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

THE U. S. S. "YOSEMITE"

the unknown black steamer manoeuvred out of range of each other for
some time, and just as the Yosemite was prepared to commence firing, an
old Marine Sergeant recognized the ship as the U. S. S. Marietta, which
had come from the Pacific Coast in company with the Oregon which had
preceded her by a few hours. We thereupon hauled down our battle flags
and our signal number, which meant nothing to the Marietta, as we were
to her a strange vessel, painted in war colours; and it required considerable
signalling to bring her within hailing distance."
"U. S. S. Yosemite, OFF KEY WEST, June 5, 1898.
"Captain Taylor signalled us to investigate several steamers just sighted.
They proved to be the Montgomery, flying the broad pennant of Commodore
J. C. Watson, and two torpedo boats. Saluted the Commodore, then followed in his wake up the main ship channel to Key West.
"Reported to Commodore Remey, commanding the Naval Base. He
asked when I would be ready for sea. I replied that I had steam up in all
boilers, any amount of coal, and could leave at once.
"There was a conference between Commodore Remey and Commodore
Watson, in which I was invited to join regarding the advisability of seeking
a fast Spanish cruiser that had been seen cruising about the adjacent waters.
Naturally the discussion was a long one. Watson, who commands the
blockade off Havana, urging my being sent. Remey saying that he would
do so if he could gain any definite details as to where the said Spanish cruiser
would be, or of her haunts. I was asked what I would like to do. I replied,
nothing better than the opportunity to lay myself alongside of any Spanish
vessel. After consulting for some time it was determined that it would be
searching for a needle in a haystack, and that if the Department could
spare the Yosemite, she was wanted for more certain service, after which I
could go in search of the Terror of the Seas. The Department was telegraphed asking permission to keep the Yosemite, as she would be of great
service.
"This morning I was gratified by receiving my orders to sail Tuesday
A. M., to go outside the reef and report to Taylor who commands the
Indiana battleship. He will command a powerful force of vessels. We then
go about thirty miles from here to a rendezvous, where we are to meet the
transports with Shafter's Army Corps. I do not know our destination, but
think it is Guantanamo or Cumberland Harbour, a port about forty miles
to the eastward of Santiago de Cuba, on the southeastern end of the island.
When once the Army is landed we go after the Spanish cruiser, or join
Sampson and Schley at Santiago. Of course I do not know where we are
going.
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