Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-12-22

GEN. LAYTON DEAD.
Fell in Action at the Head of His Men.

Was Directing an Attack on san MsteO
Tuesday Morning when a ShsrpshOot-
er's Bullet struck Him In the Breast.
Major General Henry w. Lawton was
killed in action at San Mateo Tuesday morn
ing. He returned Saturday from his OPP
erations in Northern Luzon, and left Mon
day night to lead an expedition through
Mariquina valley, which had been an in
surgent stronghold throughout the war.
The valley has several times been invaded,
but never held by the Americans. Gen.
Geronimo was supposed to have there the
largest organized force north of Manila, and
Gen. Otis wished 30 garrison Mariquina.
With a small escort Gen. Lawton led
the way through an almost painless coun.
try distance of Is miles over hills and
through cauebrake and deep mud, the
horses climbing the rocks and sliding down
the hills. A terrific rain was falling. Be-
fore daybreak the command reached the
head of the valley.
San Mateo was attacked at 8 o'clock and
three hours fight ensued. This resulted
in but few casualties on the American SIDE
but the attack was difficult because of the
natural defence of the town. Gen. Law
ton was walking along the firing line,
trench, conspicuous in the big white helmet
he always wore and a light yellow rain
coat He was also easily distinguishable
because of his commanding stature. The
sharpshooters directed several close shots
which clipped the grass near. His staff
officers called Gen. Lawton's attention to
the danger he was in, but he only laughed
with his usual contempt for bullets. Sud-
denly he exclaimed 81 am shot, clenched
his hanGs in a desperate attempt TO stand
erect and fell into the arms of a staff Off
GER, dead. A moment later the cheers of
the American troops rushing into San Ma
teo were mingling with the rifle volleys
The body was brought to Manila. Mrs
Lawton and children are living there in
house formerly occupied by a Spanish
general.
San Mateo lies between a high mountain
behind and broad, shallow stream in
'front.' with wide sand bars, which the in-
surgent trenches command. The Ameri-
cans we're compelled to ford the river I'M
der fire. It was while they we're lying in
the rice fields and volleying across, prepar-
tory to passing the stream, that Gen Law
ton was shot. All except the officers were
behind cover. A staff officer was wounded
about the same time and one other officer
three hours shooting the Filipinos were
dispersedIinto the mountains. Col. Lockett
took command when Gen. LAwton fell.
Gen. LAwton's Career.
Gen. Lawton was born in Ohio and APP
pointed TO the army from Indiana, joining
as a sergeant in company K Of the 9th In
diana volunteers in April, 1861 He was
discharged in July of the same year to en-
ter the Both Indiana regiment as first lieu
tenant. On May II, 1862, he became
captain, was promoted TO be lieutenant
colonel on Feb. 10, 1865, and brevet colonel
on March IS following.
On November %, 1865, he was mustered
out, and he entered the regular army as
second lieutenant of the 41st, infantry
July 2S, 1866. Faithful service resulted in
his becoming a captain in March, 1879.
promotions following to be major in 1880
aud lieutenant colonel in 1889. He was o
duty in the inspector generals corps at
Washington when the Spanish American
war was imminent. He was appointed a
brigadier general and commanded the
American force which defeated the Span
ish at FL Caney. A little later he was ap-
pointed a major general of volunteers.
Gen. Lawton's services in the army in
the West have been conspicuous for his
skillful and gallant conduct of many i'm
portant campaigns against the Indians
In the Philippines his services have been
invaluable and his achievements have been
among the most important of those accom-
plished by the American lea ers in the
| island.