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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet, Order of Battle for the North Atlantic Fleet Blockading at Santiago De Cuba

O R D E R of B A T T L E .

***************

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

Off Santiago de Cuba, Cuba,

June 5, 1898.     

     Preparations will be made to engage the batteries

Monday morning, June 6th, at seven o’clock. The men should be given their breakfast at 5:30, and the divisions ready to form at six o’clock.

     2. When preparatory signal 18 is made, ships will form South of the Morro as follows:--

western column, --heading North,

B R O O K L Y N ,

M A R B L E H E A D ,

T E X A S ,

M A S S A C H U S E T T S.

*******

eastern column, --heading North.

N E W Y O R K ,

Y A N K E E,

N E W O R L E A N S ,

O R E G O N ,

I O W A .

******

     3. When signal of execution, 18, is made, the columns will move ahead. The Commander of each Division will make such signals as may be necessary to bring his division into positions marked on the accompanying drawing, forming on the circles drawn at three thousand yards from the eastern and western batteries, one column heading in a north-westerly and the other in a north-easterly direction. This will be best accomplished by changing direction of columns, the easterly column to the north-eastward, and the westerly column to the north-westward, running in these directions until South of the indicated positions, then heading all vessels of the division North simultaneously turning again into column when the distance of three thousand yards has been reached. Vessels will be 400 yards apart, and will retain their positions, the westerly column using the starboard battery, and the easterly column the port battery.

     4. On signal from the Commander in Chief1 both columns will open fire, or fire will be opened in case the enemy begins.

     5. Bearings will be taken carefully, and distances obtained with all practicable accuracy.

     6. The Dolphin will take position to the Eastward, and the Suwanee and Vixen to the Westward, as shown on the plan, for the purpose of looking after any musketry fire from shore.

     7. The fire will be deliberate and continued until the batteries are silenced, or an order to cease firing has been made.

Very respectfully,

W. T. S A M P S O N ,

Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy,   

Commander in Chief,U.S.Naval Force N.A.Station.

Source Note: TD, DLC-MSS, William Fullam Papers. For diagram of the order of battle see: Image of Order of Battle from DC-2-0113.

Footnote 1: RAdm. William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet.

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