_April 29._ The flag-ship _New York_ was lying about two miles off the harbour of Cabanas, having just completed a cruise of inspection. With her were the torpedo-boats _Porter_ and _Ericsson_. On the shore could be seen the white ruins of what may have been the dwelling of a plantation. No signs of life were visible. It was as if war’s alarms had never been heard on this portion of the island. Suddenly a volley of musketry rang out, repeated again and again, at regular intervals, and the tiny jets of water which were sent up by the bullets told that, concealed near about the ruins of the hacienda, a troop of Spanish soldiers were making what possibly they may have believed to be an attack upon the big war-ship. It was much as if a swarm of gnats had set about endeavouring to worry an elephant, and likely to have as little effect; yet Rear-Admiral Sampson believed it was necessary to teach the enemy that any playing at war, however harmless, was dangerous to themselves, and he ordered that the port battery be manned. Half a dozen shots from the 4-inch guns were considered sufficient, although there was no evidence any execution had been done, and the big vessel’s bow was turned eastward just as a troop of Spanish cavalry rode rapidly away from the ruin. The horsemen served as a target for a 4-inch gun in the starboard battery, and the troop dispersed in hot haste. While this mimic warfare was being carried on off Cabanas, a most important capture was made. The _Nashville_, _Marblehead_, and the _Eagle_ left the station on the north coast, April 25th, to blockade Cienfuegos, arriving at the latter place on the twenty-eighth. They spent the day reconnoitring, and, next morning, in order to get better information, steamed close to the mouth of the harbour of Cienfuegos. The _Eagle_ was to the eastward, and in the van. The _Marblehead_ was slightly in the rear, and the _Nashville_ to the westward. All were cleared for action. Suddenly smoke was seen rising on the western horizon, and the _Nashville_, because of her position, put on all steam in that direction. Twenty minutes later she fired two shots across the bow of the coming steamer, which promptly hove to. She was the _Argonauta_. Ensign Keunzli was sent with a prize-crew of nine to take possession of her. Learning that Spanish soldiers were on board, word was given to send them to the _Nashville_ immediately as prisoners of war, and when this had been done arrangements were made to transfer the passengers and non-combatants to the shore. The women and children were placed in the first boat, and under cover of a flag of truce were soon bound toward the entrance to Cienfuegos. A second crew took the other passengers and landed them about noon.