Lot #117

William McKinley Document Signed as President, Calling for 75,000 Additional Volunteers for the Spanish–American War

Description

One month into the Spanish–American War, President McKinley calls for “seventy–five thousand additional volunteers"

Significant war-dated DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, Executive Mansion letterhead, May 25, 1898. President McKinley directs the Secretary of State to cause the Seal of the United States to be affixed to “my proclamation calling for seventy–five thousand additional volunteers.” Signed beautifully at the conclusion by William McKinley. In fine condition, with a paperclip impression to the top edge. Accompanied by two original copies of McKinley’s “Second Call for Volunteers–Spain” proclamation.

On April 11, 1898, President William McKinley asked Congress for authorization to end the fighting in Cuba between the rebels and Spanish forces, and to establish a ‘stable government’ that would ‘maintain order’ and ensure the ‘peace and tranquility and the security’ of Cuban and U.S. citizens on the island. On April 20th, Congress passed a joint resolution that acknowledged Cuban independence, demanded that the Spanish government give up control of the island, foreswore any intention on the part of the United States to annex Cuba, and authorized McKinley to use whatever military measures he deemed necessary to guarantee Cuba's independence.

The Spanish government rejected the U.S. ultimatum and immediately severed diplomatic relations with America. McKinley responded with force by implementing a naval blockade of Cuba on April 22nd and issuing a call for 125,000 military volunteers the following day. That same day, Spain declared war on the United States, and Congress voted to go to war against Spain on April 25th. A month later, McKinley issued this decree to add an even greater number of American forces to the conflict.

After isolating and defeating the Spanish army garrisons in Cuba, the U.S. Navy destroyed the Spanish Caribbean squadron on July 3rd as it attempted to escape the U.S. naval blockade of Santiago. On July 26th, at the behest of the Spanish government, the French ambassador in Washington, Jules Cambon, approached the McKinley Administration to discuss peace terms, and a cease-fire was signed on August 12th. The war officially ended four months later, when the U.S. and Spanish governments signed the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
• Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 10, 2024

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