KF 2251 HARVARD Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1899, by In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. All Rights Reserved PREFACE. THE whole world admires a hero, and no nation is more proud of its great men than is our own. Admiral Dewey won the battle of Manila, and gained the most brilliant naval victory known to history. This grand achievement startled the civilized world and made him the idol of his countrymen. His magnificent career is portrayed in this volume, and the splendid record is worthy of its illustrious subject. It furnishes a vivid description of him from his boyhood to the time when he sent the Spanish fleet to destruction and wrote his name high on the scroll of immortal fame. Many interesting anecdotes are related of the famous Admiral's ancestry, his home life and early training. Through his heroic deeds, which have been the wonder of all nations, the reader sees the grand qualities of the man and is charmed with his noble traits of character. A full account is given of the Admiral as a young naval cadet while he was preparing himself for the remarkable career which has given him a world-wide celebrity. His heroic exploits in the Civil War under Admiral Farragut are fully depicted. In the naval operations on the Mississippi he exhibited all the traits that distinguished him as the commander of our Asiatic fleet. Quick in decision, fearless in the face of danger, actuated only by loyalty to his country and an unflinching sense of duty, he rose from one position to another by the force of merit alone until he became the crowning ornament of the American navy. Following the intensely interesting account of Admiral Dewey's boyhood and his brilliant career in our great Civil War, is a complete record of his service in the navy up to the time of our war with Spain. A thrilling description is furnished of the famous battle in Manila Bay in which Dewey gained his superb victory, and, without the loss of a single man, hurled destruction and' death at the Spanish fleet. The reader's heart beats high and his blood tingles as he reads the vivid account of Admiral Dewey's V grand achievements. He sees the "Iron Dogs of War" in battle, hears the thunder of guns, marks the cool daring of the gallant Admiral on the bridge of his flagship, and beholds "Old Glory" waving over the most wonderful naval victory of which history gives us any record. Admiral Dewey himself gives a most striking account of his great achievement, and none certainly could be more accurate or more interesting to the reader. In his own concise language he depicts the struggle, and we stand with him, as it were, on the bridge of his ship and look out upon the stirring scene, while all our emotions of patriotism are excited and we hail the news of victory. Facts and incidents relating to the renowned Admiral are woven through this volume. The eyes of the whole country have been turned toward the Philippine Islands, and public interest has followed eagerly the military operations of our gallant army. In addition to the life of Admiral Dewey and the thrilling story of his great naval victory, this work contains a complete and vivid account of the battles in the Philippines; the capture of Manila by our American troops; the subsequent attack on the city by the army of Aguinaldo, the insurgent general; the brave advance of the American forces under Generals Otis, MacArthur, Wheaton, Hale, and others are all vividly portrayed. All the latest events that have brought renown to our arms and glory to our flag, including the thrilling exploit of Colonel Funston, when he charged the enemy's trenches with nine men, and other daring deeds of our gallant soldiers, together with the negotiations between the Filipinos and our commanders to end the war, are depicted in this masterly volume. Added to all this is a graphic description of our new possessions in Asia. A fund of valuable information is furnished the reader concerning these wonderful islands. Admiral Dewey has said that our new tropical possessions are the key to commerce in Asia. Their climate, vast resources, rich soil and luxuriant products are all fully described, together with the cities, towns and manners and customs of the people. STORY OF DEWEY'S MAGNIFICENT VICTORY AT MANILA AS TOLD IN "THE BOUNDING BILLOW," THE OFFICIAL OR- |