Note 669, note — Chapter XXXVIII · the administrations of mckinley and roosevelt, 1897–1909.

[301] The American squadron, with Commodore Sampson in command, had long been watching the mouth of the harbor, day and night. On the morning of July 3, Sampson started for a consultation with Shafter, who was some miles east of the mouth of the bay. Before going he had left specific directions as to methods of action in case of Cervera’s appearance. Sampson was some miles away when the approach of the Spanish fleet was detected. Though he returned at once, he reached his fleet only at the close of the engagement, in which Commodore Schley (§ 685) was the highest officer taking active part.