Iloilo Expedition arrives in Iloilo
The Iloilo Expedition arrived off Iloilo on the morning of December 28, 1898, in single-file convoy formation, in the following order:
1. USS Baltimore
2. The Compania Maritima steamer S.S. Union
3. USAT Newport
4. USAT Pennsylvania
5. USAT Arizona
General Miller's Arrival at Iloilo
USAT Arizona and USAT Pennsylvania remain in Guimaras
At some distance on their approach to the city, the USAT Newport wig-wagged to the two transports behind it, the USAT Arizona and USAT Pennsylvania, to proceed and remain at Luzaron Point (or Punta Lusarang) in Guimaras, to wait there for rocket signals before coming in.
A message was wigwagged from the Newport, ordering the Pennsylvania and Arizona to fall back behind Guimaras Island, some fifteen miles from their destination
General Miller's Arrival at Iloilo
The Arizona and Pennsylvania were left at Point Luzaron, 30 miles away -Miller
Miller writes to Otis, Dec 28 1898
 Wig-wagging (U.S. Navy Photo) |
 Punta Lusarang |
This was in compliance with Otis' Further Instructions that
"In case the Spanish forces have evacuated Iloilo, you will, on approaching that city, keep your transports Arizona and Pennsylvania well to the rear and beyond the view of the inhabitants of Iloilo."
Otis Further Instructions to Miller
Miller knew that the Spaniards had already evacuated, and the Filipinos had already occupied Iloilo City, because Lieut. Col. Charles L. Potter had reported to him when they met in the high seas yesterday.
"They marched in quietly and took charge about 10 o'clock, as my vessel was steaming into the harbor." - Potter
Potter to Miller, Dec 27 1898
The remaining ships, the USS Baltimore, USAT Newport, and S.S. Union, continued on
the other vessels proceeding without them
General Miller's Arrival at Iloilo
The Baltimore and Newport anchored off the city -Miller
Miller writes to Otis, Dec 28 1898
This was again in compliance with Otis' Further Instructions that
"you will take into the Iloilo waters your naval escorts, the Baltimore and Callao, and the transport vessel Union, on which are the native Spanish troops, with your vessel, the Newport"
Otis Further Instructions to Miller
At night, USAT Arizona and USAT Pennsylvania sail closer to Iloilo but no nearer than 6 miles
Later in the day, as the Filipinos knew that the troop ships USAT Arizona and USAT Pennsylvania were off Point Luzaron (Punta Lusarang), Miller ordered them in that night but no nearer than 6 miles.
Miller writes to Otis, Dec 28 1898
