We ask you to return to the sea because you should not be here among
civilized Moros, for you are not religious. If you stay here we will
fight you this month, and in no event will be your friends, because
you eat pork. We say to you that if you do not leave this region,
come here and the Sultan will sacrifice you, and if you do not wish
to come we will come to you and fight.
This was followed in a few days by another message to the commanding
officer, from the Sultan of Maciu, which was also of a defiant nature.
Circumstances now began to look rather grave at Camp Vicars. The
Americans had endeavored by every means in their power to prevent
further hostilities and trouble, but had failed in all their efforts to
bring about peace between themselves and the dark-skinned natives of the
trackless plains of Mindanao.