Secretary of the Navy John D. Long to Captain Henry Glass
Washington, May 10, 1898.
Commanding Officer,
U.S.S. CHARLESTON.
Sir:
Upon the receipt of this order, which is forwarded by the steamship “City of Pekin”1 to you at Honolulu, you will proceed with the CHARLESTON and “City of Pekin” in company to Manila, Philippine Islands.2
2. On your way, you are hereby directed to stop at the Spanish Island of Guam. You will use such force as may be necessary to capture the port of Guam, making prisoners of the Governor3 and other officials, and any armed force that may be there. You will also destroy any fortifications on said Island and any Spanish naval vessels that may be there, or in the immediate vicinity. These operations at the Island of Guam should be very brief and should not occupy more than one or two days. Should you find any coal at the Island of Guam, you will make such use of it as you consider desirable. It is left to your discretion whether or not you destroy it.
3. From the Island of Guam proceed to Manila and report to Rear Admiral George Dewey, U.S.N., for duty in the squadron under his command.
Very respectfully,
Secretary.
Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 80, Entry 194, vol. 1, p. 71.
Footnote 1: Merchant steamer City of Peking.
Footnote 2: On 5 May, Long cabled RAdm. William A. Kirkland, Commandant, Mare Island Navy Yard: “When CHARLESTON is in all respects ready for sea, direct her to proceed to Honolulu, fill with coal and await arrival Pekin, which vessel she will convoy to Manilla.” DNA, AFNRC, M625, Roll 320.
Footnote 3: The Spanish Governor of the Mariana Islands group, of which Guam is a part, was Juan Marina Vega.
