“ ‘The Commanding General Spanish Forces,
“ ‘Santiago de Cuba.
“ ‘Sir:—In consideration of the request of the consuls and officers in your city for delay in carrying out my intention to fire on the city, and in the interest of the poor women and children, who will suffer very greatly by their hasty and enforced departure from the [pg 253]city, I have the honour to announce that I will delay such action solely in their interest until noon of the fifth, providing, during the interval, your forces make no demonstration whatever upon those of my own. I am, with great respect,
“ ‘Your obedient servant,
“ ‘W. R. Shafter,
“ ‘Major-General U. S. A.’
(Signed) “Shafter,
“Major-General Commanding.”
CHAPTER XII.
THE SPANISH FLEET.
“Don’t cheer; the poor devils are dying.”