Provenance: From the Collection of U. S. Brigadier General George Allan Dodd (July 26, 1852 – June 28, 1925). Dodd was a veteran of the Indian Wars as well as the Spanish-American War where he fought alongside Theodore Roosevelt (later, the 26th American President) and his Rough Riders, most notably at the Battle of San Juan Hill where he distinguished himself. In 1899, he would sail for Manila at the start of the Philippine-American War as part of the 3rd Cavalry and would serve in the Philippines until 1902. Aguinaldo would be captured on March 23, 1901. This would almost certainly be a trophy of war set aside for one of the ranking American commanding officers.

ABOUT THE WORK

It is generally agreed that Emilio Aguinaldo was one of the most talented commanders in the field, claiming numerous victories in the Philippine Revolution. During the PhilippineAmerican War, however, he was confronted by the well-trained and well-provisioned army of the United States. By then, Aguinaldo had some of the finest minds in the Philippines who guided him in creating an organized government and war machine. He had a centralized organization with an enthusiastic officer corps, educated not only in Manila but also in Europe such as Hen. Antonio Luna. Edilberto Evangelista, who was one of Aguinaldo’s trusted seconds in overseeing the war against the Spanish, introduced the concept of trench warfare to the Philippines. Unfortunately, he perished as a hero in the Battle of Zapote Bridge in February 1897, but his practices are evident in the Croquis (or sketch) of the battle lines. In his own hand, Aguinaldo specifies the location of the trenches (trincheras) which he notes are “indispensable.” He also points out where there should be cavalry (caballeria), flying columns of fighters (guerrillas volantes) and indicates precise distances for their deployment. The next document is equally interesting, showing a mentality for guerrilla action necessary when battling with superior forces. Aguinaldo orders that all bullet casings be picked up after each battle, indicating the scarcity of ammunition and how he needed to re-purpose the spent ammo. He also instructs that these be done disguised as women if the situation was difficult. Aguinaldo also outlines a plan to subvert the telegraph lines of the Americans. He was also detailed in his instructions about the remittance of money as well as munitions to his most trusted generals and cabinet ministers, cousin Baldomero Aguinaldo and Mariano Trias who had been by his side since the time of the Magdalo and the Tejeros Convention. (Lisa Guerrero Nakpil)