USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.1 > Part 70
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U. S. S. "Mayflower."-This vessel arrived at the yard April 13, 1901, for docking. clean- ing and painting bottom, and necessary repairs. This work was completed and the vessel left the yard May 13, 1901.
U. S. tug "Mohawk."-This tug has been in yard service during the entire fiscal year : repairs in connection with this service have been made. This work was completed April 25. 1901. June 24. 1901. the commandant authorized docking this vessel to clean and paint bottom. It is estimated that this work will be completed July 6, 1901.
U. S. S. "Nero." -- This vessel arrived at the yard April 16. 1901. Upon recommenda- tion of Board of Inspection and Survey. the Bureau authorized such work as was absolutely necessary to put this vessel in condition to make another trip to Manila and return. The work was completed June 1, 1901, and the ves- sel left the yard Tune II, 1901.
U. S. tug "Nezinscot." -- This tug was docked August 20, 1900, bottom cleaned and painted, and repairs made. This tug left the yard August 24, 1900.
U. S. S. "Piscataqua."-This vessel arrived at the yard December 12, 1900, and upon rec- ommendation of Board of Inspection and Sur- vey, the work was ordered: it was completed and the vessel left. the yard December 27, 1900.
U. S. torpedo boat "Porter."-This vessel
arrived at the yard February 26, 1901, and was ordered placed in condition for service June 1, 1901. All of this work was completed June 15, 1901. This vessel is still at the yard.
U. S. tug "Potomac."-This vessel arrived at the yard November 20, 1900, and had tem- porary repairs made, and the vessel left the yard November 26, 1900. The vessel again returned to the yard April 21, 1901, and, un- der date of April 24, 1901, the Bureau ordered undertaken without delay certain repairs. The vessel left the yard June 5, 1901.
U. S. torpedo boat "Rodgers." -- This ves- sel arrived at the yard May 9, 1901, with a damaged stem and bow; was docked May 22: the stem and bow repaired ; bottom cleaned and painted and minor repairs made and was un- docked June 5, 1901. The vessel is still at the yard.
U. S. torpedo boat "Shubrick."-This ves- sel arrived at the yard June 8, 1901, in charge of contractors : was turned over to the govern- ment. Necessary steps have been taken for her care and preservation, and her boats have been stored and properly numbered. Under date of June 24, 1901, the Bureau ordered the stiffening of the stern of this vessel, but this work has not yet been begun; it will be neces- sary for the vessel to go into dry dock. The vessel is still at the yard.
U. S. tug "Sioux." -- This tug has been al- ternately in ordinary and in yard service, etc., since the beginning of the fiscal year. On De- cember 28, 1900, the Bureau ordered a sur- vey held on this vessel to determine the exact condition of the vessel and the time and cost required to place her in efficient condition for service. The survey was held January 7. 1901. and approved January 23, 1901, but the work was ordered done at the navy yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and only such work ordered done at this yard as was neces- sary to place the vessel in condition to be towed to the Portsmouth yard, which consisted of overhauling steering gear, coal scuttles, etc.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
This work was completed and the vessel left the yard June 5, 1901, in tow of the "Poto- inac.
U. S. S. "Standish."-This vessel arrived at the yard August 2, 1900, for the purpose of docking and cleaning and painting bottom. This work was completed and the vessel left the yard August 6, 1900. The vessel again returned to the yard February 17. 1901, for repairs, alterations, etc. On February 7, 1901. the Bureau requested a report from the naval constructor as to the estimated time and cost required to do the work necessary to put the vessel in efficient condition for service. On March 20, 1901, the report was approved, the work ordered and survey ordered to be held to cover the same. This work was com- pleted and the vessel left the yard May 21. 1901.
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U. S. torpedo boat "Stockton."-This ves- sel arrived at the yard September 24. 1900, in charge of contractors, for the purpose of dock- ing and cleaning and painting bottom, prepar- atory to her trial trip, and for repairs to dam- aged stem and dent in starboard side, at risk and expense of contractors. This work was completed and the vessel left the yard Novem- ber 1. 1900. The vessel again returned to the yard February 24., 1901, still in charge of her contractors ; was docked March 4. 1901, at ex- pense of contractors, in order to examine condi- tion of under-water hull and fittings. De- fects in painting of bottom were cor- rected and zincs on bottom scraped, as per recommendation of a naval board. The vessel was turned over to the gov- einment March II, 1901, and proper steps were taken for her care and preservation. Upon recommendation of the naval construc- tor the Bureau directed that the foundation of the starboard engine air-pump be strengthened and cost thereof charged to contractors and this work was completed. Minor items of re- pairs have been made from time to time. such as repairs to steering engine, galley pump, etc.
All authorized work was completed. The ves- sel is still at the yard.
U. S. torpedo boat "Stringham."-This vessel arrived at the yard about July 23, 1900. in charge of contractors. By direction of the Bureau. of July 26. 1900, the vessel was docked, bottom cleaned and painted, and mis- cellaneous work done, at the risk and expense of the contractors. This vessel leit the yard July 31: 1900.
U. S. S. "Sylph."-This vessel arrived at the yard September 17, 1900. The vessel was docked, bottom cleaned and painted, outside of :'sel from water-line to rail cemented and painted. This work was completed and the vessel left the yard September 20, 1900. The vessel returned to the yard June 24. 1901, for docking and other work. This work was com- pleted and the vessel left the yard June 29, 1901.
U. S. S. "Topeka." -- This vessel arrived at the yard March 8. 1901. for repairs. The work was completed and the vessel left the yard May 20, 1901.
U. S. S. "Vixen."-This vessel arrived at the yard July 16, 1900, and numerous repairs considered necessary for the efficiency of the ship were requested by the commanding officer. Upon recommendation of the naval construc- tor, under date of August 1. 1900, certain re- pairs were authorized by the Bureau and a sur- vcy ordered to be held to cover the same. This survey was held August 14. approved August 18, and work under this authority was done.
U. S. tug "Wahneta."-This tug has been in yard service during nearly the entire fiscal year, and repairs in connection with this ser- vice have been made. This tug is still in yard service.
U. S. water barge No. 2 .- This water barge was docked July 7, 1900, and her bottom cleaned and painted. By direction of the De- partment, the cost of docking this barge was charged to the Bureau of Equipment.
U. S. torpedo boat "Winslow." -- This ves-
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
sel arrived at the yard March 28, 1901, and was ordered placed in condition for service by June 1, 1901. Necessary repairs were made. The vessel is still at the yard.
U. S. tug "Wompatuck." -- This vessel ar- rived at the yard December 12. 1900, and, upon recommendation of the Board of Inspection and Survey, the following work was done : Awning stanchions fitted on upper deck, black paint removed from outside of hull between water- line and rail, and this portion of vessel painted white. all work exposed to weather painted regulation colors. The vessel left the yard December 27, 1900.
We give herewith a statement relative to the vessels docked from July 1, 1900. to June 30. 1901, inclusive :
Dock. Vessels. Days in dock. 34 297
No. I No. 2
13
340
THE "RALEIGH" AND "TEXAS" IN THE SPAN. ISH-AMERICAN WAR.
As before stated the ships built at this vard were important factors in war history : the fol- lowing reports show the part they acted in the Spanish-American War :
U. S. S. "RALEIGH.' off Manila. Luzon. May 4. 1898. Sir: I have the honor to submit the following re- port of the operations of this vessel of your squadron during the engagement with the Spanish squadron and shore batteries at Cavite. near Manila, on the morn- ing of May 1. 1898: At about 12:10 A. M., of May Ist. when passing in column, natural order. abreast of El Fraile Island, at the entrance to the bay. I observed a flash, as of a signal thereon, and at about 12:15 A. M. a shot was fired from El Fraile, passing. as I think. diagonally between the "Petrel" and this vessel. A shot was fired in return, but without effect. by the starboard after 5-inch gun of this vessel. At 5 A. M. when the squadron was nearly abreast the city of Manila and the flag-ship was turning to pass down toward Cavite, the Lunetta battery of apparently heavy guns at Manila opened fire and continued so long as the squadron was in action. This vessel shifted position from starboard to port (inside) quarter of the "Balti- more," and held that position until retired at 7:35 A. M. At a few minutes after 5 A. M. this vessel, so soon as the Spanish vessels at Cavite bore on the port .bow, opened fire with the 6-inch gun. and then with the 5-inch gifts in succession, as fast as they would bear. The secondary battery guns did not seem to
reach the enemy, and their fire was soon stopped and not again used until the distance was considerably lessened. At 11:20 A. M., when signal was made to reengage, this vessel started ahead full speed (using reserve speed) to keep up with the flag-ship, but it was found to be impossible, and falling behind all the time. I cut across to gain line abreast of Cavite battery just as the flag-ship passed the "Baltimore" at that port, at which time we opened fire with all guns. At 12, in obedience to signal, this vessel attempted to get into the inner harbor to destroy enemy's vesseis, but getting in shoal water-20 fect-was obliged to withdraw. and so reported. While attempting to get inside, the bat- tery was used on an enemy vessel at anchor ( supposed to be the "Don Antonio de Ulloa") until she sank. Not being able to find a - channel farther inside. and everything in sight having been destroyed. at 1:30 P. M. withdrew and later anchored near the flag-ship. I enclose statement of the ammunition expended during the engagement. I am very pleased to report that the officers and crew behaved splendidly. Each and every one seemed anxious to do his whole duty, and, so far as I can learn, did it. Their whole conduct was be- yond praise.
This vessel was struck but once, and then by a 6-pounder shell. which passed through both sides of the whaleboat (above her water-line) and then glanced along the chase of the starboard 6-pounder on our poop. The gun was not injured, and the whaleboat but slight- ly, and she is again ready for service. I am happy to report that there were no casualties of any kind. This vessel at the close of the engagement was in as good condition as when it began, and without any prepara- tion could have fought it over again.
In conclusion, permit me to congratulate you upon the very brilliant victory you achieved over a naval force nearly equal to your own, backed by extensive shore batteries of very heavy guns. and this without the loss of a single life. History points to no greater achievement.
Very Respectfully. J. B. COGHLAN, Captain U. S. V., Commanding.
(to) COMMODORE GEORGE DEWEY. Commander-in-chief, U. S. Naval Force, Asiatic Station.
The destruction of the fort at Guantanamo by the "Texas."
U. S. S. "TEXAS," off Santiago, June 16, 1898. Sir: I respectfully subniit the following statement : Yesterday at 8:45 .A. M. the flag-ship signalled the "Texas:" "Proceed withont delay. Guantanamo; de- stroy fort : resume blockade station this evening." At 8:50 went ahead at full speed, steam under three boilers only. At 1:07 beat to general quarters for action, and stood up through the narrow channel. fol- lowed by the "Marblehead." to the westward of Cayo del Hospital in order to get within effective range of the fort on Cayo del Toro. Went ahead until in 25 feet water. dropped anchor under foot, and at 2:06 P. M. opened fire on the fort at 2,300 yards, the fort having opened fire on us as we passed the Hospital
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
Cove. About 2:45 the fort ceased firing, and at 3:20 we ceased to fire, having destroyed in obedience to or- ders, though in all probability the enemy will remount guns again in three or four days. Being ordered to resume station on blockade the same eyening. we got under way about 3:30, stood out the channel and down the harbor and returned to this place, reporting to the commander-in-chief in person about 8:45 P. M. I would state that in going through the, narrow channel to the westward of Cayo del Hospital the "Texas" broke adrift a contact submarine mine, and the "Marble- head" picked up one on her starboard propeller, each containing about 100 pounds of gun cotton, but owing to Divine care neither of them exploded.
There was no casualty nor injury of any kind. but I trust the action of the "Texas" will meet with your approbation.
Very Respectfully. J. W. PHILLIP, Captain U. S. N., Commanding. (to) The Commander-in-Chief,
North Atlantic Squadron.
The part taken by the "Texas" in the battle of July 3, 1898:
U. S. S. "TEXAS," off Santiago, July 4, 1898. Sir: In accordance with the requirements of Ar- ticle 437, Navy Regulations, I respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the part the "Texas" took in the engagement with the enemy yesterday. At daylight on the morning of the 3rd. the "Texas" stood out from entrance to harbor, taking day blockading position, about three miles from the Morro (the Morro bearing north-northeast).
At 9:30 the Morro bearing N. by E. 1% E., distant 5.100 yards, the enemy's ships were sighted standing out of the harbor. Immediately general signal 250 was made; this signal was followed by the "Iowa's" almost at the same time. The ship as per order was heading in toward the entrance; went ahead full speed, putting helm hard astarboard. and ordering forced draft on all boilers, the officer of the deck, Lieut. M. L. Bristol, having given the general alarm and beat to quarters for action at the same time. As the leader, bearing the Admiral's flag. appeared in the entrance she opened fire, which was. at 9:40, returned by the "Texas" at range of 4.200 yards while closing in. The ship leading was of the "Vizcaya" class and the flag- ship.
Four ships came out. evidently the "Vizcaya," the "Oquendo." "Maria Teresa" and "Colon." followed by two torpedo-boat destroyers. Upon seeing these two, we immediately opened- fire upon them with our sec- ondary battery, the main battery at the time being en- gaged with the second and third ships in line. Owing to our secondary battery, together with the "Iowa" and "Gloucester," these two destroyers were forced to beach and sink.
Whilst warmly engaged with the third in line, which was abreast and engaging the "Texas," our fire was blanketed for a short time by the "Oregon" forging ahead and engaging the second ships. This third ship,
after a spirited fire, sheered inshore, and at 10:35 ran up a white flag. We then ceased fire on the third and opened fire with our forward guns at long range (6,600 yards) on the second ship ( which was then engaged with the "Oregon") until 11:05, when she ( enemy's second ship) sheered into the beach, on fire. At II :IO she struck her colors. We ceased fire and gave chase, with "Brooklyn" and "Oregon." for the leading ship until 1:20, when the "Colon" sheered in to the beach and hauled down her colors, leaving theni on deck at foot of her flag-staff. We shut off forced drait and proceeded at moderate speed to close up.
I, would state that during this chase the "Texas" was holding her own with the "Colon." she leading about four miles at the start.
The reports of the executive officer and the sur- geon are transmitted. I have the pleasure of stating that the entire battery of the "Texas" is in a most ex- cellent condition and ready for any service required by the commander-in-chief, especially calling attention to the efficiency of the two turret-guns, due to the altera- tions recently made by Lieut. F. J. Haeseler. of this ship. The bearing and performance of duty of all officers met with my entire approval.
Very respectfully submitted. J. W. PHILLIP. Captain U. S. N., Commanding.
(to) The Commander-in-Chief. North Atlantic Squadron.
U. S. S. "TEXAS," Ist Rate, off Santiago de Cuba, July 4, 1898. Sir: I beg leave to make the following report on the injuries received by this vessel during the en- gagement with the Spanish fleet near Santiago de Cuba, July 3. 1898. A shell about six inches in diameter en- tered the starboard side above the main-deck near top ot hammock berthing. immediately forward of ash- hoist. angle of entrance being about 20 degrees forward of the beam; shell apparently exploded immediately after passing through the outer plating of hammock berthing, passing into the forward air-shaft to forced- draft blower, destroying doors of both air-shafts and the adjacent bulkheads. Several pieces passed through the doorway of after shaft and penetrated the after bulkhead of the shaft. The mass of shell pieces passed on through bulkhead and casing of starboard smoke- box, producing an aperture therein irregular in form, measuring about three feet vertically, two feet fore and aft. The ash-hoist machinery was badly damaged.
A piece of shell struck forward jamb of starboard door of pilot house. smashing it and carrying away considerable of paneling and framing, and passed out through after bulkhead.
The bulkhead forming the after part of forward gun-house is bulged forward about six inches. This bulge extends over the entire starboard side of bulk- head. A large number of rivets passing through the stiffening bars and frames are shorn off or broken. At the base of the gun-house the margin pieces of main- deck have been liftel up and separated from the steel- deck. A galley ventilator, which passed through berth- ing abaft the above-mentioned bulkhead. was destroyed. A number of hammocks and bedding stowed in the
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berthing, of which above-mentioned bulkhead formed the forward plating, were badly burned. The deck planking and frames of the after part of the bridge deck over a surface about six by 12 feet have been torn up and destroyed. The starboard forward part of the third cutter was blown away. keel broken. plank- ing and framing of the port side badly damaged. leav- ing it unfit for repairs. One ladder leading to bridge deck forward was badly damaged. One main-hatch ladder leading to gon-deck was destroyed. The boat- covers and awning-curtains used as splinter protection over the forward boats were blown away, burned and destroyed.
The hammocks. cloths. and battens securing same to bulkheads, were carried away from six compartiments of hammock berthing.
The electric wire battens and fittings were carried away in a great many places on main and gun-decks forward. The starboard side of the main-deck between frames 53 and 56 shows marked depressions, beams and stanchions being bent and buckled. the crown of some of the beams no longer existing. The steel-deck has in several places become separated from the beams through the stretching or breaking of rivets, and there are now leaks in several places.
The rivets securing the head of midship stanchions to the web of beams of frames 55 and 56 have been sheared off. The condition of starboard side of the inain-deck is attributed partly to the firing of the 12-inch turret-guns. over the deck during the engagement, as mentioned in my report of June 6, but mainly by similar causes during the battle of yesterday.
The marked increase in the injuries to the deck may be attributed not only to the repetition of great strains over a surface whose support was already weakened. but to an increase in the charge of powder, i. e., re- duced charge.previously used to full charge used dur- ing this battle. I am of the opinion that the framing of the deck in this ship is too light to permit the further firing of the 12-inch guns over the deck, without serious injury.
GILES B. HARBER.
Lieut. Com. U. S. N., Executive Officer. (to) The Commanding Officer.
CONGRESSIONAL MEDALS AWARDED.
Congressional medals of silver were awarded to the officers and bronze medals to each member of the crew of the revenue cutter "Hudson" for conspicuous bravery in the Spanish-American War. The medals were awarded for the work done by those on board the "Hudson," in rescuing the torpedo boat "Winslow" at Cardenas. May 11, 1898. First Lieut. Frank H. Newcomb, in command. re- ceived a gold medal with a very complimen- tary letter from Secretary Gage. The four cffi- cers receiving the silver medals were T. Hutch-
inson Scott. of Pennsylvania : Ernest E. Mead. of Massachusetts: N. E. Cutchin, of Ports- mouth, Virginia, son of the late Nathaniel Cutchin : and Thecdore G. Lawton. of Minne- sota. The medals are in neat morocco boxes dark in color, four and a half by six inches long, and are sunk to their thickness in a bed of black velvet. making a pretty and effective contrast. The top of the box is lined with white velvet. The medals are counterparts of each other with the exception that one is gold, four of silver and three of bronze. Accom- panying each silver medal is a letter from Sec- retary Gage. The following is a copy of the one sent to Chief Engineer N. E. Cutchin, of the "Dexter":
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF SECRETARY, WASHINGTON, D. C., Nov. 19, 1901. CHIEF ENGINEER N. E. CUTCHIN, R. C. S.
Sir: Under the following provisions of a joint resolution of the Congress of the United States. ap- proved May 3, 1900, there was awarded to you a silver medal in recognition of your conduct and services in the battle at Cardenas, Cuba, on the IIth day of May, 1898:
"Resolved by the Senate and House of Representa- tives of the United States of America in Congress as- sembled, That in recognition of the gallantry of First Lieut. Frank H. Newcomb, of the revenue cutter service, commanding the revenue cutter "Hudson," his officers and the men of his command, for their intrepid and heroic gallantry in the action at Cardenas, Cuba. on the fith day of May, 1898, when the "Hudson" rescued the United States naval torpedo boat "Winslow" in the face of a most galling fire from the enemy's guns, the "Winslow" being di-abled, her captain wounded. her only other officer and half her crew killed. The com- mander of the "Hudson" kent his vessel in the very center of the hottest fire of the action, although in constant danger of getting ashore on account of the shallow water, until finally he got a line made fast to the "Winslow" and towed that vessel out of range of the enemy's guns. In commemoration of his signal act of heroism it is hereby enacted that the Secretary of the Treasury be authorized and directed to cause to be prepared and to present to First Lieut. Frank H. Newcomb, revenue cutter service, a gold medal, and to each of his officers, a silver medal, and to each mem- ber of his crew a bronze medal.'
The officers of the "Hudson" are the only ones to whom Congress awarded gold and silver medal for heroism in battle during the war with Spain.
I take pleasure in presenting to you the medal awarded. and in congratulating yon upon the recogni- tion thus bestowed by the National Legislature.
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U. S. NAVAL HOSPITAL.
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Your are requested to acknowledge the receipt of the medal.
Respectfully, L. J. GAGE, Secretary.
The medals were made at the Philadelphia Mint and are particularly handsome. On the obverse side is a representation of Bellona. goddess of war, looking upon the scene of the rescue of the "Winslow" at Cardenas. On the reverse side is a figure representing Fame, en- gaged in engraving upon the medal the in- scription : "Joint resolution of Congress, ap- proved May 3, 1900, in recognition of the gal- antry of the officers and men of the Hudson. who, in the face of a galling fire, towed the Winslow out of range of the enemy's guns." At the bottom is inscribed the name of the recipient. Accompanying each medallion is a pendant medal, which is a small fac simile of the medallion. The medal is suspended by the Spanish war colors, from the pin bar, on which appears the word "Cardenas."
U. S. NAVAL HOSPITAL.
The U. S. Naval Hospital is a superb edi- fice-a solid and massive structure built of granite. The grounds in front are as large as Capital Square, Richmond, and are ornamented with'a great variety of trees, and have numer- ous walks'and avenues leading to the water. Behind the hospital is a large and beautiful pine and oak forest. The grounds and grove include about 75 acres. They are much fre- quented by the people of Norfolk and Ports- mouth, to whom they supply the place of a park.
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