Chapter 8

Expedition to Bisayas

The expedition to Bisayas was a complete success as far as the conveyance of our troops to the chief strategic points was concerned, our steamers returning safely to Cavite after landing the soldiers. The steamer _Bulusan_, however, which sailed for Masbate with Colonel Sr. Mariano Riego de Dios' column destined for duty in Samar was sighted by the Spanish gunboats _Elcano_ and _Uranus_, which gave chase, and the former proving the faster overtook and attacked the _Bulusan_ doing so much damage to her that she foundered after a hot engagement in which considerable damage was done to the Spaniard. Happily the crew and troops on board of the _Bulusan_ saved their lives by swimming ashore.