upon demand
at 12.30 A. M., July 28th. American flag hoisted 6 A. M., 28th.

"Spanish garrison evacuated.

"Provisional articles of surrender until occupation by army: first,
garrison to be allowed to retire; second, civil government to remain in
force; third, police and fire brigade to be maintained without arms;
fourth, captain of port not to be made prisoner.

"Arrived at Ponce from Guanica with _Massachusetts_ and _Cincinnati_,
General Miles and General Wilson and transport, at 6.40 A. M., 28th;
commenced landing army in captured sugar lighters.

"No resistance. Troops welcomed by inhabitants; great enthusiasm.

"Captured sixty lighters, twenty sailing vessels, and 120 tons of coal.

"HIGGINSON."

_July 29._ The advance guard of General Henry's division, which landed at
Guanica on Tuesday, arrived at Ponce, taking en route the cities of Yauco,
Tallaboa, Sabana, Grande, and Penuelas.

Attempts by the Spaniards to blow up bridges and otherwise destroy the
railroad between Yauco and Ponce failed, only a few flat cars being
burned. At Yauco the Americans were welcomed in an address made by the
alcalde, and a public proclamation was issued, dated "Yauco, Porto Rico,
United States of America, July 27th."

_July 31._ In General Miles's despatches to the War Department, the
following statements are made regarding the condition of affairs on the
island:

"Volunteers are surrendering themselves with arms and ammunition.
Four-fifths of the people are overjoyed at the arrival of the army. Two
thousand from one place have volunteered to serve with it. They are
bringing in transportation, beef, and other needed supplies.

"The custom-house has already yielded fourteen thousand dollars. As soon
as all the troops are disembarked they will be in readiness to move."

Colonel Hulings, with ten companies of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania,
occupied Juan Diaz, about eight miles northeast of Ponce, on the road to
San Juan. The American flag was raised, and greeted with great enthusiasm
by the populace.

_August 1._ The American scouts were within six miles of Coamo, and the
Spanish rear guard was retiring fast. The Spanish had fled toward
Aibonito, thirty miles from Ponce, and the place was being fortified.
There the road winds around among the mountains, and the artillery
commanding it rendered the position impregnable. Detours were to be made
by the Amer