The Oskaloosa herald., 1899-12-21

Manila, Dec. 20.-The death of
General Lawton has cast gloom over
the American colony here. The brave
commander was shot through the
heart while bending over his wound
ed aide, Breckenridge. Officers say
that Lawton just before the fight had
said he never felt better in his life
His body was brought here this
morning. Twenty of his men were
killed or wounded in the same en-
gagement.
Departure for San Mateo.
Gen. I.awton left home Monday night,
having returned from his northern OPP
erations 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 held by
the Americans. Gen. Geronomo was
supposed to have there the largest or
ganized force north of Manila, and Gen.
Otis wished to garrison 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 l, Fourth cavalry, Gen.
Lawton set out at nine o'clock in ad-
vance 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 at midnight. With small es-
ho Iad 4 bo on oil oct
painless country, distance of Is miles
over hills and through canebrake and
deep mud, the horses climbing the
rocks and sliding down the hills. Be
fored aybreak the command had reached
the head of the valley.
LawtOn's Death.
San Mateo was attacked at eight
o'clock and 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
difficult because of the natural defenses
of the town.
Gen. Lawton was walking along the
firing line, within 300 yards of a small
sharpshooters' trench, conspicuous in
the big white helmet he always wore,
and light yellow raincoat. He was
also easily distinguishable because of
his commanding stature.
The sharpshooters directed several
close shots, which clipped the grass
near by. His staff officers called Gen.
Lawton's attention to 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 desperate effort.
to stand erect, and fell into the arms
of staff officer.
OrderIies 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
upon 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 rife vol,
leys.
Grief of His Troops.
After the fight six stalwart cavalry
III.
rying the litter on their shoulders, tn
staff preceding with the coIors, and
cavalry escort following. The troops
filed bareheaded through the building
where the body was laid, and many
tear fell from the eyes of the men who
had long followed the intrepid Lawton.
The entire command was stricken with
inf orb I, 4
personal loss.
Owing to the condition of the coun-
try, which is impossible so far as We
hicles are concerned, the remains could
not be brought to Manila Tuesday. Mrs.
Lawton and the children are living in a
government residence formerly occu-
pied by Spanish general.
San Mateo lies between a high noun
tain behind 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 yolleying across pre-
paratory to passing the stream that
officers were behind cover. A staff Off
Ger was wounded about the same time,
and one other officer and seven men
were wounded.
After three hours shooting the Fill
pinos were dispersed into the noun
tains. Col. Lockett took command
when Gen. Lawton fell.
OmciaIIy Confirmed.
Washington, Dec. 20.-The war de-
partment has received the following
official confirmation of the killing OF
Gen. Lawton near San Mateo, Luzon:
.'Manila-Gen. Lawton, engaged in driv-
ing insurgents from San Mateo section OF
country northeast OF Manila, killed Instant
ly at $50 yesterday morning. great loss
to ,S Us and his country.
Gen. Lawton's death was q great
shock 10 the officers of the war depart
ment, to nearly all of whom he was
known personally. Hitherto his luck in
battle had been marvellous. He had
been in hundreds of skirmishes and
midnight attacks. He was regarded as
man OF action and of splendid cour-
age, but was not considered reckless.
he never exposed his men without due
consideration of the risks and the stake.
His men knew this and would unhesi-
tatingiy follow his lead under what
seemed to be the most desperate con-
ditions. The Indians came to know him
as the most active, yigilant, wary and
determined OF foes, and his pursuit and
capture OF Geronimo, the famous
Apache chieftain, has gone down to
history as one of the most remarkable
campaigns ever undertaken with the
small force in. hand. Gen. Miles picked
out Lawton TO lead the chase after the