The great importance which they attached to this plan is shown in communications written by Agoncillo, Aguinaldo and others.

[136] Of conditions at this time, Taylor says:-- "On July 7, Aguinaldo appointed Artemio Ricarte and Pantaleon Garcia to negotiate the surrender of Manila by the Spaniards to him (Exhibit 155).

On July 5 Pantaleon Garcia was planning to enter Manila by way of Tondo or of Santa Cruz (P.I.R., 243.7).

On the 9th Aguinaldo ordered that rice should be gathered from the towns of Manila Province for the use of his troops in the decisive attack upon Manila which he intended making in a few days (P.I.R., 1087.

5).
"Aguinaldo, finding that his chance of obtaining Manila for himself was growing steadily less, now determined to force himself into the city with the Americans and demand a consideration for the assistance he had rendered them during the siege.