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 yo