It has been stated in newspaper reports of this incident that it was an ill-aimed shell of one of the American boats that killed Tunnell and Bagley.

Tunnell was taken on board the Wilmington with both legs blown off, and fearfully mutilated.

Turning to those about him he asked, "Did we win in the fight boys ?" The reply was, "Yes." He said, "Then I die happy." While others fell at the post of duty it may be said of this brave Negro that he fell while doing _more_ than his duty.

He might have kept out of harm's way if he had desired, but seeing the situation he rushed forward to relieve it as best he could, and died a "volunteer" in service, doing what others ought to have done.

All honor to the memory of Elijah B.Tunnell, who, if not the first, certainly simultaneous with the first, martyr of the Spanish-American war.