several days’ consideration he presented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the channel. * * * The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men and Mr. Hobson, who begged that it might be intrusted to him.

As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hoping to complete them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after our arrival.  Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o’clock in the morning arrived and the preparations were scarcely completed.  After a careful inspection of the final preparations I was forced to relinquish the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking.  Mr. Hobson begged to try it at all hazards.

This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made.  Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * A careful inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the Merrimac had been sunk in the channel.

  I can not myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of
  Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew.  I venture to say that a more brave and
  daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the Albemarle.

The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on this memorable occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement, which, under the provisions of law and regulations, the Secretary of the Navy was authorized to make; and the nomination to the Senate of Naval Cadet Powell, who in a steam launch followed the Merrimac on her perilous trip for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign has been prepared and will be submitted.

Cushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the ram Albemarle during the Civil War Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson’s sinking of the Merrimac, received the thanks of Congress, upon recommendation of the President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions of section 1508 of the Revised Statutes, advanced one grade, such advancement embracing 56 numbers.  The section cited applies, however, to line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the staff of the Navy, could not under its provisions be so advanced.

In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred to, I have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the recommendation that he receive the thanks of Congress and, further, that he be transferred to the line of the Navy and promoted to such position therein as the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may determine.  Mr. Hobson’s transfer from the construction corps to the line is fully warranted, he having received the necessary