A week later (7th May) the American despatch-boat _McCulloch_ arrived
from Manila bringing news of Admiral Dewey's victory over the Spanish
fleet, but did not bring orders to convey me to Manila. At 9 o'clock
that night I had another interview with Consul Wildman, at his request.

On the 15th of the same month the _McCulloch_ again arrived at
Hongkong from Manila, this time bringing orders to convey me and my
companions to Manila. I was promptly notified of this by Consul Wildman
who requested that we go on board the _McCulloch_ at 10 o'clock at
night on 16th May. Accompanied by Consul Wildman, the Captain of the
_McCulloch_, and Mr. John Barrett (who then usually styled himself
"ex-Secretary of the United States Legation in Siam") we boarded an
American steam launch and proceeded to Chinese Kowloon Bay, where the
_McCulloch_ was anchored. While bidding us adieu Mr. Barrett said he
would call on me in the Philippines, which he did later on in Cavite
and Malolos.

Mr. Wildman strongly advised me to establish a Dictatorship as soon
as I arrived in the Philippines, and he assured me that he would use
his best endeavours to have the arms already contracted for delivered
to me in the Philippines, which he in fact did. [It is to be observed,
though, that the first expedition having been conducted satisfactorily,
the arms reaching me in due course, I was naturally grateful and
had confidence in the sincerity and good faith of Consul Wildman,
and there was nothing surprising therefore in the fact that I asked
him to fit out another expedition and caused the sum of $67,000 to
be deposited with him for that purpose. I regret to state, however,
that Mr. Wildman has failed to comply with my request and I am informed
that he refuses to refund the money.]