An unsigned letter addressed to Apacible on January 4, 1899, contains the following statement:—
“It appears that conflict with the Americans is imminent and inevitable. Several of their vessels with thousands of soldiers commanded by General Miller were sent to Iloilo on December 20th last to take that port together with the whole of Visayas and Mindanao.”[25]
On January 4 the following significant telegram was sent out:—
“Circular Telegram from the Secretary of the Interior to Provincial Presidents, wherever there may be Telegraphic Service, to be communicated to the Local Chiefs of each Town.
“Malolos, January 4, 1899, 9.35 A.M.
“To the Provincial President of the Province of Pangasinán:
“Hasten the preparation of all the towns in order to oppose the American invasion. See that all the inhabitants prepare their bolos and daggers; also that in each street and barrio national militia is organized, each six of whom should be commanded by a corporal, each thirteen by a sergeant, each twenty-six by a second lieutenant, each fifty-two by a first lieutenant, and each one hundred and four by a captain, directing that the soldiers of the national militia elect their own officers, informing all that upon our attitude depends our salvation.
Lingayen, January 4, 1899.”
There is a note thereon which reads:—
“Communicate this to all of the local chiefs, and to the commanding general.”