nclusive, and also of the port of San Juan in the island of Porto Rico.

"Neutral vessels lying in any of the ports to which the blockade is by the
present proclamation extended, will be allowed thirty days to issue
therefrom with cargo."

The Spanish cruiser _Antonio Lopez_, while trying to enter the river San
Juan, near San Juan de Porto Rico, secretly, with a cargo of provisions
and war material, was detected by two American war-ships, but escaped by
swiftly changing her course. Her captain, determined to land his cargo,
headed for the shore at Salinas. The shock of grounding exploded the
boiler. The Spanish gunboats _Concha_ and _Isabella_ issued to the
assistance of the _Antonio Lopez_, whereupon the Americans withdrew, and
the _Antonio Lopez_ landed her cargo.

Captain-General Augusti sent the following by cable from Manila to the
government at Madrid:

"The situation is still as grave. I continue to maintain my position
inside the line of blockhouses, but the enemy is increasing in numbers, as
the rebels occupy the provinces, which are surrendering. Torrential rains
are inundating the entrenchments, rendering the work of defence difficult.
The number of sick among the troops is increasing, making the situation
very distressing, and causing increased desertions of the native soldiers.

[Illustration: GENERAL AUGUSTI.]

"It is estimated that the insurgents number thirty thousand armed with
rifles, and one hundred thousand armed with swords, etc.

"Aguinaldo has summoned me to surrender, but I have treated his proposals
with disdain, for I am resolved to maintain the sovereignty of Spain and
the honour of the flag to the last extremity.

"I have more than one thousand sick and two hundred wounded. The citadel
has been invaded by the suburban inhabitants, who have abandoned their
homes, owing to the barbarity of the rebels. These inhabitants constitute
an embarrassment, aggravating the situation, in view of a bombardment,
which, however, is not seriously apprehended for the moment."

The captain-general's family was made prisoners by the insurgents several
days prior to the sending of this despatch, and all efforts to effect
their release had thus far been in vain.

From all parts of the world the Spanish people, during the last days of
June, looked toward Santiago de Cuba, in whose harbour was imprisoned
Cervera's fleet, for there only could they hope to resist the American
arms.