d,
without loss on our part.

"The _Annapolis_ and _Wasp_ afterward proceeded from Nipe to assist in the
landing of the commanding general of the army on arrival at Porto Rico.

(Signed) "SAMPSON."

_July 30._ Another "jackie" achieved the reputation of a hero. He is
boatswain's mate Nevis of the gunboat _Bancroft_, and the tale of his
valour is not unmixed with humour.

The _Bancroft_, accompanied by the converted yacht _Eagle_, which had been
covering the blockading station around the Isle of Pines, sighted a small
Spanish schooner in Sigunea Bay.

The _Bancroft's_ steam launch, in charge of Nevis and one seaman, each
armed with a rifle, were sent in to take the schooner. This was only a
task of minutes, and the launch returned with the prize, which proved to
be the schooner _Nito_, little more than a smack, and with no cargo.

Commander Clover sent Nevis in with her to anchor near the wreck of the
Spanish transatlantic liner _Santo Domingo_, sunk by the _Eagle_ a few
weeks ago. Then the _Bancroft_ and _Eagle_ cruised off to Mangle Point,
where they happened to be put in communication with the insurgent camp.

Two hours later they returned. For a time nothing could be seen of the
launch or the prize. Suddenly Commander Clover, who was scanning the
waters with his glass, shouted to Captain Sutherland of the _Eagle_: "By
heavens, they have recaptured my prize." The little schooner lay near the
wrecked steamer, but the Spanish flag was flying from her mast, and,
instead of only Nevis and his companion, she was apparently filled with
men.

Meanwhile the gunboat _Maple_ had drawn up, and Commander Clover ordered
her into the work of rescue. With guns ready she steamed toward the
schooner, but the sight that greeted her was not what was expected.

Nevis and his companion sat at one end of the boat attempting to navigate
her out of the harbour. Each had his rifle across his knee and was keeping
a wary eye on a party of half a dozen cowering Spaniards huddled in the
other end of the boat.

The _Maple_ asked for information, and offered Nevis a tow, but he replied
with a joke and declined the proffered assistance. Then it developed that,
in going in to anchor, he had observed two other small Spanish boats near
the wreck of the _Santo Domingo_, and had resolved to capture them, too.
He knew it was hazardous work, but "bluff" carried him through.

He to