The squadron sailed out at night, with everybody in the best of spirits.
It was felt that one of the greatest battles of the war was at hand.
"We'll smash every one of the enemy!" cried one old salt, "just as Dewey smashed the Spanish warships in Manila Bay."
"And Schley smashed the Spaniards in Santiago harbor!" added another jackie.
And so the talk ran on until morning dawned.
It was expected that the enemy would be in sight, but not a single ship was to be seen anywhere.
"This is remarkable," said Admiral Fielding. And he at once sent some scouting craft ahead to find out what had become of the foreign vessels.
The scouts came back at nightfall and reported that the foreigners were running up to the coast of Maine. The enemy was making for Casco Bay, off the city of Portland.
At once began a chase after the foreign ships which lasted all of that night and up to noon of the next day.
Then the American cruisers Vermont and Canada came up to the rear guard of the enemy and opened fire without delay.