“His conduct during the battle of July 3 was self-possessed, and he encouraged in his own person, his subordinate officers and men to fight courageously.
“George Dewey,
Admiral, U. S. N., President.
“Sam. C. Lemly,
Judge-Advocate-General, U. S. N., Judge-Advocate.
“In the opinion of the undersigned, the passage from Key West to Cienfuegos was made by the Flying Squadron with all possible dispatch, Commodore Schley having in view the importance of arriving off Cienfuegos with as much coal as possible in the ships’ bunkers.
“The blockade of Cienfuegos was effective.
“Commodore Schley in permitting the steamer Adula to enter the port of Cienfuegos expected to obtain information concerning the Spanish Squadron from her when she came out.
“The passage from Cienfuegos to a point about 22 miles south of Santiago was made with as much dispatch as was possible while keeping the squadron a unit.
“The blockade of Santiago was effective.
“Commodore Schley was the senior officer of our squadron off Santiago when the Spanish Squadron attempted to escape on the morning of July 3, 1898. He was in absolute command, and is entitled to the credit due to such commanding officer for the glorious victory which resulted in the total destruction of the Spanish ships.
“George Dewey,
Admiral, U. S. N., President.
“Sam. C. Lemly,
Judge-Advocate-General, U. S. N., Judge-Advocate.
“Recommendation