A TALE OF TWO SAILORS: Captain Richard Wainwright, Coal Passer Gil Veno and the USS Gloucester
Date and Time
Saturday Jul 18, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
July 18 @ 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Location
Sawyer Free Library
2 Dale Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930
Fees/Admission
Free
Contact Information
Sawyer Free Library
978-325-5500
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Description
In July, 1898 the USS GLOUCESTER was the most famous vessel in the world. Its commander, Richard Wainwright, who never said much, acted to avenge the MAINE, his old ship, with innovation and daring. He turned a blind eye to limiting orders and led the American charge at sea with all guns blazing at the Battle of Santiago Bay, destroying two larger ships and capturing the Admiral of the Caribbean fleet on July 3, 1898. The City of Gloucester gave him a silver loving cup and a fish dinner at Long Beach.
On the other hand, the only Gloucester man aboard the Gloucester, Gil Veno, ran away from newspaper reporters and said nothing. Why? Now hear this...
A Talk by Wayne Soini, author of the upcoming GLOUCESTER AND THE WAR OF 1898 (Arcadia Press).
