Chapter XVIII: Appendix

The correspondence following shows the progress of the negotiations for the surrender of the city of Santiago and the Spanish Army, from the morning of July 3d until the final convention was signed on the sixteenth of the same month. This surrender virtually closed the war, but did not restore the contending nations to a status of peace. Twenty-three thousand Spanish soldiers had laid down their arms and had been transformed from enemies to friends. On the tenth of August following, a protocol was submitted by the President of the United States, which was accepted by the Spanish cabinet on the eleventh, and on the twelfth the President announced the cessation of hostilities, thus closing a war which had lasted one hundred and ten days. On the tenth of December a Treaty of Peace between the United States and Spain was signed at Paris, which was subsequently ratified by both nations, and diplomatic relations fully restored. The war, though short, had been costly. One hundred and fifty million dollars had been spent in its prosecution, and there were left on our hands the unsolved problem of Cuba and the Philippines, which promised much future trouble.

Within a month from the signing of the convention, the Army of Invasion, known as the Fifth Army Corps, was on its homeward voyage, and by the latter part of August the whole command was well out of Cuba. Well did the soldiers themselves, as well as their friends, realize, as the former returned from that campaign of a hundred days, that war in the tropics was neither a pastime nor a practice march. The campaign had tested the powers of endurance of the men to its utmost limit. The horrors of war were brought directly to the face of the people, as the ten thousand invalids dragged their debilitated forms from the transports to their detention camps, or to the hospitals, some too helpless to walk, and many to die soon after greeting their native shores. Those who had been so enthusiastic for the war were now quiet, and were eagerly laying the blame for the sorrow and suffering before them upon the shoulders of those who had conducted the war. Few stopped to think that a good part of this woe might be justly charged to those who had constantly resisted the establishment of an adequate standing army, and who, with inconsistent vehemence, had urged the nation into a war, regardless of its military equipment. The emaciated veterans arriving at Montauk were spoken of as the evidences of "military incompetency;" they were also evidence of that narrow statesmanship which ignores the constant suggestions of military experience.

* * * * *

Headquarters United States Forces,
Near San Juan River, July 3, 1898--8.30 A.M.

To the Commanding General of the Spanish Forces, Santiago de Cuba.

Sir:--I shall be obliged, unless you surrender, to shell
Santiago de Cuba. Please inform the citizens of foreign
countries, and all the women and children, that they should
leave the city before 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
Major-General U.S.V.

Reply.

Santiago de Cuba, July 3, 1898.

His Excellency the General Commanding Forces of United States,
near San Juan River.

Sir:--I have the honor to reply to your communication of
to-day, written at 8.30 A.M., and received at 1 P.M.,
demanding the surrender of this city, or, in contrary case,
announcing to me that you will bombard this city, and that I
advise the foreigners, women and children that they must
leave the city before 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. It is my
duty to say to you that this city will not surrender, and
that I will inform the foreign consuls and inhabitants of
the contents of your message.

Very respectfully,

JOSE TORAL,
Commander-in-Chief, Fourth Corps,

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 4, 1898.

The Commanding General, Spanish Forces, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

Sir:--I was officially informed last night that Admiral
Cervera is now a captive on board the U.S.S. Gloucester, and
is unharmed. He was then in the harbor of Siboney. I regret
also to have to announce to you the death of General Vara
del Rey at El Caney, who, with two of his sons, was killed
in the battle of July 1st. His body will be buried this
morning with military honors. His brother,
Lieutenant-Colonel Vara del Rey, is wounded and a prisoner
in my hands, together with the following officers: Captain
Don Antonio Vara del Rey, Captain Isidor Arias, Captain
Antonio Mansas, and Captain Manuel Romero, who, though
severely wounded, will all probably survive.

I also have to announce to you that the Spanish fleet, with
the exception of one vessel, was destroyed, and this one is
being so vigorously pursued that it will be impossible for
it to escape. General Pando is opposed by forces sufficient
to hold him in check.

In view of the above, I would suggest that, to save needless
effusion of blood and the distress of many people, you may
reconsider your determination of yesterday. Your men have
certainly shown the gallantry which was expected of them.

I am, sir, with great respect,

Your obedient servant,

WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, Commanding United States Forces.

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 4, 1898.

To the Commanding General, Spanish Forces, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

Sir:--The fortune of war has thrown into my hands quite a
number of officers and private soldiers, whom I am now
holding as prisoners of war, and I have the honor to propose
to you that a cartel of exchange be arranged to-day, by
which the prisoners taken by the forces of Spain from on
board the Merrimac, and any officers and men of the army who
may have fallen into our hands within the past few days, may
be returned to their respective governments on the terms
usual in such cases, of rank for rank. Trusting that this
will meet with your favorable consideration, I remain,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, Commanding United States Forces.

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 4, 1898.

To the Commanding Officer, Spanish Forces, Santiago.

Sir:--It will give me great pleasure to return to the city
of Santiago at an early hour to-morrow morning all the
wounded Spanish officers now at El Caney who are able to be
carried and who will give their parole not to serve against
the United States until regularly exchanged. I make this
proposition, as I am not so situated as to give these
officers the care and attention that they can receive at the
hands of their military associates and from their own
surgeons; though I shall, of course, give them every kind
treatment that it is possible to do under such adverse
circumstances. Trusting that this will meet with your
approbation, and that you will permit me to return to you
these persons, I am,

Your very obedient servant,

WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, Commanding United States Forces.

Army of the Island of Cuba,
Fifth Corps, General Staff.

To His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the American Forces.

Excellency:--I have the honor to reply to the three
communications of your Excellency, dated to-day, and I am
very grateful for the news you give in regard to the
generals, chiefs, officers and troops that are your
prisoners, and of the good care that you give to the wounded
in your possession. With respect to the wounded, I have no
objection to receiving in this place those that your
Excellency may willingly deliver me, but I am not authorized
by the General-in-Chief to make any exchange, as he has
reserved to himself that authority. Yet I have given him
notice of the proposition of your Excellency.

It is useless for me to tell you how grateful I am for the
interest that your Excellency has shown for the prisoners
and corpse of General Vara del Rey, giving you many thanks
for the chivalrous treatment.

The same reasons that I explained to you yesterday, I have
to give again to-day--that this place will not be
surrendered.

I am, yours with great respect and consideration,

(Signed) JOSE TORAL.

In Santiago de Cuba, July 4, 1898.

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 6, 1898.

To the Commander-in-Chief, Spanish Forces, Santiago de Cuba.

Sir:--In view of the events of the 3d instant, I have the
honor to lay before your Excellency certain propositions to
which, I trust, your Excellency, will give the consideration
which, in my judgment, they deserve.

I inclose a bulletin of the engagement of Sunday morning
which resulted in the complete destruction of Admiral
Cervera's fleet, the loss of six hundred of his officers and
men, and the capture of the remainder. The Admiral, General
Paredes and all others who escaped alive are now prisoners
on board the Harvard and St. Louis, and the latter ship, in
which are the Admiral, General Paredes and the surviving
captains (all except the captain of the Almirante Oquendo,
who was slain) has already sailed for the United States. If
desired by you, this may be confirmed by your Excellency
sending an officer under a flag of truce to Admiral Sampson,
and he can arrange to visit the Harvard, which will not sail
until to-morrow, and obtain the details from Spanish
officers and men on board that ship.

Our fleet is now perfectly free to act, and I have the honor
to state that unless a surrender be arranged by noon of the
9th instant, a bombardment will be begun and continued by
the heavy guns of our ships. The city is within easy range
of these guns, the eight-inch being capable of firing 9,500
yards, the thirteen-inch, of course, much farther. The ships
can so lie that with a range of 8,000 yards they can reach
the centre of the city.

I make this suggestion of a surrender purely in a
humanitarian spirit. I do not wish to cause the slaughter of
any more men, either of your Excellency's forces or my own,
the final result, under circumstances so disadvantageous to
your Excellency being a foregone conclusion.

As your Excellency may wish to make reference of so
momentous a question to your Excellency's home government,
it is for this purpose that I have placed the time of the
resumption of hostilities sufficiently far in the future to
allow a reply being received.

I beg an early answer from your Excellency.

I have the honor to be,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, Commanding.

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
Camp near Santiago, July 9, 1898.

Hon. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

I forwarded General Toral's proposition to evacuate the town
this morning without consulting any one. Since then I have
seen the general officers commanding divisions, who agree
with me in that it should be accepted.

1st. It releases at once the harbor.

2d. It permits the return of thousands of women, children
and old men, who have left the town, fearing bombardment,
and are now suffering fearfully where they are, though I am
doing my best to supply them with food.

3d. It saves the great destruction of property which a
bombardment would entail, most of which belongs to Cubans
and foreign residents.

4th. It at once releases this command while it is in good
health for operations elsewhere. There are now three cases
of yellow fever at Siboney in a Michigan regiment, and if it
gets started, no one knows where it will stop.

We lose by this, simply some prisoners we do not want and
the arms they carry. I believe many of them will desert and
return to our lines. I was told by a sentinel who deserted
last night that two hundred men wanted to come, but were
afraid our men would fire upon them.

W.R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, United States Volunteers.

Reply.

Washington, D.C., July 9, 1898.

Major-General Shafter, Playa, Cuba.

In reply to your telegram recommending terms of evacuation
as proposed by the Spanish commander, after careful
consideration by the President and Secretary of War, I am
directed to say that you have repeatedly been advised that
you would not be expected to make an assault upon the enemy
at Santiago until you were prepared to do the work
thoroughly. When you are ready this will be done. Your
telegram of this morning said your position was impregnable
and that you believed the enemy would yet surrender
unconditionally. You have also assured us that you could
force their surrender by cutting off their supplies. Under
these circumstances, your message recommending that Spanish
troops be permitted to evacuate and proceed without
molestation to Holguin is a great surprise and is not
approved. The responsibility for the destruction and
distress to the inhabitants rests entirely with the Spanish
commander. The Secretary of War orders that when you are
strong enough to destroy the enemy and take Santiago, you do
it. If you have not force enough, it will be despatched to
you at the earliest moment possible. Reinforcements are on
the way of which you have already been apprised. In the
meantime, nothing is lost by holding the position you now
have, and which you regard as impregnable.

Acknowledge receipt. By order of the Secretary of War.
(Signed) H.C. CORBIN, Adjutant-General.

Headquarters United States Forces,
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 11, 1898.

To His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish Forces,
Santiago de Cuba.

Sir:--With the largely increased forces which have come to
me, and the fact that I have your line of retreat securely
within my hands, the time seems fitting that I should again
demand of your Excellency the surrender of Santiago and your
Excellency's army. I am authorized to state that should your
Excellency so desire, the Government of the United States
will transport your entire command to Spain. I have the
honor to be,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, Commanding.

Reply.

Army of the Island of Cuba, Fourth Corps,
July 11, 1898.

To His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of
the United States, in the Camp of the San Juan.

Esteemed Sir:--I have the honor to advise your Eminence that
your communication of this date is received, and in reply
desire to confirm that which I said in my former
communication, and also to advise you that I have
communicated your proposition to the General-in-Chief.
Reiterating my sentiments, I am,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

(Signed) JOSE TORAL,
Commander-in-Chief of the Fourth Corps and Military Governor
of Santiago.

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
Camp near Santiago de Cuba, July 12, 1898.

To His Excellency, Commander-in-Chief of Spanish Forces,
Santiago de Cuba.

Sir:--I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I have
already ordered a suspension of hostilities, and I will
repeat that order, granting in this manner a reasonable
time within which you may receive an answer to the message
sent to the Government of Spain, which time will end
to-morrow at 12 o'clock noon.

I think it my duty to inform your Excellency that during
this armistice I will not move any of my troops that occupy
the advanced line, but the forces that arrived to-day and
which are debarking at Siboney require moving to this camp.

I wish that your Excellency would honor me with a personal
interview to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. I will come
accompanied by the Commanding General of the American army,
and by an interpreter, which will permit you to be
accompanied by two or three persons of your staff who speak
English. Hoping for a favorable answer, I have the honor to
be,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
Major-General, Commanding.

Army of the Island of Cuba, Fourth Corps,
Santiago de cuba, July 12, 1898--9 P. M.

To His Excellency, the General of the American Troops.

Esteemed Sir:--I have the honor to answer your favor of this
date, inform your Excellency that in deference to your
desires I will be much honored by a conference with his
Excellency, the Commanding General of your army, and your
Excellency, to-morrow morning at the hour you have seen fit
to appoint.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

(Signed) JOSE TORAL,
Commander-in-Chief of the Fourth Army Corps.

Preliminary agreement for the capitulation of the Spanish
forces which constitute the division of Santiago de Cuba,
occupying the territory herein set forth, said capitulation
authorized by the Commander-in-Chief of the Island of Cuba,
agreed to by General Toral and awaiting the approbation of
the Government at Madrid, and subject to the following
conditions:

Submitted by the undersigned Commissioners--

Brigadier-General Don Frederick Escario, Lieutenant-Colonel
of Staff Don Ventura Fontan and Mr. Robert Mason, of the
city of Santiago de Cuba, representing General Toral,
commanding Spanish forces, to Major-General Joseph Wheeler,
U.S.V., Major-General H.W. Lawton, U.S.V., and First
Lieutenant J.D. Miley, Second Artillery, A.D.C, representing
General Shafter, commanding American forces, for the
capitulation of the Spanish forces comprised in that portion
of the Island of Cuba east of a line passing through
Aserradero, Dos Palmas, Palma Soriano, Cauto Abajo,
Escondida, Tanamo and Aguilera, said territory being known
as the Eastern District of Santiago, commanded by General
Jose Toral.

1. That pending arrangements for capitulation all
hostilities between American and Spanish forces in this
district shall absolutely and unequivocally cease.

2. That this capitulation includes all the forces and war
material in said territory.

3. That after the signing of the final capitulation the
United States agrees, with as little delay as possible, to
transport all the Spanish troops in said district to the
Kingdom of Spain, the troops, as near as possible, to embark
at the port nearest the garrison they now occupy.

4. That the officers of the Spanish Army be permitted to
retain their side arms, and both officers and enlisted men
their personal property.

5. That after final capitulation the Spanish authorities
agree without delay to remove, or assist the American Navy
in removing, all mines or other obstructions to navigation
now in the harbor of Santiago and its mouth.

6. That after final capitulation the commander of the
Spanish forces deliver without delay a complete inventory of
all arms and munitions of war of the Spanish forces and a
roster of the said forces now in the above-described
district, to the commander of the American forces.

7. That the commander of the Spanish forces, in leaving said
district, is authorized to carry with him all military
archives and records pertaining to the Spanish Army now in
said district.

8. That all of that portion of the Spanish forces known as
Volunteers, Movilizados and Guerillas, who wish to remain in
the Island of Cuba are permitted to do so under parole not
to take up arms against the United States during the
continuance of the war between Spain and the United States,
delivering up their arms.

9. That the Spanish forces will march out of Santiago de
Cuba with honors of war, depositing their arms thereafter at
a point mutually agreed upon, to await their disposition by
the United States Government, it being understood that the
United States Commissioners will recommend that the Spanish
soldier return to Spain with the arms he so bravely
defended.

Entered into this fifteenth day of July, eighteen hundred
and ninety-eight, by the undersigned Commissioners, acting
under instructions from their respecting commanding
generals.

(Signed)
JOSEPH WHEELER,
_Major-General U.S. Vols._;

H.W. LAWTON,
_Major-General U.S. Vols._;

J.D. MILEY,
_1st Lieut. 2d Art., A.D.C. to General Shafter._

FREDERICO ESCARIO,
VENTURA FONTAN,
ROBERT MASON.

Army of the Island of Cuba, Fourth Corps,
Santiago de Cuba, July 12, 1898--9 P.M.

To His Excellency, the General-in-Chief of the American Forces,

Esteemed Sir:--As I am now authorized by my Government to
capitulate, I have the honor to so advise you, requesting
you to designate the hour and place where my representatives
should appear, to concur with those of your Excellency to
edit the articles of capitulation on the basis of what has
been agreed upon to this date.

In due time I wish to manifest to your Excellency my desire
to know the resolution of the United States Government
respecting the return of the arms, so as to note it in the
capitulation; also for their great courtesy and gentlemanly
deportment I wish to thank your Grace's representatives, and
in return for their generous and noble efforts for the
Spanish soldiers, I hope your Government will allow them to
return to the Peninsula with the arms that the American army
do them the honor to acknowledge as having dutifully
defended.

Reiterating my former sentiments, I remain,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSE TORAL,
Commander-in-Chief of the Fourth Army Corps.

At Neutral Camp, near Santiago, Under a Flag of Truce,
July 14, 1898.

Recognizing the chivalry, courage and gallantry of Generals
Linares and Toral, and of the soldiers of Spain who were
engaged in the battles recently fought in the vicinity of
Santiago de Cuba, as displayed in said battles, we, the
undersigned officers of the United States army, who had the
honor to be engaged in said battle, and are now a duly
organized commission, treating with a like commission of
officers of the Spanish army, for the capitulation of
Santiago de Cuba, unanimously join in earnestly soliciting
the proper authority to accord to these brave and chivalrous
soldiers the privilege of returning to their country bearing
the arms they have so bravely defended.

JOSEPH WHEELER,
Major-General, U.S. Vols.

H. W. LAWTON,
Major-General, U.S. Vols.

First Lieut., 2d Art., A.D.C.
J. D. MILEY.

Army of the Island of Cuba, Fourth Corps,
Santiago de Cuba, July 16, 1898.

To His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of
the United States.

Esteemed Sir:--At half-past 11 I received your communication
of this date, and I am sorry to advise you that it is
impossible for my representatives to come to the appointed
place at midday, as you wish, as I must meet them and give
them their instructions.

If agreeable to you, will you defer the visit until 4 P.M.
to-day or until 7 to-morrow morning, and in the meanwhile
the obstacles to the entrance of the Red Cross will be
removed from the harbor.

I beg your Honor will make clear what force you wish me to
retire from the railroad, as, if it is that in Aguadores, I
would authorize the repair of the bridge at once by your
engineers; and if it is that on the heights to the left of
your lines, I beg you will specify with more precision.

I have ordered those in charge of the aqueduct to proceed at
once to repair it with the means at their command.

Awaiting your reply, I remain,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSE TORAL,
Commander-in-Chief of the Fourth Army Corps.

Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
Camp, July 16, 1898.

To His Excellency, General Jose Toral, Commanding Spanish Forces
in Eastern Cuba.

Sir:--I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
Excellency's letter of this date, notifying me that the
Government at Madrid approves your action, and requesting
that I designate officers to arrange for and receive the
surrender of the forces of your Excellency. This I do,
nominating Major-General Wheeler, Major-General Lawton, and
my aide, Lieutenant Miley. I have to request that your
Excellency at once withdraw your troops from along the
railway to Aguadores, and from the bluff in rear of my left;
also that you at once direct the removal of the obstructions
at the entrance to the harbor or assist the navy in doing
so, as it is of the utmost importance that I at once get
vessels loaded with food into the harbor.

The repair of the railroad will, I am told, require a week's
time. I shall, as I have said to your Excellency, urge my
Government that the gallant men your Excellency has so ably
commanded have returned to Spain with them the arms they
have wielded. With great respect, I remain,

Your obedient servant and friend,

WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
General, Commanding.

Terms of the Military Convention for the capitulation of the
Spanish forces occupying the territory which constitutes the
Division of Santiago de Cuba and described as follows: All
that portion of the Island of Cuba east of a line passing
through Aserradero, Dos Palmas, Cauto Abajo, Escondida,
Tanamo and Aguilara, said troops being in command of General
Jose Toral; agreed upon by the undersigned Commissioners:
Brigadier-General Don Federico Escario, Lieutenant-Colonel
of Staff Don Ventura Fontan, and as Interpreter, Mr. Robert
Mason, of the city of Santiago de Cuba, appointed by General
Toral, commanding the Spanish forces, on behalf of the
Kingdom of Spain, and Major-General Joseph Wheeler, U.S.V.,
Major-General H.W. Lawton, U.S.V., and First Lieutenant J.D.
Miley, Second Artillery, A.D.C., appointed by General
Shafter, commanding the American forces on behalf of the
United States:

1. That all hostilities between the American and Spanish
forces in this district absolutely and unequivocally cease.

2. That this capitulation includes all the forces and war
material in said territory.

3. That the United States agrees, with as little delay as
possible, to transport all the Spanish troops in said
district to the Kingdom of Spain, the troops being embarked,
as far as possible at the port nearest the garrison they now
occupy.

4. That the officers of the Spanish Army be permitted to
retain their side arms, and both officers and private
soldiers their personal property.

5. That the Spanish authorities agree to remove, or assist
the American Navy in removing, all mines or other
obstructions to navigation now in the harbor of Santiago and
its mouth.

6. That the commander of the Spanish forces deliver without
delay a complete inventory of all arms and munitions of war
of the Spanish forces in above described district to the
commander of the American forces; also a roster of said
forces now in said district.

7. That the commander of the Spanish forces, in leaving said
district, is authorized to carry with him all military
archives and records pertaining to the Spanish Army now in
said district.

8. That all that portion of the Spanish forces known as
Volunteers, Movilizados and Guerillas, who wish to remain in
the Island of Cuba, are permitted to do so upon the
condition of delivering up their arms and taking a parole
not to bear arms against the United States during the
continuance of the present war between Spain and the United
States.

9. That the Spanish forces will march out of Santiago de
Cuba with the honors of war, depositing their arms
thereafter at a point mutually agreed upon, to await their
disposition by the United States Government, it being
understood that the United States Commissioners will
recommend that the Spanish soldier return to Spain with the
arms he so bravely defended.

10. That the provisions of the foregoing instrument become
operative immediately upon its being signed.

Entered into this sixteenth day of July, eighteen hundred
and ninety-eight, by the undersigned Commissioners, acting
under instructions from their respective commanding generals
and with the approbation of their respective governments.

(Signed)
JOSEPH WHEELER,
_Major-General U.S. Vols._;

H.W. LAWTON,
_Major-General U.S. Vols._;

J.D. MILEY,
_1st Lieut. 2d Art., A.D.C. to General Shafter._

FREDERICO ESCARIO,
VENTURA FONTAN,
ROBERT MASON.

The following dispatch, sent by General Linares, will show how desperate were the straits into which he had been driven and how earnestly he desired to be granted authority to avoid further fighting by the surrender of his forces at Santiago:

Santiago de Cuba, July 12, 1898.

The General-in-Chief to the Secretary of War.

Although prostrated in bed from weakness and pain, my mind
is troubled by the situation of our suffering troops, and
therefore I think it my duty to address myself to you, Mr.
Secretary, and describe the true situation.

The enemy's forces very near city; ours extended fourteen
kilometres (14,000 yards). Our troops exhausted and sickly
in an alarming proportion. Cannot be brought to the
hospital--needing them in trenches. Cattle without fodder or
hay. Fearful storm of rain, which has been pouring
continuously for past twenty-four hours. Soldiers without
permanent shelter. Their only food rice, and not much of
that. They have no way of changing or drying their clothing.
Our losses were very heavy--many chiefs and officers among
the dead, wounded and sick. Their absence deprives the
forces of their leaders in this very critical moment. Under
these conditions it is impossible to open a breach on the
enemy, because it would take a third of our men who cannot
go out, and whom the enemy would decimate. The result would
be a terrible disaster, without obtaining, as you desire,
the salvation of eleven maimed battalions. To make a sortie
protected by the division at Holguin, it is necessary to
attack the enemy's lines simultaneously, and the forces of
Holguin cannot come here except after many long days'
marching. Impossible for them to transport rations.
Unfortunately, the situation is desperate. The surrender is
imminent, otherwise we will only gain time to prolong our
agony. The sacrifice would be sterile, and the men
understand this. With his lines so near us, the enemy will
annihilate us without exposing his own, as he did yesterday,
bombarding by land elevations without our being able to
discover their batteries, and by sea the fleet has a perfect
knowledge of the place, and bombards with a mathematical
accuracy. Santiago is no Gerona, a walled city, part of the
mother country, and defended inch by inch by her own people
without distinction--old men and women who helped with their
lives, moved by the holy idea of freedom, and with the hope
of help, which they received. Here I am alone. All the
people have fled, even those holding public offices, almost
without exception. Only the priests remain, and they wish to
leave the city to-day, headed by their archbishop. These
defenders do not start now a campaign full of enthusiasm and
energy, but for three years they have been fighting the
climate, privations and fatigue, and now they have to
confront this critical situation when they have no
enthusiasm or physical strength. They have no ideals,
because they defend the property of people who have deserted
them and those who are the allies of the American forces.

The honor of arms has its limit, and I appeal to the
judgment of the Government and of the entire nation whether
these patient troops have not repeatedly saved it since May
18th--date of first bombardment. If it is necessary that I
sacrifice them for reasons unknown to me, or if it is
necessary for some one to take responsibility for the issue
foreseen and announced by me in several telegrams, I
willingly offer myself as a sacrifice to my country, and I
will take charge of the command for the act of surrender, as
my modest reputation is of small value when the reputation
of the nation is at stake.

(Signed) LINARES.

Thus surrendered to our forces about 23,500 Spanish troops, of whom about 11,000 had been in the garrison of Santiago, the others having been stationed in garrisons outside of the city, but belonging to the Division of Santiago. With them were also surrendered 100 cannon, 18 machine guns and over 25,000 rifles. The troops were all sent back to Spain in vessels of their own nation and flying their own flag. We had lost in battles with them before the surrender 23 officers killed and 237 men; and 100 officers and 1,332 men wounded.