The American-Spanish war; . ed a request for gunboats to patrol thechannels, closing with a characteristic proverb: Pcdidogucda pedidoy Things urgent remain urgent. This sumsup the whole military system of Spain. Yet we were assuredby the highest authority, by the Governor-General as well as bythe Commandant of the Naval Arsenal, that the Boca Grandewas full of torpedoes. This statement came too late to beof any service, as it was delivered on May 2. It was notthought necessary to have the channel explored, and thewarning remains unverified to this day. The moon set shortly after the firing ce
The American-Spanish war; . ed a request for gunboats to patrol thechannels, closing with a characteristic proverb: Pcdidogucda pedidoy Things urgent remain urgent. This sumsup the whole military system of Spain. Yet we were assuredby the highest authority, by the Governor-General as well as bythe Commandant of the Naval Arsenal, that the Boca Grandewas full of torpedoes. This statement came too late to beof any service, as it was delivered on May 2. It was notthought necessary to have the channel explored, and thewarning remains unverified to this day. The moon set shortly after the firing ceased, and we creptonward through the darkness at slow speed. Since theenemys squadron had not fought in the entrance channel withthe support of the shore batteries, there was no reason to ex-pect them to attack in open water. They must have scatteredto hide in remote harbors, or sought shelter under the guns ofManila or Cavite. The transports were called up to form anouter column abreast the column of attack. The course was. THE NAVAL BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. 113 shaped for Manila, and speed was reduced so that the anchor-age would be approached at early daylight. The white glow the northeast broke into bright points of electric light, mark-ing the avenues of Manila. Many snatched an hour or so ofsleep during this silent mid-watch. The Commander-in-Chiefwatched the slow progress of the ship and tried to induce Cap-tain Gridley to rest and recruit his shattered strength. Coffeewas ordered to be ready at four oclock and every one wel-comed that refreshment. The coffee from the cabin was ac-companied by sticky gingerbread ; that from the ward-roombrought a burden of thick bread and butter. Hardtack wouldhave been more to the purpose, and sandwiches not unaccept-able. We heard afterward that some ships companies had tofight on empty stomachs. Breakfast at the usual hour was nowanton luxury after all. Daylight came out behind Manila and revealed long rangesof white houses and gray fort
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Keywords: ., bo, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, bookidamericanspanishw00norw
