The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1899-12-22

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.-The war de.
partment received the following official
confirmation of the killing of General
Lawton near San Mateo, Luzon:
"MANLA, Dec. 20.-General Lawton,
engaged in driving insurgents from San
Mateo section of country, northeast OF
Manila, killed instantly at $3.50 yester.
day morning. A great loss to us and his
country. OTIS"
MANILA, Dec. 20.-General Lawton
was killed in the attack on San Mateo.
General Lawton was walking along
the firing line within 300 yards of a
small sharpshooters' trench, conspicu-
ous in the big white helmet he always
wore and light yellow rain coat. He
was also easily distinguishable becau Sc
Of his commanding stature.
The sharpshooters directed several
close shots. which clipped the grass
nearby. His staff officers called Gen.
eral Lawton's attention to the danger
ne was in, but he only laughed with his
usual contempt for bullets.
Suddenly he exclaimed "I am shot, I"
clenched his hands in desperate effort
to stand erect and fell into the arms of
q staff officer.
General Lawton left home Monday
night, having returned from his north
ern operations Saturday, to lead an ex.
pedition through Mariquina valley,
which has been an insurgont 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 General Otis wished to gar.
rison 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
!, Fourth cavalry, General Lawton set
out at 8 o'clock, in advance of the main
force, consisting of the Eleventh cav.
airy and one battalion each of the
Twentieth and Twenty-seventh infan-
try, which started from La Iona about
midnight. With small escort, he led
the way through an almost painless
country, distance of 10 miles, over
hills and through canebrake 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 about 8
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.
Orderlies rushed across the field for
surgeons who later dashed up, but their
efforts were useless. The body was
taken 10 a clump of bushes and laid
upon a stretcher, the familiar 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 vol
leys. After the fight six stalwart cav.
carrying the litter ON their shoulders,
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 personal loss. Ow-
ing 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. Law.
ton and the children are living in a gov.
ernment residence formerly occupied by
Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between high noun.
tain behind and broad, shallow stream
in front, with wide sand bars which the
insurgent trenches and the buildings
command. The Americans were com.
PEELED to ford the river under fire. 1t
was while they were lying in the rice
fields and volleying across preparatory
to passing the stream that General Law.
ton 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 about three hours shooting the
Filipinos were dispersed into the noun.
tains. Colonel Lockett took command
when General Lawton fell.