the batteries on shore. The _St. Paul_ was too quick
for her; crowding on all steam, the collier was soon overtaken and
stopped by a solid shot fired across her bows. A prize crew was put on
board and the vessel sent to Key West.

The _St. Paul_ is off again; her destination is, however, a secret.

Another "great victory" was reported by the Spaniards on June 4th. In
the despatch from Madrid it was stated that one of our most powerful
vessels attempted to enter the harbor of Santiago de Cuba and had been
blown up by a torpedo and sunk, her crew of six men and one officer
being captured. There was something very inconsistent about the
statement "most powerful vessel" with a crew of six men and one officer,
but apparently the Spaniards overlooked this. The fact of the matter is
that Admiral Sampson decided to close the harbor effectually, and in
order to do this sent the collier _Merrimac_ to the entrance of the
channel and had her sunk there.

This brilliant exploit was planned by a young officer, Lieut. Richmond
Pearson Hobson, who with seven volunteers carried it out in a most
gallant way.

At this distance and without experience of the fearful effect of modern
gunnery, we cannot appreciate what a dangerous errand these brave men
undertook. To sail close under the guns of many batteries and forts,
through a narrow channel known to be mined, was to face death, and
almost sure death--an act which will make their names famous. Yet when
volunteers were called for, every man stepped forward and begged to be
taken.

At three o'clock Friday morning the _Merrimac_ started. In the darkness
she succeeded in getting well in shore before she was discovered; then
shot and shell made the water white with spray all around her. But the
brave fellows never flinched, and on they sailed until the narrowest
part of the channel was reached. Down went the anchor, and soon a dull
report in her hold told of the successful explosion of the torpedo which
was to blow her bottom out and make her sinking certain.

The crew left and succeeded in clearing the vessel before she went down.
But two are reported to have been wounded, and these but slightly. All
were captured and taken to Morro Castle.

The great bravery of the gallant fellows was recognized by Admiral
Cervera and he sent a boat with a flag of truce to advise Admiral
Sampson that the men were safe and would be exchanged. This act of the
Spanish admiral has won for him a feeling o