The story of the U.S.S. "Yosemite" in 1898, compiled from available records by Joseph S. Stringham.

THE U. S. S. "YOSEMITE"

dug rifle pits with their machetes. They did not fear pursuit as it is difficult
for any one but a native to negotiate the chaparral at night. To their
scanty garments they added palm leaves which made it difficult to discern
them, even in the daytime.
"With a full supply of ammunition, the Spanish force composed of regulars and irregulars made it very uncomfortable for the marines for three
nights, attacking them on all sides except that occupied by the vessels. On
the fourth day it was decided to make a counter-attack.
"This was delivered by the marines at the encampment of the Spanish
force about six miles distant. The Spaniards were surrounded on three
sides and their force, composed of six companies, was entirely routed with
the loss of a large number killed and wounded. Since this engagement the
Spaniards appear to have left the peninsula, at least in the vicinity of the
encampment.
"During our absence the battleship Texas and the Marblehead made an
attack on the fort situated about three miles from here, and in a few minutes
silenced it. There was no reply worthy of mention. In making this attack
the propellers of both ships brought to the surface a torpedo of French
construction of 1896-a contact torpedo containing a charge of fifty-four
kilos of gun cotton. These torpedoes are of the most approved type but
failed to function as they had been submerged since April, and the marine
growth which is so great in these waters completely prevented the action
of the levers which would have discharged the torpedo. Since that date,
however, about five days ago, the ships have let Caymanera and the forts
alone. They have since the attack been sweeping the channel for mines,
and have already secured seven of the twelve supposed to have been
planted in April last.
"The Cuban Army at this place includes about four hundred men of all
hues and colours. There is no question of their intense patriotism and great
bravery. They will be of great assistance to our troops, not only from their
knowledge of the topography, but in showing our own soldiers how to
adapt themselves to the fighting conditions of this country. The Cuban
encampment is on the shore, just below that of the marines.
"Fremont,3 commanding the torpedo boat Porter, came alongside last
night and told me that about three-fourths of our Army had landed in the
Bay of Altares. This is the Bay protected by the fort which the Yosemite
shelled about ten days ago. The Army met with no opposition."
Emory sailed from Guantanamo on the 23rd of June to join Sigsbee in
the blockade of Porto Rico.
3Afterwards Rear Admiral John C. Fremont, Jr.
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