At about 5.15 A.M., a launch, which, under Cadet Powell, had followed the “Merrimac,” in order if possible to rescue Hobson and his men, was seen steaming from west to east, near or across the mouth of the harbor. She steamed back from east to west and began skirting the coast to the west of the entrance. The battery on the hill to the left opened fire on her, but did not make good practice. The launch continued her course as far westward as a small cove and then headed for the “Texas,” steaming at full speed. Several shots were fired at her from the battery on the left as she steamed out. It was broad daylight by this time. Cadet Powell came alongside the “Texas” and reported that “No one had come out of the entrance of the harbor.” His words sounded like the death knell of all who had gone in on the “Merrimac.” It seemed incredible, almost impossible, any of them could have lived through the awful fire that was directed at the ship. Cadet Powell said that he had followed behind the ship at a distance of four or five hundred yards. Hobson missed the entrance of the harbor at first, having gone too far to the westward; he almost ran aground. The launch picked up the entrance and directed the “Merrimac” in. From the launch the collier was seen until she rounded the bend of the channel and until the helm had been put to port to swing her into position across the channel. There was probably no one in the fleet who did not think that all seven of the men had perished. In the afternoon, much to the surprise of every one, a tug flying a flag of truce was seen coming out of the entrance. The “Vixen,” flying a tablecloth at the fore, went to meet the tug. A Spanish officer went aboard the “Vixen” from the tug and was taken aboard the flagship. Not long afterward a signal was made that Murphy of the “Iowa” was saved and was a prisoner of war. About four o’clock another signal was made from the flagship: “Collier’s crew prisoners of war; two slightly wounded. All well.” It can be easily imagined what relief this signal brought to all hands, who had been mourning the death of all these men. The Spanish officer said also that the prisoners were confined in Morro Castle. He said further that Admiral Cervera considered the attempt to run in and sink the “Merrimac” across the channel an act of such great bravery and desperate daring that he (the Admiral) thought it very proper that our naval officers should be notified of the safety of these men. Whatever the motive for sending out the tug with the flag of truce, the act was a most graceful one, and one of most chivalrous courtesy. The Spanish officer is reported to have said: “You have made it more difficult, but we can still get out.”