CHAPTER V.
The Philippine Mission.
Correspondence With Aguinaldo About It--Notes by Senor Felipe Agoncillo--Relations Between Admiral Dewey and Senor Aguinaldo--Terms of Peace Made by Spanish Governor-General with Insurgents, December, 1897--Law Suit Between Aguinaldo and Artacho--Aguinaldo's Proclamation of May 24, 1898.
When General Merritt decided to hold the China for a day to take him to Hongkong on the way to Paris, I telegraphed Aguinaldo of the movements of the ship, arid received this dispatch from the General: "War Department, United States Volunteer Signal Corps, sent from Bakoor August 29, 1898 .-- To Mr.Murat Halstead, Hotel Oriente, Manila: Thankful for your announcing China's departure.

We are to send a person by her if possible, whom I recommend to you.

Being much obliged for the favor.
"_A.

G.Escamilla_," "Private Secretary to General Aguinaldo." On the same day the General sent the following personal letter: "Dear Sir: The bearer, Dr.G.Apacible, is the person whom was announced to you in the telegram.
"I am desirous of sending him to Hongkong, if possible, by the China, recommending him at the same time to your care and good will.

Thanking you for the favor, I'm respectfully yours, _Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy_.
"Mr.Murat Halstead, Manila.
"Bakoor, 29th August, 1898." General Aguinaldo proceeded vigorously to make use of his knowledge that the China would go to Hongkong for General Merritt and sent his secretary and others to me at the Hotel Oriente, but they arrived after I had left the house.