four o'clock in the
afternoon of Saturday, May 20
`` I ca n't say as to that . Perhaps he would just as lief stay here and join some command on land , or some other ship , especially if he knew that my brother Walter was coming on . But I am sure he would like to see his old messmates off , '' concluded Ben . Admiral Dewey started for the United States at four o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday , May 20 . The departure proved a gala time , the harbor and shipping being decorated , and the other warships firing a salute . The bands played `` Auld Lang Syne , '' `` Home , Sweet Home , '' and `` America , '' and the jackies crowded the tops to get a last look at the noble flagship as she slipped down the bay toward the China Sea , with the admiral standing on the bridge , hat in hand , and waving them a final adieu . In all the time he had been at Manila , Admiral Dewey had served his country well , and his home-coming was indeed to be one of grand triumph .