On June 1, 1898, a great portion of Sampson's fleet was off the harbor, and it was decided to block the entrance by sinking the collier Merrimac in the channel. The enterprise was intrusted to Lieutenant Richmond Pearson Hobson, and a crew of eight volunteers.
Eight volunteers! on an errand of death!
Eight men! Who speaks?
Eight men to go where the cannon's hot breath
Burns black the cheeks.
Eight men to man the old Merrimac's hulk;
Eight men to sink the old steamer's black bulk,
Blockade the channel where Spanish ships skulk,—
Eight men! Who speaks?
"Eight volunteers!" said the Admiral's flags!
Eight men! Who speaks?
Who will sail under El Morro's black crags?—
Sure death he seeks.
Who is there willing to offer his life?
Willing to march to this music of strife,—
Cannon for drum and torpedo for fife?
Eight men! Who speaks?
Eight volunteers! on an errand of death!
Eight men! Who speaks?
Was there a man who in fear held his breath?
With fear-paled cheeks?
From ev'ry war-ship ascended a cheer!
From ev'ry sailor's lips burst the word "Here!"
Four thousand heroes their lives volunteer!
Eight men! Who speaks?
Lansing C. Bailey.
It was impossible to get the boat ready that night, but at last, at 3:30 on the morning of June 2, she stood away for the harbor. The Spaniards saw her as she entered and rained a storm of fire upon her. A moment later, torn by her own torpedoes and those of the enemy, she sank to the bottom. Hobson and his men were taken prisoners by the Spaniards.
THE MEN OF THE MERRIMAC