Schley exercised tactical command from Brooklyn while Sampson was absent. After the battle, Schley announced the enemy's surrender and asked for the honor of receiving Cristóbal Colón's surrender. Sampson's report presented the defeated fleet as a Fourth of July gift from the force under his command, without mentioning Schley. Mahan defended Sampson on the grounds that his earlier preparations had given Schley the means to win. The dispute separated responsibility for preparing a fleet from credit for commanding it in battle.
Notable Point · 2:09:30-2:13:46
Who deserved credit for Santiago?
Sampson's absence and Schley's tactical command produced a bitter dispute over whether planning the blockade or directing the battle deserved the victory's credit.