ABENIS TO LOCAL CHIEFS OF TOWNS, DECEMBER 14, 1900

Exhibit 1339.

[Original in Visayan. A.L.S. P.I.R., 891.7 ]

December 14, 1900.

Local Chiefs of Towns:

I have the pleasure of addressing myself to you through this letter, seeing the condition in which you are, for many of you believe the lies which the insurgents propagate, when you yourselves can judge by your own consciences on seeing these conflagrations - "Who are the ones injured in these conflagrations, those who order them, or we, the owners and inhabitants of the town ?"

The same is true with respect to the defense of our country. Upon what force can we count to defend ourselves, opposing the attack of enemy? If it be with bolos, it will only be to expose our lives, and ah, - if we are saved from the balls of the enemy, we will not save ourselves from hunger, which is the worst enemy of man.

In regard to the independence of which you speak and to which you look forward, -- this is very distant even now, and it even remains to be seen if we will have it in time to come.

I have no desire to enlarge, and I only advise you to surrender yourselves with the principals of each town, as I am awaiting them in order that nothing may happen to them.

Do not believe the reports that the Americans have injured women --- no, rather the contrary, because such a thing is strictly forbidden by them --- since the Americans have not come to slay us, but to give us tranquility, saving us from those deeds so utterly inhuman, except in case you resist, for then you will not be pardoned, and will be shot.

BORONGAN [SAMAR], 14 December, 1900.

(Signed) MAGNO ABENIS,
Local Presidente.

[NOTE BY COMPILER. - This letter was found as an enclosure to a letter to General Lukban in Samar, from one of his guerrilla officers. The guerrilla reports that the "backslider, Magno Abenis, has fortunately fallen into my hands." He does not report what disposition was made of him.]