filment of such agreement were sent
from Washington to Admiral Sampson's squadron, and it was only learned
after the capture was made that they were never delivered.

The War Department issued an order organising the regular and volunteer
forces into seven army corps.

The following letter needs no explanation:

"597 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.

"TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES,
Washington, D. C.

"_Dear Sir_:--Some days ago I wrote President McKinley offering the
government the sum of $100,000 for use in the present difficulty with
Spain. He writes me that he has no official authority to receive moneys in
behalf of the United States, and he suggests that my purpose can best be
served by making a deposit with the assistant treasurer at New York to the
credit of the treasurer of the United States, or by remitting my check
direct to you at Washington. I, therefore, enclose my check for the above
amount, drawn payable to your order on the Lincoln National Bank. Will you
kindly acknowledge the receipt of the same?

"Very truly,
"HELEN MILLER GOULD.
"_May 6, 1898._"

It was replied to twenty-four hours later:

"Treasury Department of the United States.
"Office of the Treasury.
"WASHINGTON, D. C., May 7, 1898.

"MISS HELEN MILLER GOULD,
597 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.

"_Madam_:--It gives me especial pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter under date of May 6, 1898, enclosing your check for $100,000,
according to your previous offer to President McKinley, for the
government. This sum has been placed in the general fund of the treasury
of the United States as a donation from you, for use in the present
difficulty with Spain. Permit me to recognise the superb patriotism which
prompts you to make this magnificent gift to the government. Certificates
of deposit will follow in due course. Respectfully yours,

"ELLIS H. ROBERTS,
"_Treasurer of the United States._"

_May 6._ The torpedo-boats _Dupont_ and _Hornet_ shelled the blockhouse
near the lighthouse at Point Maya, at the mouth of the harbour of
Matanzas, and Fort Gar