The Spanish officers attributed the American victory to the rapidity and the accuracy of our fire rather than to the weight of projectiles used.  Also, the fact that the American ships were painted a lead color and did not stand out boldly against the water made them very unsatisfactory targets and kept the Spanish gunners guessing as to the correct range.

In spite of his overwhelming defeat Admiral Montejo did not forget the courtesies of the occasion.  On Monday he sent word by the British consul to Admiral Dewey that he wished to compliment the Americans on their marksmanship.  He said that never before had he witnessed such rapid and accurate firing.  Admiral Dewey, not to be outdone in the amenities of war, sent his compliments to the Spanish admiral and praised the Spaniards very highly for their courage and resistance.  He said that the Spanish force was stronger than he had believed it would be before his arrival at the harbor, and he had really expected a shorter and less stubborn battle.  It is said that this message, although complimentary to the Spanish, did not give Admiral Montejo any real comfort.

The Spanish ships destroyed were:  The Reina Christina, flagship of Admiral Montejo; Cruiser Castilla (wooden); Cruiser Don Antonio de Ulloa; Protected Cruiser Isla de Luzon; Protected Cruiser Isla de Cuba; Gunboat General Lezo; Gunboat Marquis del Duero; Gunboat El Cano; Gunboat El Velasco; the Steamer Mindanao, with supplies, burned.

These were captured:  Transport Manila, with supplies; Gunboat Isabella I; Cruiser Don Juan de Austria; Gunboat Rapido; Gunboat Hercules; two whaleboats; three steam launches.

Secretary Long sent this dispatch immediately to Acting Admiral Dewey: 

The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory.  In recognition he has appointed you Acting Admiral, and will recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress as a foundation for further promotion.

Dewey’s new rank.

The Senate unanimously confirmed the President’s nomination making George Dewey a rear admiral in the United States navy.  Congress made the place for him, and the President promoted him.

He bears on his shoulders two stars and an anchor instead of two anchors and a star.  His pay has been increased from $5,000 a year to $6,000 a year, while at sea and until he retires.  He was presented with a sword, and medals were struck for his men.  His elevation in rank, his increase in pay, are gratifying tributes to his greatness.  But there is a rank to which the President could not elevate him, a position that Congress could not create, for he created it himself.  In the hearts of the people Admiral Dewey is the Hero of Manila, holding a place prouder than a king’s, a place in the love and admiration and gratitude of a great nation.

Greater than Farragut, greater than Hull, greater than Hawke or Blake or Nelson, Dewey is the greatest of fleet commanders, the grandest of the heroes of the sea.  It will be recorded of him that he was faithful to duty, true to his flag, magnanimous to his enemies and modest in the hour of triumph.