The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-12-20
Signed) OTIS.


Manila. December 19.-Majoc General
Henry Lawton has been shot and killed at
San Mateo. While standing on the firing
line in front of his troops, he was shot in
the breast and died Immediately.
General Lawton left here Monday night,
having returned from his northern opera
tions Sunday, to lead an expedition through
Marquina valley, which has been several
times invaded, but not held by the Amer-
cans.
General Geronimo was supposed to have
there the largest organized force north of
Manila, and General Otis wished to garri-
Mariquina.
The night was one of the worst of the sea-
son, with a terrific rain, which had begun
and still continues.
Accompanied by his staff and troop l.,
Fortieth cavalry, General Lawton set out
at 8 o'clock in advance of the main force
consisting of the Eleventh cavalry and one
battalion each of the Twentieth and Twen-
ty-seventh infantry which started from La
Iona at midnight. With small escort he
led the way through almost painless
country, distance of fifteen miles over
hills and through cane brakes and deep
mud, the horses climbing the rocks and
sliding down the hills. Before daybreak the
command had reached the head of the val
ley.
San Mateo was attacked at o'clock and
a three hours fight ensued. This resulted in
but few casualties on the American side.
apart from the death of General Lawton,
but the attack was difficult because of the
nature of the defenses of the town.
General Lawton was walking along the
firing line within 800 yards of small sharp
shooters trench, conspicuous in the big
white helmet which he always wore, and a
light yellow rain coat. He was easily dis
tinguished because of his commanding sta
tue The sharpshooters directed several
close shots which clipped the grass near by.
His staff officers called the generals at
tention to the danger he was in, but he
only laughed with his usual contempt for
bullets
Suddenly he exclaimed: I'm shot"
He clinched his hands in desperate at
tempt to stand erect and fell into the arms
of staff officer.
Orderles rushed across the field for sur
geons, who dashed up Immediately, but
their services were useless.
The body was taken to elump of bushes
and laid upon a stretcher, the familiar
white helmet covering the face Of the dead
general. Almost at this moment the cries
of the American troops rushing into San
Mateo were mingled with the rifle volleys.
After the fight, six stalwart cavalrymen
forded the river to the town, carrying the
litter on their shoulders, the staff preced-
ing with the colors and a cavalry escort
following.
Many n Tear Fell
The troops filed bare-headed through the
building where the body was laid, and
many tear fell from the eyes of men who
had long followed the intrepid Lawton. The
entire command was stricken with grief,
as though each man had suffered 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 today.
Mrs. Lawton and the children are living
in a government residence formerly occu-
pied by Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between a high mountain
and behind a broad, shallow stream in
front, with wide sand bars, which the in
surgent trenches and the buildings COM
mand. The Americans were compelled to
ford the river under fire. 1t was while
they were lying in the rice fields and voley-
ing across, preparatory to passing the
stream, that General Lawton was shot. All
except the officers were behind cover. A
staff officer was wounded about the same
time, and one other officer and seven men
were wounded
After three hours shooting the Fdlipinos
were dispersed into the mountains
Colonel Lickett took command when Gen.
eral Lawton fell.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE
General Lawton was known as good !