The Spanish–American War (1898) in real time

[lordroel]

Day 106 of the Spanish–American War, August 3rd 1898

Key West - Permit Issued By Commodore George C. Remey, Commandant, Key West Naval Base

NAVAL BASE, KEY WEST

U. S. Flagship Lancaster, August 3, 1898

Sir:

Colonel Bosa and Mr. John F. Jova, duly accredited agents of General Maximo Gomez, have organized and expedition to land with stores and about thirty Cubans, to join the Cuban forces.

(2) The Commodore Commanding First Squadron, North Atlantic Fleet, commanding the blockading force on the north side of Cuba, has been informed of this intended expedition, and expects that a naval vessel will convoy it to the point of landing selected.

(3) The leader of the expedition being desirous of proceeding at once, without convoy, this permit is issued to the effect that the Commanding Officer of any vessel on the north coast blockade of Cuba will allow the schooner DELLIE to proceed with stores, principally of clothing and provisions, and a party of Cubans, all belonging to the expedition under Colonel Bosa, to land in the vicinity of Cay Frances, Cuba. This paper is to be countersigned, with place and date, and other data , by any United States Naval Commander examining it.

Very Respectfully,

Geo C. Remey

Commodore Commanding

Arroyo, Porto Rico - Captain Colby M. Chester To Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet

U S S Cincinnati 2nd Rate

Arroyo, Porto Rico

Aug 3rd 1898

Sir

I have the honor to report that the U S Steamers Gloucester and Wasp accompanied by Captain C. F. Goodrich of the St Louis left Ponce, Porto Rico on Aug 1st by direction of Captain Higginson of the Massachusetts to examine the ports to the eastward for a suitable place for disembarking the troops belonging to the U.S. Army Corps of Major General Brook. The Wasp returned the same day and Cap’t Goodrich reported to Cap’t Ludlow of the Terror who had just relieved me as Senior Officer, that this port, Arroyo, Porto Rico had been selected as the only place in the vicinity of Guayamo, that a landing could be made.

In the mean time I had arranged with Major General Miles commanding the Army of the United States, for the naval convoy and the transfer of a number of barges from Ponce for use in disembarking the troops and material.

The St Louis started the same night with barges in tow and the Cincinnati and St Paul followed early yesterday, the 2nd inst.

Lieut Commander Wainwright of the Gloucester had taken possession of Arroyo and held the place during the night and until the arrival of the Army.

He found it necessary to fire some shell into the country back of the town seeing which, the St Louis which had anchored in the offing since morning, steamed in and assisted her with her 5 inch guns. The reports of these officers will give the details of this capture of the town of Arroyo by the navy which was most creditable to all concerned.

The disembarkation of the Army Corps is being pushed with all possible despatch.8 In anticipation of the advance of the army on Guayama, the Cincinnati and St Louis shelled the hills between that place and its port this p. m.

Very respectfully,

C. M. Chester

Captain U.S. Navy

Comd’g U.S.S. Cincinnati

Senior Officer Present.

Off Havana, Cuba - Commodore John A. Howell, Commander, First Blockading Squadron, To Secretary Of The Navy John D. Long

U.S.Flagship San Francisco,

Off Havana, Cuba,

August 3, 1898.

Sir:-

1. I desire to make the following report of assignment of the vessels under my command on this date:-

Off Matanzas-----Siren and Uncas.

Off Sagua la Grande and vicinity-----Viking and Hawk.

Off Cardenas-----Hudson.

The Pompey has been sent to the Isle of Pines, the Mangrove has just left Matanzas for Key West for important repairs to her machinery which will keep her in port for some days, and the commanding officer of the Uncas reports that his ship will soon have to have important work done upon her machinery which will necessitate her remaining in port for some days also. I have no ships with which to relieve these vessels.

Off Havana-----Piscataqua, Marietta, Topeka, Stranger, San Francisco, Woodbury, Peoria, Castine, Oneida.

The Stranger leaves for Key West for coal and water tonight, but she should return in a few days.

Off Mariel and Bahia Honda-----Nothing. The Piscataqua was there on August 1, but the departure of ships from this station compelled me to call her in.

2. I desire to call your attention to the small number of ships with which I am supposed to keep up and efficient blockade of over four-hundred miles of coast, and also to the fact that most of these ships are of low speed, light gun fire, and would be entirely at the mercy of a hurricane. In regard to the low speed of the great part of the ships I wish to forward the following copy of a paragraph in a report to me from the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Mangrove:-

“We were alongside the Pompey coaling on the 28th(July) until 5.00 P.M., when we got underway and stood to the westward. At 11.30 P.M. sighted a steamer bound in for Matanzas; when first seen she was distant about two and one half miles; we chased her for two hours at our best speed and kept up fire on her during this time, but she was too fast for us and escaped. At 5.00 A.M. on the 29th we were about four miles off the entrance to Matanzas with no steamer in sight.” The commanding officer of the Mangrove reported verbally that since this occurrence there have been two steamers in Matanzas which have tried to escape at night, but that up to the time of his leaving that port these efforts had been frustrated by his ship and the Uncas.

3. I have to forward the following extract from a report made to me by the commanding officer of the U.S.S.Pompey, on July 31,last, just before leaving Cardenas:-

“I am glad to inform you that the health of the officers and crew is excellent.

“The rainy season has set in and rain squalls frequently extend to seaward accompanied by thunder and lightning.

“The gunboats and small vessels still show themselves inside the cays beyond our reach, but since our late captures they do not venture so far.

“The courriers from the insurgent camp report that many of the troops in and around Cardenas have been withdrawn and sent to the westward. Col. Rojas had a slight skirmish near Cardenas losing two men, killing nine men and capturing one officer. He then took his force to the mountains” Very respectfully,

J.A.Howell

Commodore, U.S.Navy,

Commanding First Squadron North Atlantic Fleet.

[miletus12]

Diary of John Henry Asendorf Wednesday, August 3rd, 1898

This is a lovely day. The sun is shining brightly and it is hot all day and a good breeze is blowing. All day we all take advantage and wash our clothing. We all are expected to go on outpost again tomorrow with one battery of the First Colorado, the Astor Battery and the Second Battalion of the Nebraska/ Today, the 23rd and 14th Regiments of the Regulars are pitching tents right next to us southward. Snyder who was shot through the breast died today and is laid to rest with the others in the church yard. This evening the natives informed us that we must bury out dead elsewhere. I expect we will have to remove our dead comrades and select and establish a cemetery for our own exclusive use. This has been a nice day all day. [Frank] Christopher, [Frank] Shanaberger and [John] Turley are on the sick list.

Rest and refit for the 10th Pennsylvania after the 1 August dustup.

Diary of James J. Loughrey August 3, 1898

I went on outpost duty at 8 a.m., arriving at Pasay Crossroads at 9 am. One man was shot last night. I met a Pennsylvanian man bringing his gun from the trenches. It had been knocked out of his hand and, on examination, I discovered a bullet embedded behind the ramrod, below the stocking swivel. Only two shots at long range were fired during my spell of duty.

The 1st California Volunteer Infantry had relieved the 10th Pennsylvania. Merritt is still trying to figure out how to crack this nut of Manila City. SQUIRREL!

Diary of Lieutenant X (Aime Ernest Motsch) Wednesday, August 3, 1898

The weather has been horrible these past three days. A brisk wind from the southwest is causing an increasingly turbulent sea. Land communications have been particularly difficult. General Greene profusely thanked his troops for this battle (although I personally feel that too much importance is given to it), since it only cost seven lives.

The funny thing is how the French sailor describes the weather in the Bay. It was horrible. Ships had to keep their sea anchors out and it was like the Caribbean Sea in August, with squalls and mini-tempests bobbing the ships about in that anchorage. Sort of like Guadalcanal in 1942 at this same month.

Diary of Miguel Saderra Maso Miércoles 3 de Agosto 1898

There seems to be in the insurgent camp, sympathy for Spain. Pio del Pilar has volunteered to bring in food stuffs, selling us cows and carabaos. News is received in Manila of the fall of Dagupan into the insurgents’ hands last 30 July. Seven hundred men who had for a long time defended that town surrendered to the enemy with their arms and equipment. Scarcity of supplies in Manila is daily becoming worse. Every day horses are slaughtered and sold at the price of carabao meat.

The man is Whistling Dixie.

[lordroel]

Day 107 of the Spanish–American War, August 4th 1898

United States

In a two-and-a-half hour meeting, US President McKinley and French Ambassador Cambon draft a treaty.

The "Round-Robin Letter" appear in US newspapers. The letter is quite clear in its call to action, skipping the usual military formality and including statements such as "...the whole command is so weakened and shattered as to be ripe for dying like rotten sheep..." and "Quarantine against malarial fever is much like quarantining against the toothache." The letter is deliberately leaked to Associated Press correspondents at corps headquarters, who cable it to the US, where it is published nationwide. 

Philippines

The Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines, Basilio Augustín, is replaced with Fermín Jáudenes after the Spanish government learns that Augustín attempted to surrender to US Admiral George Dewey.

United States - Secretary Of The Navy John D. Long To Commodore John A Howell, Commander, First Blockading Squadron

NAVAL DEPARTMENT,

Washington, Aug. 4,1898.

Sir:

1. Your two letters of July 27th to the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station, and to the Navy Department, representing the conditions of blockade of north coast of Cuba, the considerable traffic going on through Saguala Grande, and the need of more vessels for the due maintenance of the blockade, have been received and considered by the Department.

2. Vessels will be sent to you when, and as rapidly as, the number at the Department’s disposal consistently with the demands of other necessary services will permit.

3. When Acting Rear Admiral Sampson sails with the fleet that is to cross the Atlantic, you will receive an order constituting you Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Squadron, during his absence. This places under your general supervision and direction all operations in Cuba, including the blockade of both the north and south coasts, and also the operations in Porto Rico; with authority, of course, to commit such special portions thereof as you may think best to the immediate control of other officers under your command, and in view of this probable temporary change of Commander-in-Chief, the following observations are made:

4. As the hurricane season is approaching the Department does not think it expedient to extend the blockade of the north coast of Cuba to the eastward of Cardenas, there being no near harbor of refuge for vessels employed off Sagua [la Grande]. Blockades to the eastward of Cardenas, when established, have been so done only by temporary act of the Commander-in-Chief, and not by the proclamation of the President, and they should be discontinued for the present, unless you are prepared to recommend some particular stretch of coast where a near port of refuge, like Gibara or Nipe, may be found.

5. With reference to the south coast blockade, which by existing proclamation of the President extends from Cape Cruz to Cape Frances, the Department desires extremely to see the waters between the Isle of Pines and Batabano occupied by three or four light draft vessels, with local pilots, if procurable. The concentration of effort at this point and Cienfuegos cannot but have the most serious effect upon Havana, The vessels off Cienfuegos should be as powerful as can be properly assigned to that duty and should be instructed to acquaint themselves with the anchorages within fifty miles - especially to the eastward - where it seems that fair shelter from the sea in heavy weather may be obtained.

6. It is believed that one of the colliers at your disposition - the “Pompey,” for example - could be taken behind the Isle of Pines, when only partly loaded. The determination of the exact draft to be taken in should be referred by you to some competent officer on the spot, and this vessel anchored there for the use of the blockaders.

7. Since the fall of Santiago, the blockade of the south coast from Trinidad to the eastward evidently becomes relatively and progressively unimportant, the great center of interest being unquestionably Havana. With this remark the distribution of the force will be left to your discretion.

8. The operations in Porto Rico are purely for the support of the movements of the Army, except the blockade of San Juan, which has been proclaimed, and which you will therefore maintain. The monitors - “Puritan,” “Terror” and “Amphitrite”-the Department desires kept in Porto Rican waters, in as safe an anchorage from hurricanes as can be had, in case the support of their heavy guns be required during the absence of Rear Admiral Sampson with the fleet of armored ships.

9. With reference to very light draft vessels as suggested by you, to operate on the north coast between the cays and the mainland, the attention of the Department has already been earnestly directed to this point; but of the only kind of vessels at all fitted for such service, such unfavorable accounts have been received as to their structural strength, and ability to make even a fair weather passage, that it has been thought advisable to enter upon the changes necessary to prepare them for service there.

10.It is considered by the Department expedient that the operations in the waters of Porto Rico should be personally directed either by yourself or by Commodore Schley, who has lately had the “Newark” designated as his flagship. Therefore you will please make the necessary orders in the premises when you assume command.

11.This arrangement is not intended to restrict your command of the station but simply to have an officer in special charge of the operations about Porto Rico, that island being separated by a considerable distance from the Cuban blockade, which latter also requires close supervision.

United States - Secretary of The Navy John D. Long To Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet.

TELEGRAM

Washington, August 4, 1898.

Negotiations are pending with Spain. Therefore do not sail with ocean fleet until further orders.

LONG.

Very respectfully,

Secretary.

[miletus12]

Aug 3, 2022 2:55:16 GMT lordroel said:

Day 106 of the Spanish–American War, August 3rd 1898

Key West - Permit Issued By Commodore George C. Remey, Commandant, Key West Naval Base

NAVAL BASE, KEY WEST

U. S. Flagship Lancaster, August 3, 1898

Sir:

Colonel Bosa and Mr. John F. Jova, duly accredited agents of General Maximo Gomez, have organized and expedition to land with stores and about thirty Cubans, to join the Cuban forces.

(2) The Commodore Commanding First Squadron, North Atlantic Fleet, commanding the blockading force on the north side of Cuba, has been informed of this intended expedition, and expects that a naval vessel will convoy it to the point of landing selected.

(3) The leader of the expedition being desirous of proceeding at once, without convoy, this permit is issued to the effect that the Commanding Officer of any vessel on the north coast blockade of Cuba will allow the schooner DELLIE to proceed with stores, principally of clothing and provisions, and a party of Cubans, all belonging to the expedition under Colonel Bosa, to land in the vicinity of Cay Frances, Cuba. This paper is to be countersigned, with place and date, and other data , by any United States Naval Commander examining it.

Very Respectfully,

Geo C. Remey

Commodore Commanding

What was the point?
 
Who was Bernabe' Boza Sanchez? 

Bernabé Boza Sánchez, Brigadier General of the Liberation Army, is born



 Bernabé Boza Sánchez, Brigadier General of the Liberation Army, is born

Daris Rondón Laurencio

February 3, 2021

On February 4, 1858, Bernabé Boza Sánchez, Brigadier General of the Liberation Army, was born in Puerto Príncipe, Camagüey province. He was the son of wealthy parents, but with pro-independence ideas.

His childhood

Since he was little he followed his father ideas and for this reason, at the age of ten, when the war for Cuban independence broke out in La Demajagua, on October 10th, 1868; his mother sent him abroad knowing of his rebellious ideas. He joined the War of ’68 at a very young age.

His passion for freedom

He returned to Cuba six years later, in 1874, to join the Mambisas ranks; in February 1878, he rose to the rank of First Sergeant. Years after the end of the war he kept waiting for a new uprising and in 1895 he rose up again with Major General Máximo Gómez Báez, who put him at the head of his escort; becoming a member of his staff.

He excelled in various battles during the War of 95, concluding with the rank of Brigadier General. After the first intervention of the United States on the island, he was mayor in Santa María del Rosario, Havana, to later become part of the House of Representatives after the establishment of the Neocolonial Republic, paying close attention to social works.

He continued his fight for independence and joined the independence fighters against the United States after the second American intervention in 1906.

When the Patriotic Board was formed by Salvador Cisneros Betancourt he joined him, always keeping firm the principles for which he fought from an early age, strongly criticizing annexationist ideas.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García

Cuban patriot and bandito. He was Gomez liaison with the Americans.  That meant he had to arrange supplies, advisors and rendezvous points between the Americans who bankrolled Gomez and his banditos. ^That landing spot is most curious. I wonder how much Sanchez stole? 

======================================================

Aug 3, 2022 2:55:16 GMT lordroel said:

Arroyo, Porto Rico - Captain Colby M. Chester To Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet

U S S Cincinnati 2nd Rate

Arroyo, Porto Rico

Aug 3rd 1898

Sir

I have the honor to report that the U S Steamers Gloucester and Wasp accompanied by Captain C. F. Goodrich of the St Louis left Ponce, Porto Rico on Aug 1st by direction of Captain Higginson of the Massachusetts to examine the ports to the eastward for a suitable place for disembarking the troops belonging to the U.S. Army Corps of Major General Brook. The Wasp returned the same day and Cap’t Goodrich reported to Cap’t Ludlow of the Terror who had just relieved me as Senior Officer, that this port, Arroyo, Porto Rico had been selected as the only place in the vicinity of Guayamo, that a landing could be made.

In the meantime I had arranged with Major General Miles commanding the Army of the United States, for the naval convoy and the transfer of a number of barges from Ponce for use in disembarking the troops and material.

The St Louis started the same night with barges in tow and the Cincinnati and St Paul followed early yesterday, the 2nd inst.

Lieut Commander Wainwright of the Gloucester had taken possession of Arroyo and held the place during the night and until the arrival of the Army.

He found it necessary to fire some shell into the country back of the town seeing which, the St Louis which had anchored in the offing since morning, steamed in and assisted her with her 5 inch guns. The reports of these officers will give the details of this capture of the town of Arroyo by the navy which was most creditable to all concerned.

The disembarkation of the Army Corps is being pushed with all possible despatch.8 In anticipation of the advance of the army on Guayama, the Cincinnati and St Louis shelled the hills between that place and its port this p. m.

Very respectfully,

C. M. Chester

Captain U.S. Navy

Comd’g U.S.S. Cincinnati

Senior Officer Present.

This is Chester's follow up report to Higginson's "Don't Blame Me For This Farce" letter of 2 Aug 1898.  The USS Gloucester, USS Wasp and USS St Louis wasted a lot of ammunition shooting up the back country.   

Aug 3, 2022 2:55:16 GMT lordroel said:

Off Havana, Cuba - Commodore John A. Howell, Commander, First Blockading Squadron, To Secretary Of The Navy John D. Long

U.S.Flagship San Francisco,

Off Havana, Cuba,

August 3, 1898.

Sir:-

1. I desire to make the following report of assignment of the vessels under my command on this date:-

Off Matanzas-----Siren and Uncas.

Off Sagua la Grande and vicinity-----Viking and Hawk.

Off Cardenas-----Hudson.

The Pompey has been sent to the Isle of Pines, the Mangrove has just left Matanzas for Key West for important repairs to her machinery which will keep her in port for some days, and the commanding officer of the Uncas reports that his ship will soon have to have important work done upon her machinery which will necessitate her remaining in port for some days also. I have no ships with which to relieve these vessels.

Off Havana-----Piscataqua, Marietta, Topeka, Stranger, San Francisco, Woodbury, Peoria, Castine, Oneida.

The Stranger leaves for Key West for coal and water tonight, but she should return in a few days.

Off Mariel and Bahia Honda-----Nothing. The Piscataqua was there on August 1, but the departure of ships from this station compelled me to call her in.

2. I desire to call your attention to the small number of ships with which I am supposed to keep up and efficient blockade of over four-hundred miles of coast, and also to the fact that most of these ships are of low speed, light gun fire, and would be entirely at the mercy of a hurricane. In regard to the low speed of the great part of the ships I wish to forward the following copy of a paragraph in a report to me from the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Mangrove:-

“We were alongside the Pompey coaling on the 28th(July) until 5.00 P.M., when we got underway and stood to the westward. At 11.30 P.M. sighted a steamer bound in for Matanzas; when first seen she was distant about two and one half miles; we chased her for two hours at our best speed and kept up fire on her during this time, but she was too fast for us and escaped. At 5.00 A.M. on the 29th we were about four miles off the entrance to Matanzas with no steamer in sight.” The commanding officer of the Mangrove reported verbally that since this occurrence there have been two steamers in Matanzas which have tried to escape at night, but that up to the time of his leaving that port these efforts had been frustrated by his ship and the Uncas.

3. I have to forward the following extract from a report made to me by the commanding officer of the U.S.S.Pompey, on July 31,last, just before leaving Cardenas:-

“I am glad to inform you that the health of the officers and crew is excellent.

“The rainy season has set in and rain squalls frequently extend to seaward accompanied by thunder and lightning.

“The gunboats and small vessels still show themselves inside the cays beyond our reach, but since our late captures they do not venture so far.

“The courriers from the insurgent camp report that many of the troops in and around Cardenas have been withdrawn and sent to the westward. Col. Rojas had a slight skirmish near Cardenas losing two men, killing nine men and capturing one officer. He then took his force to the mountains” Very respectfully,

J.A.Howell

Commodore, U.S.Navy,

Commanding First Squadron North Atlantic Fleet.

The inventor of the Howell Torpedo has sent his boss a "Don't Blame Me Letter". for the collapse of the northern blockade as of this date. Reason? Wrong ships. Not enough ships. Too slow ships. And by inference... Admiral Sampson has mismanaged everything on scene. Only ONE of those excuses is valid.      

[miletus12]

Aug 4, 2022 2:49:47 GMT lordroel said:

Day 107 of the Spanish–American War, August 4th 1898

United States

In a two-and-a-half hour meeting, US President McKinley and French Ambassador Cambon draft a treaty.

The "Round-Robin Letter" appear in US newspapers. The letter is quite clear in its call to action, skipping the usual military formality and including statements such as "...the whole command is so weakened and shattered as to be ripe for dying like rotten sheep..." and "Quarantine against malarial fever is much like quarantining against the toothache." The letter is deliberately leaked to Associated Press correspondents at corps headquarters, who cable it to the US, where it is published nationwide. 

We had covered the Round Robin Letter a few days ago in the 29 July meeting at Siboney where V Corps generals and staff cornered Pecos Bill in a situation, very much like the meeting Admiral Cervera had with his captains before they left Cape Verde for their rendezvous with Schley and the Shoot-ex at Bahia de Santiago. Unlike Cervera, though, who "served" his government even though they misserved him and sent him an impossible mission.  Pecos Bill, to his credit, gave his generals and colonels; (Notice that Duffield was not among them?), the "eye wink" when he objected to their scheme to leak the situation of the malaria epidemic to the newspapers. That is, he "officially" told them not to front out Teddy Roosevelt and make him the face man for yet another news story about how the War Department mismanaged its side of the war. Unofficially, I think he told Leonard Wood and Teddy Roosevelt to raise the stink, because while Pecos Bill was a rotten general and an overweight oaf, he did care about his troops. This was and it did not help the career of Pecos Bill, because "thou shalt not open the outhouse and let the public see what's inside." In other words, Russell Alger and William McKinley were made to look like the people they were.        

On the diplomatic front...

The Spanish-American War had hardly started when diplomats in Europe and the United States began to try to end it. Great Britain and France made the first attempts. American officials were willing to confide in the British, but they quickly backed away when Britain involved the Austrian government. French efforts to initiate cease-fire talks in Paris failed as well. Negotiations then began in Washington, and during July and August 1898, President William McKinley met five times with French Ambassador Jules Martin Cambon to arrange an armistice. These events provide insight into McKinley's foreign policy and political skills. They also reveal how French officials regarded American expansionism and the role France played in ending the war.

It was commonly taught that initially the Americans had gone about this business of diplomacy by asking the British for advice because after all the Americans were "amateurs" and the British were professionals. The Americans put out peace feelers as early as June 1898 when they thought they were in trouble, but the British, who were consulted, tried to palm their role as intermediary interlocutors onto Austria Hungary so they could claim that they did their best and it was the Austrians who screwed things up. THAT did not suit the Americans at all, who were conniving with the Ottomans and the Egyptians about mid July to snarl up Camara's expedition and to get the Ottomans additionally to stir up their pirate cousins in the Sulu Sultanate to make trouble (declare jihad) for the Spanish in the southern Philippine Archipelago. 

Add to the stew that the Americans and Germans were playing sour notes at each other in the "Manila Bay Symphony for Inept Germans in D Flat", and why would the Americans trust the AUSTRIANS to be a honest broker go-between? 

That leaves the French. McKinley has leverage. If he can get them onboard to talk to the Sagasta Regime, he can sell the Spaniards an out that is kind of not "Plunge Spain Into Civil War" as the Army Tries to Save Its "Honor" " sort of chaos.   

The French were eager to help. They did not want an American outpost in Europe or in North Africa. Plus: it would spoke-jam the Germans' imperialist wheels if the Americans got everything that they said to the French that they wanted, and that was a very good reason for FRANCE to shape the kind of peace that could result.

Between Ciorbin and McKinley this was the initial truce settlement in progress as of this date.

1. Cessation of active combat.
2. Spain recognizes an independent Cuba.
3. Spain immediately cedes Puerto Rico and Guam.
4. Spain turns over Manila City and its environs to American forces.

A formal treaty would be negotiated through the good offices of France. 

Cambon was authorized to make some sort of deal about 25 July forward, but the situation with the Camara Expedition and Target Two (Puerto Rico) had not been settled yet. Camara was at Cartagena, twiddling at anchor, and Miles' "picnic" seemed on schedule. The American Navy was worried a bit about Manila Bay and the porous Cuban blockade, and the war was in a hold pattern, waiting on bad news to prod the Spaniards to pack it in. That Round Robin letter broke into headlines and that was the holdup. The Spaniards were playing for time hoping General Disease could do what Tercios could not. They remembered Haiti. Plus Hurricane season is just around a couple of weeks away.          
      

Aug 4, 2022 2:49:47 GMT lordroel said:

Philippines

The Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines, Basilio Augustín, is replaced with Fermín Jáudenes after the Spanish government learns that Augustín attempted to surrender to US Admiral George Dewey.

The Spaniards got wind of what Dewey was up to. First attempts at a negotiated surrender failed. *(The bribes did not include Jaudenes in the payoffs and he ratted Augustin out. M.). 

Aug 4, 2022 2:49:47 GMT lordroel said:

United States - Secretary Of The Navy John D. Long To Commodore John A Howell, Commander, First Blockading Squadron

NAVAL DEPARTMENT,

Washington, Aug. 4,1898.

Sir:

1. Your two letters of July 27th to the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station, and to the Navy Department, representing the conditions of blockade of north coast of Cuba, the considerable traffic going on through Saguala Grande, and the need of more vessels for the due maintenance of the blockade, have been received and considered by the Department.

2. Vessels will be sent to you when, and as rapidly as, the number at the Department’s disposal consistently with the demands of other necessary services will permit.

3. When Acting Rear Admiral Sampson sails with the fleet that is to cross the Atlantic, you will receive an order constituting you Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Squadron, during his absence. This places under your general supervision and direction all operations in Cuba, including the blockade of both the north and south coasts, and also the operations in Porto Rico; with authority, of course, to commit such special portions thereof as you may think best to the immediate control of other officers under your command, and in view of this probable temporary change of Commander-in-Chief, the following observations are made:

4. As the hurricane season is approaching the Department does not think it expedient to extend the blockade of the north coast of Cuba to the eastward of Cardenas, there being no near harbor of refuge for vessels employed off Sagua [la Grande]. Blockades to the eastward of Cardenas, when established, have been so done only by temporary act of the Commander-in-Chief, and not by the proclamation of the President, and they should be discontinued for the present, unless you are prepared to recommend some particular stretch of coast where a near port of refuge, like Gibara or Nipe, may be found.

5. With reference to the south coast blockade, which by existing proclamation of the President extends from Cape Cruz to Cape Frances, the Department desires extremely to see the waters between the Isle of Pines and Batabano occupied by three or four light draft vessels, with local pilots, if procurable. The concentration of effort at this point and Cienfuegos cannot but have the most serious effect upon Havana, The vessels off Cienfuegos should be as powerful as can be properly assigned to that duty and should be instructed to acquaint themselves with the anchorages within fifty miles - especially to the eastward - where it seems that fair shelter from the sea in heavy weather may be obtained.

6. It is believed that one of the colliers at your disposition - the “Pompey,” for example - could be taken behind the Isle of Pines, when only partly loaded. The determination of the exact draft to be taken in should be referred by you to some competent officer on the spot, and this vessel anchored there for the use of the blockaders.

7. Since the fall of Santiago, the blockade of the south coast from Trinidad to the eastward evidently becomes relatively and progressively unimportant, the great center of interest being unquestionably Havana. With this remark the distribution of the force will be left to your discretion.

8. The operations in Porto Rico are purely for the support of the movements of the Army, except the blockade of San Juan, which has been proclaimed, and which you will therefore maintain. The monitors - “Puritan,” “Terror” and “Amphitrite”-the Department desires kept in Porto Rican waters, in as safe an anchorage from hurricanes as can be had, in case the support of their heavy guns be required during the absence of Rear Admiral Sampson with the fleet of armored ships.

9. With reference to very light draft vessels as suggested by you, to operate on the north coast between the cays and the mainland, the attention of the Department has already been earnestly directed to this point; but of the only kind of vessels at all fitted for such service, such unfavorable accounts have been received as to their structural strength, and ability to make even a fair weather passage, that it has been thought advisable to enter upon the changes necessary to prepare them for service there.

10.It is considered by the Department expedient that the operations in the waters of Porto Rico should be personally directed either by yourself or by Commodore Schley, who has lately had the “Newark” designated as his flagship. Therefore you will please make the necessary orders in the premises when you assume command.

11.This arrangement is not intended to restrict your command of the station but simply to have an officer in special charge of the operations about Porto Rico, that island being separated by a considerable distance from the Cuban blockade, which latter also requires close supervision.

This is not what it seems. Officially, Sampson was still scheduled to head to Ceuta, North Africa in September with the battle-fleet, to take the place as a base of operations to make war upon the Spanish metropole.  What actually happened here, is that he was "reassigned" away from commanding Caribbean Sea operations, along with Schley in the ruffle shuffle, because the two of them were at loggerheads. The newspapers, as they were gleefully trumpeting the beef scandal, and the V Corps medical catastrophe, were going to light off that feud inside the navy, and it will largely be Sampson who feeds those vultures fresh Schley meat.   The North Atlantic Squadron was defacto in a state of disorganized command chaos as officers were either drifting into the Sampson Camp or Schley Camp. Howell was the next in line in command by seniority to handle the Caribbean Sea operations and so the manure always rolls downhill, and he will be the one to catch it in this instance. Notice that the "naval staff" tells HIM, Howell, how to scale back his own proposed operations and prepare for the hurricane season?  Sampson is technically through. He just does not know it yet.   

Aug 4, 2022 2:49:47 GMT lordroel said:

United States - Secretary of The Navy John D. Long To Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet.

TELEGRAM

Washington, August 4, 1898.

Negotiations are pending with Spain. Therefore do not sail with ocean fleet until further orders.

LONG.

Very respectfully,

Secretary.

Translation into plain political language; "Float in place upon your keels, you idiot, and do not do anything stupid!" 
  
Notice that George Dewey did not get any "Hold in place!"  orders, nor Howell?  

[miletus12]

Diary of John Henry Asendorf Thursday, August 4th, 1898

This is another pretty day. We all marched off promptly at 8:00 a.m. up the road towards Manila. We are leaving this road now and take the road for Pasay. This road crosses the Manila road and runs towards the beach. Companies C and H were stationed at the crossroads. I was detailed with two others under Sergeant Hagan to occupy Outpost No. 1 The rest of the regiment was stationed at Pasay right back (behind) of the native’s outpost. At about noon, Company C was ordered on to the firing line. Twelve men under Lieutenant Howard were detailed on outpost about 500 yards ahead of us. Later on, the rest of us were detailed to different places along the line to repair the breastworks. Just as soon as it began to get dark, the enemy and insurgents kept their firing up continuously but all the bullets passed way over our heads showing us that the Spaniards were aiming entirely too high. But, this made it very unpleasant for us, moreso for the outpost who were always in great danger. During all this time the rain just poured down the whole time. Every one of us were drenched to the skin. In the morning we were relieved by the Idaho boys. [Frank] Christopher and [Frank] Shanaberger remain on the sick list.

The Spanish, at land and sea, kept making the same mistake. They did not allow for the muzzle climb tendency of poudre blanco propelled projectiles. High and to the left on an M1892 Mauser. The Krag was lower velocity, but had the same kind of "push". Just, not as pronounced was it. The American "regulars" had learned it during their last Native American campaigns and applied "Sioux Windage".

Diary of Lieutenant X (Aime Ernest Motsch) Thursday, August 4, 1898

This morning, the American monitor, Monterey, arrived in Cavite, escorted by a commercial steamer. Crossing the Pacific on this monitor weighing 4,000 tons must have been a remarkable exercise for the sailors. The Yankees’ prowess at sea is sure evidence that they have English blood in their veins.

Now that Camara’s squadron and the Pelayo have retired to Europe, what does Dewey need this monitor for? I am certain that the Monterey will not return to America, proving once again that they do covet this exceptional colony. They have come and intend to remain here. The insurgents are not blind and must have drawn their own conclusions at the sight of the Monterey with its 30cm cannons and the two 22cm guns in their turrets. Not even Spain has ever threatened Manila with cannons of this caliber. The Spaniards have certainly come up against a formidable negotiator. The Monterey, anchored in this bay, is an absolute fortress of steel.

Saturday’s fighting lasted three hours. It was a terrible night. General Greene had pushed the retrenchment forward at Camp Dewey with an impudence which could have cost him dearly if he were confronted with a better armed and more skilled enemy instead of the Spaniards who, with merely 3,000 men, advanced behind the bamboo and mangrove bushes extending along the right-hand side of the enemy lines, taking the Yankees completely by surprise. These Americans do not really understand the tactics of war. Their strength is based on an arrogance which will be their undoing the day that they pit themselves against an organized enemy. A division of Yankees could easily be overthrown by a German brigade.

1. It was just evidence, that good training, good officers and good crews produce good navies in spite of lousy ships.
2.

This is why she is in Manila Bay.

Germany's Colonial Ambition In the Philippines 1898

October 15, 2012

Following the defeat of the Spanish fleet at the hands of Dewey's American squadron in Manila Bay, Berlin dispatched its "Ostasiatische Kreuzergeschwader" (East Asia Squadron) under the command of Admiral Otto von Diederichs to the Philippines, the instruction: to protect German interests, and if possible, seize a colonial concession in the Philippines.

It took a while before von Diedrichs was able to assemble his fleet, but by mid-June 1898, the German squadron numbering to 5 ships (consisting of SMS Kaiser, SMS Irene, SMS Cormoran, SMS Kaiserin Augusta and SMS Prinzess Wilhelm) was at the entrance of Manila Bay, enough to post a serious challenge against the American fleet. This led Dewey to imposed a naval blockade not only against the Germans but also against the other foreign warships (of Great Britain, France, and Japan) lurking at Manila Bay. But the provoking actions and presence of the German fleet did not end there, the Germans violated Dewey’s blockade of Manila by bringing in a supply of flour to the trapped and beleaguered Spaniards and even treating the sick Spanish residents aboard the German vessels.

The breaking point came when the German gunboat Cormoran refused to acknowledge signals from the Americans to be boarded for inspection. The gunboat had to be stopped by firing a shot across its bow. Von Diederichs then sent an officer to complain about Dewey’s provocative acts. The incident almost got the Americans and Germans to an exchange of fire. Finally, realizing that Spain would not sell the Philippines to her, and with the arrival of the American expeditionary forces, Germany abandoned her colonial ambition in the country. A few weeks later, the Treaty of Paris was signed

This was the SMS Kaiser.



This was the arrogant idiot whose squadron was poking around. 



The SMS Kaiser was a citadel battery ship, an ironclad rebuilt from a steam-sail armored central battery frigate. In her final configuration she carried eight 10.2 inch (26 cm) / 22 BNLR guns. Her secondary battery was a mix of seven 3.5 inch (8.8 cm) / 30 and  a dozen 1.5 inch (3.7 cm) / 40 rapid fire guns. Between them, USS Olympia and USS Baltimore might have taken that 9,000 ton behemoth, but it would have been close. Her main citadel was an armored box of iron backed steel plate 8 inches thick.      



3. 

Our French Lieutenant should just stick to torpedoes. (^^^)
 
Diary of Miguel Saderra Maso

This evening and the following electric lighting will be switched off in all the surrounding areas of the town.

Translation into plain English. Dewey's squadron has moved into bombardment range of Manila. And so has Merritt's field guns. 

Diary of James J. Loughrey August 4, 1898

I returned to camp from outpost duty at 10 a.m. Captain Richter died of his wounds during the day. We had a checkroll report at 9 p.m.

The 10th Pennsylvania is at Pasay and apparently the 1st California has / was pulled out of line for a field inspection. Something must be wrong if MacArthur pulled them out for a stand too inspection. Loughrey does not tell us what happened to cause this strange event.    

[lordroel]

Day 108 of the Spanish–American War, August 5th 1898

Puerto Rico

When Dr. Santiago Veve Calzada, an influential Fajardo civic leader, realized that the Spaniards had withdrawn and the city of Fajardo was defenseless against the invading Americans, he entreated the Spanish authorities in San Juan over the next two days to dispatch troops to defend Fajardo. Believing that the Spanish forces would not come to his aid, Veve went to the lighthouse to seek American protection of his town from the Spanish.

Obtaining an invitation from Captains Rodgers and Charles J. Barclay of Amphitrite, Dr. Veve and other Fajardan civic leaders rowed out to the American monitor and persuaded the naval captains to protect the women and children of the prominent town families from a feared Spanish reprisal. Leyden had since returned from St. Thomas and Puritan, Hannibal and the two army transports proceeded on to Ponce.

Offshore of Fajardo, Captain Barclay, commander of Amphitrite, Ensign Albert Campbell, a few prominent Fajardan leaders, including Veve and a landing party of 14 bluejackets boarded the shallow-draft Leyden and navigated through the shoals to shore. The American bluejackets and the contingent of Fajardans posted the American flag at the Customs House in the harbor and marched to the town where they hoisted the United States flag over the City Hall. Before the sailors returned to their ship, Barclay organized a citizens militia to patrol the town and appointed Dr. Veve as military governor of the eastern region of Puerto Rico.

Governor General Macias dispatched Colonel Pedro del Pino and 200 men, including provisional troops and civil guardsmen from San Juan to recapture Fajardo. When the citizenry learned that the Spanish troops were coming, panic and fear ensued among those who had sided with the Americans. The citizen militia was disbanded and the citizens who had joined in the sedition fled to neighboring towns and into the hills. Dr. Veve and several other town leaders went to Amphitrite.

[miletus12]

Aug 5, 2022 7:35:31 GMT lordroel said:

Day 108 of the Spanish–American War, August 5th 1898

Puerto Rico

When Dr. Santiago Veve Calzada, an influential Fajardo civic leader, realized that the Spaniards had withdrawn and the city of Fajardo was defenseless against the invading Americans, he entreated the Spanish authorities in San Juan over the next two days to dispatch troops to defend Fajardo. Believing that the Spanish forces would not come to his aid, Veve went to the lighthouse to seek American protection of his town from the Spanish.

Obtaining an invitation from Captains Rodgers and Charles J. Barclay of Amphitrite, Dr. Veve and other Fajardan civic leaders rowed out to the American monitor and persuaded the naval captains to protect the women and children of the prominent town families from a feared Spanish reprisal. Leyden had since returned from St. Thomas and Puritan, Hannibal and the two army transports proceeded on to Ponce.

Offshore of Fajardo, Captain Barclay, commander of Amphitrite, Ensign Albert Campbell, a few prominent Fajardan leaders, including Veve and a landing party of 14 bluejackets boarded the shallow-draft Leyden and navigated through the shoals to shore. The American bluejackets and the contingent of Fajardans posted the American flag at the Customs House in the harbor and marched to the town where they hoisted the United States flag over the City Hall. Before the sailors returned to their ship, Barclay organized a citizens militia to patrol the town and appointed Dr. Veve as military governor of the eastern region of Puerto Rico.

Governor General Macias dispatched Colonel Pedro del Pino and 200 men, including provisional troops and civil guardsmen from San Juan to recapture Fajardo. When the citizenry learned that the Spanish troops were coming, panic and fear ensued among those who had sided with the Americans. The citizen militia was disbanded and the citizens who had joined in the sedition fled to neighboring towns and into the hills. Dr. Veve and several other town leaders went to Amphitrite.

This is a prelude to a further week-long debacle. Just have to wait a bit.

========================================================================

Diary of John Henry Asendorf Friday, August 5th, 1898

It was still raining as we arrived in camp at 10:00 a.m. We were all tired and needed rest badly. We didn’t even have sufficient food to satisfy our hunger. Our tents were partly blown down again. We heard a report that the USS Monterey had come in and we are all anxious to march on Manila. In the evening the insurgents marched past our camp about 1,000 men strong. About midnight we hear the cracks of cannon and rifle shot. George Miller, [Frank] Christopher and [Frank] Shanaberger are on the sick list.

Several things to be noticed:
1. The field kitchens are not up and running and rations are not making it to the forward camps.
2. Asendorf and the 10th Pennsylvania are doing a day in and day out rotation on the front line.
3. The 10th Pennsylvania are far enough inland that they cannot see a big 60 meter long floating flatiron bobbing out there just north of Sangley Point.
4. The Katipunan and the Spaniards are making a lot of noise to the north of Pasay.
5. Three more malaria casualties. The weather is not helping either.

Diary of Lieutenant X (Aime Ernest Motsch) Friday, August 5, 1898

It is said that the Monterey has brought formal orders to attack. But perhaps the victor and the vanquished would eventually end the fighting and maybe even settle their problem without combat.

There is threat of a typhoon. The strong winds from the west have worsened the situation at sea. We are forced to close all portsides and doors to keep the water from coming in. The defense mounted by the junk boats at the mouth of the Pasig River has failed. We have been enduring these torrential tropical rains for a month now. The Tagals, however, are indifferent to the weather, and continue surrounding Manila and the countryside. What would the Americans do here without them? Sinking a fleet at anchor is certainly only the first step towards the conquest of a country that is bigger than Hongkong or Ireland.

The shots heard on the evening of August 1 and 2 came from the attacks attempted by General Agustin and his units against the Americans in their trenches. Insignificant losses with no decisive results.

Tonight, a dramatic turn of events. We have learned from the consulate that the governor general of the Philippines, General Agustin, has been removed from office. Nothing could be more ridiculous; for the past four days, he has been working secretly at his desk. But what is more revolting is the example set by Madrid, whose policies are an incredible mixture of stupidity, incoherence, inertia and hysterical indecisions.

General Jaudenes y Jaudenes has been appointed governor, with Francisco Rizzo his deputy. This is nothing compared to General Monet’s appointment as chief of defense after deserting his post and his men, a constant subject of severe criticism. Together with his 2,800 men and General Agustin’s family, he found himself surrounded by insurgents since June. Under the pretext of escorting Mrs. Agustin and her five children across the Tagal lines, General Monet and his aide-de-camp abandoned their men. Some say that the true version of the story is that Monet abandoned his troops because he was aware of the implacable hatred of the Tagals. Of all the Spaniards, he is the most hated by the Tagals, having allegedly exerted heavy-handed authority by putting to death thousands of natives, women and children included, during the last repression of the uprising.

In order to promote more confusion, the same newspapers which carried news items regarding Agustin’s downfall have also reprinted an article published in Spain, dated the 21st of July, in which the new governor sings high praises to “the heroism of the Philippine army, its illustrious chief, and the nation.” The appointment orders dated the 24th were evidently pre-empted by the newspaper article.

All these insincere half-truths disgust us. Have people really reached this level? One could almost say that the empty pride of the vanquished found glory in their defeat. There is nothing else left for this nation but to face death.

1. The rumors about a sell-out have finally reached our French torpedo officer. It is more likely that any orders for Dewey forwarded from Washington via San Francisco, have come forward via Hong Kong. This would be a dispatch shuttle carried by one of the ships Dewey sends to Hong Kong to bring back supplies of food and parts to maintain his crews and ships.

2. Motsch mentions the weather and how turbulent the bay is. Storms usually come in from the EAST. In January 1898 the Philippine Islands had a terrible one. It came in from the east complete with a tidal wave.



The situation in August was not too good either, Around this date, Taiwan was being hammered.



3. The "junks" off the mouth of the Pasig River (Pasing?) have cleared out, not because of the weather, but because who wants to be caught in a crossfire between the Intramurros and Dewy's fleet? The Filipino National Liberation Army (The Katipunan and other Tagalog freedom fighters) are used to the weather. What will the Americans do without them? Motsch is about to learn about the Winfield Scott method of conquest.

4. The August 2-3 shooting was movement to contact. It was not so much Augustin pushing south as the Americans probing north to see how close they could come before they met a line of resistance. Pasay was about it right now. (See previous map of 4 August.)

5. Augustin notified Spain he was quitting. Motsch is not privy to the local politics because he is outside the rumor chain, but before the British consul died, he was trying to arrange the final details of the surrender Augustin was trying to engineer with the Americans (Dewey), to have him hand over the city without a fight. Jaudenes found out and sent a message out (Through Diederichs, the German) and it reached Madrid. They sent back an order for Jaudenes to immediately replace Augustin, which Jaudenes did gleefully. Now it is Jaudenes talking to Merritt (Not Dewey). The size of the bribe is currently at issue with Jaudenes haggling over the amount he is to be paid for his cooperation in the surrender.

6. General Ricardo Monet y Nuñez de Taboada was one of the holdouts who would be a problem for Jaudenes in the negotiations because he was afraid of a castrate and roast party^1. As a result, he will be a future impediment / problem because Jaudenes apparently kept him out of the information loop and the negotiations. The account about Monet deserting his men because of his fears that the Katipunan would apply justice to him, are entirely correct. He was a classic terrorist butcher when he had the upper hand and a yellow dog coward when it went the other way, as most "chicken farmers" are.

^1 Funny how that Comanche custom seems to be a global one for rectifying the butchers of women and children?

=========================================================================

Diary of Miguel Saderra Maso Viernes 5 de Agosto 1898

All night long, not a single shot was fired, thanks to the storm and the winds which the typhoon is donating to us. At 7:00 this morning, there was an exchange of fire for a half-hour. To everyone’s surprise, the Captain General, D. Basilio Augustin, has been demoted from office. It seems the reason for this government decision was his telegram declaring that, since the squadron commanded by Camara was not coming, he refused all responsibility for whatever would happen regarding the success of the war. The general convened the Board of Authorities and in their presence announced the government order, afterwards handing over the command to the General of the division, D. Fermin Jaudenes. In the latter’s place, General Rizzo was named Segundo Cabo. Letters and newspapers have been spread in which the following are said to he certainly the conditions for peace: (1) Independence of Cuba and (2) Annexation of Puerto Rico and the Marianas Islands. Besides, Spain is ready to sign the peace provided the United States or independent Cuba acknowledge the public debt of the island. This the Yankees refuse to do.

That was the official story. The newspapers are taking their cue from whatever news comes in from Hong Kong, which is about five days to two weeks old. In this case the news is as fresh as 29 July 1898, which means it was funneled in either through the Germans or through the British.

==========================================================================

Diary of James J. Loughrey August 5, 1898

Mass at 6 a.m. Captain Richter was buried with full military honours at 10 a.m., accompanied by a band. There was heavy fire with big guns from 8 to 8.30 p.m. which caused the deaths of two men and the wounding of six others from the 14th US Infantry who were in the trenches. Most of us slept in our clothes expecting to be called out at any moment.

The captain, who was shot the previous day, did not survive. The fleet and the Intramurros artillery exchanged fire during the downpour, the diarists all mention and the gale this date makes the ship's shooting wild. MacArthur's artillery joined in from the American lines until everybody was too soaked to continue, about a half hour of noise and no practical results. Otherwise: it was business as usual for the 1st California. Sit in the mud and wait.

[lordroel]

Day 109 of the Spanish–American War, August 6th 1898

Puerto Rico

With USS Amphitrite anchored about 1,800 yards offshore of Fajardo, Captain Barclay, commander of Amphitrite ordered a landing party of 14 petty officers and men from Amphitrite, armed with rifles, pistols and a 6mm Colt machine gun under Ensign Kenneth M. Bennett, with Assistant Engineer David J. Jenkins, Naval Cadets William H. Boardman, Paul Foley and Pay Clerk O.F. Cato to reoccupy the Cape San Juan lighthouse. Almost immediately, a second boat of 14 armed petty officers and men under naval Lt. Charles N. Atwater with Assistant Surgeon A.H. Heppner was dispatched, with Atwater to take command of the landing parties. Atwater ordered Bennett's men to proceed ahead to reoccupy the lighthouse and light the lamp, while his boat squad first secured both boats before following them up to the lighthouse. Though no attack materialised the first night, Cadet Boardman was mortally wounded when his revolver dislodged from its faulty holster, fell to the marble floor and fired into his left inner thigh as he was entering the darkened lighthouse with three sailors. Assistant Surgeon Heppner initially believed it was a flesh-wound, although Boardman suffered a large loss of blood. He died two days later on the Amphitrite where he was evacuated that night after the ship's surgeon came ashore to accompany him and Dr. Heppner back to the ship.

Puerto Rico: Battle of the Guamaní River Bridge

Colonel Coit sent two companies of the 4th Ohio on a reconnaissance mission across and beyond a cast iron bridge that crossed the Río Guamaní (Guamaní River). The road beyond the bridge was essential for General Hains' projected advance to the town of Cayey. The 4th Ohio observed elements of Spain's 6th Provisional Battalion under the command of Julio Cervera Baviera entrenched in Guamaní Heights, six miles north of the bridge. The 4th felt that they were too strongly entrenched to attempt an assault at the time. The 4th Ohio requested reinforcements and on August 9, attacked the Spaniards and a short firefight erupted. The numerical superiority of the Americans forced the Spanish to retreat from Guamaní Heights. This battle was the costliest battle yet for the Americans since their landing at Guánica, as it resulted in seven wounded. The Spanish forces suffered 2 dead and 15 wounded.

[miletus12]

Aug 6, 2022 5:50:39 GMT lordroel said:

Day 109 of the Spanish–American War, August 6th 1898

Puerto Rico

With USS Amphitrite anchored about 1,800 yards offshore of Fajardo, Captain Barclay, commander of Amphitrite ordered a landing party of 14 petty officers and men from Amphitrite, armed with rifles, pistols and a 6mm Colt machine gun under Ensign Kenneth M. Bennett, with Assistant Engineer David J. Jenkins, Naval Cadets William H. Boardman, Paul Foley and Pay Clerk O.F. Cato to reoccupy the Cape San Juan lighthouse. Almost immediately, a second boat of 14 armed petty officers and men under naval Lt. Charles N. Atwater with Assistant Surgeon A.H. Heppner was dispatched, with Atwater to take command of the landing parties. Atwater ordered Bennett's men to proceed ahead to reoccupy the lighthouse and light the lamp, while his boat squad first secured both boats before following them up to the lighthouse. Though no attack materialised the first night, Cadet Boardman was mortally wounded when his revolver dislodged from its faulty holster, fell to the marble floor and fired into his left inner thigh as he was entering the darkened lighthouse with three sailors. Assistant Surgeon Heppner initially believed it was a flesh-wound, although Boardman suffered a large loss of blood. He died two days later on the Amphitrite where he was evacuated that night after the ship's surgeon came ashore to accompany him and Dr. Heppner back to the ship.

It is curious that the cause was alleged to be a faulty holster. If you have ever heard of Colt Firearms, you may have the impression that this is the great gunmaker for pistols in the United States. Let us take a look at that fallacy.



The Colts have traditionally held a design flaw called "hammer rebound" where a person can pull the stupid thing from the holster and in the course of the rapid draw, the hammer will slip from its default rest stop on the primer face of the cartridge and go to half discharge position and then as the person who draws it, works to touch the trigger the stop will slip and the hammer falls on the primer and the imbecile shoots and kills himself with a femoral artery leg wound. In a movie, "Support Your Local Gunfighter" this historical design flaw is made a joke as Chuck Connors, the actor who also played the Rifleman on TV, allegedly shoots himself with a Colt M1878 double action when he is startled.

In the news recently, it was reported, a buffoon actor named Alec Baldwin may have allegedly killed a film crew member by fooling around with a replica revolver from this same cause. This is not an accident, if the alleged incident happened as claimed. The Colt, and similar designed revolver pistols, was known for hammer slip. The safety measure was also well known. Have the hammer rest on an empty chamber and do not lay the index finger on the trigger at the draw until the gun was pointed at the target. Then pull the hammer back with the off-hand palm in a fan motion and advance the cylinder with the stroke so that the first live cartridge presents. Alternately use the use-hand thumb, but on no account carry the Colt with six cartridges loaded. Five and the hammer on the empty chamber was the "safety default". The Remington and the Smith and Wesson were American guns, single and double action that had a safety block that did not allow half-cock discharge when engaged.

The point is that this junior dumb ensign-candidate made all the well-known mistakes and shot himself. The gun discharge by falling onto the floor was a case of half-cock hammer slip onto a live cartridge when he fumble-dorked and dropped his revolver or maybe he drew it and made finger on trigger contact after the hammer was snagged into the half-cocked position. Either way, Cadet Boardman, committed suicide by stupidity and a story was cooked to make it look like it was holster failure instead of a combination of the defective Colt and his improper training and carelessness.

As Othais mentions, this situation was not confined to Americans. British officers were shooting each other through the same carelessness, stupidity and ineptitude. They had some excuse. In their case they were used to Adams revolvers, which had a safety block built in. They did not know about the Colt hammer rebound problem or they were not trained on it.

This, by the way, is but one incident in the debacle that was Fajardo.

Aug 6, 2022 5:50:39 GMT lordroel said:

Puerto Rico: Battle of the Guamaní River Bridge

Colonel Coit sent two companies of the 4th Ohio on a reconnaissance mission across and beyond a cast iron bridge that crossed the Río Guamaní (Guamaní River). The road beyond the bridge was essential for General Hains' projected advance to the town of Cayey. The 4th Ohio observed elements of Spain's 6th Provisional Battalion under the command of Julio Cervera Baviera entrenched in Guamaní Heights, six miles north of the bridge. The 4th felt that they were too strongly entrenched to attempt an assault at the time. The 4th Ohio requested reinforcements and on August 9, attacked the Spaniards and a short firefight erupted. The numerical superiority of the Americans forced the Spanish to retreat from Guamaní Heights. This battle was the costliest battle yet for the Americans since their landing at Guánica, as it resulted in seven wounded. The Spanish forces suffered 2 dead and 15 wounded.

Aug 6 1898 to Aug 9 1898 Battle of Guamani River Bridge

Note where Cayey, Puerto Rico is?

The old iron bridge is long gone.



Not so easy to cross that obstacle, was it? The bridge you see, is now being replaced after it was rendered unsafe and unusable by hurricane damage.

[miletus12]

Diary of Lieutenant X (Aime Ernest Motsch) Saturday, August 6, 1898

The Insurgents

It is becoming certain that the Tagal and American alliance will not last. The Americans have confirmed that in the battle of Malate, they did not defend the insurgents. Instead of being supportive, they maintained a rather hostile neutrality. The degree of friendship between the two has been dictated by the Americans’ need for soldiers until their own troops arrive. Prior to the start of open hostilities in April, Commodore Dewey treated Aguinaldo as an equal, recognizing the fact that after the battle of Cavite, the Americans had not made any real progress towards the possession of the islands. Consequently, as their troops increased, they were able to put more distance between them and the insurgents. When their soldiers are in place, and they can negotiate from a position of strength, the Yankees will treat their former allies as rebels if they refuse to accept the former as their superiors. Once this happens, the Filipino will become an alien in this country once more.

But the situation has not yet reached that point. And yet, before yesterday, the insurgents were forced to surrender Paco to General Greene’s soldiers who had settled there equipped with 22 cannons. Aguinaldo’s troops were left with no alternative but to decamp. They were not consulted, and orders were given without explanation. The deterioration of this situation resulted upon the arrival of the third convoy between the 25th and the 30th of July. It was quite evident that Admiral Dewey was no longer collaborating with Aguinaldo after July 17, the arrival of the second convoy, although in the initial stage, when the first fleet of the convoy arrived, Dewey readily provided Aguinaldo with arms.

The insurgents have been armed with 30,000 guns, of which 11,600 are Remingtons and Mausers offered to them by Commodore Dewey at the end of May. These men, numbering anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 have cut all communication between Manila and the rest of the country. On the island of Luzon, they have taken around 5,000 prisoners. Not only have they disbanded the Spanish defense, but more importantly, they have also been instrumental in having 18,000 men of the local militia desert their posts. Today, they must surely regret that they did not muster all these forces for their own interest. Instead of awaiting the arrival of the American troops to join forces with Admiral Dewey against Manila, they were clever enough to force him to reach a compromise with them before that. If they were daring enough, they could have entered Manila six weeks ago and Dewey would have been obliged to follow them. But if they enter Manila tomorrow, chances are they will be ordered to remain no farther than the entrance to the city. Dewey may not have the skills of a war tactician, but is certainly a shrewd politician capable of fooling an entire country

Battle of Malate

Spanish-American War, Battle of Malate, 1898

The Battle of Malate was fought in the trenches of Malate at midnight of July 31, 1898, with General Francis V. Greene commanding the American brigade. It was part of the Battle of Manila, a short land engagement between the U.S. Army, its then-allied Philippine Revolutionary Army, and Spanish forces at the end of the Spanish-American War. The battle occurred four months after the pivotal U.S. Navy victory during the Battle of Manila Bay, after which America controlled Manila Bay and therefore effectively controlled the fate of Manila. The battle left American forces in control of Intramuros, the center of Manila, surrounded by Philippine revolutionary forces, creating the conditions for the Battle of Manila of 1899 and the start of the Philippine-American War.



CREDIT

Science Source / LOC/Science Source

Up to this point, we have muddled accounts of who betrayed whom. During the Augustin / Dewey negotiations, it became apparent to Dewey that Augustin was also negotiating with Aguinaldo. Who was bribing whom gets a little twisted, but the Spanish government had become convinced that Augustin was trying to surrender to anybody who came up with the  right amount of cash. That is why they told Jaudenes to arrest him on 24 July 1898. To say that Dewey did not take kindly to Aguinaldo's and Augustin's double-cross, when he found out about it that last week in July (I think it was the 30th from a cable intercept in Hong Kong) was to put the case mildly. Aguinaldo backed out of the deal with Augustin when he learned the Americans discovered his part in the treachery. Now who was supposed to get the million dollars? The Spanish say Augustin offered it to Aguinaldo. The Filipinos (And I believe them.), suggest it was supposed to go the other way. It really did not matter. The fiction... that McKinley prayed about whether to take the whole outfit into the American union can be dated about this date, because what Dewey discovered, they in Washington already knew. Aguinaldo was not to be trusted at all. 

So, if the Americans started to shove the Katipunan aside, there was, from the American point of view, ample reason.

Merritt's talks with Jaudenes stall, so Dewey takes them over and begins the endgame.  Aguinaldo is frozen out.         

Diary of Miguel Saderra Maso Sábado 6 de Agosto 1898

Pio del Pilar has allowed to pass into the city some cattle at ₱200 each. In peace time, cattle cost between ₱20 and ₱30 each. Tonight the Yankees have had great lighting of electric spotlights, because they played with 6 or 7 at a time.

A lot of interesting information Miguel Sadero Maso has crammed into few words. First is Pio del Pilar or Pío Isidro y Castañeda (Real name.). We have a good idea where this turncoat and traitor to the Filipino revolution was at the time he let the cattle through; because Father Maso, of the Society of Jesus, was one of the meteorologists at the Manila Observatory in 1898.

It appears from the map... *(East is top)

   

that the cattle passed over the bridge over the canal near the Paco to the southeast of the observatory. That puts Pio del Pilar as commander of the middle of the Katipunan line directly east of Manila **(Tandoi) following the line of the Pasing River as it flows through the city and beyond the outer ring of the Spanish defense. The only problem with this theory is that General Greene's brigade is in the area of Paco, so why is del Pilar getting credit for an American action? 

The price of cattle has skyrocketed. That is not because of any land blockade, because there is effectively none as the Katipunan line is porous. Instead, someone is buying up all the local livestock. I wonder who that might be? Incidentally Filipino patriots sabotaged the city waterworks by this date, so Manila is screwed as to potable tap water.  The Pasing River is under sniper and artillery fire outside the Intramuros. So, there is that Philip Sheridan option of denying the enemy water at work here. No trip to the river to get a bucket of water for you!   
 
The searchlights playing along shore is interesting, I wonder why the American navy would do that? See MAP.



Seems kind of obvious. If the Spanish liked to attack in the dark, then Dewey would throw light on them and let them see how they handled it when the Americans search lighted them. That Dewey thought of this idea after Merritt complained about Spanish night tactics to him, makes Motch's claim... 

Dewey may not have the skills of a war tactician     

...kind of ridiculous. The shooting and the search-lighting appear simultaneous. Then the shooting stops after a while. Maybe the Spanish tercios did not like being shot up as they were lit up? 

Diary of John Henry Asendorf Saturday, August 6th, 1898

It has rained all night and day and this is Inspection day. Every man’s outfit was made complete again. A good many had lost their canteens and some their haversacks in previous battles. Our rations are poor and short. The captain bought a small hog which we butchered and are in one meal. Some more troops are landing and pitching their tents south of us. The camp already extends over a mile long. [Frank] Shanaberger, [Samuel] Hagen, [Louis] Coyner and [John] Turley are on the sick list.

The 10th Pennsylvania is in sad shape. By count now, a full 16 men, in John Henry Assendorf's company in which he serves, of roughly 100 men strength, is on the sick list and 4 of them are dead by all causes. Their canned meat is making them sick as well. Merritt has started to buy foodstuffs on the local economy and authorized his officers to do the same.

Diary of James J. Loughrey August 6, 1898

Mass at 6 a.m. It rained all day. I received my first pay of $41.04, two months less six days up to July 1st 1898. There was heavy fire on the trenches from 10 to 11 p.m. The Regiment is expected to go to the trenches tomorrow.

Only an hour that night when previously it has been usually all night shooting? Wonder why? 

[lordroel]

Day 110 of the Spanish–American War, August 7th 1898

Philippines

Emilio Aguinaldo instructed Felipe Agoncillo, the Philippine revolutionaries' special emissary to President McKinley, to publish the "Act of Proclamation" and the "Manifesto to Foreign Governments" in the Hong Kong papers.

Puerto Rico

Naval Cadet Paul Foley and Assistant Engineer David J. Jenkins returned to USS Amphitrite anchored about offshore off Fajardo.

[miletus12]

Aug 7, 2022 6:28:15 GMT lordroel said:

Day 110 of the Spanish–American War, August 7th 1898

Philippines

Emilio Aguinaldo instructed Felipe Agoncillo, the Philippine revolutionaries' special emissary to President McKinley, to publish the "Act of Proclamation" and the "Manifesto to Foreign Governments" in the Hong Kong papers.

There is some controversy about what is going on. The Americans, at the time, more or less ignored Aguinaldo's declaration that the Philippine Republic, issued as of 12 June 1898, was a free and independent state. The complexity of internal Katipunan politics with various "generals" vying for top spot had convinced Dewey, that this "revolution" was not a structured and disciplined one. Hence Aguinaldo and his compeers arranged a "second declaration of independence" which mostly duplicated in verbiage and rhetoric the original 12 June Aguinaldo proclamation in frank imitation of the Continental Congress of 1775 and 1776. The meeting was hasty and the "Declaration of Independence" issued on 1 August 1898 from the convocation at Bacoor, was still "sloppy" and lack refinements. It was still legitimate in my opinion because, this time, Aguinaldo, instead of declaring Filipino Independence on his own book, brought most of the revolutionary factions together to thrash it out, and they mostly formally agreed to this common declaration and a common set of principles and terms to go forward as a government, in the declaration, no matter how awkward in the language it still contained. It was an actual "government" document. The key difference in the Bacoor declaration was that its author, Apolinario Mabini y Maranan, unlike the 12 July author of the original manifesto, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista made certain that no mention of the United States

That did not go over well with the Americans at all.

But what really torqued the Americans off was this:

Aguinaldo's Manifesto Calling for Support and Recognition of the
Philippine Revolutionary Government by the Superpowers

MANIFESTO

August 6, 1898
___________________

The Revolutionary Government of the Philippines, on its establishment, explained, through the message dated 23rd of June last, the true causes of the Philippine Revolution, showing, according to the evidence, that this popular movement is the result of the laws which regulate the life of a people which aspires to progress and to perfection by the sole road to liberty.

The said Revolution now rules in the Provinces of Cavite, Batangas, Mindor, Tayabas, Laguna, Morong, Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Nueva-Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Union, Infanta, and Zambales, and it holds besieged the capital of Manila. In these Provinces complete order and perfect tranquility reign, administered by the authorities elected by the Provinces in accordance with the organic decrees dated the 18th and 23rd of June last.

The Revolution holds, moreover, about 9,000 prisoners of war, who are treated in accordance with the customs of war between civilized nations and human sentiments, and at the end of the war it has more than 30,000 combatants organized in the form of a regular army.

In this situation the chiefs of the towns comprised in the above-mentioned Provinces, interpreting the sentiments with animate those who have elected them have proclaimed the Independence of the Philippines, petitioning the Revolutionary Government that will entreat and obtain from foreign Governments recognition of its belligerency and its independence, in the firm belief that the Filipino people have already arrived at that state in which they can and ought to govern themselves. This is set forth in the accompanying documents, subscribed by the above-named chiefs.

Wherefore, the undersigned, by virtue of the powers which belong to him as President of the Revolutionary Government of the Philippines and in the name and representation of the Filipino people, asks the support of all the powers of the civilized world, and earnestly entreats them to proceed to the formal recognition of the belligerency of the Revolution and the Independence of the Philippines; since they are the means designated by Providence to maintain the equilibrium between peoples, sustaining the weak and restraining the strong, to the end that by these means shall shine forth and be realized the most complete justice in the indefinite progress of humanity.

This was on top of the recent shenanigans among the Katipunan generals (del Pilar especially, though Luna scrupulously was keeping to agreements about deconfliction and held his own brigades under tight discipline despite some provocation from the US Colorado volunteers), which was causing Francis Greene and Arthur MacArthur to warn Wesley Merritt that things were becoming dicey with the 'allies".

============================================================================

Aug 7, 2022 6:28:15 GMT lordroel said:

Puerto Rico

Naval Cadet Paul Foley and Assistant Engineer David J. Jenkins returned to USS Amphitrite anchored about offshore off Fajardo.

We are getting close to the final fiasco of Miles' "picnic" and Sampson's contribution to that farce.

Aug 1 1898 to Aug 5 1898
Battle of Fajardo

On August 1, the USS Puritan under the command of Captain Frederic W. Rodgers, was sailing by the coastline of the city of Fajardo, when Rogers noticed the "Faro de Las Cabezas de San Juan" (Cape San Juan lighthouse) which was supposed to be the landing site for the US Army in Puerto Rico. Rodgers ordered some of his men ashore, which included Puerto Rican volunteers, with the mission of posting the American Flag atop the lighthouse.[19]

On August 2, three more ships, the USS Amphitrite, USS Leyden, and the USS Hannibal arrived and joined the Puritan. The 25-man Spanish garrison stationed in the city became aware of the American presence and, after notifying their superiors in San Juan, were told to withdraw. When Dr. Santiago Veve Calzada, the mayor of the city, realized that the garrison was gone and that the city was defenseless against the invading Americans, he implored the Spanish authorities in San Juan to dispatch troops to defend his city.[19] Believing that the Spanish forces would not come to his aid, Dr. Santiago Veve Calzada then went to the lighthouse to seek protection for the city from the Americans. On the afternoon of August 3, Dr. Veve Calzada entered the city with a contingent of Marines and the United States flag was hoisted over the Fajardo Customs House and City Hall.

On August 4, Governor General Macias sent Colonel Pedro del Pino and 200 men to recapture the city. When Colonel Pino entered Fajardo he found it nearly deserted because the residents, fearing a battle, had fled to the Fajardo lighthouse. Pino waited until darkness fell and then ordered his men to attack the lighthouse. The Marines signaled the ships that they were under attack and the ships began to bombard the shore in a protective pattern. The Spanish forces retreated back to the city.[19]

The following day U.S. Marine Lieutenant John A. Lejeune came ashore with a detachment of Marines and evacuated the civilians and Marines for transport to Ponce, and the lighthouse was abandoned. Meanwhile, in the City of Fajardo, Pino's men tore down the United States flags that flew over the Customs House and City Hall and returned to San Juan after verifying that the lighthouse was abandoned, displaying the flags as his.

This was the Spanish "victory".

[miletus12]

Diary of Lieutenant X (Aime Ernest Motsch) Sunday, August 7, 1898

Finally, this farce is reaching its conclusion. I am convinced that up to the last minute, each one will do his utmost to mislead the other. General Merritt and Admiral Dewey have released the United States’ ultimatum for Manila’s surrender. The Spaniards have been given 48 hours to reply.

Admiral Dewey has informed the foreign squadrons of a likely American attack on Manila at the stroke of noon on Tuesday. The captain general’s immediate reply to the possible bombardment on Tuesday if he refused to surrender was that the Spanish flag would not be lowered.

Neither side is willing to compromise. Admiral Dewey pretends that his only option is to attempt a sea operation due to the numerous losses supposedly sustained by the land troops in the course of various attacks launched over the past days. In fact, the Americans have not yet attacked Manila, and during the fighting on July 1 and August 1, losses were few. It is a known fact that even the Spaniards sustained only six wounded in the fight that took place on the 2nd and 4th of August. If the Americans did attempt an intensive land attack, their high-powered weapons would have completely destroyed Manila. The Americans are fully aware of their uncontested strength, and feel no need to attack. On the contrary, they need to capture Manila and take possession of the city before a peace agreement is concluded. Obviously imminent is that Admiral Dewey plans to offer the Philippines as a gift to his country. According to the English, a certain number of civil servants will come after the arrival of the expedition troops, and the United States government will then take over the administration of Manila. It now seems evident that the United States has been considering the annexation of the Philippines since June.

The Americans, on the one hand, know that there is no need to bombard Manila, and the Spaniards, on the other, want to give the impression that they are going to attack. The truth of the matter is that the Americans never had the slightest intention of destroying the city, and the Spaniards did not for a single moment wish to be bombarded.

On August 4, when General Jaudenes announced the length of time he needed to consult his government, the Americans, out of absolute compassion, could not grant his request. And why not? Unless it was for the reason that their main interest was to use a conquered Manila as leverage in their peace treaty.

In short, the Americans were determined to capture Manila before making peace. What could Spain hope for at this point? Hold Manila at all costs for as long as possible? But the Spaniards made so many erroneous moves which, in the end, cost them dearly. In fact, we know today they lost everything in the name of peace.

Same day, Afternoon

Manila and its Surroundings

I shall go on land as soon as possible. The news of the ultimatum which has been spreading for the last three months has no great impact in this country that has been smelling of gunpowder and resounding of gunshots for the past three years. Manila is built almost entirely of wood to make it less vulnerable to earthquakes, but as a consequence, it has had frequent fires caused by constant bombardments. However, the Tagals are not demoralized by this situation.

In the Philippines, I met some Spanish officials who have no illusions. All they demand is the opportunity to fight. As the colonel of the light artillery stated:

–What will they accomplish by bombarding? They will merely kill women and children. These are the sordid details of war, but we are not going to be stopped.

What is the point in all this discussion when they refuse to take up arms? I suppose that the officer wished to explain that the death of civilians would not prevent them from fighting. If such were the case, the Americans would be a long way from Manila.

Some Spanish officers have expressed their disappointment over the way the war is being conducted and the policies of their ministers. They deplore the lack of change and the abuse of civil servants and the court systems. They feel that the only difference is that the newcomers have empty stomachs and are therefore three times more greedy than their predecessors.

“No one has ever wanted to look the situation in the face,” commented someone. “We have always postponed making decisions. We have arrived at the present disastrous situation because there has been no remedy for the ills which we suffer.”

Camara’s recall was the last blow for these courageous people. They realized that the pathetic politicians in Madrid did not suspect how serious the Philippine war was between the Americans and the Spaniards until Dewey’s squadron entered the bay. If cruisers like the Pelayo and the Charles-Quint with their torpedoes were in Manila, they could have put Dewey’s fleet in a precarious situation.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to secure provisions. The troops have no more bread and are living on  biscuits.

The liveliness of the streets has not diminished. Although we Did not know Manila at the prime of its prosperity, we still feel something feverish in the air, with the people no longer interested in their affairs for several weeks now, the rich Chinese leaving, and the Tagals deserting their jobs. Only the coachmen are seen driving their emaciated little horses. Everyone seems to be waiting for some spectacular event to take place. Nothing can be more tiring than waiting, like spectators in a theater, for the sound of gunfire, a calamity, or the murder which would bring down the curtain. The Spaniards have always lived with the vague fear of a massacre. The Americans pretend to share the same apprehension and take advantage of the situation to impose their will on all without any accountability to anyone.

Before retiring on board ship we stopped at the Luneta. There were numerous vehicles on the promenade and the weather was pleasantly cool.

Looking at all these people, we could not believe that in 48 hours, there would be a bombardment. Everyone was strolling quietly and appeared to be enjoying the beautiful day. Admiral Montojo, in the company of one of his daughters, passed by in his vehicle. We noticed that he looked well and had such an untroubled expression that it was hard to believe Admiral Dewey sank his entire fleet three months ago. He gambled and lost and has called it quits. But what about the fatherland?

We need to bring some anthropology to bear upon this senseless situation in order for what I write to make any sense.
5 Types of Honor-Shame Cultures

HONOR/SHAME POSTED ON APRIL 22, 2015

Q: What do honor-shame cultures and wine have in common? A: They both have terroir!



Honor and shame cultures always have a unique flavor depending on the context. For example, East Asians response to shame by withdrawing, whereas Middle Easterners will defend their honor aggressively. The values of honor and shame lead to antithetical responses. Codes of honor and shame vary so widely that some scholars insist on using the plural “honors,” implying there is no singular, universally-shared notion of “honor” or “shame.” Here is how I explain it:



Honor and shame are the foundational values of many cultures, but every culture expresses those values uniquely. Every culture has its own flavor of honor and shame.



Alexis de Tocqueville made a similar observation when visiting America:



What our fathers called the archetype of honor was, in reality, only one of its forms. They gave a generic name to what was only a species. Honor is to be found therefore in democratic centuries as well as in aristocratic times. But it will not be hard to show that in the former it presents a different face. (Democracy in America [1848] 4:152-53)



To illustrate this reality, I broke down the 5 major types of honor/shame: Western, Latin, Islamic, African, and Asian.Global Types of Honor:Shame



Explanation of the 5 Regions of Honor-Shame


--Western shame tends to be more private and personal. It is an internal, psychological emotion often rooted in the fragmentation and alienation of modern life. Shame is not so much community scorn (though social media is bringing this aspect out more and more), but low self-esteem. Read more.

--Latin notions of honor, at least for men, often depend upon being macho. Honor-shame are uniquely linked to race and economic class in South American. Read more. Recall also that the countries of southern Europe are Latin-based, so share some similarities.

--Islamic culture highly esteems the Koran, Mohammed, the ummah, and even the Arabic language, as symbolic representations of honor. Muslims feel personally disrespected if any of these are disgraced. Middle Eastern cultures tend to compete aggressively for honor, so can feel justified using violence to defend their honor (i.e., honor killings, terrorism).

--African cultures give a high value to ancestry and have a strong community orientation. Properly honoring the living dead is a crucial part of African religion/culture.

--In Asian cultures, the notion of “face” is paramount. One can lose, keep, save, and gain “face.” People’s response to shameful situations tends to be more passive, because shaming someone else brings shame upon oneself, hence the extreme politeness.


The above comments are obviously broad generalizations. Such simplifications will make some cringe, and rightfully so. I lived in Central Asia for nine years, where the culture is a unique amalgamation of Islamic, Asian, and Soviet notions of honor-shame. Culture types are far more complex than the above map implies.



The point here is simply this: honor-shame has unique flavors; honor-shame is not monolithic. A more accurate depiction would break out the thousands honor-shame flavors, but that becomes too unwieldy to be practically helpful. How would you explain the terroir of honor-shame in your context?

To go into some further detail, the anthropology of the American military culture norms is not so well understood. Motsch attributes a kind of Machiavellianism to Dewey and eagerness to Merritt. This is not accurate. Both men were driven by two common constraints, the practical need for results and a sense of public reputation in peril. There is no sense of private personal emasculation involved in either man tied to a mission delay or failure.   

The Spanish military, on the other hand, are in a limbo land. Admiral Montojo represents in specific case what this means; 

Admiral Montojo, in the company of one of his daughters, passed by in his vehicle. We noticed that he looked well and had such an untroubled expression that it was hard to believe Admiral Dewey sank his entire fleet three months ago. He gambled and lost and has called it quits. But what about the fatherland?

In other words, Montojo did his personal best with the impossible, satisfied his honor, and has come to personal peace with the results. I suppose a future example of this subtle difference is required? 

When the Spanish government ordered Montgojo arrested and he was about to be tried for losing the Battle of Manila Bay; George Dewey made it a point to aid in the Spanish admiral's defense. A similar legal situation occurred with Admiral Cervera for the Battle of Bahia de Santiago.  Commodore Schley, soon to be admiral, made it a point of personal honor to come to Cervera's defense in that civil case. Both American admirals did it out of a sense of reputation. Which is to say, that if their opponents were impugned, they would be impugned. The sense of public disgrace is a real thing with American officers then and now.  Just ask Admiral Boorda. A Spanish admiral would shrug his shoulders and drive on.  

So apparently LT. Motch did not understand what was happening aboard the Olympia or at Camp Dewey. Dewey was sweating bullets. He was certainly not in a jolly mood to bombard women and children, or to face the court martial for a war crime. General Orders 100 was a real thing to him. He was no Casto Méndez Núñez    

"I will be forced to sink [the US ships], because even if I have one ship left I will proceed with the bombardment. Spain, the Queen and I prefer honor without ships than ships without honor (España prefiere honra sin barcos a barcos sin honra.)"

who was the war criminal who bombarded Valparaiso.

Over in Camp Dewey, Wesley Merritt was sizing up the Manila defenses.  The outer line of forts and trenches were not much. He could (probably) take those works with acceptable infantry losses and ring off the city. Then he would be Julius Caesar saladed (Siege of Alesia fashion), between Jaudenes and General Luna. This was his virtual situation anyway, but the Katipunan either did not understand it, or know it, or exploit it as Merritt feared. He did not know for sure about the water situation inside Manila, either, even though the Katipunan liaison Aguinaldo sent him, assured him the waterworks was wrecked as mutually agreed. The market economy inside the city had collapsed and while rations still sneaked through the Katipunan lines, the city inhabitants were going hungry, but not to the point where they ate the horses and mules or even the dogs and rats ... yet. But the Intramuros was intact. To breach it, the USS Monterey *(The monitor pretending to be a battleship.), would have to blast those walls down. Just like Dewey, Merritt was not too eager to explain to Washington, about how he set an entire city on fire and massacred hundreds of women and children.

There had to be another way.       

Jaudenes could not accept defeat in the hands of the Filipinos. His option was to surrender to the Americans, but pride dictated that it should be done with honor. To save face and to please the Madrid government, through Belgian consul Edouard Andre, he entered into a secret agreement with Admiral Dewey and General Merritt to stage a mock battle before final surrender was to be consummated; so secret that only a few trusted commanders from both sides knew about it.

The details will take some time to engineer. The bribes have to be passed and the proper staging carefully arranged. And Op-sec for this joint ruse de guerre between the Spaniards and the Americans had to be tight or things could go horribly wrong as it almost did.   
 
Diary of Miguel Saderra Maso Domingo 7 de Agosto 1898

This morning, a merchant vessel with the English flag seems to have brought to the Yankees official letters from the Washington government. At noon, the English vice-consul and the Belgian consul visited the captain general. They were bringing an official dispatch signed by Dewey and Merritt, whose message was more or less as follows. It is possible within forty-eight hours we would attack the plaza on land and by water. We forewarn Your Excellency that you may have time to evacuate to safety the civilian population. The captain general answered the Yankees knew fully well they could not evacuate the civilians because the insurgents are almost at the very doors of Manila. The Belgian consul who brought in his pocket the peace conditions in case the captain general would want to know them kept quiet on hearing the latter’s answer. News of this next bombardment spread like lightning through the city and all the people prepared for the defense. The military do not stop for one moment bringing in chariots of gunpowder and cannon shot, and other war materiel. It seems Commodore Dewey was surprised at the unexpected destitution of Gen. Augustin who, five times, had refused his attempts for a parley, telling Dewey to do what he intended as he himself knew what to do.

The key information is that Father Maso does not know what is going on at all with the put-up job in progress.  This bombardment declaration was for Aguinaldo's benefit and was very publicly staged. Aguinaldo's spies in Manila had to be fooled completely or the stage play could not be performed. Maskirovka is not just a Russian tactic. 

Diary of John Henry Asendorf Sunday, August 7th, 1898

This is a beautiful Sunday morning and not too warm. Companies H, K, D and E are ordered on outpost. We had services at headquarters in the morning and in the afternoon our cooks tried to bake their first biscuits which were as hard as bombshells but mighty nice to eat. We didn’t hear any firing all day. Everything remained quiet. No sick except Sergeant [Samuel] Hagan.

All quiet on the Paco line. The field kitchens are up and running and the weather has broken to the north as the typhoon that slams into Taiwan dragged the rains north with it. The 10th Pennsylvania has a good Sunday of it, the first in a week. 

[lordroel]

Day 111 of the Spanish–American War, August 8th 1898

Puerto Rico

General Brooke's troops advanced to Cayey, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico: Battle of Fajardo

Just before 11:00, Lt. Atwater thought he saw moving figures in white, on the edge of the woods 250 yards from the "Faro de Las Cabezas de San Juan" (Cape San Juan lighthouse). At 11:45, with moonlight breaking through the clouds, he saw several men in the brush on the edge of the woods. Without giving an alarm, he instructed the lookouts to be on heightened vigilance. As he was heading to the yard gate to order the corporal of the guard and sentry to come inside the light-house, those men came running up and announced they had seen Spanish troops in the road. Almost immediately, a volley of gunfire erupted from the surrounding woods.

Atwater ordered the lighthouse lamp doused as a signal to the three armed ships lying offshore that the light-house was under attack. The cruiser, Cincinnati, the only ship with an operable searchlight, trained it on the hill where the lighthouse sat in order to direct secondary battery gunfire from Cincinnati, Amphitrite and Leyden on the attacking Spanish troops.

At about 12:30am, an errant 6 pound naval shell crashed through the 2 foot thick walls of the parapet, "within touch of six men not one was hurt" when the shell failed to explode. Lt. Atwater immediately ordered the lighthouse lamp relit. At about the same time, gunfire from the Spanish troops ceased and Atwater gave the order to cease firing shortly thereafter. 1,100 shots were fired from the 22 rifles of the navy men in the lighthouse. Lt. Atwater estimated the Spanish force was probably 72 infantry, 24 cavalry, with 2 killed and three wounded, one of them a Spanish lieutenant. The Americans retained control of the lighthouse and suffered no casualties.

Brigadier General Henry, in command of troops from the 6th Massachusetts and 6th Illinois Volunteer Infantries, left Ponce to meet with Schwan's division in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.