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was clear of vessels, and our warships assisted the American vessels in clearing the space. Tugs from the Arsenal, from the Custom House, and from the Office of the Captain of the Port, patroled this space, not permitting any vessel to enter. Outside fo this so-called "Staaw Sea", circulated boats of all kinds, some of which were gaily decorated, and loaded with people. These included sailing vessels with all sails set, motor vessels, and row boats. The river was very animated, and the sky clear and sunny, which contributed greatly to this animation. All along the river as far as Algiers, the same crowds were to be seen. About 8.00 o'clock, the Rochester was illuminated with many colored lights, and in the midst of the flag decorations at the stern, where the reception was to be held, and searchlights were turned on. The whistles having again sounded, all was animation, and all eyes were turned towards the horizon with the hope of seeing the aviators appear. At this time, the three spanish officers who came to take part in the horse show, crossed Black Horse Square with their showy uniforms, attracting the attention of everybody. At 8.30, a murmer went through the crowd as the last numbers were indicated on the blackboard, and looking towards the horizon, a black spot was seen, which was believed to be the long looked for hydro-aeroplane. But this illusion was soon dispelled, because it proved to be one of our aeroplances which came from teh mouth of the river and maneuvered over the Rochester, afterwards returning to await the American aeroplane. A short time later another one of our aeroplanes appeared form the same direction and carried out the same maneuver. Finally, at 9.04 p.m., the sirens of the Rochester again burst forth, immediately followed by those of the [[strikethrough]]ofhte[[/strikethrough]] other vessels. The noise of these whistles was deafening, and the crowds anxiously watched the sky. In the high windows heads were craned forth, and arms were waving. It was not yet night and although the sun had set, things were plenty discernible. "There she comes", "There she comes", and again one of our planes appeared, immediately followedgby the celebrated NC-4, which advanced proudly at a height which permitted it to be seen distinctly without glasses. The forms of the aviators could be distinguished, and at the stern, the American Flag. Advancing over the Rochester and making a turn above the "staw sea", at the other side of the river, our aeroplane let fall a red luminous signal, and immediately after, the American aeroplane began the descent, straight towards the spot where the light was to be seen. It was a superb and majestic descent, like a bird poised confidently above a spot where he knew he would find a secure resting place. The aeroplane disappeared behind the masts of the vessels as if sinking, and the Rochester, immediately followed by the other vessels surrounding it, began to salute. Through the crowd pass a wave of enthusiasm and all were sorry not to have the aviators among them in order to embrace and congratulate them. The crowds then began to leave the banks of the river. A squad of Republican Guards was sent to Black Horse Square to keep order, but there were no disturbances. Those invited on board the Rochester, together with the band of the Republican Guards, had already gone aboard. Our aeroplanes then proceeded to their base, and -2-