WHEREAS, The Department of State having extended the authority of this committee to the supervision of the distribution of relief supplies, and the carrying out of all necessary relief measures, in co-operation with the American Consuls in Cuba; and this committee, having verbally joined with the Department of State in asking the American National Red Cross, Miss Clara Barton, president, to proceed at once to Cuba as the representative of this committee, and to perform, in behalf of the committee, all necessary work of relief; therefore be it _Resolved_, That the chairman be authorized to write suitable letters to Miss Clara Barton, Consul-General Lee and the other American Consuls in Cuba, notifying them of this action. As you are aware, this committee at request of the Department of State, has determined to send the steamship "State of Texas," with relief supplies from New York City to Key West, Florida, there to await orders and instructions from the United States Government. By instructions from the Department of State, the committee have to send the steamship under the Red Cross flag and the provisions of the Geneva Convention, turning the vessel over to the American National Red Cross upon leaving New York. I, therefore, beg to say to you that in all probability the vessel will be loaded and made ready to sail on Saturday the twenty-third inst., and you are expected to have such of your representatives--as you desire shall accompany and take charge of the ship from New York to Key West--in readiness to go aboard Saturday forenoon. The arrival of the vessel at Key West should be reported to this committee by telegraph immediately, when instructions will be given by the Government at Washington for proceeding further. If hostilities shall have begun between the United States and Spain, it will be your duty to call upon the United States Government for the necessary naval consort--as provided by the Geneva Convention. This program has been proposed by the Assistant Secretary of State, who will immediately issue the necessary orders upon hearing from us. Before your departure from Key West for Cuba, this committee will give you further information as to its desires and recommendation concerning the distribution of supplies from the different ports in Cuba. This committee stands ready to furnish you with the funds necessary to carry on this work of relief to the extent of its ability, and it is expected that you will render to the treasurer a detailed account of your expenditures in the work entrusted to your organization. You are requested to make requisition by letter or telegraph from time to time, as you need further funds. We will thank you for your official acknowledgment of this communication in writing. Very truly yours, STEPHEN E. BARTON, _Chairman_.