Chapter II: Introduction

As the Commander-in-Chief of the American Naval Squadron blockading Santiago and the Cuban coast, the auxiliary cruiser "Yankee," manned by the New York Naval Reserves, came immediately under my observation, and it is a pleasure for me to speak of the spirit and efficiency shown by the officers and crew during their stay under my command.

The young men forming the ship's company of the "Yankee" were called into service several weeks prior to any other Naval Reserve battalion; they came from all walks of civil life, and their minds, devoted to peaceful pursuits, were suddenly diverted to the needs and requirements and the usages of naval routine. Notwithstanding this radical change, they have made the name of their ship a household word throughout the country, and have proved that the average American, whether he be clerk or physician, broker, lawyer, or merchant, can, on the spur of the moment, prove a capable fighter for his country even amid such strange and novel surroundings as obtain in the naval service. These young men have especially upheld the American supremacy in the art of gunnery, and have, on all occasions, proved brave and efficient.

The conclusion of the Spanish-American War released them from their voluntarily assumed positions in the regular navy, but when they returned to civil life they carried with them the consciousness of duty well done at Santiago and Cienfuegos and whenever their guns were used in hostile action. In a word, the Naval Reserves manning the "Yankee," in common with those on board other vessels in the service, have proved their aptitude for sea duty, and made apparent the wisdom of the Government in calling them into active service.

W.T. SAMPSON, Rear-Admiral, U.S.N.

U.S. FLAGSHIP "NEW YORK," September 3, 1898.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER
AUTHOR'S FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
PREFACE
I. IN WHICH THE "YANKEE" GOES INTO COMMISSION
II. IN WHICH WE GET UNDER WAY AT LAST
III. IN WHICH THE "YANKEE" CRUISES FOR PRIZES
IV. WE GET ORDERS TO GO SOUTH
V. A WILD GOOSE CHASE
VI. WE BECOME COAL HEATERS
VII. WE ENTER THE "THEATRE OF WAR"
VIII. WE JOIN SAMPSON'S FLEET
IX. CLEAR SHIP FOR ACTION
X. WE BOMBARD SANTIAGO DE CUBA
XI. A PERILOUS MOMENT
XII. IN SEARCH OF ADVENTURE
XIII. A NARROW ESCAPE
XIV. WE ENGAGE IN A SEA FIGHT
XV. COALING IN THE TROPICS
XVI. "REMEMBER THE FISH"
XVII. IN GOD'S COUNTRY
XVIII. THE "YANKEE" ARRIVES OFF SANTIAGO
XIX. HOPE DEFERRED
XX. TAPS
APPENDIX

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

THE NAVAL RESERVES LEAVING NEW YORK--GOING OFF IN THE TUGBOAT TO MAN THE "YANKEE" Frontispiece

"THAT FAT MAN IN THE CELLAR WANTS ME TO SLEEP IN A BAG--"

"THE GIG WAS LOWERED"

"THE MEN ON THE STAGES"

"STAND BY, MEN. BE READY FOB INSTANT ACTION"

"THE 'YANKEE' DROPPED HER ANCHOR OFF TOMPKINSVILLE"

"WITH A FRIGHTFUL ROAR THE DEFECTIVE CARTRIDGE EXPLODED"

"THE SIX-POUNDERS ON THE 'YANKEE'S' FORECASTLE JOINED IN THE CHORUS"

"CLEAR SHIP FOR ACTION!"

THE BOMBARDMENT OF MORRO CASTLE, SANTIAGO

ON THE GUN DECK DURING THE BOMBARDMENT

THE SEARCHLIGHT "SWEEPING BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE BLACK OF THE HORIZON"

"THERE WAS TEMPORARY CONFUSION"

"THE FUSILLADE WAS LIVELY"

"THE SPAR DECK WAS COVERED WITH RED SHELLAC"

"THE MARINES AIRED THEIR HAMMOCKS ON THE FORECASTLE DECK"

"HE GOT HIS ORDERS FROM THE BRIDGE"

"ALL YOU MEN WHO WANT TO GO IN SWIMMING MAY DO SO"

MARCHING THROUGH CITY HALL PARK, NEW YORK CITY