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

THE U. S. S. "YOSEMITE"

although more contracted, is next in importance as a strategic base, to
Santiago. It is only forty-two miles from Santiago, and this permits the
vessels of the blockading fleet to coal quickly, and return to their stations
on the blockade, whereas in the most favourable weather, coaling at sea is
very difficult and the vessels liable to serious injury. The importance of
this harbour cannot be overestimated, either from a strategic or diplomatic
point of view. It gives us a foothold in Cuba, which used as a base will soon
end in the absorption of the entire Island by our military and naval forces.
"At three o'clock the disembarkation of the marines commenced and was
effected by the boats of the Yosemite, Marblehead, Panther and Dolphin.
"Before landing all of the buildings of Guantanamo were burned in order
to avoid danger of yellow fever and to lessen the number of insects which
the Spaniards do not dislike so much as do the Anglo-Saxon.
"Of course the eight hundred and fifty marines under Colonel Huntington
would be inadequate as a force to hold this position, were they not protected
by the guns of the naval vessels which are anchored to command all of the
approaches to the encampment.
"About three miles above Guantanamo is the Port of Caymanera, where
there is a railway connecting with Sta Catalina del Guaso and a military
road direct to Santiago. This place is defended by a fort, a Spanish gunboat
and about three thousand troops. The place would have been occupied
several days ago, upon the first arrival of our vessels, were it not that the
insurgents report all the navigable waters leading from our anchorage to
Caymanera heavily mined. To ascertain this fact, steam launches were
sent out at nightfall to examine the approaches to Caymanera. The steam
launch from this ship was commanded by Lieutenant Newberry; Mr. Eustis
volunteered and was permitted to go with the party. They returned at
6 A. M. this morning after having conducted an investigation to a position
under the guns of the fort, and report that they have carefully dragged the
river and fail to find any submarine mines. Whether they are there or not,
Caymanera must be taken, as it is the key to Santiago de Cuba, where
Cervera's Fleet is bottled. As our Fleet cannot now enter Santiago since
the Merrimac was sunk, the capture of Santiago must be enforced by the
army, which will have to land at Caymanera and march overland."
"June 11, 1898.
"I have requested that the Yosemite may be permitted to effect a reduc.
tion of the defences of Caymanera, and hope that permission to do so may
be given. The channel is narrow and the waters just permit the Yosemite to
pass up. I hope it can be done without grounding.
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