3.  At present I am acting under instructions from the Navy Department to blockade the coast of Cuba for the purpose of preventing, among other things, any food supply from reaching the Spanish forces in Cuba.  Under these circumstances it seems to me unwise to let a ship-load of such supplies be sent to the reconcentrados, for, in my opinion, they would be distributed to the Spanish army.  Until some point be occupied in Cuba by our forces, from which such distribution can be made to those for whom the supplies are intended, I am unwilling that they should be landed on Cuban soil.

Yours very respectfully,

[Signed] W. T. Sampson, Rear-Admiral U. S. N.

Commander-in-Chief U. S. Naval Force, North Atlantic Station.

After this exchange of letters Miss Barton had a conference with Admiral Sampson, in the course of which the latter explained more fully his reasons for declining to allow the State of Texas to enter any Cuban port until such port had been occupied by American troops.

On the 3d of May Miss Barton sent the following telegram to Stephen.  E. Barton, Chairman of the Central Cuban Belief Committee, in New York: 

Key West, May 3,1898.

Stephen E. Barton, Chairman, etc.: 

Herewith I transmit copies of letters passed between Admiral Sampson and myself.  I think it important that you should present immediately this correspondence personally to the government, as it will place before them the exact situation here.  The utmost cordiality exists between Admiral Sampson and myself.  The Admiral feels it his duty, as chief of the blockading squadron, to keep food out of Cuba, but recognizes that, from my standpoint, my duty is to try to get food into Cuba.  If I insist, Admiral Sampson will try to open communication under a flag of truce; but his letter expresses his opinion regarding the best method.  Advices from the government would enable us to reach a decision.  Unless there is objection at Washington, you are at liberty to publish this correspondence if you wish.

[Signed] Clara Barton.

On May 6 the Chairman of the Central Cuban Relief Committee replied as follows: 

Washington, D. C,, May 6,1898.

Clara Barton, Key West, Fla.: 

Submitted your message to President and Cabinet, and it was read with moistened eyes.  Considered serious and pathetic.  Admiral Sampson’s views regarded as wisest at present.  Hope to land you soon.  President, Long, and Moore send highest regards.

[Signed] Barton.

Under these circumstances, of course, there was nothing for the Red Cross steamer to do but wait patiently in Key West until the army of invasion should leave Tampa for the Cuban coast.

Meanwhile, however, Miss Barton had discovered a field of beneficent activity for the Red Cross in Key West, where there were nearly 200 Spaniards, mostly fishermen, prisoners on vessels captured while running the blockade, and without means of subsistence.  Most of these unfortunate men lived on fish after they were captured and none of them had a chance to obtain other food, as under the law they were not permitted to leave their vessels.  The naval officers had no authority to supply the captives with food from the ships in the harbor, so their lot was far from being enviable.