This committee stands ready to furnish you with the funds necessary to carry on this work of relief to the extent of its ability, and it is expected that you will render to the treasurer a detailed account of your expenditures in the work entrusted to your organization.
You are requested to make requisition by letter or telegraph from time to time, as you need further funds.
We will thank you for your official acknowledgment of this communication in writing.
Very truly yours,
Stephen E. Barton, Chairman.
Navy Department,
Washington, April 25, 1898.
Sir: Miss Clara Barton, the representative of the American National Red Cross Society, is about to proceed to Key West to take charge of the distribution of the supplies now aboard the steamship “State of Texas,” and which supplies it is proposed to distribute among the starving reconcentrados of Cuba. There are enclosed herewith copies of letters from the Department of State to the Department of the Navy and from the Secretary of the Navy to the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station which contain the terms upon which this trust is undertaken, and the Department’s instructions in relation thereto.
The Department desires that you will afford every assistance within your power to Miss Barton and her associates, while they are in Key West.
The departure of the “State of Texas” from Key West and its destination are, of course, matters coming entirely under the jurisdiction of the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station.
Very respectfully,
John D. Long,
Secretary,