he sea,
with the object of causing the sacred insignia of our Liberty and
Independence to be seen fluttering in the breeze by the warships,
representing all the great and civilized nations of the world, which
were congregated in the harbour observing the providential evolution
going on in the Philippines after upwards of three hundred years of
Spanish domination.

Scarcely had another hour elapsed before another flag was seen flying
over the steeple of the Church at Bakoor--which is also in full view
of vessels in the harbour--being the signal of another triumph of
our troops over the Spanish forces which held that town. The garrison
consisted of about 300 men, who surrendered to the Revolutionary Army
when their ammunition was exhausted.

And so the Revolution progressed, triumph following triumph in quick
succession, evidencing the power, resolution and ability of the
inhabitants of the Philippines to rid themselves of any foreign yoke
and exist as an independent State, as I affirmed to Admiral Dewey and
in respect of which he and several American Commanders and officers
warmly congratulated me, specially mentioning the undeniable triumphs
of the Philippine Army as demonstrated and proved by the great number
of prisoners we brought into Cavite from all parts of Luzon.

CHAPTER VII

The Philippine Flag

In conformity with my orders issued on the 1st of September, all
Philippine vessels hoisted the national flag, the Marines of the
Filipino flotilla being the first to execute that order. Our little
flotilla consisted of some eight Spanish steam launches (which had been
captured) and five vessels of greater dimensions, namely, the _Taaleno,
Baldyan, Taal, Bulucan_, and _Purisima Concepcion_. These vessels were
presented to the Philippine Government by their native owners and were
converted by us, at our Arsenal, into gunboats, 8 and 9 centimetre
guns, taken from the _sunken Spanish warships_, being mounted on board.

Ah! what a beautiful, inspiring joyous sight that flag was fluttering
in the breeze from the topmasts of our vessels, side by side,
as it were, with the ensigns of other and greater nations, among
whose mighty warships our little cruisers passed to and fro dipping
their colours, the ensign of Liberty and Independence! With what
reverence and adoration it was viewed as it suddenly rose in its
stately loneliness crowning our victories, and, as it were, smiling
approvingly upon the undisciplined