Powell; he is likely to profit by his great courage. Young Powell is one
of the cadets from the Naval Academy whom Lieutenant Hobson secured
permission to take with him; they were in the class which Hobson
instructed, and he wished them to accompany him in order that they might
have practical experience in the effect of explosives on ships. At
Annapolis young Powell was considered one of the brightest cadets; he
graduated at the head of his class.

Spanish accounts of the blowing up of the _Merrimac_ are exceedingly
amusing. The official announcement is made that an American vessel,
trying to enter the harbor of Santiago, "was sunk by the batteries"; the
affair is described as a brilliant Spanish victory; it is also added
that Admiral Cervera personally saved an American officer from drowning,
as his ship was in close proximity to the cruiser during the engagement.
The official report goes on to say that the mines guarding the harbor
were exploded simultaneously with the opening of the fire from the
ships, forts, and batteries; congratulations were sent to Admiral
Cervera.

[Footnote: Authority for pronunciation of proper names: Century
Dictionary.]

* * * * *

Each day is taken advantage of by the Spaniards at Havana to add to
their defences. Earthworks are being rapidly thrown up in the
neighborhood of the city; a signal service has been established to
enable them to guard the coast at all the points, and they feel
confident that a successful invasion cannot take place in that part of
the island, as it is so well guarded with modern rapid-fire guns in the