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