 On 15 September 1896, "Bancroft" sailed to join the European Squadron and for the next 15 months protected American interests in the eastern Mediterranean.Called home as relations between the United States and Spain deteriorated early in 1898, "Bancroft" reached Boston, Massachusetts, on 4 April 1898.The Spanish–American War began on 25 April 1898 when the United States Congress declared war on Spain, retroactive to 21 April, and "Bancroft" served with the North Atlantic Squadron from 9 May to 9 August 1898.