Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

     JOSE TORAL,
     Commander-in-Chief of the Fourth Army Corps.

     At Neutral Camp, near Santiago, Under a Flag of Truce,
     July 14, 1898.

Recognizing the chivalry, courage and gallantry of Generals Linares and Toral, and of the soldiers of Spain who were engaged in the battles recently fought in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba, as displayed in said battles, we, the undersigned officers of the United States army, who had the 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.