USS Buffalo
The USS Buffalo was originally built in 1892 and sold to Brazil. It was eventually purchased by the Navy from the Brazilian Government in 1898, she was renamed Buffalo and fitted out as an auxiliary cruiser at New York Navy Yard under the command of Commander J. W. Hamphill.
Her first cruise, from 7 December 1898 to 7 May 1899, was from New York to Manila and back. Upon her return she was placed out of commission. On 2 April 1900, the same day my grandfather reported to her, she was recommissioned and served as a training vessel. She made several voyages to the Philippines with replacement crews for the Asiatic Fleet. The first of these was from 24 April 1900 to 20 October 1900. James was transferred to the USS Monocacy on 3 Aug 1900.
USS Monocacy
The sidewheeler steamer Monocacy was commissioned in 1866 and assigned to the Asiatic Squadron. She and her crew were involved in the first Korean conflict in 1871. By the time of the Spanish American War in 1898, the Monocacy was unfit to see action and was left to fend for herself in Chinese waters.
In late 1899, the Monocacy carried the U.S. minister to China to ports along the Yangtze River. The following year the Boxer Rebellion occurred. Though present, Monocacy would not take part in the naval action against the forts at Taku because of orders from rear Admiral Kempff not to begin a fight with the Chinese. She was however, hit in the battle when a Chinese shell damaged one of her cutters.
James was transferred to her on 3 Aug 1900 during the later stages of the Boxer Rebellion. He served aboard the Monocacy for 38 months. During this time, he made at least one march to Peking in March 1901. In October, 1901 he was stationed at the American Consulate in Tienstin. James later received the China Relief Expedition Medal for his service in Chinese waters aboard the Monocacy.
On 30 Sep 1903 he transferred to the USS Monterey.
USS Monterey
The USS Monterey was commissioned in 1893 and was part of the Asiatic Squadron when James reported for a short stay of only one month - on 30 Oct 1903 he transferred to the USS Kentucky.
USS Kentucky
James served aboard the USS Kentucky for 3 1/2 months, from 30 Oct 1903 until 13 Feb 1904. During this time the USS Kentucky served as the flagship of the Asiatic Fleet under Rear Admiral Robely D. Evans.
USS Solace
James was transferred to the USS Solace on 13 Feb 1904. The Solace was commissioned in 1898 as a hospital ship. From July 1899 until October 1905, the Solace carried mail, passengers, and provisions from San Francisco to Hawaii, Guam, the Philippine Islands, China, and Japan. Nearing the end of his enlistment, James was transferred to Mare Island, California.
