istent
fire from the hostile fleet as well as from the fortifications on shore.
Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander-in-chief of our naval force in Cuban
waters, in an official report addressed to the Secretary of the Navy,
referring to Mr. Hobson's gallant exploit, says:

[Illustration: ADMIRAL CAMARA.]

"'I decided to make the harbour entrance secure against the possibility of
egress of the Spanish ships by obstructing the narrow part of the
entrance, by sinking a collier at that point.

"'Mr. Hobson, after several days consideration, presented a solution which
he considered would ensure the immediate sinking of the ship when she had
reached the desired point in the channel. The plan contemplated a crew of
only seven men, and Mr. Hobson begged that it might be entrusted to him.

"'I cannot myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of
Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and
daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the _Albemarle_.'

"The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on the memorable
occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement,
which, under the provisions of law and regulation, the Secretary of the
Navy was authorised to make; and the nomination to the Senate of Naval
Cadet Powell, who, in a steam launch, followed the _Merrimac_ on her
perilous trip, for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of
that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign, has been
prepared and will be submitted.

"Cushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the _Albemarle_, during the
civil war, Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson's sinking of the
_Merrimac_, received the thanks of Congress upon recommendation of the
President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions of
Section 1,508 of the Revised Statutes, advanced one grade, such
advancement embracing fifty-six numbers. The section cited applies,
however, to line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the
staff of the navy, could not, under the provisions, be so advanced.

"In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval
Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred to, I
have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the
recommendation that he receive the thanks of Congress, and further that he
be transferred to the line of the navy and promoted to such position
therein as the President, b