Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-12-20

Gen. Lawton left home, Monday
night, having returned from his north
crn operations. 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. blu,
never held by the Americans Gen
Geronomo was supposed to have there
the largest organized force north OF
Manila. and Gen. Otis wished to garri-
son Mariquna.
The night was one Of the worst Of tn
season. a terrific rain had begun and
is still continuing.
Accompanied by his staff and TrooJ
l, 4th Cavalry. Gen. LaWton set out a,
. o'clock, in advance of the main force
consisting of the 18th Cavalry and one
battalion each Of the goth and 9th In
fantry. which started from La Iona
at midnight. With small escort he
led the way through an almost path
less country, a distance Of i miles
over hills ana through cane brake 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 Mateo was attacked at o'clock,
and 3-hours' fight ensued. This re-
suited 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 defences Of
the town.
Gen. LawtOn was walking along the
firing line, within 800 yards of a small
sharpshooters' trench, conspicuous in
the big white helmet he always Wore
and a light yellow rain coat. He was
easily distinguishabe by his command
ing stature.
The sharpshooters directed several
close shots which clipped the grass
near. His staff officers called Gen.
LawtoA's attention 10 the danger he
was in, but he only laughed with his
usual contempt for bullets.
Suddenly he exclaimed: II am shot"
clenched his hands in a desperate eff
fort to stand erect and fell into the
arms Of a staff officer.
Orderlies rushed across the field for
the surgeons. who dashed up immedi-
ately, but their efforts were useless.
The body was taken to Clump of
bushes and laid on a stretcher, the ia
miliar white helmet covering the face
of the dead general.
Almost at this moment the cheers Of
the American troops rushing into San
Mateo was mingled with the rifle vol
leys. After the fight six stalwart cav
alrymen forded the river to the town,
carrying the litter on their shoulders.
ha ct Il Will no
a cavalry escort following.
The troops filed bareheaded through
the building where the body laid and
many a 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 a personal loss.
Owing to the condition of the coun-
try, which is impossible 50 far as We
hiClcs 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 a Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between A high noun
tain behind and a broad shallow stream
in front. with wide sand bars, which
the insurgent trenches and the build
ngs commanded The Americans We're
to ford the river under fire
1t was while they We're lying in the
rice fields and voleying across prepar-
atory to passing the stream. that Gen.
LaWton was shot. All except the Off
ners We're behind cover. A staff officer
was wounded about the same time and
one other officer and seven men We're
After three hours shooting the Fill
Continued on page 81