BATANGAS, February 15, 1902 – 4. 50 p. m. ADJUTANT - GENERAL DEPARTMENT NORTH PHILIPPINES, Marila:

Commanding officer, Tianon, reports that Epitacio Martines, with about 60 rifles and 100 men, crossed country between Candelaria and mountains through barrio of Cabatang en route to join Caballes, Masangay, Mayo, and Marquéz on Mount Banąhao, in Tayabas. Similar reports continue to come, indicating collecting of insurgents in these parts. Luna and his companions, as a preliminary to efforts to find Malvar, have been going from pueblo to pueblo. I am led to suspect from confidential information that he surrendered at Malvar ' s suggestion, and is seeking to work an excuse or justification for a general surrender. There are many indications that many of Malvar ' s subordinates are anxious to surrender; in fact, they have said so, but wait the word from him. I feel satisfied that Luna is very anxious for Malvar to surrender. I believe that if the ports of Tayabas were closed at once, even temporarily, at the same time I appear in Tayabas with a large command it would exercise a great influence in convincing Malvar of the hopelessness of further delay.

I will leave here tomorrow, and expect to have about one thousand troops disposed at different points around the reported locality of the insurgents ready to move on their position simultaneously, in the hope that some of the columns may come in contact with them while escaping, if they do not stand to fight, which is improbable. Far more guns will be obtained through Malvar ' s surrender than could possibly be obtained through his death, capture, or escape from the islands. In any one of these contingencies some subordinate leader, probably Caballes, would declare himself commander in chief and continue the struggle through personal ambition and avarice.

The people of Tayabas have done practically nothing of any value to assist in bringing about peace, and I do not think they will bestir themselves in efforts for peace until their interests are attacked through closing of ports. If they thought that the ports would not be open until peace was reestablished, they would assume a very different attitude indeed. Without their earnest and sincere assistance it is difficult to accomplish anything in a short time. The efforts of the people of Batangas has been of the utmost value in bringing about results accomplished there.

J. F. BELL Brigadier - General, Commanding.