THE TRUCE. 391 immediate surrender by the threat of bombardment, a threat that could not even be acted upon for some days, and he made a last effort to get Sampson to settle the question by forcing the harbour mouth. On Monday, the 4th, he had cabled to Washington :"Ifeel that Iam master of the situation and can hold the enemy for any length of time." But holding theenemy and conquering him were two different things, and in a later telegram he made a final appeal for Sampson's help. This washis message:— Commodore Schley, who had led the chase in the Brooklyn.

The truce arranged by the consuls in the interest of the non-combatants had been prolonged till Saturday,the9th, onwhich day it was declared that if the city did not surrender,the fleet and army would open fire upon it. The first reinforcements were arriving from the United States, and on the evening of the 6th there was a wild scene of enthusiasm in the American camps as Lieutenant Hobson and his SKETCH MAP OF THE INVESTMENT OF SANTIAGO.

companions arrived in the lines, released from their Santiago prison in exchange for some Spanish officers. New uniforms had been sent to them, and Hobson was mounted, his men walking beside him. As they passed through the lines bands played, menandofficers cheered, flags were waved, and when they embarked at Siboney to get on board the New York, they were welcomed by cheersfrom every ship, steam whistlesand sirens adding to the din.

" Campnear SanJuan river,July4th,1898 — IfSampson will force an entrance withall his fleet to the upper bay of Santiago, we can take the place within a few hours. Under these conditions Ibelieve the town will surrender. If the army is to take the place Iwant 15,000 troops speedily,andit is not certain that they can be landed, as it is getting stormy. Sure and speedy wayis through the bay. Amnow in position to do mypart "Shafter, Major-General."

But Admiral Sampson would not risk anything. In the United States his caution was made the subject of hostile comment. Such was the public feeling that most of the credit for the destruction of Cervera's squadron was given to On the 9th there was another unexpected extension of the truce. General Toral had sent out a party of officers with a white flag and a letter making the first offer of surrender. But it