Fine relic of the Spanish-American war, a small section of the flag flown by the Spanish armored cruiser CRISTOBAL COLON that fought at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. A 2.5 x .75 in. section of aged beige cloth is affixed to a 1p. 12mo. letter of provenance in a period hand that reads, in full: 'Piece of the flag which was thrown overboard from the Cristobal Colon after their surrender to prevent its falling into the hands of the Americans while making their futile attempt at escape from Santiago harbor on the morning of July 3rd 1898. Captured by Warship New York, Admiral Sampson Commanding'. Fine condition, the letter and flag relic under glass. With Santiago blockaded by the Americans, the Spanish fleet under Cervara made a break for it on July 3, 1898 and at 9:35 AM the battle commenced. All ships but the CRISTOBAL COLON were soon beached or sunk, and a fifty mile chase ensued. Finally, with only poor coal left in her bunkers and having been hit several times, Captain Emilio Díaz-Moreu y Quintana decided to beach and scuttle the vessel. The crew attempted to escape into the forest, where they were soon picked off by Cuban insurgents. Those remaining were rescued by their American enemies.