WENCESLAO MOLO TO SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR, FEBRUARY 18, 1899

Exhibit 1230.

[Original in Spanish. L. S. P. I. R., 52.7.]

Stamp: Province of Romblon, Headquarters.

FEBRUARY 18, 1899.

The Politico-Military Governor of Capiz, has communicated the following to these Provincial Headquarters:

"Under date of 13th instant, I received two important communications from the Commanding General of the expeditionary forces, as follows:

Under this date the Commanding General of the expeditionary forces received a communication from General Miller stating that if he did not to-morrow surrender the city, he would begin to bombard it, as hostilities had begun in Manila. Which I communicate to you for your information and in order that you may, upon the receipt hereof take all possible precautions not to permit the landing upon the shores of this province of foreign forces, stopping at the same time the departure of the steamer Maria, and placing it in a safe harbor.
God preserve you many years.
Iloilo, February 10, 1899.
Ananias Diocno.

-'As a consequence of a terrible bombardment this morning by the American vessels, anchored in the bay, and notwithstanding a vigorous defense on the part of my troops, the fort and city of Iloilo have been taken by the American troops, who have even advanced as far as Jaro for which reason I was obliged to withdraw with my forces to the town of Santa Barbara. Which I communicate to you for your information and in order that you may take all the steps necessary to prevent a similar landing, informing you that this capture was effected because the forces of the first zone abandoned their posts with out advising us, which we regretted when the American troops were concentrating against ours.
-God preserve you many years.
-lloilo, February 11, 1899.
Ananias Diocno, General.

Note: We are thankful that even a few houses are still left standing, as the rest caught fire and are reduced to ashes. To the Politico-Military Governor of Capiz.' I earnestly beg of you to take all the measures within your power to have this letter reach the hands of the President.
-God preserve you many years.
Capiz, February 15, 1890.
Graciano Punzalan, Politico-Military governor."

Which I have the honor of communicating to you with the greatest regret, for your information and the proper purposes.

God preserve you many years.

ROMBLON, February 18, 1899.

(Signed) WENCESLAO MOLO.

To the SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR OF THE PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC.