LUKBAN
which they could not do without . By cutting off traffic in the sea , the Americans thought they could weaken the revolutionary forces , isolate each island ’ s resistance movement , prevent reinforcements and the establishment of sanctuaries . 18
While there were conflicting positions among the American generals on the issue of blockade , it was finally decided by the Commander-inchief of the Asiatic Station Admiral Watson on August 19 , 1899 that the purpose of cruising was “ the annihilation of trade with Philippine ports not in the possession of our own forces ” - this , in an instruction for gunboats operating from the Cebu port , the Americans ’ base of operation for the Visayas . According to Watson , “ illicit trade ” meant vessels flying the Filipino flag , trading with closed ports and carrying contraband . Since only three ports were open ( meaning , controlled by the Americans ) at this time – Cebu , Manila and Iloilo , the rest of the country were considered “ illicit ” and were therefore to be destroyed or towed to the nearest American port . 19
Vessels thus seized were stripped of their papers , the usable cargo taken , and boat destroyed . The crew was taken to the nearest barrio with their personal belongings , unless it was practical to turn over the vessel to the provost guards at Manila or a nearby garrison . 20
Here is a list of the items taken from one of the bancas ( Boat No . 15780 ) seized by the American gunboats in the blockade .
Table 2 . Appraisal Report for Banca No . 15780
35 boxes Bread 20 sacks Limes 4 sacks Flour 3 Shovels 5 gallons Linseed oil 7 bottles Vino 5 pounds Onions 10 , 000 Cocoanuts 9 boxes Sardines 250 pounds Soap 32 packs Playing cards 4 cases Matches 3 boxes Cigars 1 package Brown linen 4 bottles Varnish 12 Umbrellas
1 box Pepper 4 bags Good tobacco 1 box Cigarette tobacco 17 bags Course cut tobacco 50 pounds Sugar 7 pounds Sweets 1 Lantern 20 Torches 1.5 pounds Linen thread 2500 packages Cigarette papers 120 yards Cotton drilling 30 yards Bleached drilling 1 lot Assorted Cotton cloths 1 lot Yankee rations 2 Glass jars 1000 packages Cigarettes
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