Naval History and Heritage Command

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.