harbor 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. Upon calling upon Mr. Hobson for his professional
opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship, he manifested a most
lively interest in the problem. After several days' consideration he
presented a solution which he considered would insure 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, who begged that it might be intrusted to him.

As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the
details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete
them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after
our arrival. Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o'clock in the
morning arrived and the preparations were scarcely completed. After a
careful inspection of the final preparations I was forced to relinquish
the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking. Mr. Hobson begged to
try it at all hazards.

This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made.
Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * A careful
inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the _Merrimac_
had been sunk in the channel.

I can not 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_.


The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on this memorable