At half past 11 the Wilmington spoke the Hudson and the Winslow and assigned them to duty, the Winslow to start to the eastern shore of, Cardenas Bay and the Hudson to the western shore, while the Wilmington took its station in mid-channel.  This work occupied two hours.  Nothing was discovered on either shore, and the boats were approaching each other on their return when a puff of smoke was observed on shore at Cardenas, and a shell whistled over them.  The Winslow was on the inside, nearer the shore.  The Hudson and the Winslow reported to the Wilmington, and orders came promptly to go in and open fire; but the Spaniards had not waited for a reply to their first shot.  The Cardenas harbor shore had already become one dense cloud of smoke, shot with flashes of fire and an avalanche of shells was bursting toward the little Winslow: 

This was at five minutes past 2 o’clock, and for twenty minutes the firing continued from the shore without cessation, but none of the shots had at that time found their mark, though they were striking dangerously near.  Meanwhile the Hudson’s two six-pounders were banging away at a terrific rate.  How many of the torpedo boat’s shots took effect is not known.  The first two of the Hudson’s shells fell short, but after these two every one floated straight into the smoke-clouded shore.  The Spaniard’s aim in the meantime was improving and it was presently seen that two empty barks had been anchored off shore.  It was twenty-five minutes before 3 o’clock when a four-inch shell struck the Winslow on the starboard beam, knocking out its forward boiler and starboard engine and crippling the steering gear, but no one was injured.

Lieutenant Bernadou was standing forward watching the battle with calm interest and directing his men as coolly as if they were at target practice.  By the one-pounder amidships stood Ensign Bagley, the oiler, the two firemen, and the cook.  The little boat gasped and throbbed and rolled helplessly from side to side.  Lieutenant Bernadou did not stop for an examination.  He knew his boat was uncontrollable.  The Hudson was a short distance off still pounding away with her guns.  It was hailed and asked to take the Winslow in tow.  It was a vital moment.  Guns roared from shore and sea.  Lieutenant Scott, in charge of the Hudson’s aft gun, sat on a box and smoked a cigarette as he directed the fire.

Captain Newton stood near Lieutenant Meed at the forward gun and watched its workings with interest.  Chief Engineer Gutchin never missed his bell.  A group of sailors was making ready to heave a line to the Winslow, and Ensign Bagley and his four men stood on the port side of the latter vessel, waiting to receive it.  A vicious fire was singing about them.  The Spaniards seemed to have found the exact range.

Killed by A bursting shell.