“ ‘Is there any officer in that boat to receive a surrender of prisoners of war?’ I shouted.
“An old man leaned out under the awning and waved his hand. It was Admiral Cervera. The marines lowered their rifles and we were helped into the launch.
“Then we were put in cells in Morro Castle. It was a grand sight a few days later to see the bombardment, the shells striking and bursting around El Morro. Then we were taken into Santiago. I had the court [pg 170]martial room in the barracks. My men were kept prisoners in the hospital.
“From my window I could see the army moving, and it was terrible to watch those poor lads coming across the opening and being shot down by the Spaniards in the rifle-pits in front of me.
“Yesterday the Spaniards became as polite as could be. I knew something was coming, and then I was exchanged.”
QUEEN REGENT, MARIA CHRISTINA OF SPAIN.