Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1899-12-22
LAWTON is DEAD.
A Brave General Killed by Fill
pino Bullet.
Was Standing In Front OF His Troops
During n Flight mt san NTateO
when n Rebel Sharpshooter
Closed Ills Career.


w. Lawton has been shot and;killed at
San Mateo He was standing in front
of his troops, and was shot in the
breast and died Immediately.
Gen. Lawtonleft here Monday night,
having returned from his northern
operations Saturday, to lead an expedi-
tion through Mariquina valley, which
has been an insurgent stronghold
throughout the war. The valley has
several times been invaded, but never
held by the Americans. Gen. Geron-
imo was supposed to have there the
largest organized force north of Ma
nila and Gen. Otis wished to garrison
Mariquina. The night was one of the
worst of the season. A terrific rain
had begun and is still continuing.
Accompanied by his staff and Troop
l, Fourth cavalry, Gen. Lawton set
out at o o'clock in advance of the main
force, consisting of the Eleventh cav
airy and one battalion each of the
Twentieth and Twenty-seventh in
fantry, which started from La Iona
at midnight. With a small escort he
led the way through an almost path
less country, distance of 15 miles
over hills and through canebrake and
deep mud, the horses climbing the
rocks and sliding down the hills.
Before daybreak the command had
reached the head of the valley.
San Mateo was attacked at o'clock
Tuesday morning, and three hours
fight ensued. This resulted in but few
casualties on the American side, apart
from the death of Gen. Lawton, but
the attack was difficult because of the
natural defenses of the town.
Gen. Lawton was walking along the
firing line within 800 yards of small
sharpshooters' trench, conspicuous in
the big white helmet he always wore,
and light yellow rain coat. He was
also easily distinguishable because of
his commanding stature.
The sharpshooters directed several
close shots which clipped the grass
nearby. His staff officers called Gen.
Lawton's attention to the danger he
was in, but he only laughed, with his
usual contempt for bullets.
Suddenly he exclaimed: II am shotw
clenched his hands in desperate
effort to stand erect, and fell into the
arms of staff officer.
Orderlies rushed across the field for
but their efforts were useless. The
body was taken to a clump of bushes
and laid upon n stretcher, the white
helmet covering the face of the dead
general. Almost at this moment the
cheers of the American troops rushing
into San Mateo were mingling with
the rifle volleys. After the fight six
cavalrymen forded the river to the
town, carrying the litter on their
shoulders, the staff preceding with the
colors, and a cavalry escort following.
The troops filed bareheaded through
the building where the body was laid,
and many a tear fell from the eyes of
men who had long followed the in
trepid Lawton. The entire command
was stricken with grief, as though
each man had suffered a personal loss.
Owing to the condition of the country,
which is impossible. so far as vehicles
are concerned, the remains could not
be brought to Manila yesterday. Mrs.
Lawton and the children are living in
a government residence formerly occu-
pied by a Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between a high
mountain and broad shallow stream
The Americans were compelled to ford
the river under fire. 1t was while they
were lying in the rice fields and vol
leying across, preparatory to crossing
the stream, that Lawton was shot.
All except the officers were behind
cover. staff officer was wounded
about the same time and one other
officer and seven men were wounded.
After three hours shooting the Fill
pinos were dispersed into the noun
tains. a..E
Washington, Dec. .2O.-Gen. Lawton
was known as good fighter and SOL
dier of experience and ability. He was
born near Detroit. He served in the
Union army throughout the civil war,
, having entered the service as sergeant
of Company Il, Ninth Indiana volun-
teer infantry, in 1861. He was sue
cessively promoted until in March,
1865, he was breveted colonel for gal
liant and meritorious service during
the war. He entered the regular es-
tablishment in July, 1866, as second
lieutenant of the Forty-frst infantry
(colored) and remained with that
branch of the army until January,
n 1871. In September, 1883, he was ap-
pointed inspector general with the
rank of major.
At the opening of the war with
d Spain President Mckinley appointed
him brigadier of volunteers and as
, sigued him to the command of di-
!. vision of the Fifth army corps, COM
; manded by Gen. Shafter. In July,
1898, he was chosen for the important
: duty of opening the military opera
+ tions against the Spaniards by the
d capture of FL Caney and the intercept
g tion of the Spanish reinforcements
i then nearing Santiago.
: His distinguished services in the
t Philippines are recent history. He re-
ceived n special message of thanks
from President Mckinley after his cap
ture of San Isidro.
T Seven Persons burned 10 Death.
r New York, Dec. 2O.-Two early morn
| In Gao IN, al