LETTER, JANUARY 19, 1899

MANILA. (Received Washington, January 1, 1899 - 9.55 a.m.)

ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Washington:

General Miller reports from Iloilo, city and environs in possession insurgents, 2,500 armed with rifles, 10,000 with [bolos?]. Recognized Aguinaldo can not surrender without his orders. Miller can take city with force at hand, but not without great loss of life among inhabitants and destruction of property. Merchants who petitioned for troops now ask Miller to avoid conflict. His troops in harbor close to city and he awaiting instructions. His first instructions were to occupy city in case insurgents

in possession through peaceful means, followed later by orders to seize if he could do so without great loss of life and destruction of property. Excited condition of affairs in and surrounding Manila. Insurgents active. Can not weaken force here very much. Am prepared to send 1,100 men south. Cable of yesterday just received. Will act with caution.

OTIS