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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Captain French E. Chadwick to Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet

U. S. Flagship New York, 1st Rate,

Off Santiago de Cuba,

July 1st,1898.

Sir:-

     I have the honor to report the part taken by this ship in assisting a demonstration made by a regiment of the army at Aguadores three miles East of the Morro on this date.

     We awaited the arrival of the troops from Sibouney,1 and began firing at 9:20,although we had gone to General Quarters as early as 6 o’clock.

     We shelled the rifle-pits and the small fort near the bridge dispersing from the rifle-pits the few men who were seen there. At no time was there anyone seen in the fort, the flagstaff of which was knocked away by the Suwanee.2

     This ship fired at intervals against the rifle-pits and up the gorge at the request of the forces ashore; but later no enemy being in sight employed itself in firing over the ridges into Santiago with an elevation of 8500 yards. The troops finally retired about 12:30, nothing having been accomplished so far as we could see.

     Enclosed herewith is the Executive officer’s report showing amount of ammunition expended, &c.3

Very respectfully,               

F E Chadwick 

Captain,U. S. N.,

Commanding.

Source Note: TDS, DNA, AFNRC, M625, roll 233. Addressed below close: “The Commander-in-Chief.” Docketed: “U.S.S. New York, 1ST RATE./Guantanamo Bay/July 1st 1898/Chadwick FE/Captain U. S. N./Commanding/Contents: Reports part/taken by the New York in/the demonstration against/Aguadores.”

Footnote 1: That is, Siboney.

Footnote 2: Besides New York and Suwanee, the other ships involved in this engagement were Oregon and Gloucester. Report of the Bureau of Navigation, 1898, 503.

Footnote 3: The Executive Officer’s (Lt. Cmdr. William P. Potter) report was not attached, however, it can be found in: Ibid., 455.

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