Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1899-12-21

Rageu III urlVluS insurgents HUH Sal
Mateo section of country northeast of Ma
Mia killed instantly at $3.50 yesterday
morning. A great loss to us and hil
country. OTIs.
WHEN LAwToN FELL.
Manila, Dec. 19.-l1 p. m.-Genera
Lawton left home Monday night, having
returned from his non-appearance Saturday
to lead an expedition through Mariquina
Valley which has been an insurgent strong.
hold throughout the war. The valley has
several times been invaded, but never held
by the Americans. General Geronimo
was supposed to have there the largest
organized force north of Manila, and Gen
eral Otis wished to garrison Mariquina.
The night was one ofthe worst otthe sea-
son. A terrific rain had begun and is still
continuing.
Accompanied by his staff and Troop l,
Fourth Cavalry, General Lawton set out at
o'clock in advance of the main force con-
slsting of the Eleventh Cavalry and one
battalion each of the Twentieth and
Twenty seventh Infantry, which started
from La Iona at midnight. With small
escort he led the way through an almost
pathless country, distance of fifteen
miles, over hills and through canbrake and
deep mud, the horses climbing the rocks
and sliding down the hills. Before day
break the command had reached the head
of the valley.
San Mateo was attacked at o'clock and
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
natural defenses of the town.
General Lawton was walking along the
firing line within 800 yards of small
sharpshooters trench, conspicuous in the
big white helmet he wore, and a light
yellow rain coat. He was easily distin-
guishable because of his commanding
stature. The sharpshooters directed several
close shots, which clipped the grass near.
His staff officers called General Lawton's
attention to the danger he was in, but he
only laughed with his usual contempt fol
bullets.
Suddenly he exclaimed : 81 am shot, u
clenched his hands in desperate effort to
stand erect, and fell into the arms of staf
officer.
Orderlies rushed across the field for sur
geons, who dashed up Immediately, buI
their efforts were useless.
The body was taken to clump of bush
es and laid upon stretcher, the familiar
white helmet covering the face of the deat
general.
VICTORY AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH.
Almost at this moment the cheers of The
American troops rushing into San Mated
were mingling with the rifle volleys.
After the fight, six stalwart cavalrymer
forded the river to the town carrying the
litter on their shoulders, the staff preced
ing with the colors and a cavalry escor
following. The troops filed bearheade(
through the building where the body wa!
laid, and many tear fell from the eyes o.
men who had long followed the intrepit
Lawton. The entire command was strickeI
with grief, as though each man had suffer
ed personal loss.
Owing to the condition of the country
which is impossible so far as vehicles ar
concerned, the remains could not b.
brought to Manila today.
Mrs. Lawton and the children are living
in a government residence formerly oc
cupied by Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between nigh mountain
behind and broad shallow stream il
front, with white sandbars which the in
surgent trenches and the buildings com
mand. The Americans were compelled f
ford the river under fire. 1t was Will
they were lying in the rice fields and vo!
leying across preparatory to passing tn
stream, that General Lawton was shot. Al
except the officers were behind cover. /
staff officer was wounded about the sam
time, and one other officer and severa
men were wounded.
After three hours shooting the Filipino
were dispersed into the mountains.
Colonel Lockett took command whe
General Lawton fell.
REBELS KILL TWO.