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Sunday, May 8, 1898

Deception

The bombardment of the city is still being discussed. Commodore Dewey brags about seizing it at an appropriate time. But I do not believe it because he has done nothing. The Americans arrived eight days ago and a few days afterwards, they destroyed Montojo’s flotilla.

Unfortunately, the Commodore has run out of ammunition after using up his supply during the battle. How would he react if a Spanish squadron were to enter the bay between now and the month of June? Dewey has no fear, considering Spain’s evidently miserable situation. He does not need a lot of ammunition to make Manila fall into his hands. The Spaniards are incapable of defending themselves. They began with strong resolutions which they could not sustain, and would most like capitulate without daring to retaliate.

This is what is terrible about modern war. It will not allow an officer to admit defeat even when he secretly believes it.

On land, we fear the shelling. The Americans want to project a humanitarian image and therefore do not want to attack. We all can see through their calculated interests. How long will this benevolence last?

For the moment, my objective is to arrive at the truth about the battle of Cavite. Rumors can be more damaging than the printed word.