COLINARES TO LUKBAN, JUNE 24, 1901

Exhibit 1353.

[Original in Spanish. A.L.S. P.I R., 1264.2.]

JUNE 24, 1901.

It is with profound regret that I find myself obliged to inform you that on the 18th inst., between 10 and 11 a.m., an American detachment consisting of 125 men commanded by a major, assisted by a captain and two lieutenants, arrived here. On the 20th, the third day after their arrival, they held an election of local officials, as a result of which Joaquin Cabaņas was elected local presidente, Marcelino Apolinar Commissioner of Police, Felice Tabongar Commissioner of Justice, and Agapito Punsion Commissioner of Revenues. These elections were held because those who formerly filled these offices were absent, except two, the Commissioners of Police and of Justice, the former of whom had remained in town with his sick wife, and the latter being too sick to leave. All the other members of the local government had left the town.

I await further instructions as to the policy to be pursued with regard to the recently elected local officials, and also as to the plan of attack upon the enemy, should an opportunity present itself.

I also desire that you send me sufficient sulphur for two gantas of saltpeter, which I have here already prepared.

Seņor Eugenio Daza, Captain of Military Administration, is still here guarding the munitions of war which he holds in readiness for you, but which cannot be forwarded until the roads are safer.

May God preserve you many years.

JUNE 24, 1901.

(Signed) SERGIO ROBLES [JUAN COLINARES],
Local Chief.

(Stamp) Office of the Local Presidente, Basey.

To the POLITICO-MILITARY GOVERNOR OF THIS PROVINCE (Samar).