Telegram from Captain Charles D. Sigsbee, Commander of the USS Maine, to the Secretary of the Navy

New York and Cuba Mail Steamship Company

Secnav-

Washington, D.C.

Maine blown up in Havana harbor at nine forty to night and destroyed.  Many wounded and doubtless more killed or drowned. Wounded and others on board Spanish man of war and Ward Line Steamers. [strikethrough illegible] Send Light House Tenders from Key West [strikethrough illegible] for crew and the few pieces of equipment above water. No-one has clothing other than that upon him. Public Opinion should be suspended until further report. All officers believed to be saved. Jenkins and Merritt not yet accounted for. [strikethrough illegible] Many Spanish officers included representatives of General Blanco now with me to express sympathy. Sigsbee