Negotiations of a highly tentative nature had…

Negotiations of a highly tentative nature had begun between United States officials and Aguinaldo in both Hong Kong and Singapore as Spain and the United States had moved toward war over Cuba in the last months of 1897.

When war was declared, Aguinaldo, a partner, if not an ally, of the United States, had been urged by Dewey to return to the islands as quickly as possible.

Arriving in Manila on May 19, Aguinaldo reassumes command of rebel forces.

Insurrectionists overwhelm demoralized Spanish garrisons around the capital and establish links with other movements throughout the islands.