ships were burning fore and aft, their guns and reserve
ammunition were exploding, and it was not known at what moment the fire
would reach the main magazine.

"In addition to this a heavy surf was running just inside of the Spanish
ships. But no risk deterred our officers and men until their work of
humanity was complete.

"10. There remained now of the Spanish ships only the _Cristobal Colon_,
but she was their best and fastest vessel. Forced by the situation to hug
the Cuban coast, her only chance of escape was by superior and sustained
speed.

"When the _Vizcaya_ went ashore the _Colon_ was about six miles ahead of
the _Brooklyn_ and the _Oregon_, but her spurt was finished, and the
American ships were now gaining upon her. Behind the _Brooklyn_ and the
_Oregon_ came the _Texas_, _Vixen_, and _New York_.

"It was evident from the bridge of the _New York_ that all the American
ships were gradually overhauling the chase, and that she had no chance of
escape. At 12.50 the _Brooklyn_ and the _Oregon_ opened fire and got her
range,--the _Oregon's_ heavy shells striking beyond her,--and at 1.20 she
gave up without firing another shot, hauled down her colours and ran
ashore at Rio Tarquino, forty-eight miles from Santiago.

"Captain Cook of the _Brooklyn_ went on board to receive the surrender.
While his boat was alongside I came up in the _New York_, receiving his
report, and placed the _Oregon_ in charge of the wreck to save her, if
possible, and directed the prisoners to be transferred to the _Resolute_,
which had followed the chase. Commodore Schley, whose chief of staff had
gone on board to receive the surrender, had directed that all their
personal effects should be retained by the officers. This order I did not
modify.

"The _Cristobal Colon_ was not injured by our firing, and probably is not
injured by beaching, though she ran ashore at high speed. The beach was so
steep that she came off by the working of the sea. But her sea valves were
opened or broken, treacherously, I am sure, after her surrender, and
despite all efforts she sank. When it became evident that she could not be
kept afloat she was pushed by the _New York_ bodily upon the beach, the
_New York's_ stem being placed against her for this purpose, the ship
being handled by Captain Chadwick with admirable judgment, and sank in
shoal water, and may be saved. Had this not been done she would have gone
down in deep water, and would have been to a ce