Spanish authorities attempted to blame Montojo for defeat even though his ships arrived crippled by missing machinery, weapons, ammunition, and training. Dewey supplied a statement praising the extreme gallantry of the defense, especially the resistance offered by Montojo's flagship. A British observer likewise described the admiral remaining visibly composed under fire, separating personal courage from institutional readiness. A properly equipped force under the same admiral could at least have made Manila Bay a much harder battle.
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Dewey defends Montojo after Manila Bay
Dewey's defense of Admiral Montojo separates an officer's gallant resistance from the Spanish state's failure to supply a combat-ready fleet.