Armed merchantman _Isla de Pany_, equipped with two guns, and carrying stores and a few troops. Auxiliary cruiser _Rapido_, equipped with twelve guns. Steamship _Colon_, unarmed and with no troops. Torpedo destroyer _Proserpina_. Torpedo-boat destroyer _Osada_. Transport _Covadonga_, carrying no guns. Collier _San Francisco_. _June 27._ The United States government, determined to delay, if possible, the progress of the fleet toward the Philippines, instructed its consul to protest to the English government against the coaling of the fleet at Port Said. In response to such protest the Egyptian government refused Admiral Camara’s request to buy coal, and also refused to allow him to hire a hundred and fifty native stokers. The U. S. transport _Yale_, laden with troops, arrived at Daiquiri.(32) The President sent to Congress the following messages: “_To the Congress of the United States_:—On the morning of the third of June, 1898, Assistant Naval Constructor Richmond P. Hobson, U. S. N., with a volunteer crew of seven men, in charge of the partially dismantled collier _Merrimac_, entered the fortified harbour of Santiago, Cuba, for the purpose of sinking the collier in the narrowest portion of the channel and thus interposing a serious obstacle to the egress of the Spanish fleet, which had recently entered that harbour. “This enterprise, demanding coolness, judgment and bravery amounting to heroism, was carried into successful execution in the face of a persistent fire from the hostile fleet as well as from the fortifications on shore. Rear-Admiral Sampson, commander-in-chief of our naval force in Cuban waters, in an official report addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, referring to Mr. Hobson’s gallant exploit, says: [Illustration: ADMIRAL CAMARA.] “‘I decided to make the harbour entrance secure against the possibility of egress of the Spanish ships by obstructing the narrow part of the entrance, by sinking a collier at that point. “‘Mr. Hobson, after several days consideration, presented a solution which he considered would ensure the immediate sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the channel. The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men, and Mr. Hobson begged that it might be entrusted to him. “‘I cannot myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the _Albemarle_.’