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

THE U. S. S. "YOSEMITE"

"Although I consider the Spanish naval force in Puerto Rico superior to
the Yosemite, I consider that if they should come out to sea sufficiently
to be beyond the range of their shore batteries, that the Yosemite can, if
properly handled, defeat them by doing it in detail. That is by drawing the
Terror and torpedo boat sufficiently far off to destroy them before the cruiser
and gunboat can get up sufficiently near to engage, and then steam with full
speed for the cruiser and gunboat with the possible chance of their destruction or capture before they can return under the protection of the guns of
the fortifications.
"It appears to me that we should take this place at once, and I think that
we have a sufficient number of vessels to spare from Santiago to do the
business. The fort is well defended with a number of high power guns, but
a fleet could rapidly pass these and the torpedoes with but little loss.
"The large Spanish steamer that the Yosemite drove on the beach on
Tuesday, June 28th, is now bilged and a wreck, in the same position that
she went ashore. We are cruising constantly hoping to capture a valuable
prize and to overtake her sufficiently off shore to secure her intact. So far
all vessels overhauled at sea or off soundings have been vessels carrying
neutral flags.
"For several nights past it has been quite stormy. At times when the
weather clears the light on Morro Castle, which is one of the first order, is
flashed at intervals. This indicates that something is expected. Whether a
Spanish transport, a merchantman, a man-of-war or Camara's Fleet, we
do not know. Sufficient time has elapsed, now over two weeks, since the
arrival of the St. Paul at this port for Camara's Fleet or reinforcements
of some kind to be at this place."
"ON THE BLOCKADE, July 15, 1898.
"When I last gave any attention to my log was last Friday, just a week
ago to-day. Since that time the weather has been rugged and wet, and the
ship has been subjected in every way to the vexations of a blockade where
one ship has been required to do the work of three or four. Boarding vessels
that appear in the offing has ceased to be an excitement. But we have the
momentary expectation of a reinforcement of one or more vessels, or what
is more probable the arrival of several Spanish men-of-war, as Madrid has
had three weeks' notice of the blockade of San Juan by one vessel. Our
doubts were dispelled yesterday afternoon about 4 P. M., by the arrival of
the cruiser New Orleans commanded by my friend Captain Folger.
"When the New Orleans was sighted, and before she was identified except
as a powerful man-of-war, it was impossible for any one aboard theYosemite
to divine whether she was a friend or a foe. I don't know what others' feelPage sizty-three