MAP OF MANILA BAY.
At a little before midnight, on the 30th of April, the American vessels in single file, led by the flagship Olympia, steamed between the forts which guarded the entrance to the bay of Manila.
In order not to be seen from these forts, all the lights on the vessels were hidden. Silently and steadily the vessels moved on, unseen by the Spaniards.
All of the fleet except the Boston and McCulloch had passed in safety, when the soot in the smokestack of the McCulloch caught fire. Instantly the guns of one of the Spanish batteries were turned upon the fleet. The Boston and McCulloch returned the fire, but kept on their way and were soon out of range, having received no injury.
ADMIRAL MONTOJO.
When day broke, Commodore Dewey found the entire Spanish fleet drawn up under the protection of the batteries of the Cavité naval station about nine miles from the city of Manila. It was commanded by Admiral Patricio Montojo, one of the ablest officers in the Spanish service.
At about five o'clock, with the flagship leading, the Americans bore down upon the Spanish. Suddenly there was a muffled roar, and a submarine mine exploded. But, in the excitement, the Spaniards had fired it too soon, and no damage was done.
This was soon followed by the explosion of another mine, but again the Spaniards had been in too great haste, and the Olympia escaped uninjured.