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HONGKONG, May 7, 1898. (Manila, May 1.)
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington:
The
squadron arrived a Manila at daybreak this morning. Immediately
engaged enemy and destroyed the following Spanish vessels:
Reina Christina, Castilla, Don Antonio de
Biloa, Don Juan de Austria, Isla de Luzon, Isla
de Cuba, General Lezo, Marquis del Duaro, El
Curreo, Velasco, one transport, Isla de Mandano,
water battery at Cavite. I shall destroy Cavite arsenal dispensatory.
The squadron is uninjured. Few men were slightly wounded. I request
the Department will send immediately from San Francisco fast steamer
with ammunition. The only means of telegraphing is to the American
consul at Hongkong.
DEWEY.
WASHINGTON, May 3, 1898.
DEWEY (care American consul), Hongkong:
I
send hearty congratulations to yourself and your officers and
men. The President highly appreciates your achievement. I await
report from you, on receipt of which further action will be taken
and any supplies that you wish will be forwarded.
LONG.
HONGKONG, May 7, 1898. (Cavite, May 4.)
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington:
I
have taken possession of the naval station at Cavite, Philippine
Islands, and destroyed its fortifications. Have destroyed fortifications
bay entrance, paroling garrison. Have cut cable to main land.
I control bay completely and can take city at any time, but I
have not sufficient men to hold. The squadron excellent health
and spirits. The Spanish loss not fully known; very heavy; 150
killed, including captain, on Reina Cristina, alone.
I am assisting and protecting Spanish sick and wounded, 250 in
number, in this hospital, within our lines. Will ammunition be
sent? I request answer without delay. I can supply squadron coal
and provisions for a long period. Much excitement at Manila. Scarcity
of provisions on account of not having economized stores. Will
protect foreign residents.
DEWEY.
WASHINGTON, May 7, 1898.
DEWEY (care American consul), Hongkong:
The
President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and
your officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming
victory. In recognition he has appointed you acting rear admiral,
and will recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation
for further promotion. The Charleston will leave at once
with what ammunition she can carry. Pacific Mail Steamship Company=s steamer Pekin will
follow with ammunition and supplies. Will take troops unless you
telegraph otherwise. How many will you require?
LONG.
WASHINGTON, May 7, 1898.
SIR:
Under
the authority of section 1434 of the Revised Statutes of the United
States, you have been assigned to the command of the United States
naval force on the Asiatic Station, with the rank of rear-admiral.
You
will hoist the flag of a rear-admiral, will wear the uniform,
and will affix that title to your official signature.
Respectfully, JOHN D. LONG, Secretary.
Commodore GEORGE DEWEY, U. S. N.,
Commander
in Chief U.S. Naval Force, Asiatic Station.
U.S.
Flagship Olympia.
HONGKONG, June 17,1898. (Cavite, June 12.)
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington:
The following is correct list Spanish vessels destroyed May 1: Two protected cruisers, Isla de Cuba, Isla de Luzon ; five unprotected cruisers, Reina Christina, Castilla, Don Antonio de Ulloa, Don Juan de Austria, Velasco; two gunboats, General Lezo, Marquis del Duero; one transport, Isla de Mindano ; one surveying vessel, Argos, both armed. The following have been captured: One transport, Manila; one gunboat, Callao.
DEWEY.
MANILA, November 26,1898.
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington:
Isla
de Luzon, Isla de Cuba, and Don Juan de Austria
have been raised and docked. My anticipations as to their value
fully realized. Will leave shortly for Hongkong under their own
steam. Constructor Capps deserving highest commendation.
DEWEY.
Continue
to Ship Action Reports: USS OlympiaSource: Appendix to the Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, Annual Reports of the Navy Department for the Year 1898. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1898.
23 July 1999