Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-12-21

Manila, Dec. 1o.-Maj. Gen. 1Ienry w.
bawton was Killed to-day at san Mateo
lie was standing in front of his troops
and was shot in the breast. He died i'm
mediately
Gen. Lawton started from Manila last
night with the 18th cavalry under Capt.
Lockett and battalions of the 10Th and 9th
infantry, under Lieut.. Col. Sargent for the
purpose of capturing San Mateo, where
Geronimo had three hundred insurgents.
Gen. Lawton left here Monday night,
having returned from his northern oper-
ations Saturday. to lead an expedition
through Mariquina Valley, which has been
an insurgent stronghold throughout the
war. The valley has several times been
invaded but never held by the Americans.
Gen. Geronimo was supposed to have there
the largest organized force north of Ma
Mia, and Gen. Otis wished to garrison
Marquina.
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, Gen. Lawton set out at
Q o'clock in advance of the main force,
consisting of the 11th cavalry and one bat
TALON each of the 10th and 9th infantry,
which started from La Iona at midnight.
With a small escort, he led the way
through an almost painless country a dis
lance of fifteen miles over hills and
through canebrake and deep mud, the
horses climbing the rocks and sliding
down the hills. Before daybreak the com
mand reached the head of the valley.
San Mateo was attacked a O'Clock and
a three hours fight ensued. This resulted
in but few casualties on the American
side. apart from the death Of Gen Law
ton, but the attack was difficult because
of the natural defences of the town.
/ Gen. Lawton was walking along the
| Gr Of
sharpshooters' trench, conspicuous in the
! big. white helmet he always wore and :,
light yellow rain coat. He was also cas-
lily distngushable because of his com
mandng stature.
The sharpshooters directed several close
shots which clipped the grass near. His
staff Officers called Gen. Lawton's attem1,
to the danger he was in but he only laugh
ed with his usual contempt for bullets
Suddenly he exclaimed "a am shot Of
clenched his hands in a deslcr.'- ATTEMPT
TO stand erect, and fell into the .yas of {;
STAFF officeS
Orderlies rushed across the field for III,
surgeons who dashed up Immediately bu
their efforts were useless. The body was
taken TO c!ump of bushes and laid upos
stretcher the familiar white helmet GOV
ering the face of the dead general
Almost at this moment the cheers Of III,
American troops rushing into san Matte
the light six stalwart cavalrymen fordet
the river TO the town, carrying the litter
on their shoulders. the staff prccedns
with the colorS and cavalry escort fol
lowing. The troops filed bare headed
through the building where the body la,
and many tear fell from the eyes O
men who had long followed the ntrepi,
Lawton. The entire command was strick
en- with grief as though each man ha,
suffered personal loss.
Owing to the condition of the countr,
which is impossible as far as vehicles ar
concerned the remains could not b.
brought to Manila to-day. Mrs. Lawtol
ana the children are living in "a govern
ment residence formerly occupied by
Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between a high mountai,
behind and a broad shallow stream il
) front. with wide sand bars which the in
} surGcnt trenches and the buildings com
| manded. The Americans were compelle
to ford the river under fire. 1t was Will
: they were lying in the rica fields and vol
} leying across, preparatory to passing tn
r stream that Gen. LawtoN was shot. A
5 except the officers were behind cover,
staff officer was wounded about the sam
2 time and one other officer and seven me
; were wounded.
After three hours shooting the Filipino
were dispersed into the mountains. Co
l I.ockett took command when Gen. Lawto
@ fell.
DEATH OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED.
Washington. Dec. 19.-The war depart
ment tonight received the following oil
fetal confirmation of the killing of Ges
Lawton near San Mateo, Luzon
: Manila.
G Gen. Lawton. engaged in driving the il
i surGents from San Mateo section of cour