I have urged upon them the necessity
of the withdrawal of your troops in order that the friendly relations
which have always been maintained by and between them and the forces
of the United States Government may be perpetuated. I am sure that
the gentlemen fully appreciate my sentiments and will clearly report
them to you. May I ask you to patiently listen to their report of
our conversation?
"'It is my desire that our friendly intercourse and mutual amicable
relations be continued; that they be not jeopardized if we can by
consistent action avoid it, and such, I am certain, is the desire of
yourself and associates.
"'May I ask, therefore, that you withdraw your troops from Manila?
"'Permit me to add in conclusion that I have that confidence in your
ability and patriotism which will lead you to accede to this request.
"'I am, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
(Signed) "'_E. S. Otis_,
"'Major-General, U. S. V.,
"'United States Military Governor in the Philippines.'
"In reply to which, on the 16th, the following was received:--
"'_Malolos, Bulacan_, September 16, 1898.
"'_The Commanding General of the American Forces_:
"'_My Dear Sir_: Referring to your esteemed communication, dated
the 13th instant, I have the honour to inform you that I have given
appropriate orders that my troops should abandon their most advanced
positions within some of the suburbs, and that they should retire to
points where contact with yours would be more difficult, in order to
avoid all occasion for conflict.
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