"I have the honour to report that we sighted Palgrave Island on the
evening of April 29," ran the report of Captain Johnson, of the
battleship North Dakota, to the Secretary of the Navy. "The Asiatic
Squadron was delayed and did not arrive until the morning of April
30. A council of the admirals was held, and it was decided to attack
early next morning. The destroyer, Swift VII, crept in, unmolested,
and reported no warlike preparations on the island. It noted several
small merchant steamers in the harbour, and the existence of a small
village in a hopelessly exposed position that could be swept by our
fire.
"It had been decided that all the vessels should rush in, scattered,
upon the island, opening fire at three miles, and continuing to the
edge of the reef, there to retain loose formation and engage.
Palgrave Island repeatedly warned us, by wireless, in the
international code, to keep outside the ten-mile limit; but no heed
was paid to the warnings.
"The North Dakota did not take part in the movement of the morning of
May 1.
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