Today in History for 22nd February 1942

World War II: President Franklin D. Roosevelt orders General Douglas MacArthur out of the Philippines as American defenses collapses though actual departure occurred on Mar 11, 1942.


The Philippines had been part of the American commonwealth since Spain ceded it at the close of the Spanish-American War. When the Japanese invaded China in 1937 and signed the Tripartite Pact with fascist nations Germany and Italy in 1940, the United States responded by, among other things, strengthening the defense of the Philippines. General MacArthur was called out of retirement and took command of 10,000 American Army troops, 12,000 Filipino enlisted men who fought as part of the U.S. Army, and 100,000 Filipino army soldiers, who were poorly-trained and -prepared. MacArthur radically overestimated his strength and underestimated that of Japan's. The Rainbow War Plan, a defensive strategy for U.S. interests in the Pacific drawn up and refined by the War Department, required that MacArthur withdraw his troops into the mountains of the Bataan Peninsula and await better-trained and equipped American reinforcements. Instead, MacArthur decided to take the Japanese head on-and never recovered.

The day of the Pearl Harbor bombing also saw the Japanese destruction of almost half of the American aircraft based in the Philippines. Amphibious landings of Japanese troops along the Luzon coast followed. By late December, MacArthur had to pull his forces back defensively to the Bataan Peninsula—the original strategy belatedly pursued. By January 2, 1942, the Philippine capital, Manila, fell to the Japanese. President Roosevelt had to admit to himself (if not to the American people, who believed the Americans were winning the battle with the Japanese in the Philippines), that the prospects for the American forces were not good—and that he could not afford to have General MacArthur fall captive to the Japanese. A message arrived at Corregidor on February 20, ordering MacArthur to leave immediately for Mindanao, then on to Melbourne, Australia, where he was to assume command of all United States troops. MacArthur balked; he was fully prepared to fight alongside his men to the death, if necessary. MacArthur finally obeyed the president's order on March 11.

Source: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/macarthur-leaves-the-philippines

History of the Spanish American War

I found this book on eBay and bought it for $12.99 only.  Seems that this truly is a forgotten war given that I was the only bidder.

The book is the History of the Spanish American War by Henry Watterson.  It's hardbound with 474 pages and written in 1898.

The book is filled with fantastic black and white photographs of the war that are printed one-sided on slick paper and is illustrated with numerous original engravings and colored plates, accurately portraying the scenes described.

What motivated me to buy this was the fact that it was written BEFORE the ensuing Philippine-American War.  This gives a perspective on the Filipino plight for independence not yet tainted by America's need for imperialism.  Contents include the following:

• The blockade of Cuba
• Bottling up Cervera's squadron
• The invasion of Cuba
• Heroes at Las Guasimas
• Closing in on Santiago
• San Joan and El Caney
• Destruction of Cervera's squadron
• Progress of our Army and Navy
• Death grip at Santiago
• Surrender of Santiago
• Garcia's disaffection and Manzanillo
• Significance of the fall of Santiago
• Defeat of Foreign intervention
• The Philippines question
• Imperialism, expansion, annexation
• Anglo-American alliance
• Attitude of France and Russia
• Dewey and the Germans
• Dewey, Aguinaldo, and Augusti
• Invasion of Porto Rico
• Peace
• Assault and capture of Manila
• Fighting leaders of the war
• Fighting leaders of the Army
• Interesting facts about war
• Aspects and incidents

For those who'd like to read it, here's the link to Google Books online scan of the actual book itself.

History of the Spanish American War

Top Ten Combat Rifles

Owning only 50% of the top ten combat rifles ever made tells me one thing, and that is my collecting is not yet done!  Below is a compendium of the top ten combat rifles as compiled by the Military Channel along with my collection examples where I own one.

Military Channel's Top Ten Combat Rifles

1. AK-47
Type: Semi or Fully Automatic Assault Rifle
Country of Origin: Soviet Union
Caliber: 7.62 x 39 mm (.30 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 30 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: 2,329 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 600 rounds per minute

With over 75 million built worldwide, the AK-47 (a.k.a., "Kalashnikov") is a firearms legend that has probably inflicted more lethal results than any other single weapon system ever produced. Built on the same basic design as the German Sturmgewehr, it chambered an intermediate round and was built from stamped parts. The AK-47 was not only easy to produce and relatively cheap, is also proved remarkably easy to maintain and virtually immune to conditions that could easily take out other guns. Accuracy is average, but the Kalashnikov compensates for this with its ability to unleash a lethal wall of lead.

2. M16 
Type: Semi or Fully Automatic Assault Rifle
Country of Origin: United States
Caliber: 5.56 x 45 mm (.223 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 20-30 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 3,281 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 700-950 rounds per minute

Although it took a little time to work out the gun's jamming problems during its combat trials in the early 1960s, the M16 has proven to be an outstanding performer with superb accuracy, handling, service length and combat effectiveness. The rifle fulfilled the U.S. military's desire to develop a lightweight modern assault rifle that could replace the semiautomatic M1 and its selective-fire counterpart, the M14. Its innovative features include lighter metal alloy and plastic construction, a simple gas reload system and the use of 5.56 mm ammunition, allowing soldiers to carry twice the amount of ammunition for the same weight of 7.62 mm rounds.

Shown are me and my son's civilian version of the M16, the AR15, used for our competitive High Power Rifle shooting.  They shoot the .223 Remington cartridge, have 1:7 twist match barrels, 2-stage competition triggers and 1/4 minute rear sights.

3. LEE-ENFIELD SMLE
Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Caliber: 7.7 x 56 mm (.30 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 10 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: approximately 2,438 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 15-20 rounds per minute

The standard infantry weapon of British troops from World War I to the 1956 Suez crisis, the Lee-Enfield SMLE (pronounced "smelly") built its reputation on reliability, accuracy and a phenomenal rate of fire. Its magazine carried 10 bullets, the largest capacity of any rifle on the battlefield during the first half of the 20th century. Its short bolt action cocked on closing, and its muzzle cap prevented dirt from clogging the weapon. In the hands of a well-trained infantryman, the Lee-Enfield could perform what was called the "mad minute," i.e., thirty rounds hitting a target 200 meters distant in one minute, a volume of fire that rivals modern semiautomatic weapons.

This is actually a stock photo obtained from the NET.  I'll use this photo until I take pictures of my example which is a Lee-Enfield Rifle No. 4, Mark I.

4. M1 GARAND
Type: Semiautomatic
Rifle Country of Origin: United States
Caliber: 7.62 x 63 mm (.30-06 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 8 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2,838 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 30 rounds per minute

Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1936, the M1 Garand proved to be a tough, heavy battle rifle when it entered combat five years later. General Patton remarked at the end of World War II that the M1 may have been the greatest battle implement ever devised. A bit of a stretch perhaps, but there's no doubt that the M1 was the first successful semiautomatic rifle issued in any quantity that had the ruggedness and accuracy to dominate the battlefield. Over 6.25 million Garands had been manufactured by the time it was taken out of service in the early 1960s.

Shown here is my early Springfield Armory made in 1942.  I use this for Vintage Military Matches or John C. Garand matches sanctioned by the CMP, Civilian Marksmanship Program.

5. FN FAL
Type: Semi or Fully Automatic Rifle
Country of Origin: Belgium
Caliber: 7.62 x 51 mm (.30 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 20 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2,700 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 650-700 rounds per minute

Inspired by the Sturmgewehr 44, the Belgian manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) originally developed the FAL around the same intermediate round used by the German gun, but when NATO issued the requirement for the longer 7.62 mm, FN altered the design and created a heavy hitter that packs a punch -- and a potent kick. The FAL soon became one of the classic weapons of the Cold War, used by over 50 countries, even if it proved tough to handle in full auto mode. The rifle gave good service to the Australian army in the jungles of Vietnam, to Israeli troops during the Six-Day War and was used by both sides in the fight for the Falkland Islands.

6. MAUSER K98k CARBINE
Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
Country of Origin: Germany
Caliber: 7.92 x 57 mm (.30 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 5 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: approximately 2,822 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 10-15 rounds per minute

First produced at the end of the 19th century, the Mauser 98 was the perfect synthesis of the many innovations that rifles had undergone during the late 19th century: smokeless powder, clips that could be fed into magazines and, most of all, its superb bolt action that is still the basis for most modern hunting rifles. The original model 98 was used during World War I to great effect, but when Germany started rearming in the 1930s the rifle received upgrades that made it lighter and easier to sight and shoot. Inevitably outgunned by automatic weapons, the Mauser nevertheless stands as one of the legendary rifles of the modern age.

This has got to be one of my favorite bolt-action rifles.  The action is smooth, and I think smoother than the Swedish Mauser and Springfield 1903.

7. STEYR AUG
Type: Semi or Fully Automatic Bull-Pup Assault Rifle
Country of Origin: Austria
Caliber: 5.56 x 45 mm (.22 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 30 and 42 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 3,084 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 650 rounds per minute

Looking more like a weapon from a science-fiction movie, the Steyr's only serious "flaw" is the advanced design that seemed to scare away potential customers after its introduction in 1977. In this radically new "bull-pup" configuration most of the barrel, receiver and action, instead of being in front of the operator's firing hand, is all moved back in the stock, resulting in a remarkably compact weapon that is light and easy to handle. The Steyr also features an interchangeable barrel system, a transparent magazine, and optional left or right shell ejection capability.

8. 1903 SPRINGFIELD
Type: Bolt-Action Rifle
Country of Origin: United States
Caliber: 7.62 x 63 mm (.30-06 inch)
Cartridge Capacity: 5 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2,700 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 10 rounds per minute

The relatively poor performance of the Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen rifle used by U.S. troops in the Spanish-American War led American planners to look elsewhere for a standard infantry weapon. They "borrowed" the more effective action found on the German 7mm Mauser, added a few modifications, and produced a magazine-fed rifle that boasted phenomenal accuracy. The 1903 quickly gained a reputation as an outstandingly accurate and powerful firearm -- at the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918, U.S. Marines armed with Springfields cut down enemy counterattacks from 700 to 800 yards away. The rifle continued in service through World War II and Korea and even saw combat as a sniper rifle in Vietnam.

My example is actually a Springfield 1903A3 made en mass during WWII in 1943.  I have used this for Vintage Military Bolt Action matches.


9. STURMGEWEHR 44
Type: Semi or Fully Automatic Assault Rifle
Country of Origin: Germany
Caliber: 7.92 x 33 mm
Cartridge Capacity: 30 rounds
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2,133 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 500 rounds per minute

The Wehrmacht hadn't been at war with the Soviet Union for long when it became clear that German infantry with their bolt-action Mausers were often at a disadvantage in firefights with Russian automatic weapons. In response, German armament developers came up with a revolutionary new weapon: the first "assault rifle" (the literal translation of the German Sturmgewehr). The key to its success was a shorter 7.92 mm round that allowed for effective automatic fire and permitted soldiers to carry sufficient ammunition. The Sturmgewehr came too late to play a significant role in World War II, but it wins high marks for innovation.

10. M14
Type: Semi or Fully Automatic Rifle
Caliber: 7.62 x 51 mm (.30 inch)
Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2,799 feet per second
Rate of Fire: 700-750 rounds per minute

By the end of World War II, with an American infantry platoon carrying as many as four different weapons -- and four types of ammo -- the U.S. Army decided to develop a single weapon that could fulfill multiple roles. The result was the M14. First fielded in 1957, the rugged, accurate new rifle had plenty of stopping power with the standard NATO 7.62 mm round. It first saw major action in Vietnam, where soldiers liked its performance but struggled with the weight of both gun and ammunition. Before long it was phased out in favor of the lighter M16, but a few frontline units still use the classic weapon, primarily as a sniper rifle.  The Wehrmacht hadn't been at war with the Soviet Union for long when it became clear that German infantry with their bolt-action Mausers were often at a disadvantage in firefights with Russian automatic weapons. In response, German armament developers came up with a revolutionary new weapon: the first "assault rifle" (the literal translation of the German Sturmgewehr). The key to its success was a shorter 7.92 mm round that allowed for effective automatic fire and permitted soldiers to carry sufficient ammunition. The Sturmgewehr came too late to play a significant role in World War II, but it wins high marks for innovation.

Philippine Campaign December 8, 1941

Most Americans remember the "Day of Infamy,"  December 7, 1941, the day the Japanese launched its war against the US beginning at Pearl Harbor.

But for most Filipinos, they remember December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor when Japanese planes attacked Subic Bay, Clark Air Base, Sangley and other military installation in the Philippines.

This act of aggression sparked the Allied-Axis world war extending now into the Pacific.  Almost 100,000 Filipinos enlisted or were drafted together with regular army soldiers that were called to combat duty.

Read more here Philippine Campaign December 8, 1941.

High Power Rifle Training Videos

I've scoured the NET for some good training material.  There are many but these are definitely the best I've found.  These training videos are two decades old but some things just don't change!

High Power Clinic, 1989 - The Prone Position
High Power Clinic in 1989 with Champions CWO Jim Cook USMC, G David Tubb, and DI Boyd discussing and demonstrating the Prone Position

High Power Clinic 1989 - The Standing Position
National Champions, G David Tubb, CWO Jim Cook, and DI Boyd discuss the Standing Position

High Power Clinic, 1989 - Sitting Position
High Power Clinic 1989 with David Tubb, Jim Cook of the USMC with DI Boyd moderating. Sitting Position.

This is my Colt US Army Model 1903.  It was manufactured in 1903 and was part of a reported (by Springfield Armory) 12,500 that were made and delivered to the US Army.  This model was the last variation in the New Army/Navy Model family (Model 1892 series) and serial numbers for the Model 1903 ran from 200,000 to 212,500.

The Model 1901 and 1903 were the only New Model Army and Navy revolvers shipped from Colts with the lanyard loop, earlier models found with the lanyard loop probably received upgrades at Colts or Springfield to bring them up to the Model 1901 specifications.

The Model 1903 had two major changes from its predecessors:  1) Bore diameter was decreased from .363 inch to .357 inch to increase accuracy. This was to accommodate the new more powerful S&W .38 Special Cartridge, though it could still shoot the .38 Long Colt cartridge.  2) Grips were narrowed to provide for a better grip.

My example shown here is the Army marked model, there are also Navy and Marine Corp marked variations but these are much rarer and demand a premium price. This is in .38 Long Colt caliber, has a 6" barrel and excellent bore. The frame has inspector's initials "J.T.T." (John T. Thompson, Capt., USA--Colt Model 1900 cal. .38 semi-automatic pistols, Colt Model cal. .454 revolvers, and Smith & Wesson cal. .38 Army revolvers) and "R.A.C." (U.S. inspector Rinaldo A. Carr) with a "1903" date. The smooth walnut grips are each stamped "R.A.C." on the butt.  This is a neat example of the last primary issue revolver in .38 caliber as it was replaced by the .45 caliber bullet which was re-introduced in the Model of 1909 (45 Long Colt).

The cartouche information that appeared on the left side of the grip panels on previous military models was moved to the frame in 1902 by the Army and first began appearing on the Model 1901 Army model. You will find the Model 1903 revolvers with "1902", "1903" or "1904"  on the frame depending on when they were received by the Army.  In my example, the frame reads "1903."

The Philippines Insurrection was a huge failure of performance for the .38 caliber revolvers and was the last conflict they participated in as the U.S. governments primary sidearm. In 1909 the Colts M1909 in .45 Long Colt was adopted as the primary sidearm of the U.S. Army and was subsequently replaced by the Colts M1911 semi automatic pistol in late 1911. The M1917 came to be as a interim revolver due to the needs of World War I not being met by M1911 manufacturers. The M1911 was updated in 1924 and became the M1911-A1 which was then produced through 1945.

I'm in the process of a Colt Archive Letter for this example.  This is one of the signature services offered by Colt’s Manufacturing Company and is recognized as the best evidence that a firearm is a genuine Colt and not a counterfeit.

Colt’s Manufacturing Company is fortunate to have retained virtually all of its records of firearms sold by the factory from the early 1870’s to the present.  As a result, they have the unique ability to trace a firearm to its origins and not only to verify its authenticity but also to certify when and to whom it was originally sold.

Sources:  Coolgunsite, Colt

The Splendid Little War

I was very fortunate to have found this book recently.  It is a First Edition, published by Little, Brown & Co. in 1958, of "The Splendid Little War" by Frank Freidel.  It has the original book cover and carried a $5.00 price tag which was definitely a bonus.

To quote from the book, it is the "dramatic story of the almost forgotten Spanish-American War, the Maine, San Juan Hill, Manila Bay, Santiago, the Rough Riders...told in text and more than 300 pictures."  It has 314 pages, 10" x 8" hardback and with dustcover.

I like this book because it was published during a time when America had literally almost forgotten about this war.  Through works like this, Americans and Filipino-Americans alike learned about the conflict and no doubt inspired more works on this subject.

The book itself covers the major conflicts of the war and not devoted strictly to battles in the Philippines.  And it does not cover the subsequent Philippine-American War.  But there are chapters, "The Battle of Manila Bay" and "Expedition to the Philippines," that cover the subject well.

A quick search on the Internet and I was able to find that a New Edition, published in 2002, can be had a very good prices.  Overall, a good read.

Philippine Ten Centavo 1943

Many people don't know that from 1903 to 1945 Philippine money was minted by the United States. I bought 3 of these Philippine Ten Centavos coins for $1 a piece today. Two of the coins are of 1944 mintage and the third was made in 1943. One was in uncirculated (UNC) condition. They are silver in material.

Obverse: Lady Liberty striking an anvil with a hammer with a volcano (Mt. Mayon) erupting in the background, "Ten Centavos", "Filipinas."

Reverse: Seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "United Status of America." There coins are good examples of coins during the Japanese Occupation period of the Philippines during WWII.

The American Period (1900-1941)

The Americans instituted a monetary system for the Philippine based on gold and pegged the Philippine peso to the American dollar at the ratio of 2:1. The US Congress approved the Coinage Act for the Philippines in 1903. The coins issued under the system bore the designs of Filipino engraver and artist, Melecio Figueroa. Coins in denomination of one-half centavo to one peso were minted. The renaming of El Banco Espanol Filipino to Bank of the Philippine Islands in 1912 paved the way for the use of English from Spanish in all notes and coins issued up to 1933. Beginning May 1918, treasury certificates replaced the silver certificates series, and a one-peso note was added.

The Japanese Occupation (1942-1945)

The outbreak of World War II caused serious disturbances in the Philippine monetary system. Two kinds of notes circulated in the country during this period. The Japanese Occupation Forces issued war notes in big denominations. Provinces and municipalities, on the other hand, issued their own guerrilla notes or resistance currencies, most of which were sanctioned by the Philippine government in-exile, and partially redeemed after the war.

Anti Philippine-American War Flag Pin Circa 1902

The Philippine–American War was an armed military conflict between the United States and the Philippines, which arose from the First Philippine Republic (see flag on pin) struggle against United States annexation of the islands. The war was a continuation of the Philippine struggle for independence, following the Philippine Revolution, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, and the Spanish-American War.

The war officially began on June 2, 1899 and ended on July 4th, 1902, however hostilities continued until June 15th, 1913.

The Philippine-American War changed the cultural landscape of the islands with the introduction of the English language, the disestablishment of the Catholic Church, and the impact of an estimated 200,000-1,500,000 casualties.

This pin has the early Republic of The Philippines flag and was probably created by the Anti-Imperialist League which was created by Mark Twain who opposed the war. The pin is approximately 7/8 of an inch across and in great shape.

I was fortunate enough to have found and purchased this pin for $1.25. Source: patriciaspantry

40th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the first landing on the moon. To commemorate this remarkable event, I thought I'd post one of the photos I took of the moon.

I was trying out our then new telescope, Meade ETX-125PE, and attached my Nikon D40x camera to it to take this picture.

The telescope is of the Maksutov-Cassegrain type with a 127mm (5.0") aperture, f/15 focal ratio, and a 1900mm focal length. I had to use the 1.25" Meade Basic Camera Adapter to attach the Nikon. Overall, I think the picture turned out pretty good.

Stimulus Earmark for Filipino World War II Veterans

Don't misunderstand, I'm pleased for these very deserving Filipino veterans. However, this is just one example of the many earmarks that this Obama stimulus targeted that brings absolutely no value in stimulating our economy. Read on...
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Benefits for Filipino World War II Veterans

Written by Ashley Nagaoka - anagaoka@kgmb9.com

July 03, 2009 10:33 PM

This independence day will be a memorable one for thousands of Filipino veterans of World War II. For more than 60 years, they've lived with no pension, and few benefits. Friday night, Hawaii leaders finally gave them recognition they deserve. These vets, who are now in their 80's and 90's, have had their veteran statuses restored and will also be paid for their service to the U.S. "I wish that he could be here, to be able to receive the honor that was given to him," said Norma Galo, World War II Veteran widow. Norma Galo wishes her husband Juan was alive to see this day. A special tribute to was held tonight to honor Filipino veterans from World War Two. In 1941, the United States drafted more than 250-thousand Filipinos to fight alongside American troops. They were promised citizenship and full veteran benefits, but in 1946 congress broke that promise. "That is our rights, we are not begging anything from the us government. We are fighting for our rights," said Art Caleda, World War II veteran. "That was a dishonorable thing to do and what we've done this year was to restore the honor of the United States," said Sen. Daniel Inouye, (D) Hawaii. Senator Daniel Inouye helped secure $198-million in stimulus funds for these vets. Those who are U.S. citizens will get a one-time payment of $15-thousand, those who aren't will get $9-thousand. But to be eligible the vet had to be alive when the bill was signed into law. And that's why many veterans Friday say this recognition is a bittersweet one. "We're remembering those who passed away for not being able to wait for this benefit," said Caleda. Six decades later they finally feel like their sacrifice matters. "The United States will now restore the recognition of our military service," said Caleda. But the battle is not over. They are also rallying in support of the Filipino veterans Reunification Act, which would grant their children special immigration status here in the U.S. "It is very important that our children should be joining us at our age," said Caleda. And Hawaii's leaders say it's a promise they intend to keep. "I can assure you, we will live up to our promises this time," said Sen. Inouye. A committee hearing for the Reunification Act is scheduled for later this month. And Senator Inouye says he's certain the committee will give the bill it's approval.

US Army Philippine Division WWII

I just found and purchased this authentic patch recently. Very interesting story behind it courtesy of Wikipedia.

The Philippine Division, originally a named rather than numbered U.S. Infantry Division of World War II, was the core of the US Army's Philippine Department. On July 31, 1941, the division consisted of 10,473 troops, mostly enlisted Filipinos, known as the Philippine Scouts. All of the division's enlisted men, with the exception of the 31st Infantry Regiment, and various military policeand headquarters troops, were Philippine Scouts.

In October 1941, as part of the US Army Forces Far East, plans were made to "triangularize" the division. The 34th Infantry was detached from the 8th Infantry Division and moved to a port of embarkation in December 1941, along with two battalions of 105mm field artillery. The Philippine Division was to have two complete U.S. regimental combat teams in place by January 1942 to provide General Douglas MacArthur with a modern, trained mobile reaction force, while freeing up Philippine Scouts for rounding out other units. The outbreak of war in December 1941, however, isolated the Philippines and nullified implementation of the plan.

CG63 Swedish Mauser Project

The Rifle


Swedish Mauser CG63 built by Mauser on an Oberndorf am Neckar receiver dated 1900

The rifle is my poor man's version of the the CG63 that I put together. Original CG63s were built at the Carl Gustav Arsenal in Sweden as highly accurate target rifles using heavy barrels, diopter sights, target stocks and tuned triggers.

From The Swedish Mauser Rifles by Poyer, "When Sweden formalized its rules for 300 meter military-civilian matches, a new rifle was developed for competitors, the CG63 through the Frivilliga skytter relsen."

"At the Carl Gustaf factory, a new, heavy, non-stepped barrel was attached to an m/96 or m/38 receiver. The trigger assembly was adjusted and smoothed to match quality. A new beech Monte-Carlo-style stock with identical, if shallow cheek pieces, on either side for right- or left-handed shooters, a pistol grip and a short fore end and hand guard that allowed the barrel to float, were developed. Match quality adjustable micrometer aperture rear sights from several Swedish manufacturers were installed, as well as the American-made Lyman and Redfield adjustable rear sights, although these latter appear to have been added by the owners. Hooded front sights with interchangeable inserts were added to the new barrel. The distinctive vertical thumb piece was removed from the bolt to increase lock time. The rifle, which averaged 4.6 kg (10.14 lbs), was available in both 6.5 x 55 mm, 7.62 x 51 mm NATO and .22 rimfire calibers. The military match versions were designated m/6 in 6.5 x 55 mm and the m/7 in 7.62 x 51 NATO. The m/6 military version was equipped with a short cleaning rod beneath the barrel."

Having a barreled receiver (with a buggered rear sight, drilled and tapped receiver but very excellent barrel) of a Swedish Mauser M96, Oberndorf am Neckar 1900, I only needed to track down a few parts to complete the rifle. I found a vintage Hellqvist rear diopter sight and a front globe sight. I also found an authentic CG63 beech stock complete with a Norma shooting sticker. Finally, I obtained a like new bolt.

I had to remove the rear sight band assembly with a blow torch as they are held on with a set screw and lead or tin solder. I removed the set screw, heated the assembly gently with a propane torch just enough to melt the solder. Then a tapped it off with a wood block. I also had to re-bed the receiver and polish the trigger.

Of course, this is NOT a real CG63. It does not have the heavier barrel nor does it have the CG63 bolt with shorter firing pin and removed vertical thumb piece. And it wasn't made at Carl Gustav.

Bullet Load Development

Disclaimer: Because I have no control over individual loading practices and/or components used, no responsibility is implied or expressed by me in the use of this data. The information is to be used at the sole discretion of the user.

Having completed the rifle, I set out to develop a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser match load. I developed 4 test loads keeping the bullet, case, primer, case length and overall cartridge length constant while incrementing the powder charge.

• Bullet - Nosler 140 grain BTHP Custom Competitions
• Powder - Reloder 22
• Case - PMC
• Primer - CCI 200 Large Rifle
• Case Length - 2.164"
  
• Overall Cartridge Length - 3.125"

I developed 4 loads with different powder charges and shot 4 groups of 5 bullets for each load and took the mean and standard deviation of each group's size. Here are the results.

Group 1 - 46.5 grains - 2.5997"
Group 2 - 47.0 grains - 2.1970"
Group 3 - 47.5 grains - 2.5140"
Group 4 - 48.0 grains - 1.8490"



At 100 Yards Prone / Sling

At 100 yards, my best group was within Group 4 using 48.0 grains of Reloder 22 on a standard MR-31 used to simulate 600 yards at a 100 yard course.


5-Shot Group (1.160") at 100 Yards Prone / Sling using MR-31 Target

Given the group size results, I focused on the Group 4 load. This is the maximum load advised by Speer using a 140 grain bullet. But the brass showed no pressure signs - no blown cases, no case separations, primers are flat.

Note: I chose Group 4 based upon it's mean group size only. There is no statistical difference between the means or variance of the 4 groups.

The chronograph results gave the following data. The chronograph was set at 10 feet from the muzzle and the temperature reading was 54 degrees.

• Shot 1 - 2759 fps
• Shot 2 - 2782 fps
• Shot 3 - 2707 fps
• Shot 4 - 2753 fps
• Shot 5 - 2753 fps

• Mean - 2751 fps
• Std Dev - 27.24
  

At 200 Yards Prone / Sling

Having chosen my load, 48.0 grains of Reloder 22 and a 140 grain Nosler BTHP on top, I decided to test the load at 200 yards. The results were good having "cleaned" the SR-C target for 5 shots, prone/sling, slow-fire.


5-Shot Group (4.50") at 200 Yards Prone / Sling using SR-C Target

Overall, I am pleased with the load I've developed. It gives me the +2700 fps muzzle velocity I was looking for without the pressure signs as well as the accuracy I needed. I will need to retest the muzzle velocity during warmer temperatures consistent with the match season.

Miguel Malvar - 2nd President of the Philippines?

Interesting conjecture, but is it true that General Miguel Malvar was the 2nd Philippine president?

Philippine history books taught Filipinos that Manuel L. Quezon was the 2nd president during the Commonwealth of the Philippines (political designation of the Philippines from 1935 to 1946 when the country was a commonwealth with the United States).

And everyone knows that there was no successor to the 1st Philippine president, Emilio Aguinaldo, when his term ended when he pledged allegiance to the United States after his capture at Palanan, Isabela, right?

Well, read on. Let me know what you think.

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Revisiting the Philippine-American War
By Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas

As the nation prepares to celebrate another holiday in honor of Andres Bonifacio on November 30, I would like to revisit some details of the Philippine-American War that involved my maternal grandfather, General Miguel Malvar. Since my mother, Isabel Malvar Villegas, is still living and is in good health at the age of 99, General Malvar is the only national hero with a surviving child. We, his descendants, should continue our efforts to set the historical records straight about his role in the Philippine-American War.

In the most complete biography about my grandfather, written by UP historians Doroteo Abaya and Bernard Karganilla, we read (pp. 108 to 109) that upon the death of Andres Bonifacio and the assumption of the presidency by Emilio Aguinaldo, a series of events unfolded which led to General Malvar’s becoming the Second President of the Philippines and Chief of Staff. Upon Aguinaldo’s capture in Palanan, Isabela, by the Americans on March 23, 1901, a leadership vacuum was created but only temporarily. Based on the succession decrees that Aguinaldo himself issued, General Malvar would take the presidency of the republic: "The June 27, 1900 decree specifically designated General Trias to succeed Aguinaldo in the event of his capture, death, or whatever form of incapacity to perform the function of office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Philippine Republic and its Army. General Malvar became a contender to Aguinaldo’s post when General Trias surrendered. Malvar was Trias’ second-in-command. Thus, by virtue of Aguinaldo’s succession decrees of February 16, 1899; November 13, 1899; and June 27, 1900, General Malvar, with Trias’ surrender, became the logical successor to Aguinaldo’s post and to the leadership of the Filipino struggle against the Americans."

Likewise, the Filipino Revolutionary committee (or Hong Kong Junta) officially confirmed Malvar’s assumption of Aguinaldo’s post. This was in consonance with a provision of Aguinaldo’s June 27, 1900, decree where it vested the Hong Kong Junta with the authority to assume Aguinaldo’s post during the interregnum following his possible death or captivity while looking for a successor. It was this authority that the Hong Kong Junta invoked when it confirmed Malvar as Aguinaldo’s successor.

Recently, a relative of mine, Dr. Potenciano Malvar, got hold of an original letter written by my grandfather to General Arcadio Maxilom, one of the generals fighting the Americans in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Written in Spanish, the letter clearly indicated that General Malvar was acting as the Commander-in-Chief after the capture of General Aguinaldo. Let me translate the letter into English:

"My distinguished lord and companion: The trials that have fallen on us during our campaign have been such that your official and private correspondences addressed to our honorable President and Chief of Staff General Aguinaldo, whose whereabouts are unknown as he is hiding from our enemy, have come into my possession. I have opened these letters so that I can answer you in the name of our government.

"Upon learning of your most appropriate actions, I am highly gratified by your policies and the decisions you have made to reestablish order in your area of jurisdiction. I applaud your activity for the good impression that I have obtained in reading the brilliant account of your operations. For this reason, it is with great pride that we manifest the confidence that our country has in those children of hers who have suffered so much as slaves of duty and discipline. For you, as worthy Chief, our heartiest congratulations.

"For the 20th of July following the holding of the General Assembly, my headquarters have appointed the Generals. On my part, I assure you that on that same day you will receive the corresponding title. If you are not able to attend the Assembly, we shall send the appointment through the officers who will come to represent you and all the others in your territory.

"I am sending you enclosed my own manifesto and a list of the guidelines and instructions which have been issued up to now for general knowledge and fulfillment. I expect that through said representatives of yours, I can be apprised of everything that has occurred in the provinces of your Islands, both as regards civil as well as military affairs.

"I request you to send to their respective addresses the enclosed documents. Receive the appointments of those in the staff that you have formalized which will be ratified by the documents when they do arrive."

"Here in Luzon, there are frequent combats with American military detachments which have helped us increase the number of guns in our possession. For this reason, we have to discredit the many erroneous reports that come from the newspapers in Manila taken generally from sources that are against us or from the offices of the occupying American forces.

"Other matters can be recounted to you verbally by the bearer of this note.

"I take advantage of this opportunity to greet all of you and to send you my most cordial embrace. I offer myself to you as your unconditional friend, comrade and servant."

Signed: Miguel Malvar, 14 May 1901

"P.S, I ask my General to disseminate the manifesto and guidelines herewith contained to the Islands and provinces of Jolo, Cotabato, Iligan, Puerto Princesa, Mindanao, Calamianes, Paragua, Zamboanga, Davao, and others by means of exact copies of these documents, translating them into the languages of the localities for general knowledge and compliance."

Given this authenticated document in the handwriting of my grandfather, I have no doubts that General Miguel Malvar was indeed the Second President of the Philippine Republic. For comments, my e-mail address is bvillegas@uap.edu.ph.

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Lawmaker: History wrong on Gen. Malvar
Manila Times
2 January 2008 | 12:10 AM

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter

For a Southern Tagalog lawmaker, history is wrong in naming Manuel L. Quezon as the second President of the Philippine Republic serving after Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

In House Bill 2594, Rep. Rodolfo Valencia of Oriental Mindoro is pushing to declare General Miguel Malvara prominent revolutionary heroas the second Philippine President in an effort to rectify his place in the succession of the countrys heads of state.

Historical records validate Malvars ascension to the presidency, Valencia said.

General Malvar took over the revolutionary government after General Emilio Aguinaldo, first President of the Republic, was captured on March 23, 1901, and [was] exiled in Hong Kong by the American colonial governmentsince he was next in command, the Mindoro congressman explained.

The Philippine revolutionary junta legitimized Malvars ascendancy to the position, Valencia said, citing historical accounts.

He added that the distinguished Filipino historian, Teodoro Agoncillo, had written that Malvar took over the leadership of the Filipino government, or what remained of it, and harassed the Americans by his guerilla tactics. Malvar served as President of the revolutionary government from the time of Aguinaldos capture on March 23, 1901, to April 16, 1902, historical records show.

The book Army of First Philippine Republic by Professor Luis Camara Dery of the De La Salle Universitys History Department gives further credence to Malvars rightful place in history, Valencia said.

He added that Malvars distinguished achievements and indispensable contributions need no further enumeration, but it is necessary for surviving generations to preserve his legacies and correct history.

"Colonial Mentality" Affects Fil-Am Student Performance

I read an interesting article the other day that stated that the more Americanized Filipino students become in the U.S., the worse they tend to perform in school.

A study was conducted in various cities across the U.S. and it found that in some cities where there have been three to four generations or more of Filipino immigrants, some one-third of Filipino students are failing, while in cities where the Filipino influx is newer, they’re doing well. In other words, the more Americanized we become, the less well our students do.

One of the contributors, the study cited, was that families in the U.S. often find that making ends meet economically hampered their participation in their children’s school activities.

Others included trends amongst Fil-Am youth to allow Social pressures such as drugs, promiscuity, gang affiliations and other social ills to encroach upon their academic performance

The study cited the need for role models and a better self-image to combat the “colonial mentality” still persisting amongst Filipino adults and youth in the U.S. The study also found parents are very involved at the elementary school level, but in high school, that involvement falls crediting this to how family economics are causing Fil-Am students to do less well than they probably could do.

The key takeaway is for Fil-Am parents to become more involved in their children’s academic lives as well as in their respective communities in order to push for educational assistance.

Overall the NaFFAA report recommended:

(1.) the need to dis-aggregate data on the FilAm students from those of other Asians collectively,

(2.) the hiring of more Filipino administrators, teachers and counseling staff to deal appropriately with FilAm cultural issues,

(3.) revising and infusing the existing curriculum with Filipino culture, history and experiential content as well including these features in the training of other educators,

(4.) the increased involvement of the entire Filipino community and FilAm parents particularly in the educational system, and

(5.) encouraging the involvement of Filipino parents in school activities and programs.

I think that another bullet is warranted here as well. That is, the need for families to build children's self-esteem through identity by talking about our rich family histories, where we come from and our Filipino culture. Read more...

To read more about the study, Read here...

WWII Apologists Persist Despite Japanese Policy

By Blaine Harden
Washington Post Foreign Service
Monday, November 3, 2008; Page A17

TOKYO, Nov. 2 -- Once again, a Japanese official with nationalist sympathies -- in this case, the head of the air force -- has glossed over the Asian suffering caused by Japan during World War II.

Once again, China and South Korea -- principal victims of Japan's wartime depredations -- have expressed shock and anger.

And once again, the government in Tokyo has restated its official policy, which is that Japan deeply regrets and apologizes for its wartime aggression.

The abiding reluctance of prominent nationalists in Japan to come to grips with the past resurfaced Friday, when a hotel company announced the winner of its $30,000 "true modern history" essay contest.

The winning essay was written by Gen. Toshio Tamogami, who until Friday night was chief of staff of the air force. He was fired a few hours after the essay appeared on the hotel company's Web site.

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor because of a "trap" set by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Tamogami claimed in his essay, which also argued "that many Asian countries take a positive view" of Japan's role in the war.

He wrote, too, that the war was good for international race relations: "If Japan had not fought the Great East Asia War at that time, it might have taken another 100 or 200 years before we could have experienced the world of racial equality that we have today."

The essay concluded that "it is certainly a false accusation to say that our country was an aggressor nation."

Explaining why Tamogami was fired, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters that a senior military leader "should not make public an opinion opposed to the government's position."

In 1995, then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama officially apologized for Japan's wartime aggression. Still, there is a politically potent minority in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party that periodically backtracks and distances itself from the apology.

Before he became prime minister in September, Taro Aso, 68, a longtime elder in the ruling party, had made a series of statements that suggested his nationalist leanings. He upset the governments of North and South Korea by praising his country's 35-year colonial occupation of their peninsula, saying Japan did many good things.

As foreign minister in 2006, Aso annoyed China by suggesting that Japan's emperor should visit Yasukuni, the war shrine in Tokyo where convicted war criminals are honored along with 2.5 million war dead.
Shinzo Abe, who stepped down as prime minister last year, backed away from Japan's previous apologies to the "comfort women," the term used for the estimated 50,000 to 200,000 Asian women forced by the Japanese government into brothels before and during World War II.

Abe, who had strong support in the nationalist wing of the ruling party, said there was no documentation proving that the Japanese military coerced Asian women into becoming prostitutes.

His statements provoked fury in China and South Korea -- and pushed the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a resolution calling on Japan to apologize for its treatment of the sex slaves.

Abe also appeared to be wrong. Studies by the Japanese government itself have uncovered more than 100 documents showing Japanese military involvement in the building of brothels and the recruitment of women, according to a 2006 report by the Congressional Research Service.

Also under Abe, the government tried to whitewash the history of the war as taught in Japanese public schools. In 2006, the Education Ministry deleted references in textbooks to orders from the Japanese military in 1944 that civilians in Okinawa must commit mass suicide rather than surrender to invading U.S. forces. Courts here have subsequently recognized the military's role in ordering mass suicides on the island.

After Abe abruptly quit as prime minister last year, a new prime minister (also a member of the ruling LDP) quietly dropped the comfort women issue and corrected the textbooks. Yasuo Fukuda made clear that he would do nothing to push the agenda of his party's nationalist wing.

Instead, he moved to improve Japan's image in Asia, especially with China. His policy drew immediate results. On a visit to Tokyo early this year, Chinese President Hu Jintao played down the war and played up trade.

"It's important for us to remember history, but this does not mean we should hold grudges," Hu said.

But since then, Fukuda, who was unpopular with Japanese voters, has resigned. He was replaced by Aso, whose nationalist reputation has again raised some anxiety about Japan's intentions.

Reacting this weekend to Tamogami's denial that Japan was the aggressor in World War II, China was strongly critical of the air force chief of staff but gave Japan and Aso credit for quickly sacking him.

"We are shocked by and express our strong indignation over the senior Japanese military officer's denial of Japan's aggression and overtly glorifying its history of invasion," the New China News Agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu as saying.

Still, China and Japan depend on each other as trading partners. Japanese machinery powers many of China's factories, and China is Japan's largest trading partner.

"We have taken notice of the attitude and measures taken by the Japanese government," Jiang said, noting that the countries will continue to work to improve relations.

Read more...

Filipinos Are In Full Retreat Before the Advancing Americans

THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, Georgia, March 13, 1899

Gunboat Clears the Jungles Along the River Banks and Wheaton's Brigade Meets Little Opposition.

COUNTRY WILL BE CLEARED

Aguinaldo's Red Brigade Suppressed by Troops Newly Arrived.

SUNSTROKES NUMEROUS IN THE ARMY

Rainfall in the Morning Cools the Temperature to Eighty-Two Degrees and the Suffering Among the Soldiers is Intense.

Malolos, Aguinaldo's Capital, Falls Before the Rush of M'Arthur's Men

Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta, GA, March 31, 1899

WASHINGTON, March 31.---The war department at 1:30 o'clock this morning gave out the following dispatch from Gen. Otis:

"Manila, March 31.---Adjt. Gen., Washington: MacArthur captured Malolos at 10:15 this morning. Enemy retired after slight resistance and firing the city. Particulars later. Hall had several engagements beyond Mariquina. Casualties twenty. Enemy being driven. "OTIS."

MACARTHUR MOVES TO ATTACK
GENERAL STARTED FOR MALOLOS AT 7 THIS MORNING.

Strong Opposition is Encountered While the Rebels Sustain Heavy Losses.

Manila, March 31.---Major General MacArthur advanced to attack Malolos, the seat of the insurgent, at 7 o'clock this morning.

He was met with strong resistance, the rebels resisting desperately, but losing heavily.

They are now in full retreat heading North. where Aguinaldo the cabinet have been for two days.

The Americans finally drove the Filipinos back. Although there were three lines of strong entrenchment along the railroad track, the enemy scarcely made no defense there.

General MacArthur and his staff were walking along the track abreast of the line with everything quiet when suddenly they were...

First Katipunan Flag 1892

First Katipunan Flat 1892 (my reproduction)

No, this flag does NOT represent the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), the name of several past and present secret organizations in the United States, mostly in the South, that are best known for advocating white supremacy and acting as vigilantes while hidden behind conic masks and white robes inflicting intidmidation, terrorism, oppression and violence on racial and religous minorites.

Far from it. This KKK represents the Katipunan or Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or the Highest and Most Respected Sons of the People, the first Philippine revolutionary movement which succesfully fought against Spanish Tyranny in 1892.

The First KKK Flag (1892). Three big white KKK letters arranged horizontally at the center of a rectangular piece of red cloth (locally called "kundiman"). The color red symbolized the courage of the Katipuneros who stood ready to fight for freedom and shed their blood if need be. This was the flag which was unfurled during the "First Cry of Nationhood" at the vicinity of North Manila in August 1896.

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Aguinaldo Now Sues for Peace

THE BULLETIN, San Francisco, California, February 8, 1899.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.-The War Department to-day received the following dispatch:

"MANILA, Feb. 8.-The situation is rapidly improving. A reconnoissance was made to the south several miles to Lagunaz Bay, also to the southeast eight miles, driving straggling insurgent troops in various directions and encountering no decided opposition. The Filipino army is disintegrated, and the natives are returning to their villages, displaying the white flag.

"Near Caloocan, six miles north, the enemy made a stand behind intrenchments and were charged by the Kansas troops, led by Colonel Funston. There was a close encounter resulting in the rout of the enemy with heavy loss. The loss to the Kansans Lieutenant Alford killed and six men wounded.

"On the 4th Aguinaldo issued a flying proclamation, charging the Americans with the initiative, and declaring war. On Sunday he issued another proclamation, calling on all to resist foreign invasion. His influence throughout this section is destroyed, and he now applies for a cessation of hostilities and a conference. I have declined to answer. The insurgents' of a rising in the city on the night of the 4th was unrealized. The provost marshal-general made an admirable disposition of troops to defeat every attempt. The city is quiet, business has been resumed, and the natives are respectful and cheerful. The fighting qualities of the American troops are a revelation to all the inhabitants. OTIS"

Otis to Capture the Rebel Chief Aguinaldo

THE BULLETIN, San Francisco, California, February 8, 1899.

Government Sends Orders That the Insurgent Leader Must Taken at All Hazards.

He Has Already in His Dispair Pleaded for a Truce, Which General Otis Sternley Refused to Grant Him.

[SPECIAL TO THE BULLETIN.]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8. - General Otis has been instructed by the War Department to capture Aguinaldo, this insurgent Filipino chief. Aguinaldo is the only leader the Filipinos, and if he can be caught the war will collapse. The department expects Otis to report immediately upon the possibility of capturing the rebel leader.

Rape of Nanking and Manila

The Nanking Massacre, commonly known as the Rape of Nanking, because many local women were raped, was an infamous war crime committed by the Japanese military in Nanjing (historically known as Nanking), then the capital of the Republic of China, after it fell to the Imperial Japanese Army on December 13, 1937. The duration of the massacre is not clearly defined, although the violence lasted well into the next six weeks, until early February 1938.

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The Rape of Manila came towards the end of the war. The Japanese atrocities were just as worse than those that occured in China years earlier. Filipina girls forced into to roles called Comfort Women. "Its civilian population have been raped and burned, starved and murdered, its women mutilated, its babies bayoneted."

Read more...

I urge all to watch the newly released movie, Nanking. It's disturbing to say the least but accurate based upon my own studies on the subject. We need to continue to raise the consciousness of everyone that these atrocities happened so that we do not forget the lessons of history and damn ourselves by repeating them.

May 5, 1942 Japanese Landing at Corregidor

In 1942, during World War II, Japanese forces landed on the Philippine island of Corregidor.

The Battle for Corregidor was the culmination of the Japanese campaign for the conquest of the Philippines. The fall of Bataan in April 9, 1942, ended all organized opposition by the U.S. Army Forces Far East to the invading Japanese forces on Luzon in the northern Philippines. The island bastion of Corregidor, with its network of tunnels and formidable array of defensive armament, along with the fortifications across the entrance to Manila Bay, was the remaining obstacle to the 14th Japanese Imperial Army of Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma. The Japanese had to take Corregidor; as long as the island remained in American hands, they would be denied the use of the Manila Bay, the finest natural harbor in the Far East.

Read more from source...

The Story of My Capture

An Account of Gen. Funston's Exploit
By the Captured Filipino Leader Himself
Everybody's Magazine, Vol. V, No. 24, August 1901

By Emilio Aguinaldo

Palanan is a little village, of houses, built of bamboo and thatched with nipa, situated on the banks of the river which bears the same name, and some six miles distant from the seashore. It is one of the most isolated places in the province of Isabela, in northern Luzon. The are no ways of communication with the outside world except rough trails or footpaths that lead over the mountains to the west, to Ilagan, or south to Casiguran, and its peaceful population of some twelve hundred souls has heard very little of the tide of war which for four years has desolated our country. Nevertheless when I first went there with my companions and our little band of followers, in the month of September, 1900, I was received with enthusiasm by these simple, hospitable people, and everything they had was placed at my disposal. I was accompanied by Dr. Santiago Barcelona and Colonel Simon Villa, my chief-of-staff. We had some seventeen soldiers, who had followed us in all our wanderings over the mountains and through the forests of northern Luzon. Barracks were furnished for these soldiers, and a house was set apart for the residence of myself and my companions.

We lived here quietly for several weeks, enjoying the few diversions in the way of amusement that the village could offer. There was a fairly capable band of music, and on Saturday and Sunday followed sometimes by a dance in the parish house, next to the church, for the young people of the village.

This continued until the 23d of November, when we received word that a force of about fifty Americans was in the mountains not far off, apparently coming to Palanan. We hastily concealed all documents and papers and other things which might reveal our presence in the town, and then left the village and went into the mountains near by, where we remained in hiding until the Americans went away, two or three days later. Then we returned to the village and resumed our tranquil existence. Not long after this occurrence our forces were augmented by the arrival of some forty men sent me by command of Major Nasario Alhambra.

During all this time we received the Manila newspapers with more or less regularity, although they were always considerably delayed in reaching us. I had the amusing experience of reading on several occasions the reports of my own death, and subsequently a detailed account of an imaginary adventure in Cavite last December, in which I was said to have narrowly escaped being captured.

In January of this year Colonel Villa, who was growing tired of our peaceful and uneventful life, asked me to give him command of forces in the field, in any province of Luzon, and it was decided between us and Dr. Barcelona to make requisition on the commanding officer of our forces in central Luzon for a reinforcement of four hundred men. It was my intention to put these men under the command of Colonel Villa, and to confer upon him the command of the military district of the valley of the Cagayan, which included the three provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Viscaya. At the same time it was decided to send orders to Brigadier-General Teodoro Sandiko, directing him to come to Palanan to relieve Colonel Villa, as chief of staff.

Accordingly, with this in view, I sent, on the 15th of January, Private Cecilio Segismundo, a man thoroughly acquainted with the country in central Luzon, to deliver several letters addressed to the officers who were in command of our guerrilla forces in that territory. Among these letters were one addressed to General Sandiko, and another addressed to General Baldomero Aguinaldo, to whom I gave orders to assume command of our forces in central Luzon, and also to send two hundred men, under command of Colonel Lazaro Makagapal, to the province of Isabela. Colonel Villa also gave the messanger, Segismundo, a pass, directed to the local presidents of the towns through which he might travel, ordering them to render him every assistance possible, and to supply him with whatever he might need. Segismundo left for Nueva Viscaya under directions to go by way of the towns of Casiguran and Baler.

We had no news whatever from our messenger until the 20th of March, upon which date I received two sealed packages, which were delivered to me by a man from Casiguran, a town about fifty miles south of Palanan. These packages contained two letters, one from General Urbano Lakuna, and the other from Lieutenant-Colonel Hilario Tal Placido. General Lakuna said in his letter, which was addressed to me, that, in accordance with my orders of the 12th of January, he was sending me one of his best guerrilla companies under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hilario Tal Placido and Captain Lazaro Segovia, both of whom he recommended for immediate promotion in recognition of the valiant and very valuable services which they had rendered.

The letter of Tal Placido was dated in Casiguran on the 17th of March. In it he said that while on the march, near the town of Pontabangan, he had encountered a party of ten Americans engaged in making maps, and that in view of the inferiority of the enemy's force he had attacked them, and succeeded in killing and wounding five of them, taking the other five prisoners. The dead and wounded he had left on the field, but the prisoners were now with his force. The letter went on to say that they had exhausted their supplies, and he thought it would be necessary to allow the men to rest a few days in Casiguran and forage for more provisions.

Immediately upon the receipt of this letter I directed Colonel Villa to reply to it, and to say that in view of the circumstances it would not be wise to permit these American prisoners to come into Palanan, for the reason that in the event that they were set free, or contrived to escape, they would be able to serve as guides to bring their countrymen down on us. It seems better, therefore, and Colonel Tal Placido was so directed, that the prisoners should be left at a place called Dinundungan, which is about five miles from Palanan, under a guard of eleven soldiers commanded by a sergeant, who should be instructed to take the prisoners of Ilagan, the capital of the province of Isabela, under cover of darkness. Once in Ilagan, they were to be liberated.

On the evening of the 22d of March another communication was received from Colonel Tal Placido, in which he informed Colonel Villa of his arrival with his forces at a place called Dibacal, distant about six miles from Palanan. He also said that his men were completely worn out with the fatigue and hardships of the march, and that they had not had so much as a grain of rice to eat in the last twenty-four hours. He begged me to send him a supply of rice at once, so that he could continue the march early in the morning of the next day. In accordance with this request I sent him a quantity of rice that same evening by a party of Negritos.

There had been a celebration in Palanan that day, March 22d, on account of the anniversary of my birth, and the little village was in gala dress. Arches had been erected, and such other decorations were provided as the limited resources of the place could supply. A number of people had made the fifty-mile journey from Casiguran to congratulate me on the occasion, and we celebrated the day with horse races, dancing, serenades, and amateur theatricals. The near approach of our reinforcements furnished an added incentive to the festivity of the day.

The next morning, March 23d, at six o'clock, I ordered Colonel Villa to send eleven soldiers of my personal guard to Dinundungan to take charge of the American prisoners in place of the men detailed by Colonel Tal Placido, who were worn out by their hard march, so that they might have a chance to rest and recuperate. Colonel Villa, also superintended the evacuation of one of the barracks occupied by my troops, so that it might be made ready for the reinforcements which were about to arrive. At the same time Colonel Villa sent a letter to the Military Chief of Isabela de Luzon, informing him that within a week a company of reinforcements for his province would be sent to him, and directing him to get together at his camp at Tierra Virgen as large a quantity of rice as possible.

It was intention to allow Hilario Tal Placido and his men to rest in the camp in Palanan for a week, and then to send them to Isabela. The men were to be attached to the guerrilla forces already operating in the province, and Colonel Tal Placido was to assume the military chieftainship of the province, relieving the officer then in command, who was to go to the province of Nueva Viscaya.

The morning of March 23d was passed in making preparations for the formation of a Red Cross league among the ladies who had come up from Casiguran for my birthday. With this object Dr. Barcelona had sent them an invitation to come to my house at three o'clock in the afternoon.

About two o'clock in the afternoon I saw Tal Placido's men crossing the Palanan River in small boats, and at once directed Colonel Villa to send Captain Tomas Magsarilo to salute the newcomers and welcome them in my name. Colonel Villa also arranged that the soldiers of my personal guard who were not on duty should fire the proper military salutes.

It was not long before the new troops, some eighty-five in number, entered the village of Palanan and halted in the plaza in front of my house, where about twenty soldiers of my guard were drawn up waiting to receive them. It was about three o'clock. The newcomers were dressed in the regular uniform of the Filipino army, and were armed with Mausers, Remingtons, and one or two Krags. The officers, Colonel Tal Placido and Captain Segovia the latter a Peninsular Spaniard then came into my house. After the usual salutations I asked them what sort of a journey they had had. To this Segovia replied that it had been exceedingly hard, and that they had not twenty-four hours' rest since the 24th of February, the date of their departure from Nueva Ecija. Segovia then told me that he had been at one time the adjutant of the Spanish General Llanera, and had seen me then, but I have no recollection of having seen him before this occasion.

After talking with Tal Placido and Segovia for fifteen or twenty minute, I gave orders that the newly arrived men be allowed to fall out and go to rest in the quarters which had been prepared for them. Captain Segovia immediately left the house and returned to the place where his men were drawn up waiting for him. As he came up to them Segovia shouted, in a loud voice, an order which we did not hear distinctly and did not understand. Instantly his men began to shoot at the soldiers of my guard, taking them completely by surprise. When the firing began, not suspecting any plan against myself, I though it was a salute with blank cartridges, and having this in mind, I ran to the window and cried out several times, "Cease firing." But seeing that the firing continued, and that the bullets from the rifles of the attacking party were directed against me as well as against the soldiers of my guard, I for the first time realized that the newcomers were enemies. I hurriedly left the window and ran into another room in the hope of finding some means of escape, but saw at once that the house was already surrounded. Then I seized a revolver, intending to defend myself, but Dr. Barcelona threw both arms around me, crying out, "Don't sacrifice yourself. The country needs your life." Thus I was prevented from carrying out my intention. Colonel Villa ran from the house in an attempt to break through the lines of the enemy and rally our men, but he was shot three times and finally taken prisoner.

When the firing commenced, Tal Placido threw himself down on the floor to avoid the bullets, but now he got up and told us that we were the prisoners of the Americans, who, he said, were on the other side of the river with four hundred American soldiers, and would soon be here. Just at this time several of Tal Placido's soldiers came into the house shouting, "Hurrah for the Macabebes!" and surrounded Barcelona and myself. A little later five Americans, all armed with carbines, came into the room where we were. They came up to us, and one of them asked, "Which one of you is Aguinaldo?" As soon as I had been identified by the Americans I was placed, with Dr. Barcelona and Colonel Villa, in one of the rooms of the house, and guards were posted at all the windows and doors, under command of one of the Americans. The other four Americans then began to search the house for whatever papers and documents might be there.

We were then informed that our captors were General Funston, Captains Newton and Hazzard, and Lieutenants Hazzard and Mitchell. While the search for documents was going on, Dr. Barcelona took advantage of the opportunity to dress the wounds of Colonel Villa and the others who had been hit. Fortunately, the wounds of the colonel were not serious.

It is difficult to give a detailed account of what occurred outside the house during the confusion which arose after the beginning of the attack. The soldiers of my guard were completely surprised, and did not even have their rifles loaded. One was killed and two others were wounded, the rest making their escape; but whether there were any wounded among those who got away or not I do not know. When the firing began, all the inhabitants of the village fled precipitately in the endeavor to escape; and when the attack was over, there was not a living soul in the place except General Funston's men and ourselves, the prisoners of war. A few scattered shots were fired by my men in their retreat, but to no effect. They had been taken so entirely by surprise that they had no chance to resist.

The next morning, March 24th, I had a conference with General Funston, in which I was told by him that on the next day there would arrive in the bay of Palanan a warship which would take us to Manila. In the course of the day he informed me of the plan which had resulted in our capture a fate which I had believed would never befall me. It appears that my messenger, Private Segismundo, fell into the hands of General Funston, the letters which he carried suggested to the general the plan which was subsequently carried out so brilliantly. The letter which I had received on the 20th and which I supposed had come from General Lakuna, was a forgery executed with the greatest cleverness. It was complete in all details, even bearing the seal of Lakuna, and there never occurred to me the least suspicion of its authenticity. I had not the slightest doubt from that time up to the instant of the commencement of the attack which ended in my capture. It was bold plan, executed with skill and cleverness in the face of difficulties which, to most men, would have seemed insurmountable.

On the morning of the 25th of March, General Funston gave orders to begin the march to the seashore, and we three prisoners, with one of my men, who had been wounded, left the little town which had been our place of refuge for so long a time. We reached the beach about noon, after a march of some six miles, and without loss of time the Americans made two signal fires and hoisted a white flag. A little later I made out, with aid of my binoculars, a steamer on the horizon. Having seen, no doubt, the smoke of the signal fires, the ship steamed directly for the place where we were waiting. Within two hours the warship was anchored near the beach, and General Funston communicated, by means of heliograph, to the officers on board the brilliant result of his expedition. By five o'clock in the afternoon we were all on board the Vicksburg, the anchor was hoisted, and we made for the open sea, bound for Manila.

At all times since our capture, as well in Palanan as on board the Vicksburg, we have been treated with the highest consideration by our captors, as well as by all the other American officers with whom we have come in contact.

At two o'clock on the morning of March 28th the Vicksburg anchored in the bay of Manila. At six o'clock that same morning General Funston and myself, accompanied by some officers, boarded one of the launches of the gunboat and left the Vicksburg. We went up the Pasig River to the residence of the Governor-General in Malacanan, where we disembarked. A little later I was presented to General MacArthur as a prisoner of war.

Such was my return to Manila after an absence of more than four years.