Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1896, and the Annual Report of the Secretary of State

Mr. Lee to Mr. Rockhill.

United States Consulate-General,
Habana, August 19, 1896.

No. 90.]

Sir: With reference to my dispatch, No. 79, of the 11th instant, in which I communicated to the Department the answer of the Governor-General to the inquiry if funds subscribed in the United States to ameliorate the condition of the American prisoners of the Competitor, in confinement at the Cabaña fortress, might be forwarded them to provide them better food and accommodations, I have now the honor to transmit a copy translation of another communication from General Weyler, to the effect that the governor of the fort has been asked to report on the condition of said prisoners; and with respect to their food, which is the same as that supplied to all prisoners by the municipal authorities, they might obtain it at their own expense and of better quality.

I therefore infer from said communication that the friends of the prisoners will be allowed to transmit them funds, either through this office, to be delivered to them direct, or to purchase food to be sent them.

I am, etc.,

Fitzhugh Lee.

[Inclosure in No. 90.—Translation.]

Captain-General Weyler to Mr. Lee.

Captaincy-General of the Island of Cuba,
Habana, August 14, 1896.

Sir: In answer to your courteous official letter of the 10th ultimo, relative to the American prisoners of the Competitor imprisoned at the Cabaña fortress, I have the honor to state that the general-governor of said fortress has been asked to report whether if it is possible to better the condition of said prisoners; and in regard to the food supplied to them I have to say, that it is the same given to all prisoners supplied by the municipality, but as it is not obligatory on the prisoners to take it, they can try to acquire it in better condition.

God guard you many years.

Valeriano Weyler.