USA > New York > New York in the Spanish-American war 1898 : part of the report of the Adjutant-General of the State for 1900, v. I pt 1 > Part 14
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The commanding officer of the naval militia was instructed accordingly and the information desired transmitted to the navy department.
April 29th.
The following telegram was also received this day from the commanding officer of the naval militia:
"Admiral Bunce, commandant navy yard, requests me to mus- ter into the U. S. service to-morrow volunteer crew of 'Nahant,' heretofore detailed for that vessel. Shall I comply with his request ? "
To which,
April 30th,
reply was sent to comply with the request.
May 1st.
The commanding officer of the naval militia was ordered to comply with the request of Rear-Admiral Henry Erben, U. S. navy, in charge of coast defense system, to send details to Willet's Point to assist in protecting the mine fields, as the admiral had no men for this duty.
May 2d.
The commanding officer of the naval militia received the follow- ing instructions :
" Telegram from navy department wants for ' Yankee ' an addi- tional complement of eighteen seamen, twelve ordinary seamen and twelve landsmen, making total of complement two hun-
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NEW YORK IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
dred and sixty-seven (267). If vacancies are created by rejection of men send others to replace them. Governor directs compliance with this."
May 4th.
The following telegram was sent this day by the adjutant- general to the assistant secretary of the navy:
" By direction of the Governor, I have the honor to advise that the naval militia of this state, recruited to the full strength allowed by law, are assembled in their armories, ready to respond to any call."
To which, this reply was received by this office:
May 5th.
" Sir :- The department is in receipt of your telegram of May 4th, stating that the naval militia of the state of New York are recruited to full strength and ready for immediate duty. I believe we shall shortly be able to make use of them all."
May 7th.
The Governor authorized the commanding officer of the naval militia to establish a patrol of the lower bay and Throgg's Neck for five days, to take care of the mine fields, and protect incom- ing and outgoing commerce, the general government not having sufficient vessels in this district.
May 12th.
The following was received from the commanding officer of the naval militia, dated May 11th:
"Confirming my telegram of to-day, I have just come from a long interview with Captain W. L. Field, U. S. N., Admiral Erben's representative, and he informs me that the work of the naval militia on patrol duty has been most efficient and thorough. He also states that there were four yachts at the navy yard which he hopes to get soon; also one or two tugs at Key West which
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VOLUNTEERS-NAVY.
are ordered north to report to Admiral Erben, but as yet he only had the yacht 'Free Lance,' and she will not be able to leave the yard for some days. I have therefore hired the present tugs for a second five days in accordance with my option. I do not think my expense will be over $8,000, for the ten days, and perhaps less."
The action of the commanding officer of the naval militia was approved by the direction of the Governor.
The following communication from the bureau of navigation of the navy department, dated May 11th, was received at this office: " 1. You will be pleased to send to the U. S. monitor 'Jason,' League Island, Pa., her detail of officers and men, as per comple- ment as already forwarded to you. Instruct the senior officer of the contingent to report to the commandant of the League Island navy yard for duty on board the 'Jason,' where the commanding officer has been instructed to receive him and enlist the crew and forward the names of the officers.
"2. For this purpose, be pleased to give them one year's leave, the time for which they will be enlisted, unless sooner discharged.
"3. The Pennsylvania railroad agent has been ordered to con- fer with you as to transportation, they having the contract from New York to League Island; and it is suggested that you have your men ready to catch the early train, about S.13 a. m., 14th instant, at Jersey City, which will put the force in League Island in time for dinner."
Instructions were given to comply with the foregoing.
May 16th.
The following telegram was received from Major A. H. Doty, health officer of the port of New York:
"I am officially informed that the patrol service in the harbor now in charge of the New York naval reserve is to be discon- tinned to-morrow at noon for lack of appropriation. This ser- vice is extremely important and is needed to prevent danger. In addition it is a great aid to the work of this department, and to commerce generally. Will it not be possible to continue it?"
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NEW YORK IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
May 17th.
Instructions as follows were telegraphed to Captain J. W. Miller, commanding the naval militia:
" The Governor directs that the patrol fleet be continued for another five days."
May 18th.
The following, dated May 17th, was received from the com- manding officer of the naval militia:
"Confirming my telephone communication with you to-day, I have to report that the second five days of the contract terminated to-day, and, not hearing from the Governor by noon, I called the patrol fleet in, first asking Commander Field, who is the district superintendent under Admiral Erben, if he could take care of the mine fields. He informed me that he would have three vessels this afternoon for the work, but, on visiting him at 4 p. m., I found that he had only succeeded in obtaining two from the navy yard, with the promise of another to-morrow. " I then gave him the Governor's compliments, and told him if he needed vessels to-morrow that I could probably arrange with the Governor to let him have them, provided Admiral Erben expressed the wish. He is to give me an answer before 11 a. m.
"The naval militia is willing to do anything to help the country and the state in this crisis, but, under ordinary circumstances, I think you will agree with me that it would not be wise to have divided authority afloat on different boats. The naval officers on board the improvised yachts doing patrol duty are junior to Lieu- tenant-Commander Forshew, and there might be trouble, although our officers will use their customary tact. There is a rumor going about that a large steamer has just run over the mine fields at Sandy Hook.
"In this connection, I have just visited the police boat 'Patrol,' which is lying at Pier A, N. R., ready for service. She is alto- gether the best vessel that can be used for harbor or off-shore work by the naval militia, being very fast and built of steel, with
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VOLUNTEERS-NAVY.
plenty of room for the men and space on deck for four small guns, or two four-inch guns. She has little work to do for the police department at present. I urgently recommend that the Governor, if consistent, ask the police commissioners to turn her over to the naval militia. I think I shall have saved $5,000 out of the $12,- 000 on the patrol up to the present. This would pay off the salaries of the men and the coal on board the 'Patrol' for a long time. I am also in negotiation for two dynamite guns, which, perhaps, I can obtain, if I had a boat, for nothing. It is most essential for me to get the men hardened by preparatory work around the harbor, and to instruct them in artillery and mining operations in case any stray Spaniard should appear off the port. It will be necessary to act quickly in this matter, as the govern- ment has made some overtures, I understand, looking towards the purchase of the 'Patrol.' Before they could accomplish this I would like to have her in the service of the state, and then, if the government wishes her, we can turn her over to the govern- ment fully manned and equipped with our own men. Trusting that the above will receive your earnest consideration, I remain."
And the following telegram was sent to the secretary of the navy :
"Governor Black directs me to say that he is ready to man with his naval reserve five or six boats and place them under the direc- tion of Admiral Erben, or elsewhere, as you may direct, for the safety of the harbor of New York. He awaits your reply."
May 20th.
The following letter was addressed to the assistant secretary of the navy:
" Sın :- I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your com- munication of the 19th instant, and to say that I have this day, in the name of the Governor, directed the commanding officer of the naval militia of this state to man five boats with naval militia- men, same to be under pay of the state, and report for duty to
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NEW YORK IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
Admiral Erben. Further instructions have been given them to discontinue after five days, during which time I trust that the passage of the bill will enable the United States government to use our force as its own. An acknowledgment of this is requested."
The telegram from this office referred to above was as follows:
" Hon. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY,
Washington, D. C.
" The state will man four or five boats with its naval militia for five days, officers and men to be under state pay, but report and subject to orders of Admiral Erben."
"C. WHITNEY TILLINGHAST, 2d., "Adjutant-General."
May 23d.
The commanding officer of the naval militia wrote as follows, under date of May 21st:
" Referring to your communication of the 20th instant, ordering me to man five suitable boats for patrol, I would respectfully state that they were ordered and manned at once, but on reporting to Admiral Erben, he informed me that they were not needed and that he could not accept them, which circumstances were reported to you by telegraph and telephone yesterday, and I subsequently received orders from you to delay manning them for the present."
And, under date of May 22d, as follows:
" I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of a letter and list of vacancies on board the 'Yankee' received from Commander Brownson. I can probably fill these vacancies from men of the first naval battalion and second naval separate division, and would request your permission to do so."
The enclosed referred to therein follows:
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199
VOLUNTEERS-NAVY.
U. S. S. " YANKEE,"
OFF BLOCK ISLAND, R. I., May 17th, 1898.
SIR :- I enclose herewith a list of the vacancies that exist in the complement of this ship, and have to request that you have if possible, ready to send on board on our arrival in New York. probably in about ten days, the men necessary to fill them. I have to earnestly request that, if possible, you send me men who have had some experience at sea-the more experienced they are, the better.
I would be obliged if before they arrive on board you will see that they are fitted out, as were the first draft sent me.
I shall within a few days send you a check to settle the ration account of the crew of the " Yankee," while subsisted on board the " New Hampshire " after they had enlisted in the navy.
Very respectfully,
W. H. BROWNSON, Commander, Commanding.
Captain J. W. MILLER,
Commanding Naval Militia, New York.
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LIST OF VACANCIES-U. S. S. " YANKEE."
Allowed.
On board.
Vacancies.
Seamen
54
44
10
Ordinary seamen
48
44
4
Landsmen
48
43
5
Total vacancies
19
W. H. BROWNSON, Commander, Commanding.
To which the following reply was sent addressed to the com- manding officer of the naval militia:
" SIR :- I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your com- munication of the 22d instant, relating to filling of vacancies existing on the 'Yankee,' and to inform you, by direction of the
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NEW YORK IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
adjutant-general, that the commander-in-chief authorizes you to fill the vacancies you mention, and suggests that you employ in doing so as many of the second separate naval division as may be practicable."
May 25th.
The following letter of the assistant secretary of the navy, dated May 23d, was received this day:
" SIR :- I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, turning over five boats, with naval militia- men, to be under pay of the state, and to report for duty to Admiral Erben, at New York, and have advised Admiral Erben this date of your generous offer."
The commanding officer of the naval militia was informed this day " that the commander-in-chief authorizes the detail of ten men from the second separate naval division to complete the number required to fill the vacancies aboard the U. S. S. ' Yankee,' as requested in yours of the 24th instant."
May 27th.
The assistant secretary of the navy, under date of May 25th, wrote to the adjutant-general of the state:
" I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant, advising this office of the correspondence with Admiral Erben of New York, with respect to the use of vessels for patrol duty.
"This department desires to extend thanks to you for your courtesy in this matter."
June 2d.
Under date of May 26th, the secretary of the navy addressed the Governor as follows:
" SIR :- The consideration of the value to the country at large and to the navy in particular, of a naval militia, in case of war was based upon the expectation of a body of well-drilled officers
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VOLUNTEERS-NAVY.
. and men capable of being taken into the service when wanted. and prepared to endure the regular work of the navy during the war, the officers and men being taken together.
" The exigencies of the present war have demonstrated that in- sufficient drill has been given to both officers and men especially of the seamen branch, who have not had previous naval training. and it is only by making regular enlistments for one year, unless sooner discharged, and then selecting such details as seem best suited to the wants of the department, that the greatest efficiency can be obtained.
" The recent passage of the auxiliary naval force joint reso- lution now gives an opportunity for a more general employment of the naval militia and in order to secure the largest number of men it is suggested that the adjutants-general of the different states be instructed to rendezvous their naval reserves for examination and enlistment of such as may be found qualified.
"The officers and men should be informed that while the intention is that their services shall be used as far as practicable for necessary coast defense yet inasmuch as they are men mus- tered in, to receive the same rank and pay as those of the regular navy, they must be prepared, in case of special emergency, to serve wherever the department deems their presence most neces- sary.
" In order to save the state useless expense, and the men un- necessary loss of time, Rear Admiral Erben, 39 Whitehall street, New York city, will be instructed to arrange with the adjutant- general as to the time and place for holding examinations and making enlistments of those who may volunteer to serve under the above mentioned conditions.
" Those passing the examinations, physically and profession- ally, shall be recommended for appointment to the grades or enlisted for the ratings for which they may be found best qualified. and when mustered into the service they will be sent to the near- est receiving ship or station, from which regular details can be drawn as required, which, as far as practicable, will be made up of men from the same state and organization.
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NEW YORK IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
"In this manner all the states' naval militia can be utilized, and the same opportunities can be offered to all alike.
" The department herewith encloses the instructions that will be issued for making examinations and enlistments."
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ENLISTMENT OF AUXILIARY NAVAL FORCE.
1. Officers and men must be given one year's leave from the state authorities.
2. At the top of the first and main sheets of the enlistment records must be noted, in red ink, " Auxiliary naval force."
3. The enlistment must be made for " one year's general service, unless sooner discharged," which must be endorsed with red ink on the first and main sheets of the enlistment records.
4. On the same sheets must also be noted, "Discharge will be granted upon request, provided the exigencies of the service will permit."
5. Officers must be examined for the grades to which they may be appointed, for one year if successful, and according to the duties they will be expected to perform.
6. Men will be examined for the ratings which they will be expected to hold, and will be enlisted according to article 797, paragraphs I and II, navy regulations, 1896. Petty officers will then be given acting appointments by their commanding officers.
7. Officers and men will be examined physically, and slight disabilities will be waived, taking into consideration the duties to be performed. Age and height limits will also be waived.
8. All disabilities waived will be entered on the enlistment records or attached to appointments.
The foregoing was communicated to the commanding officer of the naval militia, and
June 3d
the following letter was addressed by the adjutant-general to Rear Admiral Henry Erben, U. S. N., in charge of coast defense system, 39 Whitehall street, New York city:
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VOLUNTEERS-NAVY.
" In accordance with the letter of the secretary of the navy to the Governor of the state of New York, dated May 26, 1898, I have been instructed to arrange with you as to the time and place for holding examinations and making enlistments of those who may volunteer from the naval militia to serve in the United States auxiliary force.
" The naval militia of the state of New York is organized as a brigade, and comprises one chief of brigade (with the grade of captain), with a staff; two naval battalions and two separate naval divisions, one of which, the first, is composed principally of professional telegraphers and. expert electricians, a total of 1,017 officers and men. Of this number 418 officers and men have already been given leaves of absence to enter the United States navy, leaving available for duty 599 men, of whom about 550 have expressed their intention to volunteer, so that this last number can be taken as the quota which the New York naval militia can supply the auxiliary naval force. If the exigencies of the service require, a large number of men who are at present awaiting admission to the naval militia, or have signified their desire to enter the auxiliary naval force, can be enlisted.
"I would suggest that for the purpose of convenience and to save useless expense, and unnecessary loss of time, that the chief of brigade and staff, the first naval battalion, and the first separate naval division, should rendezvous on board U. S. S. 'New Hamp- shire,' foot East Twenty-eighth street. The second naval bat- talion at their armory, corner Flatbush avenue and Hanson place, Brooklyn, and the second separate naval division at their armory, Charlotte harbor, Rochester. In the case of the second separate naval division, this will necessitate the sending of the enlisting officer and surgeon to Rochester; but I urge the adoption of the plan because it will save the expense of transporting the men who may not be accepted.
" The letter of the secretary of the navy, already referred to, does not make plain as to whether the state or navy department is expected to incur the subsistence, pay and transportation of the men until they are enlisted under the joint resolution.
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NEW YORK IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
" If these suggestions meet your views, I will issue the neces- sary orders and have the men assembled in twelve hours after receipt of notice from you either by telegraph or mail.
" By analogy to the procedure in the case of men from the naval militia enlisted in the United States navy prior to this time, I take it for granted that the enlistment will be dated from the day of their examination and acceptance, and their pay and rations begin from the same date."
June 6th.
The following telegram was sent to the secretary of the navy:
" Our naval militia is impatiently waiting to be mustered in. If you can consistently hurry along mustering officers, etc., it will be appreciated by the Governor of this state and every mem- ber of the sea forces."
June 7th
The following telegram from the chief of staff of the captain commanding the naval militia was received:
"Admiral Erben informs me that he does not desire any patrol tugs, and that his remaining vessels can do the work efficiently until more are ready for service."
And
June 8th
The following communication:
"I have the honor to report that, in compliance with your orders by telephone on 7th instant, I called at Admiral Erben's office, but did not reach him until some time after by telephone as he had gone to the navy yard, Brooklyn.
" He states that he regards the vessels left in the patrol fleet as sufficient to do the work; and that he was opposed to the use of tugs manned by the naval militia of the state in connec- tion with patrol vessels belonging to the navy. He also stated that other vessels were in course of preparation for the service. and, pending their completion, his present vessels were, in his opinion, able to protect the mine fields.
"I telegraphed you immediately after my interview with Admiral Erben."
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VOLUNTEERS-NAVY.
June 10th.
The assistant secretary of the navy wrote, under date of June 9th, received this day:
" SIR :- In reply to your telegram of the 6th instant, I have the honor to send you the following copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Erben, which explains the apparent delay in the muster- ing into the service of the naval militia.
" I herewith return a telegram from Adjutant-General Tilling- hast, addressed to the secretary of the navy, dated June 6, 1898.
" In answer to your letter of the 7th instant, I have the honor to inform you that an answer from the state of New York to the department's circular to the Governors of the states, request- ing volunteers for the auxiliary naval force, was received Satur- day, June 4th, being the ninth state to report, and three days later than most of the states.
" The board of examination for this district is at work enlisting the naval militia in the state of Connecticut, which was the first state to report.
" On Monday, June 6th, I authorized the officers of the New York naval militia to report to the New York navy yard for examination, and a special board was created to enlist the men.
" On the same date the adjutant-general of New York was instructed to assemble a part of the naval militia for enlistment, and in compliance with such instructions the second naval bat- talion, consisting of three-fourths of the volunteers of the New York naval militia, were assembled at Brooklyn, and are now being enlisted into the auxiliary naval force.
" Everything is being done to hurry this matter up as much as possible."
June 12th.
The following telegrams were sent this day:
" Rear Admiral HENRY ERBEN, U. S. N., Army Building, White- hall Street, New York City.
"The Governor of this state instructs me to say that the U. S. S. 'New Hampshire' is at the service of the United States when-
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NEW YORK IN SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
ever and for whatever purpose required. Instructions to this effect have been sent to commanding officer, naval militia, S. N. Y."
" COMMANDING OFFICER, Naval Militia, N. Y., U. S. S. ' New Hamp- shire,' foot East Twenty-eighth Street, New York City.
" The Governor directs you to place the U. S. S. 'New Hamp- shire,' at the disposal of Admiral Erben for United States serv- ices when required by him. Substance of this has been tele- graphed the admiral."
And
June 14th.
" Admiral HENRY ERBEN, Army Building, 39 Whitehall Street, New York City.
" Have instructed commanding officer naval militia to detail surgeon immediately to assist your surgeon and report result to you."
And
June 15th.
"CAPTAIN CROWNINSHIELD, U. S. N., Washington, D. C.
" The 'New Hampshire ' was ordered to be turned over to Rear Admiral Erben on the 12th, and by advice we have this morning she has been turned over in accordance with instructions."
June 23d.
The following was received, dated June 22d, from Rear Admiral Henry Erben, U. S. navy, in charge of coast defense system:
"SIR :- In equipping the naval militiamen for services in the auxiliary naval force, rifles, cutlasses, belts, pistols, ammunition and equipments other than uniforms, mess gear, hammocks com- plete and rubber blankets will not be required."
July 2d.
The following telegram was sent to the assistant secretary of the navy:
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VOLUNTEERS-NAVY.
" The second separate naval division, N. Y., of Rochester, volun- teers for general service in the United States navy. Do you want them? "
And
July 7th.
To the commanding officer of the second separate naval divi- sion, Rochester:
" The navy recruiting officer will be at Rochester to-morrow for the purpose of examining and enlisting your naval division as requested. It is understood that they apply for general service in the navy."
The number of officers and enlisted men of the naval militia of the state, who entered the United States service by being commissioned or enlisted in the United States navy, was 851, or over 80 per cent. of the whole force. Of these the men on the " Yankee " were under the fire of the enemy and engaged with the latter. .
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