In the prize court it was decided to confiscate the coal, and release the steamer.
The President issued a proclamation calling for seventy-five thousand men.
Three troop-ships, laden with soldiers, sailed from San Francisco for Manila.
May 26. The battle-ship Oregon, which left San Francisco March 19th, arrived at Key West.
May 27. The Spanish torpedo-boat destroyer arrived at San Juan de Porto Rico.
May 28. From Commodore Dewey the following cablegram was received:
“Cavite, May 25th, via Hongkong, May 27th.
“Secretary Navy, Washington:—No change in the situation of the blockade. Is effective. It is impossible for the people of Manila to buy provisions, except rice.
“The captain of the Olympia, Gridley, condemned by medical survey. Is ordered home. Leaves by Occidental and Oriental steamship from Hongkong the twenty-eighth. Commander Lamberton appointed commander of the Olympia.”
May 29. Maj.-Gen. Wesley Merritt issued an order formally announcing that he had taken command of the Philippine forces and expeditions.