Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet, to Commodore Winfield S. Schley, Commander, Second Blockading Squadron
U. S. Flagship New York, 1st Rate,
Off Santiago de Cuba,
July 13th, 1898.
Sir:-
When your Flagship, the BROOKLYN, is in all respects ready proceed to Cienfuegos and establish a close blockade at that port and those in its vicinity.
2. The following vessels have been detailed upon the same duty at different points between Cape Cruz and the Isle of Pines.
Detroit, Helena, Wilmington, Scorpion, Wompatuck,
Osceola, Yankton, Hornet, Eagle, Hist, Manning.
I desire that you will either direct these forces in a specific or general way as you may find most efficient. I suggest that at present a proper and efficient distribution of these vessels should include the concerted action of the Wilmington, Helena, Osceola and Hist, they should act together against Manzanillo until that port and those adjoining it are completely cleared out.
Very respectfully,
W.T. Sampson com1
Rear Admiral, U.S.Navy,
Commander-in-Chief, U.S.Naval Force,
North Atlantic Station.
Source Note: TDS, DNA, RG 313, Entry 52. Addressed below close: “Commodore W.S. Schley,/Commanding 2nd Squadron.” Document reference: “No. 17.”
Footnote 1: That is, commanding.
