Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.

No. 77.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on November 23, instant, of the Department’s dispatch to me, No. 64, of the 11th instant, inclosing copy of dispatch from the United States consul-general at Havana, No. 675, and dated October 20, ultimo, showing the distressing effects of concentration of noncombatants in the capital city of Habana.

I trust that the evils of this inhumane military policy have before now been mitigated by the present Captain-General of Cuba. The Spanish ministry assure me that they have ordered that the war be now conducted according to the codes of civilized warfare, but I will promptly and urgently renew the protest of our Government whenever you think it desirable.

I have, etc.,

Stewart L. Woodford.