ter the Spanish surrender the little "Petrel" was sent in to
destroy, by boats' crews, the ships in the inner harbor.

Commodore Dewey's official report of the action is a model of modesty
and brevity. It came in these two cable messages:

MANILA, May 1.--Squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this
morning. Immediately engaged the enemy, and destroyed the
following Spanish vessels: "Reina Cristina," "Castilla," "Don
Antonio de Ulloa," "Isla de Luzon," "Isla de Cuba," "General
Lezo," "Marquis de Duero," "Cano," "Velasco," "Isla de Mindanao,"
a transport, and water battery at Cavite. The squadron is
uninjured, and only a few men are slightly wounded. Only means of
telegraphing is to American Consul at Hong Kong. I shall
communicate with him.

DEWEY.

CAVITE, May 4.--I have taken possession of naval station at
Cavite, on Philippine Islands. Have destroyed the fortifications
at bay entrance, paroling the garrison. I control bay completely,
and can take city at any time. The squadron is in excellent
health and spirits. Spanish loss not fully known but very heavy.
One hundred and fifty killed, including captain of "Reina
Cristina." I am assisting in protecting Spanish sick and wounded;
250 sick and wounded in hospital within our lines. Much
excitement at Manila. Will protect foreign residents.

DEWEY.

It is little short of marvelous that no lives were lost on the
American ships--though a month later Captain Gridley of the "Olympia"
died from the effect of the concussion of his own guns. The vessels
were handled with a daring amounting almost to bravado, yet so poor
was the marksmanship of the Spaniards that little or no damage was
suffered. It is to be kept in mind that, despite the disparity in the
armament of the fleets, the Spanish works at Cavite mounted guns of
twice the weight of any that Dewey's ships bore. Yet, when the action
was over, the American vessels were practically uninjured, and
perfectly capable of fulfilling the threat sent by Admiral Dewey,
that if another shot was fired he would lay Manila in ashes.

At the time these words are written, that threat alone keeps order in
Manila bay. Dewey with his ships is there, holding the town at the
muzzles of his guns and waiting for the re-enforcements of troops,
which were dispatched to h