Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1899-12-20
FATE OF LAWTOH.
Details of the Taking Off of
the Brave American
Officer.
UNCOVERED UNDER FILIPINO FIRE

He Laughs at Those Who Warn Him of
His Danger and Shortly After Receives
His Death wound-His Soldiers Shed
Tears at the Sight of Their Gallant Com
mander Lying Dead-story of The En-
gagement in Which He Lost His Life
His Military Career.
Washington, Dec. 20.-The war de-
partment last night received the fol-
lowing official confirmation of the kill
ing of General Lawton near San Mateo.
LuZon. 1t is dated Manila, Dec. 20.
General Lawton, engaged in driving
the insurgents from the San Mateo
section of the country northeast OF
Manila. was killed instantly at 9:30
yesterday morning. \ great loss to us
and his country. (Signed OTIS"
Manila, Dec. i'll D. m.-General
Lawton left homee Monday night, hav-
ing returned from his northern opera
tions Saturday TO lead an expedition
through Mariquina valley. which has
been an insurgent stronghold through
out the war. The valley has several
times been invaded. but never hald
by the Americans. General Ger
onomo was supposed 10 have there the
largest organized force north of Ma
rison Mariquina. The night was one
of the worst of the season. \ terrific
rain had begun and it still continuing.
Lawton Led the Way.
Accompanied by his staff and troop
/. Fourth cavalry, General 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-seventh in
50, !, i.I, aI I 7
at midnight. With small escort he
led the way through an almost path
less country Il distance of fifteen miles
over hills and through canebrakeS and
deep mud. the horses climbing the
rocks and sliding down the hills. Be
fore daybreak the command had
reached the head of the valley. San
Matoe 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
I-awton. but the attack was difficult
because of the natural defense of the
town.
Laughed at the Enemy's Bullets.
General LawtOn was walking along
the firing line within 300 yeards of Il
small sharpShooterS' trench. conspicu-
Gus i'll the big white helmet he always
wore, and light yellow raincoat. He
was also easily distinguishable because
of his commanding stature. The
directed several close
shots. which clipped the grass nearby.
His staff ocers called General Law
tons attention 10 the danger he was
in. but he only laughed with his usual
for bullets. Suddenly he ex-
claimed: II am shot" clenched his
his hands I'm a desperate effort TO stand
erect. and fell into the arms of a staff
officer.
Died at the Moment of Victory.
Orderiies rushed across the field for
surgeons who dashed up Immediately.
but their efforts We're useless. The
body was taken to a clump of bushes
and laid upon Il strecher. 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 We're mingling
with the rifle volleyS. After the fight
six stalwart cavalrymen forded the
river to the town carrying the litter on
their shoulders. the staff preceding
with the colors. and a cavalry escort