Five times the American fleet passed in front of the enemy, keeping
up the same deadly fire, that showed only too well the results of
American training and marksmanship. And though the Spanish guns in
the ships and the forts ceased rattling not one instant, they neither
disconcerted nor damaged in the least the Americans. It was now a
quarter of eight, and so dense was the smoke hanging over the waters,
that it was impossible for the Americans to distinguish not alone
the enemy's ships, but their own vessels, and the signals, too.
The Commodore Pipes All Hands to Breakfast.
The Commodore now wisely concluded to stop for awhile the fighting,
and allow his men a chance to take some breakfast; for the brave
fellows, after their morning's hard work, were hungry as wolves;
so the signal "cease firing" was given, and the ships were headed
for the eastern side of the bay, near the transport ships.
It is related that the Spaniards were exceedingly relieved when they
saw the Americans in--as they thought--full retreat, and many of them
stood on the decks and cheered, thinking they had gained the victory.
When the various commanders came on board to report to Commodore Dewey,
it was found that not a ship was disabled, not a gun out of order, not
a man killed or injured. It is true, Frank B. Randall, the engineer
of the McCulloch, died from heart-disease as the fleet steamed past
Corregidor, but this was not in any wise due to the engagement. Many
miraculous escapes, indeed, are related; and it is really wonderful
that no serious casualties took place. The sailors, as may easily be
imagined, were nearly wild with joy; and as all hands were piped to
breakfast, the decks were gay with merry jackies improvising a dance
of victory; while the strains of Yankee Doodle and the Star-Spangled
Banner filled the morning air. Cheery was that breakfast, and sweet,
ah, sweet was the three hours' rest so nobly earned.
The Americans Renew the Battle.
At 10.45 the boatswains' whistles and the drums announced the renewal
of the battle. Instantly every man was at his post, eager to finish
the job so well begun. Again the American squadron was headed to ward
the enemy's battle line; but several of the Spanish ships were now
almost disabled, the Cristina and the Castilla were both on fire,
and the Mindanao beached not far from Cavité.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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