was in sight, and at 6:15 p. m. a red flag was run up at the
signal station, warning guns were fired from Morro Castle, and
afterward from Cabanas fortress, adjoining it. This caused
excitement throughout the city, and was the first real note of
war. When the first signal came from the semaphore station a
British schooner which was in the harbor put to sea. She was
immediately followed by the German steamer Remus. Some time
afterward the American steamer Saratoga put to sea.

The cannon shots from the fortresses stirred up the regular troops
and volunteers throughout Havana and its vicinity and there was a
rush to quarters. The signal guns from the fortifications echoed
to the palace and through the streets, causing people to rush from
their houses, with the result that all the thoroughfares were soon
crowded with excited inhabitants. Captain General Blanco heard the
shots while at the palace, to which place the generals and
commanders of the volunteers promptly reported, full of excitement
and warlike enthusiasm. Some time afterward the Captain General,
accompanied by his staff, the generals and others, left the palace
and was warmly acclaimed by the soldiers and populace. The General
then made a brief final inspection of the fortifications and went
to a spot from which he could see the approaching fleet.

There was no sign of alarm anywhere. The Spaniards were confident
that Havana was prepared for any eventuality, and they had great
faith in the strength of their forts, batteries, etc., and in the
effectiveness of their heavy artillery. In fact, there was a
feeling of satisfaction at the warlike tremors which spread
everywhere when it was seen that the hour of battle was apparently
approaching and that the Spaniards were soon to give battle to