LUKBAN TO LOCAL PRESIDENTES AND INHABITANTS, MARCH 31, 1900

Exhibit 1326.

[Original in Spanish . D . S. P . I .R ., 1055.2 ]

MARCH 31, 1900.

To the Local Presidentes and inhabitants of this province:

In view of the brilliant victories of our brave soldiers while defending our country in many engagements against the invading Yankee who, carried away by ambition, and taking advantage of the weakness of this province, seek to deprive us of our legitimate rights; and as Politico-Military Governor and General-in-Chief of this province, I feel it my duty to call upon you to participate in these events, to direct your attention to what has been done by our soldiers, and to request that you make the same known to the inhabitants of your respective towns and impress upon them the necessity of taking up arms in the defense of our cause.

Though in my previous proclamations I described our victories to you, I consider it important to inform you of the following:

On the night of the 24th inst, our soldiers, armed only with bolos, and under the command of a lieutenant, a most worthy officer whose name I shall make known to you later, attacked the American forces at Capatagan, in the pueblo of Tiabong.

The result of the engagement was one officer and two soldiers killed, and five soldiers seriously wounded for the Americans. The wounded probably died later. Our troops also captured some rifles from the enemy, and the revolver of the officer; also some ammunition. We had four wounded, three slightly who were taken prisoners, and the fourth more seriously, though he is now said to be out of danger. On the 27th inst. Major Claro Guevara, second in command in this province, an excellent officer, who is now conducting operations in Gandara, reported to me that a detachment of the soldiers garrisoning that town went out into the neighboring mountains, but hardly had they sighted our soldiers when they fled through fear, and hurried back to the town without engaging us. At four o'clock in the afternoon of the same day our troops attacked the town, killing 17 and wounding 11. The loss on our side was three killed and seven wounded, all from the Battalion of Territorial Militia. The deportment of one of our men, a native of the town of Oras, and whose name will be made known to you at the proper time, is worthy of the highest praise. He daringly dashed through the American line and killed seven of the enemy before he fell. Our troops are still besieging the Americans, who are escaping at night time to join the detachment at Talbayog. On the morning of the 29th inst. a steamer loaded with American troops anchored off Borongan, but withdrew after an attempt to land when they saw the hostile attitude of the people. The inhabitants lined the beach, ready to repel them, and for this reason the enemy withdrew.

On the afternoon of the 30th inst. the American forces advanced upon San Jose (Buan), but were repulsed by our troops. The enemy had one killed and one seriously wounded. We captured a rifle and some ammunition, and also some provisions consisting of canned goods and hams. Later the enemy retired in disorder, and we captured four wounded natives who had served them as spies.

My beloved people, the victories here set forth, and those mentioned in my previous proclamations, should make it clear to you that with the help of the God of Hosts, the protector of our legitimate rights which the Yankee adventurers seek to deprive us of, and with the integrity of our forces, we will ever be victorious over the enemy.

Open your eyes, therefore, for it is now time that all the inhabitants of this province should take up arms and vigorously attack the enemy, defying death itself, for after so many engagements they are now weakened. Come, then, and join your humble General in the field where, with constancy and self-denial, he defends our beloved province; bring your terrible bolos, before which the enemy quails, and we will soon drive them out now that Divine Providence is on our side. Arouse yourselves, then, for now our longed-for independence is in sight; imitate the patriotic example set you by the town of Borongan, and other towns whose names I shall make known to you at the proper time. These towns constantly furnish me recruits for the Battalion of Territorial Militia and with provisions, and hence we are able, even with our bolos, to drive out the enemy. Rest assured that the Legislator of the Universe helps and protects those who work for the welfare and felicity of humanity and the generations to come. We are defending our beloved country, and it is the duty of parents to provide for the welfare of their children.

Your General:

(Sgd.) LUKBAN,

(Stamp) Mountains of Samar, March 31, 1900.