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.

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…

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;

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

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.

May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them.

It is my desire that the inhabitants of Cuba should be acquainted with the purpose of the United States to discharge to the fullest extent its obligations in this regard.

All destruction or intentional defacement of such places, of historical monuments or archives, or of works of science or art is prohibited save when required by urgent military necessity.

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.

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.

The freedom of the people to pursue their accustomed occupations will be abridged only when it may be necessary to do so.

We come not to make war upon the inhabitants of Cuba, nor upon any party or faction among them, but to protect them in their homes, in their employments, and in their personal and religious rights.

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

Our occupation should be as free from severity as possible.

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.