Re: Timeline 1898: Spoils of War

[Drydock]

19 July

General Nelson Miles with an advance unit of 3500 men departs Guantanamo Bay for Puerto Rico.

[Drydock]

25 july

First US troops come ashore at Guanica, Puerto Rico.

[Drydock]

12 August

President McKinley signs an armistice agreement with Spain, and orders a cessation of active hostilities against Spanish positions.

[Drydock]

13 August

After a "Negotiated" engagement, Manila surrenders to Admiral Dewey and forces under his command.  Though the armistice had been agreed upon in Washington the day before,  it was understood by all at this time, due to communications lag, that any gains made before the receipt of a cease fire order are recognized as pursuant to that order.  The modern assumption of an "unnecessary" engagement does not, and has never applied to these circumstances.  (a peeve of mine) 

The armistice order would be received by both sides in the Phillipines on August 16.  This marks the formal end of the combat phase of the Spanish American war.