As the tensions between the United States and Spain increased, the tenuous situation of the ships of the U.S. Asiatic Squadron became clear. A major step forward was made when the command of the squadron was turned over to Gridley's old comrade from the Lighthouse Board, Commodore George Dewey.
Efforts were soon underway among the whole fleet to prepare for war.
On May 1, 1898, the ships of the Asiatic Squadron, with Gridley's Olympia in the lead as the flagship entered Manila Bay. Within a few hours, the Battle of Manila Bay was over and the Spanish fleet was defeated.
Gridley was at his station, commanding the Olympia from the ship's armored conning tower. The Philippine sun was beating on the exterior of the very small armored control center, which, combined with the already high temperatures, must have made the conning tower virtually uninhabitable.
From this location, the captain directed the ship's fire and controlled the actions of the vessel.
This is where Dewey sent his famous message to Gridley: "You may fire when you are ready, Gridley.'
But, the victory came at a great cost to Charles Gridley. At the conclusion of the battle, the captain was in no condition to celebrate the victory. He had already been a very sick man even before the battle, but those conditions made his health even worse.
--Cooter
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