The Irish standard., 1899-12-23

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 800 yards of a small
sharpshooters' trench, conspicuous in
the big white helmet he always wore,
and a light yellow raincoat. lie was
also easily distinguishable because of
his commanding stature.
Suddenly he exclaimed: 81 am shot!"
clenched his hands in desperate effort
to stand erect, and fell into the arms
of staff officer.
Orderlies rushed across the field for
surgeons, who dashed up Immediately,
but their efforts were useless. The body
was taken to 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 rifle vol
leys.
Officially Confirmed.
Washington, Dec 2O.--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 $3.50 yesterday morning. A great loss
to us and his country.
(Signedl Otis"
Gen. Lawton's death was a great
shock to 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.
Was a Good Fighter.
[Gen. Lawton was known as good fight
er and soldier of experience and ability.
He was born in Toledo, O.. and was ap-
pointed to the army from Indiana. He
served in the union army throughout the
civil war, having entered the service as
sergeant of company Il. Ninth Indiana
volunteer infantry. in April. 1861. He was
successfully promoted until in March, 1865,
he was brevetted colonel for gallant and
meritorious services during the war. He
entered the regular establishment In July,
1866, as second lieutenant of the Forty first
infantry (colored), and remained with that
branch Of the army until January 1871 In
September. 1888. he was appointed inspector
general, with tho rank Of major AT
the opening of the war with Spain.
President Mckinley appointed him briga-
der of volunteers and assigned him to the
command of a division of the Fifth army
corps, commanded by Gen. Shafter
In July, 1898, he was chosen for the i'm
portant duty of opening the military OPP
erations against the Spaniards by the cap
ture of Caney and the interception of the
Spanish requirements then nearing San
tiago de Cuba.
Gen. Lawton sailed for the Philippine is
ands on the transport Grant January 10,
1899. His distinguished services in the
Philippines are recent history. He received
special message of thanks from President
Mckinley after his capture Of San Isdro.
On Gen. Lawton's arrival at Manila he
relieved Gen. Anderson, in command Of the
regular troops He captured Santa Cruz, al
the extreme end Of the lake near Manila
April 10. The generals next hard fighting
took place in his attack on San Rafael
where the American troops were met witt
heavy fire from large number Of rebels
who were concealed in the jungle on al
sides. Only the adoption by Gen. Lawtor
Of the tactics followed in Indian fighting ir
the United States. every man for himself
saved the division from great loss. A:
usual, Gen. Lawton was at the head of his
line with his staff.
The general was at Tayaug on December
!. his troops having captured large guam
titles of insurgent supplies. Later he re
turned to Manila, and started December
Is to capture San Mateo, where he was
shot and killed.