As other portions of the enemy's territory come into the possession of the land and naval forces of the United States, postal communication may be opened under the same conditions.

In view of the occupation of Santiago de Cuba by the forces of the United States, it is ordered that postal communication between the United States and that port, which has been suspended since the opening of hostilities with Spain, may be…

The Postmaster-General is charged with the execution of this order in co-operation with the military commander, to whom the Secretary of War will issue the necessary directions.

The revenues derived from such service are to be applied to the expenses of conducting it, and the United States postage stamps are therefore to be used.

And the suspension hereby declared and proclaimed shall continue so long as the reciprocal exemption of vessels belonging to citizens of the United States and their cargoes, shall be continued in the said port Copenhagen and no longer.

Provided, that there shall be excluded from the benefits of the suspension hereby declared and proclaimed, the vessels of any foreign country in whose ports the fees or dues of any kind or nature imposed on vessels of the United States, or…

Whereas satisfactory proof has been given to me that no tonnage light-house dues or any equivalent tax or taxes whatever are imposed upon vessels of the United States in the port of Copenhagen, in the Kingdom of Denmark;

May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them.

Your splendid command has endured not only the hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and battle, but in stress of heat and weather has triumphed over obstacles which would have overcome men less brave and determined.

One and all have displayed the most conspicuous gallantry and earned the gratitude of the nation.

All persons who, either by active aid or by honest submission, co-operates with the United States in its efforts to give effect to this beneficent purpose will receive the reward of its support and protection.

Our occupation should be as free from severity as possible.

Private property taken for the use of the army is to be paid for when possible in cash at a fair valuation, and when payment in cash is not possible receipts are to be given.

All ports and places in Cuba which may be in the actual possession of our land and naval forces will be opened to the commerce of all neutral nations, as well as our own, in articles not contraband of war, upon payment of the prescribed…

The native constabulary will, so far as may be practicable, be preserved.

Private property, whether belonging to individuals or corporations, is to be respected, and can be confiscated only for cause.

All churches and buildings devoted to religious worship and to the arts and sciences, all schoolhouses, are, so far as possible, to be protected.

The powers of the military occupant are absolute and supreme and immediately operate upon the political condition of the inhabitants.