William McKinley: “For the command of this expedition I have designated Major-General Wesley Merritt.”

Hope maketh not ashamed.

I did all that in honor could be done to avert the war, but without avail.

The peace which we are pledged to leave to the Cuban people must carry with it the guaranties of permanence.

May it end without further bloodshed, and there be ushered in the reign of peace to be made permanent by a government of liberty under law!