dewey en route to manila great naval battle friday or saturday in manila bay
The Stone Wall Around the City will be Razed to the Ground. Great Loss of Life.”
“Then, I’m off for Corregidor Island right away!” exclaimed Marie. “Dewey can’t get into the Bay except by that route. That’s where the fight will begin. Mother doesn’t know this. I’ll tell her I am going to take some supplies to the Spanish garrison. I will go at once!”
Region Around Manila Bay
She set out from Manila in a small casco, or flat-bottomed native boat, heavily laden with fresh fish, pine-apples, mangoes, bananas, tobacco and cigarettes—all intended for the Spanish garrison on Corregidor Island. Manila is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay. From there to the island it is nearly thirty miles. Her little boat was driven forward on its journey by an easterly wind that gently swelled the tiny sails.
She reached the island at five o’clock that afternoon and was given a royal welcome by the Spanish soldiers. Marie gave them the morning paper containing the news of Dewey’s prospective arrival. She asked permission to take part in the fight.
Marie was a favorite with the Spanish garrison. Her genial disposition, added to her almost inconceivable daring, had won for her the friendship and admiration of all. The gunners had playfully taught her all about loading, firing and swabbing their cannon. She had also learned the art of good marksmanship, so that at a target practice she was an adept.