General Lee to Mr. Day.
Great need divers get effects and bodies from wreck; two now employed; twelve or fifteen could be used. One hundred and forty-three bodies buried. Very few found to-day. Over one hundred supposed to be confined in ship. Sailors now in two Spanish hospitals number eleven. Visited them yesterday; all will recover, except two; are comfortable and well cared for.
Mr. Lee to Mr. Day.
No. 777.]
Havana, February 18, 1898.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a translation of a communication from the Governor and Captain General, expressing sorrow for the loss of the Maine.
I am, sir, etc.,
Consul-General.
[Inclosure in No. 777.]
Havana, February 16, 1898.
Mr. Consul: It becomes my painful duty to express to you my profound sorrow for the misfortune which occurred yesterday on board the American ship Maine. I associate myself with all my heart to the grief of the nation and of the families who have lost some of their members; and upon so doing I do not only express my personal sentiments, but I speak in the name of all the inhabitants of Havana—witnesses of the catastrophe which has afflicted so many homes.
God guard you many years.
The Consul-General of the United States.
[Telegram.]
Mr. Day to General Lee.
The Government of the United States has already begun an investigation as to the causes of the disaster to the Maine through officers of the Navy especially appointed for that purpose, which will proceed independently. This Government will afford every facility it can to the Spanish authorities in whatever investigation they may see fit to make upon their part.
[Telegram.]
General Lee to Mr. Day.
Copper cylinders' ammunition found intact in 10-inch forward magazine, starboard side, this morning. Seems to show that magazine now exploded. Evidence beginning to prove explosion on port side by torpedo.
