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 296 the Spanish batteries that lined both sides of the bay were silenced, the U. S. S. Petrel completing the destructive work by firing the smaller Spanish gunboats that had sought shelter behind the point at Cavite. Commodore Dewey then notified the governor-general of Manila that he would shell the city if his fleet were fired upon by the land batteries. The United States fleet was found to be but slightly battered by the Spanish guns, and only seven men (all on board the Baltimore) out of the 1,694 engaged were slightly wounded. By this unprecedented victory, of the utmost importance in the war between Spain and the United States, Commodore Dewey was heralded throughout the world as one of the greatest naval heroes of history. On August 13, 1898, the land forces under General Merritt having arrived, the combined army and navy of the United States in Manila Bay made a simultaneous attack and the city was surrendered; Flag Lieutenant Thomas M, Brumby of the Olympia raising the United States flag over Manila one day after the treaty of peace had been signed between Spain and the United States, Commodore Dewey was promoted to the rank of acting rear-admiral by President McKinley immediately on the news of the victory of Manila Bay reaching Washington, and both houses of Congress joined in a vote of thanks for his signal victory over the Spanish fleet without the loss of a single American life. Congress also voted to Commodore Dewey a sword, and to him and each member of his squadron a medal. Congress on March 2, 1899, by a special act created the rank of "Admiral of the Navy," and the president named George Dewey for the office and rank. While in Manila he was made a member of the Philippine Commission. He set sail from Manila in April, 1899, on board the Olympia, and made the voyage home by way of India, the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea and across the Atlantic, making port in New York September 26, 1899, to be received home by a grateful people with a welcome probably the most magnificent ever extended to a hero by any nation. New York city devoted September 28, 29 and 30 to celebration, including grand military, civic and naval displays and a triumphal procession through the streets and under the "Dewey arch," a temporary structure of really artistic beauty erected for the occasion. He also visited Washington, District of Columbia; Boston; Montpelier, Vermont, and other cities, and the enthusiasm of the nation was unbounded, A grateful public contributed $50,000 and purchased a residence for him