An item dated London, England 28th reported the departure of the third American expeditionary force (1) towards the Spanish Philippines was departed. It consisted of 4.000 men embarked on board of 4 transports. The Spanish squadron commanded by admiral Camara (2) lying at Port Saïd, Egypt was ordered to go Suez, Egypt. According to rumours were 4 colliers waiting in the Red Sea or elsewhere waiting to bunker the Spanish squadron. Captain Watson (3) was appointed as commanding officer of the American squadron bound for Spain consisting of 3 battleships, 4 cruisers and 3 colliers.
Notes
1. Spanish-American War 21 April 1898-13 August 1898.
2. Manuel de la Cámara y Livermore (7 May 1835 Málaga, Spain-4 January 1920 Málaga, Spain). His squadron indeed passed the Suez Canal on 5-6 July 1898, but was recalled by the Spanish cabinet when he was still in the Read Sea on 7 July 1898 for defending the Spanish coast if needed.
3. John Crittenden Watson (24 August 1842 (Frankfort, Kentucky, USA-14 December 1923 Washington, USA), served in the US navy between 1860-1904 and dismissed in the rank of rear admiral. Watson held at that moment the rank of commodore as commanded of the Eastern Fleet which destroyed in the Battle of Santiago, Cuba on 3 July 1898 the Spanish squadron commanded by admiral Pascual Cervera.
