The position of the wreck as a consequence was diagonal and left the passage partly open.
[Illustration: LIEUTENANT RICHMOND PEARSON HOBSON.] Having accomplished as nearly as possible the perilous task the brave party were obliged to remain clinging to a raft until morning, when the Spaniards discovered and made them prisoners.

Admiral Cervera himself helped to take Hobson out of the water and was so filled with admiration of the extraordinary daring of himself and companions that he sent a flag of truce to Admiral Sampson with the welcome news that all the men were safe in his hands.

They were confined first in Morro Castle and later in the city of Santiago.

They were treated with the respect their heroism deserved and on July 6 were exchanged for a number of prisoners held by our forces.
[Illustration: ADMIRAL WILLIAM T.SAMPSON.] Just one month after this exploit, that is on the morning of July 3, 1898, Admiral Cervera attempted to escape from the harbor of Santiago.
The smoke of his vessels was discerned over the hills, and the watchful ships outside signalled the fact to the other members of the squadron.

A few minutes later the bow of one of the Spanish steamers came into sight from behind the Estrella Battery.