WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, 21 OCT 1898

One page (10 1/2 x 8 in.; 268 x 204 mm) on "Headquarters Army of the Commission of the United States of America for Porto Rico" letterhead, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 21 Oct 1898; previously folded, a few light stains. 

One page (10 1/2 x 8 in.; 268 x 204 mm) on "Headquarters Army of the Commission of the United States of America for Porto Rico" letterhead, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 21 Oct 1898; previously folded, a few light stains.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Winfield Scott Schley emerged as a hero from the Spanish-American war, in large part due to his decisive role in the Battle of Santiago Bay, the naval battle that sealed an American victory. In this letter, written a few months following the skirmish, Schley writes to an English admirer:  "Thank you so much for your letter and for the kind things you say of me. I was only glad to be anywhere in the battle lines of July where I could do most to help others to great results in that Sunday morning! If it has been the means of bringing peace then my sacrifice to that end would not have been too great, but I am rejoiced for my country and my flag that God was with us that morning! ..."