Extraordinary, historic LS from Rear Admiral George Dewey, three pages on two adjoining sheets, measures 9 x 7 open, September 1, 1898. Addressed from aboard his legendary flagship, the USS Olympia, while harbored in the waters of “Manila, P.I.,” sent to M. A. Jones of the Syracuse Post, thanking him for a favorable editorial and a copy of a march composed in his honor. Dewey then delved into the difficulties he encountered since the successful Battles of Manila and Manila Bay. The letter, in full: “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of of [sic] July 12, in which you advise me that the Syracuse Post had published a march dedicated to me, a copy of which was enclosed in separate cover, and also an editorial. I shall have the march arranged at once and played by the band of the flagship.
I can hardly express to you my thanks for, and appreciation of, the editorial. I have had no form of praise that has given me as much pleasure. Few except yourself, have realized the trying times through which I passed. From May 1 to Aug. 13, the least trying of which was the two engagements. I am not a trained diplomat or lawyer, and many nights I slept not at all, trying to solve some knotty question of international law. Thanking you most heartily for your appreciation.” In very good condition, with old tape along the hinge, and several unobtrusive tears to the fragile paper, which would benefit from a professional conservator. Accompanied by a beautiful vintage color 6.75 x 9.25 engraved lithograph of Admiral Dewey, entitled “Commodore Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay.”
A fantastic and crucial letter that mentions “the two engagements” he fought to secure the Philippines: Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, plus the capture of the city of Manila on August 13th, the latter having occurred just 18 days prior. Moreover, Dewey provided key personal views about his growing frustration with managing the occupation of the former Spanish possession. American diplomats in Asia, hoping that Philippine insurgents could assist the United States in their capture of the Spanish possession, assured the exiled insurrectionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo that the United States would support his country's independence. Several days following the Battle of Manila Bay, Dewey ordered that Aguinaldo be brought from Hong Kong to the Philippines, where he promptly took command of native forces besieging Manila.
At first, the relationship between Dewey and Aguinaldo was agreeable due to their shared common enemy in Spain. However, when the Americans secretly agreed to allow Spanish forces in Manila to surrender to them, rather than to those commanded by Aguinaldo, a rift developed between the erstwhile allies. As it turned out, Washington had no intention of recognizing Philippine independence, nor did the American diplomats, who assured Aguinaldo otherwise, have any such authority to do so. Aguinaldo felt betrayed by Dewey, whom he accused of making similar promises, though Dewey denied this.
Later that year, after American and Filipino forces had completely eradicated the Spanish presence on the islands, President William McKinley issued a proclamation declaring the Philippines ceded to the United States. Aguinaldo considered the document tantamount to a declaration of war, and on January 1, 1899, he declared the Philippines an independent Republic. On February 4th, the first shots were fired against American troops in the Battle of Manila, the first and largest battle of the Philippine–American War.
Fortunately for Dewey, he was able to return to the United States, where he received a hero's welcome, including a two-day parade in New York City. He may very well have heard the march ‘Admiral Dewey,’ composed by Helen Frances Philips, which is believed to have been written only four days after the Battle of Manila Bay on May 5, 1898. A peerless, one-of-a-kind letter from the revered Admiral of the Navy, whose signature whilst commanding the United States Asiatic Squadron remains of the utmost desirability and rarity.
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