Second Lieutenant John H. Russell, United States Marine Corp, to Captain Francis J. Higginson
U.S.S.Massachusetts, (1st Rate,)
Off Santiago de Cuba,
June 7, 1898.
Sir, -
1. - I have the honor to report that the following signals were sent or received during the engagement yesterday:
5:55 a.m. New York to Fleet- Preparatory 18, Battleships prepare to take positions assigned.
6:15 a.m. Brooklyn to Squadron. - 61, Compass O. Form column heading North.
6:50 a.m. Brooklyn to Squadron. 99.- Take distance.
6:55 a.m. “ “ “ 18.- Battleships take positions assigned.
7:00 a.m. Brooklyn to Squadron. 80, Numeral 24. Steam at six knots.
7:10 a.m. “ “ “ 23, Compass O. Ships right, heading North.
7:35 a.m. Brooklyn to Squadron. 22- Ships left half turn.
7:35 a.m. Texas to Massachusetts. - Starboard turret disabled, I am going to use port battery, and when in position head to the Eastward.
7:40 a.m. Massachusetts to Texas. - If you head to the Eastward you had better change position with us.
8:00 a.m. Texas to Massachusetts. - All right.
8:15 a.m. “ “ “ Starboard battery all right, will turn.
8:30 a.m. Brooklyn to Squadron. 19.- Resume blockading stations.
8:40 a.m. Massachusetts to Texas.- Go ahead.
9:45 a.m. Texas to Massachusetts.- Is heading right for us ?
9:50 a.m. Massachusetts to Brooklyn.- Batteries seem silent, shall I keep up fire?
9.55 a.m. Brooklyn to Massachusetts. Yes.
10:20 a.m. “ “ Squadron. - 19. Resume blockading stations.
11:00 a.m. Sterling to Massachusetts. I complement you.
11:16 a.m. Massachusetts to Sterling. Many thanks, I hope you are well.
11:40 a.m. Brooklyn to Squadron. - 614. Account send or communicate by telegraphic signal damage to vessel and armament.
12:40 a.m. Brooklyn ot [i.e., to] Massachusetts.- Cannot understand your signal, please send by wigwag.
12:45 a.m. Massachusetts to Brooklyn.- Crew and vessel uninjured. Tooth on after thirteen inch gun- rach broken, pinion scored. Repairing damage now. Struck aloft once.
1:20 p.m. Brooklyn to Squadron.- 173. Well done.
Very respectfully,
John H Russell
Second Lieutenant, U.S.M.C.
Signal Officer.
Source Note: TDS, DNA, M625, roll 231. Addressed below close: “The Commanding Officer.” Stamp: Document has “BUREA OF NAVIGATION,” stamp for 22 August 1898, with the reference numbers “133698.” Docketed: “U.S.S.Massachusetts,/Off Santiago de Cuba/June 7, 1898/Russell, J.H./2nd Lieut.-U.S.M.C./Signal Officer./Subject :/Report of signals sent/and received during the/engagement of yesterday.”
