HEGEMONY

by Brian Boyington

  President Blaine asked Secretary Perry what assets were available in the area to free the hostages.

  Perry replied: “Admiral Treat’s base of operation is Samana Bay. He is conducting fleet exercises in the Bay, including a practice of an amphibious landing with General Grissom’s Buffalo Soldiers. His forces could be in Cartegena within three days.”

  President Blaine responded: “Excellent, order Admiral Treat to sail to Cartegena and rescue the hostages. Looking long-term we might be able to use our assistance to gain favor with the Nunez government for our proposal to construct a canal through their northern province of Panama.” With the afternoon’s agenda cleared, President Blaine adjourned the meeting.

  Secretary Perry cabled the Admiral’s their orders. In Samana Bay, following two days of activity re-coaling his vessels, and provisioning the troop ships, Admiral Treat, aboard USS Puritan, in company with troop ships carrying a brigade of Buffalo Soldiers, led his fleet out of Samana Bay, and set course for Cartegena.

  Admiral Kincaid followed similar procedures making preparations at Mare Island. Five days later, his fleet saluted East Point and Alcatraz as they steamed through the Golden Gate.

  On March 19, Secretary of State Garfield boarded USS Indiana at Hampton Roads. Garfield stood on the bridge with Admiral Lee as his fleet steamed out of Hampton Roads. Following the departure, Garfield briefed Admiral Lee of the full mission goals.

  Chapter 2

  Cartagena, Columbia.

  March 18, 1881.

  Admiral Treat’s fleet steamed to Cartagena. The city faced west, with a wall protecting the shoreline approach. The only navigable entrance was the Boca Chica channel. Castillo de Boca Chica protected the passage on the land side, and a boom extended across the passage to a separate battery on the facing peninsula. The State Department had notified the Para y Gomez government that the fleet was approaching. Para y Gomez was warned to release the hostages or the United States forces would occupy the city.

  Forces loyal to the Nunez faction had already invested the city, and there was sporadic fighting with the rebels, and renegade Para y Gomez forces who occupied the Castillo San Felipe De Barajas. The rebels held the old walled city, The Castillo de Boca Chica, and the Castillo San Felipe De Barajas.

  The Nunez forces had surrounded Castillo San Felipe and were negotiating with the commander for the surrender of the hostages. They also laid siege to the rebels holding the city. The arrival of Treat’s fleet and transports brought the simmering cauldron to a boil.

  USS Puritan entered the Boca Chica Channel, heading towards the waterfront. The fort’s commander ordered a warning shot across Puritan’s bow. Captain Decatur maintained course. However, he ordered the rotation of his 12” long guns towards the Castillo. The Castillo’s guns then fired on USS Puritan, which replied with four devastating salvos blasting the Castillo’s ramparts, resulting in partial collapse of the walls. The next warships in line, USS Agementicus, USS Towanda, and USS Sangamon also fired salvos into the Castillo, collapsing more of the walls and silencing the guns. With the Castillo in ruins, the surviving defenders surrendered, and those defending the port retreated into the walled city.

  The troop transports followed the warships and docked at the port. Major Hannibal Johnson led the first battalion of General Grissom's Buffalo Soldiers as they captured the piers. Hannibal’s men quickly secured the port and moved several blocks deeper into the warehouse area surrounding the port. Hannibal supervised the preparation of defensive positions to prevent interference from the walled city.

  An officer leading a detachment of Columbian Army soldiers met the lead elements of the Buffalo Soldiers. The officer identified himself as Captain Raphael Ramirez and offered Colombian Army assistance in capturing Castillo San Felipe. The company commander, Captain Peter Jones sent a squad of soldiers to escort Captain Ramirez to Hannibal.

  Hannibal greeted Ramirez, then sent a messenger to General Grissom that a Columbian Army officer was present, and offered to liaison with American soldiers to capture the Castillo. Within an hour, General Grissom appeared with his other battalion commanders. He and his battalion commanders met with Ramirez at Hannibal’s office in a vacant storefront.

  Ramirez revealed that his commanding officer Colonel Alfonso Carrillo invested the Castillo with 2500 soldiers. However, they lacked heavy weaponry and were reluctant to attack a garrison firmly established in the fortifications. Ramirez did reveal that he had previously been stationed at the Castillo, and had a map including hidden passageways. He produced this map from his shoulder bag. He spread the map out on a table. General Grissom and his officers gathered around the table. Ramirez pointed out vulnerabilities in the defenses, and interior passages which would provide attackers a method to circumvent the defensive positions.

  Castillo San Felipe De Barajas

  The rebel commandant Colonel Esteban Gomez y Mareno watched in trepidation as the United States warships destroyed Castillo Boca Chica. He understood that his fortifications were over 100 years old, and would not survive such a bombardment. He also watched as United States soldiers began to advance towards the Castello. Within a matter of hours, he could anticipate an assault. Meeting with his officers, he outlined his plan.

  Colonel Mareno began: “I proposed an armistice with the Columbian soldiers laying siege to the Castillo. Our rebellion is over. We have one opportunity to save ourselves. In return for our freedom, we will release all the hostages. Time is running out to make this agreement. Up to this time, sporadic firing between the besiegers and us has only caused minor wounds. Once the Americans fully deploy the opportunity will be gone. Are you with me on this? Who can I count on to take the message to Colonel Carrillo? The Colonel and I were soldiers together. He will listen to reason.”

  One of his officers, a strident advocate for the revolution spoke up. “Colonel this is madness. We hold the hostages as poker chips. If the Americans attack, we will kill all the hostages and the first will be their Consul. I will die before surrendering our advantage.” The other officers looked shocked then began to grumble amongst themselves. Colonel Mareno, realizing that drastic action was required, pulled out his sidearm and shot the officer three times in the chest. Shaking his head, Mareno said: “Esteban you were always a hothead, there I granted your wish.” Then, while looking at the officers, he said: “I still need that volunteer.”

  One hour later, the gate at Castillo San Felipe opened, and a single horseman carrying a white flag rode towards the besieging Columbian lines. Three horsemen met him, and after being informed he had a message for Colonel Alfonso Carrillo, they escorted him to the Colonel’s headquarters. He was searched for weapons and asked for identification. Then, accompanied two armed guards into the office. They presented him to Carrillo as Captain Fulgent Bautista. The guards then stood at parade rest, blocking the door.

  Without preamble, Colonel Carrillo said: “Captain state your business, are you here to surrender”? Captain Bautista saluted and stated: “Sir, compliments of Colonel Gomez y Mareno, he asked me to present this letter to you.” Looking at the guards, he said: “If I may,” then he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a sealed letter. Bautista handed the letter to the guard, who in turn handed it to Colonel Carrillo. Carrillo broke the seal, opened the letter, and began reading.

  Colonel Alfonso Carrillo:

  My Friend, it is with great distress and regrets that I find this letter necessary. President Gomez y Gomez ordered me to Cartagena to free the hostages. I implore you to believe me that obeying those orders was my sincerest intent. However, upon arriving, I discovered that my orders were an impossible task as our enemies outnumbered my regiment by three to one. To save my regiment and the hostages, I pretended to join the rebellion and took custody of the hostages and remanded them to the safest place in Cartagena, the Castillo San Felipe. Now that the Americans have arrived, and the rebels contained in the city, I can fulfill my duty and release the hostages to your custody. I assure you, the
hostages have been well cared for, and are in good health. As a demonstration of faith, the gates of the Castillo will remain open to you.

  I remain,

  Colonel Esteban Gomez y Mareno

  Looking up from his desk, Carrillo stared intently into the Captain’s eyes. The letter offered an opportunity to rescue the hostages without a costly battle which would endanger the hostage's lives. He knew Colonel Mareno well, and at one time they were close friends.

  Making his decision, he said: “Captain, return to Colonel Mareno. I accept his offer to release the hostages. I will communicate your offer and my acceptance to our American allies. I am sure they will wish to take custody of the hostages, particularly their Consul.”

  Captain Bautista saluted, turned on his heel and marched out of the building. As he rode back to the Castillo, he saw a long column of the Buffalo Soldiers marching into Colonel Carrillo’s camp. Spurring his horse forward, he thought to himself The Colonel was correct, we were out of time.

  General Grissom, Hannibal, and the 2nd Batallion Commander, Major Samuel Jefferson were riding at the head of the column of the Buffalo Soldiers. The sight of the Columbian officer as he spurred his horse to the Castillo drew Grissom’s attention. Hannibal following the general’s gaze noted that the gates of the Castillo were open, and pointed in that direction. Grissom grunted then said to his officers: “I suspect that a deal to free the hostages is in the works. Let’s find out what Colonel Carrillo has to offer.”

  Colonel Carrillo, hearing the column arriving, walked out onto the front porch of his office. After he and General Grissom had exchanged salutes, Grissom introduced Hannibal and Major Jefferson. Carrillo then led the way into his office. After providing refreshments and enjoying cigars, Carrillo handed Colonel Mareno’s note to General Grissom, who read it twice, then passed it onto Hannibal, who then gave it to Jefferson.

  Grissom spoke: “Do you believe what this Colonel Mareno has written? To me, the letter looks opportunistic.”

  Carrillo laughed then agreed. “Mareno is a survivor. I have known him for years, and he has strong liberal tendencies. Your Navy's arrival and their destruction of the Castillo Boca Chica opened his eyes. Your occupation of the port facilities ended his gambit. He exercised his only other option to escape the gallows. However, he has provided us with the opportunity to secure the hostages without further bloodshed. His life spared, and the hostages released. A fair exchange.”

  Grissom inquired: What about the walled city; the rebels are still in control. More important, do you need our assistance in driving them out”?

  Carrillo replied: “The hostage release fulfills your obligations. Capturing the city will be an internal matter. However, a display of naval artillery support could be helpful in the resolution. I will offer them a chance to surrender. If they refuse, the reduction of a portion of the walls will allow us entry into the city. I will provide Colonel Mareno’s regiment the honor of leading the assault. Your presence should inspire him to perform his duties.”

  Grissom smiled, then replied: I will confer with the Admiral. His agreement will be essential. My immediate concern is taking custody of the hostages.” Turning to Hannibal Grissom continued: “Major, prepare a squad and an officer to take my message to the Admiral about the pending release of the hostages. Once I have them in my custody, I will personally escort them to the fleet.” There I can meet with the Admiral and discuss our plans. This plan can be mutually advantageous.

  Speaking to Colonel Carrillo, Grissom said: “Please contact Colonel Mareno. It is important that I meet with our Consul to determine the status of their captivity.” Carrillo readily agreed and dispatched Captain Ramirez with an escort to the Castillo.

  One hour later Ramirez and his escort returned leading a wagon train containing the hostages. Riding next to Ramirez was the American Consul Isaiah James. While Carrillo and his staff attended to the hostages, Counsel James and General Grissom secluded themselves in Carrillo’s office.

  There the Consul largely confirmed Mareno’s account. He began: “During the riots, the rebels gathered up and jailed all the foreigners they could find. When they came to the Consulate, our police guards either fled or cooperated with the rioters.

  The rioters hung my Columbian staff in my presence, placed a noose around my neck and dragged me out to the street. Then burned the Consulate, beat me senseless, and threw me into the back of a wagon. I woke up in a rat-infested cell. Days later, after several of my fellow captives died, Colonel Mareno arrived and talked the rioters into confining us into the Castillo. He told them that we were not worth anything if we were dead.

  Once at the Castillo, we received medical care, provided with baths and clean clothes. We were still prisoners but were well treated. There was one officer who constantly insulted and threatened us. I understand that the Colonel personally executed him. Make no mistake; I am not absolving the Colonel for imprisoning us. What he did was make our imprisonment survivable.”

  General Grissom listened intently until Consul James finished. He then said: “Your treatment by the rebels is intolerable. I need to take you to Admiral Treat. The guns on his vessels can reduce the city walls to make an assault possible. The rebel leaders must face punishment for their actions.” Consul James agreed. He and General Grissom, escorted by a company of Buffalo Soldiers rode to the port and boarded a longboat which took them to USS Puritan. After hearing Consul James’ story, Admiral Treat agreed to bombard the walls before an assault on the walled city.

  The next morning, Colonels Carillo and Mareno assembled their troops on the land side of the walled city. A messenger under a flag of truce delivered an ultimatum requiring them to surrender or die. The rebels replied by shooting the messenger as he rode back to the Columbian lines. Carrillo ordered a red rocket fired, the signal for Admiral Treat’s warships to open fire.

  USS Puritan opened fire with a salvo from the four twelve-inch guns. Immediately the other warships in the fleet fired their salvos. Each shell hitting the wall tore out chunks of masonry. After 30-minutes of the bombardment, whole sections of the wall collapsed causing major breaches. The cannon fire continued walking into the city, igniting numerous fires.

  Protected by the bombardment, the Columbian troops surged forward, through the breaches, into the city. After two hours of fierce fighting, the walled city fell. The surviving rebel leaders were led out, lined up in front of the breached wall and executed by firing squad. Isolated, rebel pockets of resistance fought bravely to the end. None surrendered.

  USS Dispatch left for Hampton Roads with the report of the victory. With the city secured, Admiral Treat and General Grissom planned to return to Samana Bay. A telegraph message from Bogata arrived inviting Admiral Treat, Consul James and General Grissom to the inauguration of President Nunez. USS Dispatch returned with a message appointing Consul James to Ambassador.

  Chapter 3

  March 28, 1881.

  Chimbote Bay.

  Two weeks after departing San Francisco, Admiral Kincaid’s flagship the USS Kearsarge led a fleet of five Puritan Class monitors to within 50 nautical miles northwest of Chimbote Bay, Peru. Kincaid’s. His warships steamed in a spread V formation with USS Kearsarge on point. Sister ships USS Winslow and USS Atlas steamed on the starboard flank, and USS Satyr and USS Mercury on the port flank. The troop ships and collier ships held station in the middle. Two frigates and four sloops of war formed a layered scouting screen extending fifteen miles ahead.

  The sloops-of-war USS Astor and USS Pegasus were the lead scout ships, stationed three miles apart, with USS Astor one mile astern. The masthead lookout on USS Pegasus sighted smoke on the horizon and signaled investigating. USS Astor relayed the signal back to the fleet and steamed forward to assist USS Pegasus. Within an hour Pegasus identified the approaching vessel as the Chilean ironclad turret ship Huascar, with two escorts. Signaling enemy in sight, Pegasus came about steaming back towards USS Astor and the fleet.

  The Huascar, a twin-tu
rreted monitor, was originally a Peruvian warship, constructed in 1868 for Peru by Great Britain at the Laird Shipyard. As constructed, her armored protection consisted of 5 ½ inches of wrought-iron plates over a Teak wood hull. Huascar’s turrets each had two 10-inch Armstrong rifled muzzle loading cannons and a Gatling gun. Almiralte Cochrane captured her during the War of the Pacific at the Battle of Angamos. Following extensive repairs, and the removal of the fore-mast, Huascar was commissioned into the Chilean Navy.

  Huascar, escorted by two, twenty-gun corvettes increased steam to pursue USS Pegasus. The Corvettes surged ahead to overtake the escaping sloop-of-war, then sighted USS Astor with signal flags flying. The Pursuit continued for another thirty minutes until the two United States Navy 36-gun frigates, USS Spectre and USS Sword appeared over the horizon steaming at full speed to aid their smaller consorts. Each mounted six, 15-inch Parrot Rifles on the main deck, and thirty, 32-pound cannons, 15 to a side of the gun deck. Captain George Dewey ordered USS Spectre, to close with the Corvettes, While Captain Thayer Mahan steamed USS Sword towards Huascar. The fleeing USS Astor and USS Pegasus came about and followed the frigates into battle. Each mounted three, 15-inch Parrot Rifles, and four 32-pound cannons.