the beach. The _Hawk_ ceased firing, and manned a
relief-boat just as the Spaniard ran high and dry on a reef, under cover
of Fort Mariel.

Though the Spaniard as yet had not fired a shot in response to the
_Hawk's_ attack, and was burning signals calling for help, the American
relief-boat was received with a joint volley from both the sinking steamer
and the neighbouring fort, turning her back, luckily unscathed, By this
time daylight was breaking, and another Yankee ship, the gunboat
_Castine_, hove in sight, reinforcing the _Hawk_.

The two opened fire upon the Spanish vessel and fort. A well-directed
4-inch shell from the _Castine_ blew the steamer up.

Most of the latter's crew and passengers by this time had, however,
escaped by rowing or swimming ashore. Just at sunrise, while the _Castine_
and _Hawk_ were reconnoitring in the vicinity of the wreck, a big Spanish
gunboat hove in sight, training all her batteries on the two American
boats. It was an exciting moment.

The _Castine's_ 4-inchers opened promptly, and the Spaniard returned at
full speed to cover, under Morro Castle.

The Spanish fleet, commanded by Admiral Camara, arrived at Suez, and was
notified by the officials of the Egyptian government that it must leave
the port within twenty-four hours.

The government also notified Admiral Camara that he would not be allowed
to coal.

While the U. S. gunboat _Eagle_ was on the blockading route in the
vicinity of the Isle of Pines, on the south Cuban coast, about five miles
from the shore, she sighted the schooner _Gallito_, provision laden. She
immediately gave chase, and the schooner ran in until about a quarter of a
mile from the shore, when she dropped her anchor, and those aboard slipped
over her side and swam ashore.

Ensign J. H. Roys and a crew of eight men from the _Eagle_ were sent in a
small boat to board the schooner. They found her deserted, and while
examining her were fired upon by her crew from the beach. Several
rifle-shots went through the schooner's sails, but no one was injured. The
_Eagle_ drew closer in, and sent half a dozen shots toward the beach from
her 6-pounders, whereupon the Spaniards disappeared. The _Gallito_ was
taken into Key West.

_July 7._ Congress having passed resolutions to the effect that Hawaii be
annexed to the United States, the President added his signature, and a new
territory was thus added to the American nation.

Secretary Long gave orders for the depa