Its capitulation is not favourable to our independence.

General Anderson is not here.

General Merritt is probably in Manila.

Only Admiral Dewey is in the Bay.

We ask authorization to express our explanation in the proposed terms and to have a conference with Admiral Dewey in order to have our claims reach General Merritt." [148] An endorsement written by Mabini and signed by Aguinaldo on the above paper reads:-- "I authorize every assertion of right, but state that we believe that we have the right to enter Manila without permission as we have a part in the surrender of the Spaniards.