table in
the eyes of the world and of the United States in particular. Then
when the Filipino vessels passed to and fro with the national flag
fluttering in the breeze they would attract more attention and be
more likely to induce respect for the national colours_.

I again thanked the Admiral for his good advice and generous offers,
giving him to understand clearly that I was willing to sacrifice my
own life if he would be thereby more exalted in the estimation of
the United States, more honoured by his fellow-countrymen.

I added that under the present conditions of hearty co-operation,
good fellowship and a clear understanding the whole nation would
respond to the call to arms to shake off the yoke of Spain and obtain
their freedom by destroying the power of Spain in all parts of the
archipelago. If, however, all did not at once join in the movement
that should not cause surprise, for there would be many unable to
assist owing to lack of arms and ammunition, while others, again,
might be reluctant to take an active part in the campaign on account
of the loss and inconvenience to themselves and families that would
result, from open hostility to the Spaniards.

Thus ended my first interview with Admiral Dewey, to whom I signified
my intention to reside for a while at the headquarters of the Naval
Commandant of Cavite Arsenal.

CHAPTER IV

The Revolution of 1898

I returned to the _McCulloch_ to give directions for the landing
of the luggage and _war materials_ which I brought over with me
from Hongkong. On my way to the _McCulloch_ I met several of my
old associates in the 1896 revolution who had come over from Bataan
province. To these friends I gave two letters directing the people
of that province and Zambales to rise against the Spaniards and
vigorously attack them.

Before returning to the Arsenal and when near the landing place
I came across several _bancas_ [large open boats] loaded with
revolutionists of Kawit (my birth-place) who told me they had been
looking out for me for about two weeks, the Americans having announced
that I would soon return to the islands. The feeling of joy which
I experienced on the occasion of this reunion with my own kith and
kin--people who had stood shoulder to shoulder with me in the desperate
struggles of the 1896-97 revolution--is simply indescribable. Words
fail to express my feelings--joy mingled with sadness and strong
determination to accomplish the salvatio