American Commander General William Shafter sent a message to Spanish Commander General Jose Toral.

VOA: special.2010.07.15

But he rejected General Shafter's demand of unconditional surrender.

VOA: special.2010.07.15

Shafter demanded Toral's surrender.

VOA: special.2010.07.15

Although outnumbered, the Spanish infantry fought hard, and caused enough American casualties to make Shafter blink.

ECONOMIST: THE WAR OF 1898

In the meantime, however, Shafter had another plan: If he couldn't beat them, he was going to join them.

CNN: Robot makers not thrilled to be stuck next to Justin Bieber

Shafter said he was planning to approach CES officials about compensating him for his lost booth time during Bieber's two-hour appearance.

CNN: Robot makers not thrilled to be stuck next to Justin Bieber