The Spanish gunners on shore replied
promptly, but their marksmanship was of no better quality than in
previous engagements, and it is reported that practically no damage was
done to our fleet. It is reported that one Spanish shell struck the
military mast of the _Massachusetts_, but nobody was hurt. One man on
the _Swanee_ was slightly wounded, and it is said that he is the only
one who was hurt on our side. As the bombardment proceeded, Commodore
Schley's ships moved nearer to the shore, and the effect of their fire
at such short range was tremendous: earthworks were simply blown to
pieces, and the Spanish gunners soon forced to stop firing. The Estrella
fortification, which was probably the strongest one there, was given
particular attention by Schley's column. The fort offered great
resistance, but when the vessels had moved to closer range the heavy
guns of the _Texas_ and _Marblehead_ were turned upon it. The Spanish
guns were soon silenced and the fortification set on fire. The Cayo
battery was silenced by the _New York_ and _New Orleans_ after a
terrific fire of about half an hour. Many of the American shells were
wasted for the reason that the fortified points on the shore could not
be accurately located in the thick weather. There was a heavy rain and
fog at the time, and this made marksmanship much less accurate. Shortly
after nine o'clock the firing from shore ceased, and a signal was
hoisted by Admiral Sampson to cease firing.
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