3-086-352 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Spanish-American War: landing of the "Gussie" Expedition at Cabanas, May 12, 1898. 'Sketch by Mr. H. C. Seppings Wright, our Special Artist with the American Fleet. U.S.S. Manning shelling enemy; boats landing troops...; ...steamer Gussie firing vollies; ...Triton; U.S.S. Wasp throwing shells; enemy firing from bush; Mr. Seppings Wright, writing from Key West, gives the following interesting account of his experiences: On May 1 I started...for the Blockading Squadron off Havana. We embarked on the good tug Triton, belonging to the New York World. Our voyage was pleasant, and only broken by an interesting incident - the chase of a barque by a United States gun-boat. From the deck-house of our ship we had an excellent view of the affair. Far away to leeward we sighted a steamer flogging the water and directing a course right across our bow. The object soon became apparent, for a sailing-vessel shortly hove in sight, crowding on all sail and trying in vain to get away from her pursuer. After an exciting chase of some twenty minutes, our sailing friend was brought to by a shot from the boat. After going alongside and inspecting her papers, the United States boat let her go on. This was the first act of war I saw".' From "Illustrated London News", 1898.