it necessary to establish communication with some of
the inhabitants--fishermen or others--to learn definitely that the
ships are in port, it being impossible to see into it from the outside.

The Admiral said he felt much concerned as to the delivery of
these orders and sent a duplicate by the Hawk with an additional
memorandum. The Admiral suggested that if the information did not
reach Commodore Schley before daylight of May 23 to mask the real
direction he should take as much as possible. He adds: "Follow the
Spanish squadron whichever direction they take."

The Admiral off Havana gives copies of orders of battle which were to
be followed in the event that Cervera left Santiago on the approach
of Schley's fleet from Cienfuegos and attempted to cruise around the
coast to Havana, in which case the Havana squadron would attempt to
intercept him by going east about 200 miles beyond the junction of
Santiren and Nicholas Channels. Strict orders were given for screening
lights and to see that none were accidentally shown.

The squadron was to cruise generally to the eastward in the day and
westward during the night.

On May 23, as shown by the report, Commodore Schley expressed the
belief that the Spaniards were at Cienfuegos. On the 27th the Admiral
sent word to Schley, directing him to proceed with all possible speed
to Santiago because of information received that the Spaniards were
there. The same time orders were sent to have the collier Sterling
dispatched to Santiago with an expression of opinion that the Commodore
should use it to obstruct the channel at its narrowest part leading
into the harbor.

The details of the plan were left to the Commodore's judgment, as he
(Sampson) had "the utmost confidence in his ability to carry this
plan to a successful conclusion, and earnestly wished him good luck."

Sampson apparently felt certain of the presence of the Spaniards
at Santiago and urged that the harbor must be blockaded at all
hazards. Schley in the meantime had proceeded to Santiago, although
it appears not the same day Admiral Sampson expected.

At one time Commodore Schley contemplated going to Key West with the
squadron for coal, but this was abandoned, his collier having been
temporarily repaired, and the necessity for a trip to Key West being
avoided Santiago was then blockaded.

Admiral Sampson arrived at Santiago June 1st. June 8 the Admiral
urged upon the department, as he had previously done, to e