Reports of the engagement make particular mention of the good showing made by the naval militia on the Yankee. They worked like old blue-jackets, pouring a savage fire into the enemy, and it was accurate too. They kept close in shore and paid particular attention to the batteries near the beach. This was their first experience under fire, and they showed the stuff they are made of. Indeed, they proved themselves so fond of that sort of thing, that when orders were given to stop the engagement, there was a great deal of amusement on board the larger vessels when it was seen that they hammered away with their stern guns as long as they were within range; even after the order had been signalled to cease firing, they turned slowly and reluctantly away, as if they were sorry to leave.
June 10th, "Old Glory" was raised on Cuban soil, and the welcome sight was Deceived with rousing cheers by the marines, who had landed.
On Thursday, the 9th, orders were given to a number of the vessels to go to Guantanamo Bay and assist in a landing there.
On Friday, under cover of the guns of the Oregon, Marblehead, Yankee, Yosemite, Porter, Dolphin, and Vixen, six hundred marines of the first battalion landed with small boats near Caimanera in Guantanamo Bay. This place had been shelled several days before, in order that the Spaniards should have no fortifications to aid them in preventing this landing.
No Spaniards appeared, however, and our men had soon landed tents and the necessary implements with which to make an encampment. The site chosen was the hill where the blockhouse had been, as this high spot was considered the most healthful position.
Orders were given to destroy the few houses and huts, to prevent all possibility of catching yellow fever from any germs which might have been lingering there. These hovels made a fine bonfire, as they were built of light materials with thatched roofs.
The men were glad enough to get ashore, for they have been cooped on the transports most of the time since April 22d, knocking about on the ocean. In that hot climate it is not over-agreeable to be on ship-board, even with ample room to move about in; but when crowded as the men on transports are, there is no end of discomfort.
All Friday afternoon and evening the men worked away at their camp, and were tired enough when they were ordered to turn in for the night.