noon
After that , other exciting events in connection with his duty occupied our young Lieutenant 's attention ; for at a meeting of Generals Shafter and Toral , under a great tree midway between the American and Spanish lines , the latter finally agreed to surrender the entire province of Santiago , with all the troops within its limits . On this occasion each General was accompanied by members of his staff , and to Ridge again fell the honor of acting as official interpreter . Thus for days he was kept so continually busy that he hardly found time for sleep . Then , on Sunday , the 17th of July , one week after the firing of the last shot , and two weeks after the destruction of Cervera 's ships , at precisely noon , the red and yellow banner of Spain was lowered forever from over Santiago 's municipal palace , and the glorious stars and stripes proudly flung to the breeze in its place . The impressive ceremony was witnessed by the Ninth Regiment of United States Infantry , two mounted troops of the Second Regular Cavalry , and by the brilliant staff who surrounded General Shafter . Besides these , Spanish officers and citizens of Santiago crowded every window , doorway , and portico of the cathedral , the San Carlos Club , the Venus restaurant , and other buildings facing the Plaza de Armas , and watched the proceedings in silence . As the starry flag of the United States ran slowly to the top of the tall staff the Ninth Regiment band crashed forth the inspiring strains of `` The Star-spangled Banner , '' and every American present , excepting , of course , the troops on duty , bared his head .