Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-12-20

Manila. Dec l9.-Gen. Lawton left
here Sunday night having returned
from his northern operations Saturday,
to lead an expeditsun through Mari
qulna valley, which has been an insur-
gent stronghold throughout the war.
The night was one Of the worst Of the
season. A terrific rain had begun and
Is stlll continuing. Accompanied by his
staff and troop i. Fourth cavalry, Gen.
LawtOn set out at o'clock In advance
Of the main force, consisting OF the
Eleventh cavalry and one battalion
each Of the Twentieth and Twenty-sev-
enth infantry, which started from La
Iona az midnight.
With a small escort, he led the way
through an almost painless country
distance OF fifteen miles over hills and
through cane brake and deep mud, the
horses climbing the rocks and sliding
down the hill Before daybreak The
command had reached the head Of the
valley.
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
Gen Lawton. but the attack was diff
cult because Of the natural defenses
Of the town.
Gen. Lawton was walking along the
frng-lne within 300 yards Of small
sharp-shooters' trench, conspicuous in
the big, white helmet he always wore,
and a light-yellow rain coat. He was
also easily distinguished because Of his
commanding stature.
The sharpshooters directed several
close shots, which clipped the grass
near by. His staff officer called Gen.
Lawtons attention to the danger he
was In, but he 1nly laughed with his
usual contempt for bullets.
Suddenly he exclaimed. II am shot
clenched his hands in desperate effort
TO stand erect, and fell into the arms OF
o staff officer
Orderlies rushed across the field for
surgeons who dashed up Immediately
but their efforts were useless. The
body was taken to a clump Of bushes
and laid on a stretcher, the familiar
white helmet covering the face OF the
dead general. Almost at this moment
the cheers Of the American troops rush
ing into San Mateo were mingled with
the rifle volleys.
After the fight six stalwart cavalry
men forded the river to the town. car
rylng the litter on their shoulders the
STAFF preceding, with the colors and
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 Ia the
condition of the country, which is i'm
passable so far as vehicles are con.
cerned. the remains could not be
brought 20 Manila today
Mrs. Lawton and the children are
living In a government residence for
merry occupied by Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between high noun
tain and a broad, shallow stream In
front. with wide sandbars. which the
insurgent trenches and the buildings
command.
The Americans were compelled TO
ford the river under fire. 1t was while
they were lying in the rice fields and
volleying across preparatory 10 pass
ing the stream that Gen. Lawton was
shot. All except che officers were be-
hind cover. A staff officer was wounded
about the same time and one other oifl-
Ger and seven men were wounded
After three hours shooting the Fill
pinos were dispersed into the noun
tains.
Col LocSett took command when Gen.
Lawton fell.