GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, May 14, 1901

General, Señor VICENTE LUCBAN,

MY ESTEEMED FRIEND AND DISTINGUISHED COMPANY: The reverses which occurred during the course of our campaign, have caused your private official correspondence, for our Honorable President and Generalissimo, Señor Aguinaldo, and for Señor Trias, to remain in my hands which I opened and answered in the name of our government.

Having informed myself of your well-directed efforts, and having read your brilliant diary of operations, I was highly satisfied; and it consoles me to see that the country can yet hope for what it desires through the conduct, which true patriots, like yourself, know how to maintain, patriots who constitute themselves into true examples of faith, valor, constancy and resignation, among brothers, children of a single mother, whom they endeavor to lift up from her misfortune. I congratulate myself beyond measure on seeing confirmed the plans of which you spoke to me in Hong Kong regarding politics and the war; and that meeting made in Hong Kong made me your brother in adversity and a friend who will support you in everything, for the same reason that I unreservedly approve of everything that you have done up to the present time in favor of the country. I trust that you will continue with more energy and greater effect, using means which your experience and knowledge of affairs will suggest, in the performance of your duty.

You may have all the money realized from the contributions where you are.

I am sending you a manifesto and a memorandum of the provisions and instructions which I deemed advisable to issue for the regulation of the administrative and military services with a view to protecting the good name of the revolution from erroneous ideas of it which are usually formed through ulterior motives.

I received news from Hong-Kong with regard to an international conflict: and regarding the war which has broken out in Cuba, incidents which may give a favorable aspect to our cause.

Here, in Luzon, fights are frequent; and some captures of American detachments are being realized increasing the number of our rifles; therefore it is necessary to remain undeceived by the many false reports, which the newspapers of Manila sell, gathered wholesale from the distributing departments of the political clubs, which have little love for our cause, and from the offices of the American Government of occupation.

The surrender of Señor Trias was accomplished by deceit; and with regard to the alleged capture of Don Emilio there are conflicting rumors, from which, the authors thereof, in their plight, are at a loss how to extricate themselves when confronted with the facts.

I received, through Señor Macalintal, your message, which I answered some time ago, returning your greetings.

The bearer has a private message and other instructions which he will communicate verbally.

Understand, that as always, your affectionate friend and comrade, who sends you a hearty embrace, honors and esteems you, unconditionally awaiting your orders; your most attentive servant who kisses your hand.

M. MALVAR.