Orleans_ after a
terrific fire of about half an hour. Many of the American shells were
wasted for the reason that the fortified points on the shore could not
be accurately located in the thick weather. There was a heavy rain and
fog at the time, and this made marksmanship much less accurate. Shortly
after nine o'clock the firing from shore ceased, and a signal was
hoisted by Admiral Sampson to cease firing. It was then seen that the
earthworks and the Estrella and Catalina fortifications were so damaged
that it is doubtful whether the Spaniards will be able to use them
again.

[Illustration: CHART OF SANTIAGO HARBOR.]

Reports of the engagement make particular mention of the good showing
made by the naval militia on the _Yankee_. They worked like old
blue-jackets, pouring a savage fire into the enemy, and it was accurate
too. They kept close in shore and paid particular attention to the
batteries near the beach. This was their first experience under fire,
and they showed the stuff they are made of. Indeed, they proved
themselves so fond of that sort of thing, that when orders were given to
stop the engagement, there was a great deal of amusement on board the
larger vessels when it was seen that they hammered away with their stern
guns as long as they were within range; even after the order had been
signalled to cease firing, they turned slowly and reluctantly away, as
if they were sorry to leave.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: =Latest News=]

June 10th, "Old Glory" was raised on Cuban soil, and the welcome sight
was Deceived with rousing cheers by the marines, who had landed.

On Thursday, the 9th, orders were given to a number of the vessels to go
to Guantanamo Bay and assist in a landing there.

On Friday, under cover of the guns of the _Oregon_, _Marblehead_,
_Yankee_, _Yosemite_, _Porter_, _Dolphin_, and _Vixen_, six hundred
marines of the first battalion landed with small boats near Caimanera in
Guantanamo Bay. This place had been shelled several days before, in
order that the Spaniards should have no fortifications to aid them in
preventing this landing.

No Spaniards appeared, however, and our men had soon landed tents and
the necessary implements with which to make an encampment. The site
chosen was the hill where the blockhouse had been, as this high spot was
considered the most healthful position.

Orders were given to destroy the few houses and huts, to prevent all
possibili