial commemorative items such as a spoon, a plate, and two candy dishes that show the intense public feeling that the explosion generated. forgotten in the days of the 'imperial the Spanish fleet headed for the Even Americans with little sense of presidency'), the Navy took up Caribbean and eventually made port at history can find their jaded gray cells blockading stations off Cuba. The Santiago de Cuba. U.S. Marines then prompted by miniature sparks when exhibit turns to the famous illustrator landed at Guantanamo Bay, and the hearing the phrase, " Remember the and correspondent Henry Reuterdahl to Navy conceived a daring plan to sink Maine! " However, the Spanish­ portray these early days of the war. the collier Merrimac in the Santiago American War did not begin or end with Reuterdahl's illustrations for Collier 's harbor. All these events are the unfortunate explosion. War was not Magazine in this section are colorful, remembered in " Cuba Libre." Lt. declared until April 22, although dynamic portrayals by an eye witness Richmond P. Hobson, the daring leader Assistant Secretary ofthe Navy Theodore to history (see "Portrait of a Naval of the Merrimac expedition, is featured Roosevelt and others had begun to Artist," Vol. 4 Issue 2 of The Day Book on a souvenir portrait issued by an prepare long before. One part of this for more information on Reuterdahl.) American soap company, a striking preparation came home in a big way to Another drama was unfolding at this example of the patriotism of the time. residents of Hampton Roads when the time, as the battleship Oregon was Cuba Libre continued on page 5

4 And perhaps return home to a cool "Cuba Libres" made with dark rum, cola, and lime juice. For those readers who are interested in knowing what happened in the other half of the war, the MacArthur Memorial has produced an exhibit entitled "Pacific Empire: The United States in the Philippines, 1898-1902." This exhibit looks at the American victory and takeover of the Philippine Islands from the Spanish. The exhibit discusses the dramatic Battle of Bay, in which one of the first steel ships ever built by the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, USS Raleigh (C-8) participated, the victory over Spanish land forces, and the subsequent insurrection by Filipino guerillas. In many ways, the MacArthur legacy begins during this time period as Arthur MacArthur, Douglas' father, was the One of the centerpiece artifacts on display for the museum's Spanish-American War exhibit is this taken off the Spanish armored cruiserVizcaya Other notable artifacts include the jack commanding general of American forces from the battleship Maine, a painting of the battleship by noted maritime artist A.C. Stuart, and which occupied the islands. several prints by artist and naval commentator Henry Reutherdahl. (HRNM photo) Admission to both exhibits is free and Cuba Libre continued from page 4 both are located in downtown Norfolk The most striking artifact in the as well as the institutions mentioned within walking distance of each other. exhibit is the centerpiece of the next above. The exhibit, which opens on May Call (757) 322-2987 for more section on the battle of Santiago. A 11, runs through November 15. The hot information on the Hampton Roads fifteen foot Spanish torpedo from the Norfolk summer will be a perfect time Naval Museum exhibit and cruiser Vizcaya introduces the visitor for visitors to step inside the cool museum accompanying educational material and not only to the battle but to the and travel back in time to l 00 years ago (757) 441-2965 for more information on relatively new torpedo technology that and see when America gained an empire. the MacArthur Memorial's exhibit.lilb.· both fleets utilized. The Spanish fleet of Cervera was destroyed in one afternoon outside Santiago, as the somber photographs of burning ships attest. Viewers will also see portraits of American Naval commanders Schley and Rear Adm. Sampson and learn about their unfortunate post-war dispute over credit for the victory. While the admirals warred, bluejackets celebrated. The exhibit recalls the American sailor with the uniform ofNils Nilsen, a 3rd class petty officer aboard the Hampton Roads­ stationed cruiser USS . This uniform, on loan from the Naval • Historical Center, is joined by a portrait of an African-American sailor, Thomas Boyd. These two men and thousands like them were in the Navy at the time of great change in the sea service. Shortly after the battleship Maine exploded, corporate America turned out thousands of Artifacts for "Cuba Libre" have been commemorative items reminding people to "Remember the Maine!" This plate and several other assembled from generous local lenders commemorative items are a part of the Maine section of the exhibit. (HRNM photo by Joe Judge)

5 Merrimac continued from page I War-era Merrimack, her actions taken its toll on several ships. Cervera's as the "Merrimac Affair," which produced some of the Navy's most greatest advantage was the well produced one of the most dramatic famous heroes. protected, narrow entrance to Santiago events of the war. Merrimac was originally built as harbor. Once the placement of Credit for the scheme to sink the Salvcig in New Castle, in Cervera's squadron was confirmed, Merrimac has been given to Sampson 1894. The Navy purchased and rebuilt both squadrons began to assemble off and a young naval constructor named her in the early part of Spring, 1898 of Santiago to set up a blockade. Richmond Hobson, who was selected and commissioned her into the fleet on The entrance to Santiago had to work out the details. The Merrimac April 11. The collier was then attached numerous fortifications including the was considered the least useful member to the Flying Squadron here in huge stone Morro Castle. In addition, of the fleet because of her frequent Hampton Roads. She displaced 3,300 the channel was lined with mines that machinery breakdowns. Hobson made tons, was 323 feet long, and had no could be set off by an electrical circuit meticulous plans for his mission. armament. Like the Civil War from shore. Sampson was under strict Along the portside of the ship, 78 Merrimack, she had a notoriously instructions not to lose any of his pound explosive charges, filled with unreliable engineering plant which capital ships to Spanish forts. This gunpowder, were affixed to the outer limited her speed and mobility. automatically ruled out any direct part of the hull, a few feet below the The warships of the Flying Naval assault on Santiago, a decision and at 30 feet intervals. The Squadron, less Merrimac, left Hampton that angered U.S. Army commanders ship's four anchors were positioned on Roads headed for Cuba on May 11, during their advance on the city, and the ship so all could be dropped based on reports that the Spanish limited the fleet to long range simultaneously. At the right moment, squadron had been spotted in the bombardment of the forts throughout according to Hobson's plan, the Caribbean. The squadron joined in the the war. charges would be set off with an hunt for the Spanish ships and Sampson also feared the electrical circuit, two men with ultimately stationed themselves off the approaching hurricane season might sledgehammers would open all of the sea valves, and all the cargo doors would be opened. Hobson asked for command of the ship for this exploit and for a few volunteers from the fleet. Sampson granted his request. The appointment angered some line officers as Hobson

. . ~ was normally not eligible to command at sea as a naval constructor. He was an intelligent person and had graduated first in his class in 1889 at the Naval Academy. But, he lacked experience as he had never commanded a ship in his entire Naval career. Merrimac's commanding officer, Cmdr. James M. Miller, felt Once the Navy purchased Merrimac, they converted her at the New York Navy Yard. They particularly snubbed as he expected the then brought her down to Hampton Roads and assigned her to the Flying Squadron. The collier honor of taking his ship to its final is pictured here at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on April 23, 1898. (Naval Historical Center resting place. He sent a petition to photograph) Sampson, citing both Naval regulations town ofCienfuegos. Merrimac, which drive his ships away from the harbor. and traditions, in an attempt to get his earlier had been detached from the He therefore decided to bottle up the superior to change his mind. The squadron, rejoined them on May 20. entrance by sinking a vessel across the petition almost had Sampson After a clever game of hide-and­ narrow entrance of the bay. A single persuaded, but in the end Sampson seek, the Spanish squadron under the wreck lying in the middle of the stuck by his favorite junior officer. commander Adm. Pascual Cervera channel could keep a large warship Officially, the admiral believed that slipped past both the Flying Squadron from passing, and a few monitors or since Hobson had worked out the and the and could prevent the Spanish from details and oversaw Merrimac's into the harbor of Santiago, Cuba on removing the wreck. Sampson saw a preparations, Miller would not be able May 19. Cervera's situation was way to replace the blockade with a to execute the plan correctly. desperate. The squadron badly needed single collier like a cork in a bottle. The Unofficially, Sampson simply liked coal and the journey from Spain had attempt to block the channel is known Merrimac continued on page 7

6 Merrimac continued from page 6 Hobson more than Miller. batteries to look for survivors. "No Cervera sent a messenger to Adm. Among the enlisted ranks, man came out of that harbor alive," was Sampson to inform him that the eight practically every man on a ship in the the report Sampson received. heroes were honored prisoners of war. American fleet responded to the call for Merrimac had settled to the bottom The messenger somewhat happily volunteers. "Many wept and begged within minutes, with the upper works reported to Sampson that Merrimac did for the privilege," one report noted. just above the surface of the water. The not block the channel. The rush of the However, only seven men were whole affair had taken little more than tide sank the shattered hull of the collier needed. Aboard the battleship Iowa, a half-hour to complete. Hobson and before she could sink squarely across all 34 officers and 646 enlisted men his men were rescued by none other the channel. volunteered. Coxswain J.E. Murphy than Adm. Cervera himself, who came It was a month before the men of was chosen by way of a coin toss. The out in a boat crying "heroe valiente!" the Merrimac were exchanged, and other five chosen were Coxswain He kissed Hobson on the head and during their imprisonment they were Osborn Deignan, Machinist's Mate declared that men of such gallant deeds treated with great kindness and respect. George Phillips, and Water Tender should not be mourned by their They were permitted to received John Kelly, all from the Merrimac, comrades. Under a flag of truce, Merrimac continued on page 8 Gunner's Mate George Charette from the New York, and Seaman Daniel Montague from the Brooklyn. When the volunteers were put aboard the collier, there were eight men instead of seven. Danish-born Coxswain Randolph Clausen from the New York wanted to participate so badly that he concealed himself aboard the collier during Merrimac's preparations. The combined American fleet assembled off of Santiago on June I. The Merrimac's attempt was scheduled for twilight before dawn of the next day. Sampson called off this attempt, over Hobson's objections, because he felt it had become too light. A second attempt was scheduled two days later. Merrimac began her run about 8 p.m. yards from the harbor's entrance at 3 a.m. As the Spanish forts had been alerted, shelling began from the shore. Only a few shots fired at the collier struck home, but that was enough to disable the rudder, some firing circuits, and the stern anchor. Hobson ordered the other charges detonated, but they failed to go off, after Spanish fire had cut the wires. The Spanish detonated a mine close to the ship, but it only shook the ship. The unfamiliar crew was not able to reverse Merrimac's engines, the bow anchor chain parted, and a second Spanish • mine detonated under the bow. The ship sank parallel, not across the channel as planned. New York moved The scuttling took place on the night of June 3. 1898. While Adm. Sampson only needed seven in to await the heroes. All night a men, he received hundreds of eager volunteers to take charge of Merrimac. From upper left to bottom right is Lt. Richmond Hobson, Randolph Clausen (the stowaway), Osborn W. Deignan, rescue party using the cruiser's launch Francis Kelly, J. E. Murphy, Daniel Montague, George Phillips, and George Charette. Merrimac's kept watch. At dawn, the launch ran commanding officer Cmdr. Miller was snubbed by Sampson and left out of the expedition. (Naval across the entrance under fire of Historical Center photograph of a 1907 print)

7 Merrimac continuedfrompage 7 The best evaluation of the event was put forth by money and food from the American ships. The Navy generously rewarded Naval Cadet Thomas Powell, who commanded the all eight members of the expedition. At launch waiting to pickup the crew after the expedition. the suggestion of Sampson, who asked Secretary of the Navy John D. Long to He commented that Hobson did not need to sink the "offer a suitable professional reward to Mr. Hobson and his companions," Merrimac as "the Spanish sunk it for him. " President William McKinley promoted of the crew to handle the Merrimac gesture. One senior Spanish army Hobson straight to and all the caused the ship to sink in the wrong place. officer had said before the battle "If we enlisted men received warrant officer The entire effort was wasted." Even should lose without fighting, the moral commissions. Beach, however, had to admit that effect would be terrible, both in Spain Sampson proudly wrote, "I can not "despite the failure, Hobson became a and abroad." myself too earnestly express my national hero in a nation hungry for Some analysts have suggested that appreciation of the conduct of Mr. heroes." Cervera might have had better luck had Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture It is probable that the same he made his dash for freedom at night to say that a more brave and daring newspapers which helped start the war, rather in broad daylight. Cervera had thing has not been done since Cushing glorified the crew of the Merrimac more thought about a night sortie, but blew up the Albemarle." Sampson's than was warranted. A more realistic and decided against it because he feared he latter reference was to Lt. Cushing's probably the best evaluation of the event would not be able to negotiate the 1864 raid which successfully sunk the was put forth by Naval Cadet Thomas narrow and treacherous channel in the dark while being blinded by the American searchlights and trying to avoid Merrimac. As a result, his squadron came out on the morning of July 3 and was destroyed by the afternoon. Hobson retained his hero status long after the war ended. While at the Metropolitan Opera House one night, someone recognized him and called out his name. The crowd immediately demanded Hobson get up on stage and tell his story. Hobson resigned his commission soon after the war. In 1907, he was elected to Congress. He spent much of his time in Washington promoting the cause of the Navy. He also launched a personal crusade for the :: prohibition of alcohol. Big business jumped at the chance to use his celebrity status by turning out products Pictured here is the wreck ofthe Merrimac in the channel leading to Santiago harbor. While the wreck did not serve as intended, it did deter Cervera from leading a night sortie, making it easier for the U.S. with his face on the front. The N.K. squadron to destroy it on July 3. Ironically, the Spanish also tried to block the channel when they sank Fairbank Company, for example, the cruiser Reina Mercedes They were equally unsuccessful as the ba/1/eshipsTexas and Massachusetts produced a trading card with Hobson's damaged her before she could be sunk correctly. (1898 Naval Historical Center photograph) picture on the front and an ironclad CSS Albemarle in North Powell, who commanded the launch advertisement for "Fairbank's Fairy Carolina. waiting to pick up the crew after the Soap" on the back. Congress awarded Modern day historians have not expedition. He commented that Hobson him and his crew the been so kind to Hobson. In stark did not need to sink the Merrimac as shortly before he died in 1937. contrast to Sampson's reasoning for "the Spanish sunk it for him." As for the Flying Squadron's choosing Hobson over Miller, Naval Merrimac's scuttling, however, did expendable collier, salvage teams tasked historian Ned Beach commented that achieve something. Under intense with cleaning up the wreckage in and "No one could be better suited to cope pressure from his superiors, Adm. around Santiago raised her soon after with the old ship's peculiarities than her Cervera and his squadron of six ships the war and subsequently scrapped her. own skipper (i.e. Cmdr. Miller) and crew. came out of Santiago harbor on July 3 Merrimac would be the only American Yet, Hobson's inexperience and inability in what he knew would be a suicidal ship lost during the war.~

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USSNashville 's commanding officer produced this map of the Cienfuegos cable-culling expedition.Nashville and Marblehead bombarded the cable house while the steam and sail launches went in to try to cut the cables. Cienfuegos continued from page 3 to the launches' weapons. The ships' additional difficulties. It took over three of the cables lines had been cut with a carpenters and blacksmiths were hours to cut two of the cables. After the minimum of casualties. assigned to help cut the cables. cutting, the cables were to be dragged into Many ofthe volunteers had been hurt. The expedition got started at 6:30a.m. deep water, cutting off as much as Most had been shot in the arms or legs While the four smaller boats cut the possible of the end. Before casting off while trying to cut the cables. Others, cables, Nashville and Marblehead the ends, the insulation ofthe cables were not so lucky, were shot in the chest, jaw, maintained a steady stream of fire on the to be punctured 20 to 30 feet from the and head. Six men in all died and five enemy. At first, after the enemy had been end with sharp pointed instruments and were severely wounded. In reports sent forced from their post, the boats did not hacksaws. The third and fmal cable had back to the United States, lists of such experience too much in return fire. The been successfully hoisted out of the men were given along with the status of gunboat's and cruiser's bombardment water, but Lt. Anderson decided that whether or not their injuries were deemed forced the posted Spanish infantry and enemy fire was too great to risk taking fatal. cavalry forces from their positions around the time to cut it. He ordered the cable to It is worth noting that one of the the cable house. The cable house was be dropped and for the boats to return to commanders of the mission sent back then destroyed by the warships' gun fire. their ships. highly complimentery message about the After the Spanish had been forced from Despite the effective shore volunteer's work. He proudly wrote, their post, the four smaller boats moved bombardment, some members of the "They worked intelligently and in, grappled the cables that Jed to the Spanish garrison stuck around and fired cheerfully at the exhausting labor of south and west. on the American boats with rifles and a picking up and cutting the heavy cables, Noticing that the enemy had taken machine-gun. The Marine sharpshooters, and, when under a heavy frre and the shelter in a lighthouse and were firing using 6mm Navy Lee Rifles, and boat crew badly wounded, continued to work, upon them, Nashville and Marblehead gun crews returned their fire. The without confusion, until ordered to stop." • destroyed it. This caused great concern, Americans were frustrated by the fact that He made sure his men were more than since they had been ordered not to destroy the Spanish were using German-made adequately rewarded for their work. the lighthouse. Once found, the cables Mauser rifles which used a smokeless Fifty-four Congressional Medals of were reeled in and grappled by the steam powder making it difficult to track a Honor were issued, one for each launches. The cables themselves were target. It would be a problem faced by surviving member of the expedition. six-inches in diameter but were protected American forces everywhere throughout Even for the Spanish-American War, this with armored and thick insulation. the Spanish-American War. The result was a bit too liber~l and even a bit Ground swells and rough seas caused ofthe expedition was very positive. Two Cienfuegos continued on page 10

9 ~o1'"'DD..~eer N"e~s & N"o~es Field Trip to Halifax Summer Picnic

here has been some interest session was an orientation on both he 5th Annual Cookout is set for Texpressed in taking a docent field exhibit and the education program for TThursday evening, June 11 at the trip to Halifax, . We are sixth graders. For those of you who open air Nauticus Celebration Pavilion. looking to go on July 21 and Bob is could not make it, we will be holding a Be on the lookout for an information asking any interested volunteers to sign second session on May 18. It is flyer. All of the previous events were up by July 7. Call him at 322-2986 if important you become familiar with the proven to be quite sucessful. Having you want to go or want more information. material. For weekend docents, gained experience in planning, we are Halifax is a town with several 18th Gordon will provide the necessary sure this one will be the best yet. Mark and 19th century buildings including an material and information on the your calendar now. ilb- 1808 plantation house, a 1760 merchant's weekends that he works. house, a 1838 jail, and the Montford Archaeological Museum. The town's most prominent claim to fame is the "Halifax Resolves," the first declaration Upcoming Events of independence document produced by any city in the Thirteen Colonies. May 11-Cuba Libre, the Jones, USMCR "Return to Next Docent Meeting museum's new Spanish­ ." 12:30 p.m., American War exhibit N auticus Conference hank you to those who attended the Tlast meeting at the Mariner's opens. Room. Museum. We most certainly hope you enjoyed their exhibit on RMS Titanic. The next docent meeting will take place May 14-Living History July 16-FBI Special Agent onJuly9at 10a.m. We will meet at the Associates presents "The Robert Hunter talks about MacArthur Memorial to see their Spanish-American War exhibit "Pacific Splendid Little War" at the Walker spy ring. 11:30 Empire: The United States in the 11:30 a.m. at Norfolk a.m. at Norfolk Naval Philippines." Hope to see you there. Naval Station's Pier 26. Station's Pier 26. Spanish-American War Exhibit Training June 29-Dunderfunk Call 322-2992 to make n April 20 we held a training Society, Lt. Col. Charles reservations. Osession for the museum's Spanish­ American War exhibit. This training Cienfuegos continued from page 9 ridiculous. On the same day this raid was landing at Guantanamo Bay. He publicly glowing reports of American bravery. conducted, the raid on Cardenas (see last scorned the commanding officer of the The success ofthe mission itself is less issue of The Day Book) occurred and battalion when the Marine lieutenant certain, especially in light of the fact resulted in only three Medals of Honor. colonel suggested that his men might that the third cable was dropped uncut. No other action in American military need to withdraw from their positions. Since the cable house on shore was history would yield so many Medals of How important was this expedition destroyed, the officers on the scene Honor for such a high percentage of its to the Spanish-American War? The concluded, maybe somewhat too participants. The liberal issuing of the expedition must have been a huge optimistically, that communications medal was certainly not because the moral boost, but was the expedition had been cut and declared the mission a expedition's commanding officer was an itself a vital element? The raid was one total success. We must leave the results easy going person. A month later, he was of the first actions of the war and of the raid with somewhat of an open­ the commanding officer of the Marine newspapers back home published ended conclusion. ilb-

10 he !)(useum Sage

cruisers. They had very good speed United States successfully negotiated (each around 21-knots) and very good with to purchase .both ships. endurance. They each displaced Negotiations on Abreu ran too long, around 14,000 tons and were around however, and she never left England 550 feet in length, making them the before war was declared. As a result, largest warships in the fleet. The the English were forced to keep the ship battleship USS Iowa (BB-4) was in port as not to violate neutrality laws. around 330 feet and displaced only Amazonas, on the other hand, became J Sage Stumper VIII: Do You 11 ,000 tons. They performed valuable New Orleans and was assigned to the scouting patrols in the Lesser Antilles Flying Squadron. Americans sailors Accept Visa? The Navy Goes and were the first to spot Cervera's had some difficulty operating the ship Shopping for Ships squadron. After Cervera's squadron at first as many of the instructions and e Sage asked in the last issue to had been spotted, the ships were given identifying name plates were still in arne some of the larger and other various assignments around Portuguese. Of all the foreign built more important ships purchased Cuba and Puerto Rico. The most warships purchased, New Orleans was or leased by the Navy for the Spanish­ notable operations were St. Paul the most successful. American War. The Sage congratulates engaging the torpedo boat Terror and The merchant ship Buffalo also had Hunt Lewis for giving the correct the unprotected cruiser Isabel II off the a Brazilian connection. Newport News response. The answer is as follows: coast of San Jan, Puerto Rico and St. Shipbuilding originally built Buffalo as During the mid-1890's, some planners within the Navy still believed in a commerce raiding doctrine as the best way to fight a naval war (as opposed to the new Mahan ian doctrine of sea control.) As a-result, the Navy convinced Congress to subsidize the construction of several passenger ships that could be converted to fast cruisers 1 OOth Anniversary Louis cutting the underwater telegraph The auxiliary cruisers/passenger ships St. Paul The Spanish-American War and St. Louis. The Navy paid a premium rate cables that ran out of Santiago. to lease them on top of an earlier construction 1898-1998 In addition to the four large ships, subsidy. But, the money was well spent. St. in time of war. The four biggest ones, the Navy also leased or outright bought Paul was for a short time attached to the Flying and the answer to the first question, several smaller freighters and Squadron here in Hampton Roads. (HRNM photo of an /898 print by C. A. Musselman) were St. Paul, St. Louis, City of New converted them to auxiliary cruisers York (renamed Harvard for the war), and troop transports. Four of them the freighter El Cid for Huntington's and City of Paris (renamed Yale). originated at Newport News Pacific Southern Company. He in tum The Navy leased the four passenger Shipbuilding, back in the days when sold it to Brazil where it was renamed steam ships from the International civilian shipping was Newport News' Nictheroy. The Brazilian government Navigation Company just before war core business. armed the ship with a pneumatic was declared on Spain in April. The The second part of the question was dynamite gun during its successful company charged the Navy a premium to name the warships and merchant suppression of the rebellious Brazilian price of $2,500 a day for the right to vessels purchased overseas by the Navy Navy. She did accompany the battleship use them. For comparison purposes, a for the war. The answer is the protected Oregon during the battleship's trip up the chief gunner's mate received $80 a cruisers New Orleans (ex-Amazonas), east side of South America, but missed • month. The U.S. Government spent Albany (ex-Almirante Abreu), Buffalo the rest of the war due to mechanical around $1.2 million for the four ships (ex-£/ Cid, ex-Nictheroy), the gunboat difficulties. before they were returned on Sept. 2, Topeka (ex-Diogggenous), and the Topeka and Somers, purchased in 1898. torpedo boat Somers. Europe, also missed the war due to The Government got its money's For three of the ships, once again mechanical difficulties and neutrality worth for these "auxiliary cruisers." the Navy tapped Brazil. Amazonas and laws. In all, the Navy added 19 ships Their qualities as for-profit passenger Almirante Abreu were English-built in a vel)', short time period for the war ships made them excellent scout cruisers on their way to Brazil. The effort . ~

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