l the
thirteenth, when Generals Miles, Shafter, Wheeler, and Gilmour had an
interview with General Toral and his staff at a point about halfway
between the lines.

_July 13._ During this interview the situation was placed frankly before
General Toral, and he was offered the alternative of being sent home with
his garrison, or leaving Santiago province, the only condition imposed
being that he should not destroy the existing fortifications, and should
leave his arms behind.

_July 15._ Not until two days later were the details arranged, and then
the Spanish commander sent the following letter:

"SANTIAGO DE CUBA, July 15, 1898.

"EXCELLENCY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OF THE AMERICAN FORCES.

"_Excellent Sir_:--I am now authorised by my government to capitulate. I
have the honour to so advise you, requesting you to designate hour and
place where my representatives should appear to compare with those of your
excellency, to effect that article of capitulation on the basis of what
has been agreed upon to this date.

[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL JOSEPH WHEELER.]

"In due time I wish to manifest to your excellency that I desire to know
the resolution of the United States government respecting the return of
arms, so as to note on the capitulation, also the great courtesy and
gentlemanly deportment of your great grace's representatives, and return
for their generous and noble impulse for the Spanish soldiers, will allow
them to return to the peninsula with the arms that the American army do
them the honour to acknowledge as dutifully descended.

(Signed) "JOSE TORAL,
"_Commander-in-Chief Fourth Army Corps._"

_July 16._ Commissioners on behalf of the United States and of Spain were
appointed, and after but little discussion an agreement between them was
arrived at.

The agreement consists of nine articles.

The first declared that all hostilities cease pending the agreement of
final capitulation.

_Second_: That the capitulation includes all the Spanish forces and the
surrender of all war material within the prescribed limits.

_Third_: The transportation of the troops to Spain at the earliest
possible moment, each force to be embarked at the nearest port.

_Fourth_: That the Spanish officers shall retain their side-arms and the
enlisted men their personal property.

_Fift