NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, _April 25, 1898_. SIR: Miss Clara Barton, the representative of the American National Red Cross Society, is about to proceed to Key West to take charge of the distribution of the supplies now aboard the steamship "State of Texas," and which supplies it is proposed to distribute among the starving reconcentrados of Cuba. There are enclosed herewith copies of letters from the Department of State to the Department of the Navy and from the Secretary of the Navy to the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station which contain the terms upon which this trust is undertaken, and the Department's instructions in relation thereto. The Department desires that you will afford every assistance within your power to Miss Barton and her associates, while they are in Key West. The departure of the "State of Texas" from Key West and its destination are, of course, matters coming entirely under the jurisdiction of the Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic Station. Very respectfully, JOHN D. LONG, _Secretary_, Commandant, Naval Station, Key West, Fla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, _April 25, 1898_. SIR: There is forwarded enclosed a copy of a letter received this day from the Department of State, which fully states the conditions under which Miss Clara Barton, as the representative of the American National Red Cross Society, proceeds to Key West. You will afford Miss Barton every facility that shall become feasible for the distribution of the supplies now on board the steamship "State of Texas" to the starving reconcentrados, but it is, of course, necessary that none of these supplies shall come into the possession of the Spanish Army, as this would result in defeating the purposes for which the blockade has been established. It is believed that you will fully appreciate the wishes of the Departments of State and the Navy in this matter, and all the details are necessarily left to your discretion. Very respectfully, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval Force, JOHN D. LONG, North Atlantic Station. _Secretary_. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, _April 25, 1898_. _The Honorable the Secretary of the Navy_: