The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-03
CAPTURE OF O'DONNELL.
Particulars of the Taking of Filipino
Town by Burt's Infantry.

Correspondence of Associated Press
Bambar, Luzon, Nov. 26, 1S99.-In the
advance from Angeles to Dagupan by
our soldiers during the last two weeks,
the taking of the town of O'Donnell, by
Col. Burt's Twenty-fifth United States
regular infantry is worthy of more than
passing mention. O'Donnell lies some
six miles northwest of Bamban and off
the railroad from Manila to Dagupan.
Our main advance missed O'Donnell on
it's way north. The Twenty fifth was
stationed at Bamban, having arrived
there after q hard march from dc@Vn
the track. They had missed the fight
ing and excitement. On November II
a Filipino officer came to the outpostS
of the Twenty fifth and throwing his
captains shoulder straps on the ground
said expressively: Il don't want any
more He was taken to Col. Burt well
treated and we'll fed. 1t soon was learn
ed that this man had several followers
out in the bush, also anxious to Surren-
der and only awaiting news of their
leaders reception at our hands before
venturing in themselves.
Go and fetch them" said Col. Burt,
'we'H give each man SIS who turns in
a rifle" These men came and their eyes
stuck out with wonder at their good
fortune when the colonel counted out
80 Mexican dollars for each good rifle
surrendered.
"Over here bout miles is O'Donnell
filled with soldiers and arms" said the
7 nlp1HO CdPldtus anu IL you want TO
send men to surprise and capture the
town, I'll lead Them
This was just what the Twenty-fifth
wanted to do. Preparations We're made
at once and on the evening of the 18th.
at O'Clock companies B, K and E, I'M
der command of Captain LeonhauSer
started for O'Donnell under the guild
ance of the Filipino captain. Lieuten-
ants Martin and Sharon commanded b
company, K company was commanded
by Lieutenant Bates and Captain AL
bright and Lieutenant McVally officer
ed company E. Lieutenant Schenck ac-
companied the expedition as battalion
adjutant
In order to surprise the garrison the
Americans course was roundabout and
over the foothills of the mountains.
Through gulleys, ravines and rice fields
fording rivers time and time again, up
hill and down in the brilliant tropical
moonlight that silvered and sleeping
hills and gave mystery and charm to
the jungle, the line of men stumbled,
fell and splashed and marched
At in the morning the command
sighted a Filipino outpost on top of
hill. It was deserted.
Yesterday morning when l came
out" said the Filipino captain, 1.-THE
guard at this post tried to stop me, but
1 was able to bluff my way past them
Their next outpost is at the edge of the
town.
The column started again. The next
f1liplnO outpost was at a palm lear
shack at the edge of the road Lieut..
Bates surrounded the house with a de-
tail of company K Inside men could
be seen moving.
I'VE have the town surrounded" said
Lieut.. Bates in Spanish, speaking into
a back window two feet from his head
IF you surrender quickly we won't hurt
you; If you give an alarm wen kill
you"
This was too tempting a proposition
to Ont of III
dows the insurgents passed three rifles
and three bags of cartridges and even
a bowl of rice. Then three abject and
frightened Tagalos came out to the
Americans with humble protestations
of friendship.
At this moment the yellow. barking,
bowling ours that infest every village
on the island gave the alarm. There