have been more gallantly executed.

"We waited impatiently after the firing by the Spaniards had ceased. When
they did not reappear from the harbour at six o'clock, I feared that they
had all perished. A steam launch, which had been sent in charge of Naval
Cadet Powell to rescue the men, appeared at this time, coming out under a
persistent fire of the batteries, but brought none of the crew.

"A careful inspection of the harbour from this ship showed that the vessel
_Merrimac_ had been sunk in the channel.

"This afternoon the chief of staff of Admiral Cervera came out under a
flag of truce, with a letter from the admiral, extolling the bravery of
the crew in an unusual manner.

"I cannot myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of
Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave or
daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the _Albemarle_.

"Referring to the inspiring letter which you addressed to the officers at
the beginning of the war, I am sure you will offer a suitable professional
reward to Mr. Hobson and his companions. I must add that Commander J. M.
Miller relinquished his command with the very greatest reluctance,
believing he should retain his command under all circumstances.

[Illustration: HOBSON AND HIS MEN ON THE RAFT.]

"He was, however, finally convinced that the attempt of another person to
carry out the multitude of details which had been in preparation by Mr.
Hobson might endanger its proper execution. I therefore took the liberty
to relieve him, for this reason only.

"There were hundreds of volunteers who were anxious to participate. There
were a hundred and fifty men from the _Iowa_, nearly as many from this
ship, and large numbers from all the other ships, officers and men alike.

"W. T. SAMPSON."

Not until the sixth of July were Hobson and his brave comrades exchanged,
and then to his messmates the gallant lieutenant told the story of his
perilous voyage on that morning of June 4th:

"I did not miss the entrance to the harbour," he said, "as Cadet Powell in
the launch supposed. I headed east until I got my bearings, and then made
for it straight in. Then came the firing. It was grand, flashing out first
from one side of the harbour and then from the other, from those big guns
on the hill, the _Vizcaya_, lying inside the harbour, joining in.

"Troops from Santiago ha