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

THE U. S. S. "YOSEMITE"

Personnel
A LETTER dated August 3, 1898, from Professor Mortimer
E. Cooley to Secretary James H. Wade of the University
of Michigan, states that "out of a total complement of 325
officers and men, 46 or about 15 per cent are graduates or
matriculates of the University. The list was carefully compiled
by Seaman Percy Cook, Class of 1877, and shows thirty-five
other universities and colleges represented, totalling 78 not
including officers. Detroit high schools had 31, other high
schools and different trades and professions numbered
about 130."
The U. S. S. "Yosemite" was assigned to Admiral Sampson's fleet and was given the number 596. The crew was mustered on the forecastle and listened to a short address and
"Godspeed," by Governor Hazen S. Pingree, who made a
special trip to Newport News for this purpose. On May 17, she
weighed anchor and stood down the James River to Fortress
Monroe (Hampton Roads); following this came target practice
at sea, off Cape Henry and Cape Charles. On May 30, she
sailed for Key West, Florida, thence to Havana, convoying
U. S. S. "Armeria" carrying ammunition. On June 8, she
began making passage to Santiago, convoying U. S. S. "Panther," carrying marines under Colonel Elliot, who was later
Brigadier General, commanding U. S. Marine Corps.
The blockade of Santiago harbor by Admiral Sampson's fleet
is a matter of history and not necessarily a part of this record.
The "Yosemite" was stationed there only a few days. Arriving
opposite Guantanamo Bay on June 11, then only a notch in
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