Major General William R. Shafter to Adjutant General Henry C. Corbin
Hdqrs. 5th Army Corps
Off Santiago de Cuba,
July 4, 1898.
If Sampson1 will force an entrance with all his fleet to the upper bay of Santiago, we can take the city within a few hours. Under these conditions I believe the town will surrender. If the army alone is to take the place, I want fifteen thousand troops speedily and it is not certain that they can be landed as it is getting stormy. The sure and speedy way is through the bay. I am now in position to do my part.
(Sgd) Shafter,
Major Genl. Comdg.
Source Note: CCy, DLC-MSS, William R. Shafter Papers, Reel 3. Addressed before opening: “Adjutant General, U.S. Army,/Washington, D.C.”
Footnote 1: RAdm. William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet.
