There was yet ample time in which to finish the work so well begun, and from the flag-ship Olympia went up the signal:
“Cease firing and follow.”
The fleet was headed for the opposite shore, and, once partially beyond range, “mess-gear” was sounded.
The only casualty worthy of mention which had occurred was the death of Chief Engineer Frank B. Randall, of the steamer McCulloch, who died from heart disease, probably superinduced by excitement, while the fleet was passing Corregidor.
There were handshakings and congratulations on every hand as smoke-begrimed friends, parted during the battle, met again, and loud were the cheers that went up from the various ships in passing.
After breakfast had been served and the ships made ready for the second round, or, in other words, at 10.15 in the forenoon, the Spanish flag-ship Reina Christina hauled down her colours, and the admiral’s flag was transferred to the Isla de Cuba.
At 10.45 a signal was made from the Olympia:
“Get under way with men at quarters.”
Again the fleet stood in toward Cavite, the Baltimore in the lead, but the latter vessel’s course was quickly changed as a strange steamer was observed entering the bay.
Not many moments were spent in reconnoitring; [pg 80]the signal flags soon told that the stranger was flying the English ensign.