Documentary Histories
Spanish-American War
Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Commander, North Atlantic Fleet, to Major General William R. Shafter
U. S. Flagship New York, 1st Rate,
Off Santiago de Cuba, Cuba,
July 13, 1898.
I AM NOW PREPARED TO SHELL THE CITY OF SANTIAGO WITH THREE OF MY LARGEST IRON CLADS WITH THIRTEEN INCH PROJECTILES. CAN COMMENCE AT SHORT NOTICE.
WILL AWAIT YOUR SIGNAL.1
YOURS TRULY.
W . T . SAMPSON.
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Source Note: TCy, DNA, AFNRC, M625, roll 234. Document reference: “No. 14.”
Footnote 1: On the same day, Sampson telegraphed Lt. Col. Edward J. McClernand inquiring if any American soldiers were “as far down as the block house.” DLC, George R. Shafter Papers.
