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

THE U. S. S. "YOSEMITE"

"May 29, 1898.
"Logan1 commands the Armeria and is going south to join Schley or
Sampson laden with ammunition. He has asked for a convoy. I think we
will go but I have no intimation."
"AT SEA, May 30, 1898.
"Received following telegram from Secretary Long: 'Convoy Armeria
to Key West. Department desires you to start as soon as practicable.'
To this I replied: 'Will start as soon as Armeria is sighted. Am ready now.'
Have telegraphed to Commandant Norfolk that I am awaiting Armeria
and will start as soon as she arrives. I am crazy with delight."
"KEY WEST, June 4, 1898.
"Anchored at 7:30 P.M. yesterday. When Logan reached the Roads he
found me waiting, and we have had a fine run down the coast. I did not
hoist Senior Officer's Pennant, nor did I make but one signal and that was
yesterday.
"The current was very strong against us, although I was hugging the
coast to get out of the strength of the Gulf Stream. At 9:00 A.M. yesterday
was on the bridge in my bare feet, taking coffee, when made out with the
German glasses Willie Eustis gave me, a man-of-war which to all appearances was one of the Spanish Fleet, and looked rather like the Viscaya or
Oquendo. Signalled Logan to proceed with all speed to Key West, and that
I would investigate the stranger which I soon overhauled. When within
three miles, discovered that the vessel was not an armoured cruiser but a
much smaller ship. We manoeuvred around each other. She proved to be
the Marietta from San Francisco for Key West, and like the Oregon she
had made her landfall at Jupiter Inlet. When the Marietta left San Francisco, the Yosemite was not in service, hence the failure to recognize us.
"It might have been a fatal collision!"
Of this incident Senator Newberry writes:
"The Yosemite's first real experience came while off Miami, Florida, proceeding to Key West, convoying the ex-lighthouse tender Armeria, with
munitions for the Fleet. At daylight smoke was sighted to the eastward.
We went to general quarters and then ensued what was always jokingly
referred to as the 'Battle of Fowey Rock.' The approaching steamer was
headed directly for the Yosemite, and was not recognizable by any one on
board; being painted black and not showing any colours, it was assumed to
be an enemy. The Armeria was ordered to proceed, and the Yosemite and,The late Rear Admiral L. C. Logan, U. S. N. He married Elizabeth Porter, daughter
of Admiral David D. Porter.
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