Cervera y Topete

Pascual, a Spanish naval officer; born in the province of Jerez, in 18383. Graduated at the Naval Academy of San Fernando; entered on active service in 1851; and was made first lieutenant in 1859; captain in 1868; and admiral subsequently. He was a prominent factor in the 10-years’ war in Cuba, when he succeeded in blockading the ports; was sent to London, as a representative of Spain, to take part with other nations in a conference bearing on naval questions of international importance; and commanded the fleet sent against the American squadron operating in Cubar waters after the declaration of war in 1898. He took refuge in the inner harbor of Santiago de Cuba, and when, on July 3, he attempted to escape, under imperative orders from his superiors, his entire fleet was destroyed by the squadron under the official command of Rear-Admiral Sampson and the actual command (in the temporary absence of that officer) of Rear-Admiral Schley. Admiral Cervera and his surviving officers were sent to Anna polis, Md., as prisoners of war, and soon afterward were released and returned to Spain.