d of the expedition, made the following
report:

"The expedition consisted of a steam launch from the _Massachusetts_, in
charge of Cadet Hart, and a launch from the _New York_, in charge of Cadet
Powell. I took passage on the _Massachusetts'_ launch, leading the way.
Soundings were taken on entering the bay close under the old fort, and we
were preparing to circumnavigate the bay at full speed when fire was
opened from the fort and rocks on the shore. The _Massachusetts'_ launch
was some distance ahead and about forty yards off the fort. There was no
room to turn, and our 1-pounder could not be brought to bear. We backed
and turned under a heavy fire.

"Cadet Hart operated the gun as soon as it could be brought to bear,
sitting exposed in the bow, and working the gun as coolly and carefully as
at target practice.

"Cadet Powell had been firing since the Spaniards opened. He was also
perfectly cool. Both launches ran out under a heavy fire of from six to
eight minutes. I estimate that there were twenty-five Spaniards on the
parapet of the old fort. The number along shore was larger, but
indefinite. The launches, as soon as it was practicable, sheered to give
the _Vixen_ the range of the fort. The _Vixen_ and the _Texas_ silenced
the shore fire promptly.

"I strongly commend Cadet Hart and Cadet Powell for the cool management of
the launches. One launch was struck seven times. Nobody in either was
hurt. A bullet struck a shell at Cadet Hart's feet between the projectile
and the powder, but failed to explode the latter.

"Coxswain O'Donnell and Seaman Bloom are commended, as is also the
coolness with which the marines and sailors worked under the Spanish fire.

"Nothing was learned at Cabanas Bay, but at Guayaganaco it is evident a
landing is practicable for ships' boats. The same is true of Rancho Cruz,
a small bay to the eastward. Both would be valuable with Cabanas, but
useless without it.

"I am informed that to the north and westward of Cabanas Bay there is a
large clearing, with plenty of grass and water.

"I think a simultaneous landing at the three places named would be
practicable if the ships shelled the adjacent wood. A junction would
naturally follow at the clearing."

Cuban scouts reported to Colonel Huntington on Guantanamo Bay that the
streets of Caimanera have been covered with straw saturated in oil, in
order that the city may be destroyed when the Americans evince any
disposition to take posse