information which was desired by Admiral Sampson for the guidance
of his plans. It was a dangerous undertaking, for the squad might
have been wiped out in spite of their readiness to fight, if they
had stumbled upon Spanish troops. None were met, however, the
journey was made in safety, and the landing party returned to the
fleet in triumph with the distinction of being the first actual
invaders of the Cuban soil in this warfare.

Earlier in the same day the torpedo boat Foote, in command of
Lieutenant W. L. Rogers, was directed to take soundings of the
approach to the harbor of Matanzas, an important city on the north
coast of Cuba fifty miles east of Havana. The Foote drew the first
fire definitely known to be directed against the blockading
squadron. The little scout was taking soundings within three
hundred yards of shore, when a Spanish masked battery on the east
side of the harbor, commanding the entrance, fired three shots in
quick succession. They all went wide of the mark, striking the
water nearly a quarter of a mile away from the boat. The officers
and men were momentarily startled by the volley, and then
continued their observation. The cruiser Cincinnati, which was not
far away, was hailed by the torpedo boat and Lieutenant Rogers
reported his experience. The orders of Captain Chester, in command
of the Cincinnati, did not permit him to shell Matanzas, so the
fire from the masked battery was not returned.

THE CALL TO ARMS.

It was on Monday, the 25th of April, that the national authorities
notified the governors of each state that they would be expected
to furnish volunteers for our war with Spain. The response was