As the Spanish prepared to leave Cuba, looting as they went, United States troops poured into the island until there were 45,000, many of whom swaggered and misbehaved. There was no indication that the "Cuban Republic in Arms," the Cubans who had fought almost all the war for independence, would be recognized. Instead, a US military government was proclaimed with General John A. Brooke named as the commander of the military government. He officially took over in Havana from the departing Spanish governor-general on January 1, 1899. The Cubans were denied the privilege of parading their troops in capital. The Cubans complained of American high-handedness. Americans complained over the lack of gratitude of Cubans.