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the object of investigating the feelings of the old rebel party,
the leader Jose Alejandrino and two other rebels accompanied the
American expedition to Cavite, where they disembarked. Several days
passed in convincing the rebels of Aguinaldo's good faith in all
that had occurred, and in the meantime Aguinaldo himself arrived on
May 19 with 12 other rebel leaders in the American despatch-boat
_Hugh McCulloch_. It yet remained doubtful whether he still held
the confidence of the rank-and-file; but when he at length landed
at Cavite, his old companions-in-arms, and many more, rallied to
his standard with the greatest enthusiasm. The rebels at that date
were computed to number 30,000, and Aguinaldo, on taking the command,
declared himself Dictator. Aguinaldo was, naturally, at that period,
on the most amicable terms with Admiral Dewey, who allowed him to have
two modern field-pieces, 500 rifles, and 200,000 rounds of ammunition,
enjoining on him the strict observance of his engagement to repress
reprisals against the Spaniards.

To prepare the natives for the arrival of the Americans, Emilio
Aguinaldo sent over in advance of the American Fleet the following
exhortation:--

_Compatriots_:--

Divine Providence is about to place independence within our reach,
in a manner most acceptable to a free and independent people.

The Americans, not for mercenary motives but for the sake of
humanity, in response to the woes of the persecuted, have thought
fit to extend their protecting arm to our beloved country,
now that they have been obliged to sever their relations with
Spain on account of the tyranny practised in Cuba, to the great
prejudice of the large commercial interests which the Americans
have there. An American squadron is at this moment preparing
to sail for the Philippines. We, your brothers, fear you may be
induced to fire on the Americans. No, brothers, never make this
mistake. Rather blow out your own brains than treat with enmity
those who are your liberators.

Your natural enemies, your executioners, the authors of your
misery and your woe, are the Spaniards who rule you. Raise
against these your weapons and your hatred. Understand well,
against the Spaniards; never against the Americans. Do not
heed the Governor-General's decree, calling you to arms, even
though it cost you your lives. Die rather than be ungrateful
to o