2-979-838 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'The Spanish-American War: The Sinking of the Merrimac', 1898, (c1900). 'It was determined to block the narrow entrance of Santiago harbour [in Cuba], and an old American collier steamer, the Merrimac, commanded by Lieutenant Hobson, and manned by six men of the U.S. Navy, was ordered to enter the narrow channel and there sink. Starting like a ghost in the dark night, Hobson steered his ship into the channel. And, despite a tempest of shot and shell poured on him as soon as his presence was discovered, sank her. He and his gallant crew took to the water, but were captured by the Spaniards...' From "Cassell's History of England, Vol. IX". [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne]