The National tribune., 1901-03-28
AN UNEXPECTED
ACHIEVEMENT.
A Single Company Does Job Cut Out
for Several BattaIians.
By JOHN FRICK. JR., Co. F, Wyoming
Volunteers

Volunteers.
Quietly the word was passed along tn,
line, Company +, fall in"
1t was in front of the ancient church
OF San Pedro Maciti, on the dark night
of the well-remembered day Of February
the fifth.
The watch indicated $50, rather un
usual time to be failing in," so we sur
missed there was something in the wind.
Our weary boys in blue arose from the
few minutes Of sleep they had, and rub.
bing their eyes and readjusting their uni
forms wondered what the next move
would be. We had not long to wait, as
Count fours" and ''Fours right-march
were given, and 43 Of Co. +, Wyoming
Volunteers took step and marched briskly
over the dusty road leading along the
Pasig River and, passing through native
villages where stubborn resistance was
met with during the day.
We were cautioned by our veteran Cap.
tain not to speak above a whisper, but
the command was not needed, for the
dark-skinned natives could be heard on all
sides as we passed beyond the American
lines, where 10 of our command were left
as an outpost picket.
The remaining 80 formed in twos and
marched quietly along until about mile
in the enemy's country. Here halt was
ordered and the California scout, pointing
to a hill, where, dimIy outlined against
the sky, could be seen a large, gloomy
looking church and convent, said, There
it is, Captain. Use your own judgment.
The Filipinos were in there at sundown,
be CAREFUL a5ert.- a sagt+t ss 7a r.
Quietly each man loaded his trusty
Springfield, and then we formed in single
file and walked slowly up the steep path,
which was lined by brush and trees, fence
and native huts. We could hear a hastily
hushed bark OF a dog, together with sub
dued voices, and see a light suddenly ex-
unguished as we assembled the narrow
trail. Not a word was spoken, and every
man was on the alert, expecting a yolley
from almost any direction.
About half way up the hill our lead
ers paused and we formed little groups
for action, but the Captain had halted
merely to give us a chance to take breath
and hold a whispered consultation regard
ing the manner of entering the church. As
we paused the natives could be heard and
dimiy seen, but in q moment all was still
again.
The line moved quietly along, and in
q short time reached the broad grassy
level in front of the church, which seemed
larger and more awe-inspiring than ever.
Some of our brayest men pronounced il
suicidal TO enter that building at such a
time. 1t did not look very inviting, all
admitted, but the American soldier is
the most daring in the world, so throwing
fear to the winds, we advanced to the
main entrance, whose old doors quickly
yielded to the pressure Of several strong
shoulders and burst wide open. Then fol
lowed an anxious moment, in which our
Lieutenant produced couple of candles
from his pocket He struck a match,
which tickered for a moment and went
out only TO emphasize the almost Egyptian
darkness which enveloped us. The second
trial resulted in successful lighting OF
our meager torch.
With bayonets fixed and fingers on the
triggers, We commenced our investigation.
The first rooms We visited were empty,
but not the others, as in one were 10000
rounds of ammunition, in another SOC
pounds of black powder, besides large
quantities of sulphur, lead and tools for
the manufacture of ammunition and ex-
plOsiyes.
These were left in charge of several
guards, and We proceeded to search the
second story.
We had much more difficulty in effecting
an entrance to these upper rooms, as the
doors were hard wood and heavily bolted.
In one room we heard sounds of persons
moving about inside, which added to the
danger Of our position.
After placing guards at regular inter
walls on the grounds, and also inside the
building, the Captain decided to hold the
church and contents, il possible, until day
light, when reinforcements could be sent
for.
The long, dark hours of the night passed
on leaden wings as the guards relieved
each other. No sound was audible save
the occasional shrek of an owl, 1.-The
fatal bellman which gives the sternest
goodnight" 500
Sleep was impossible and also most dan
gerous, for, at any moment, these locked
doors might be suddenly thrust open and
our enemies NOW US down with their dead
ly machetes. 70 sg
The white robed natives could be seer
in great numbers, moving like SO many
| specters in the village below.
The dreadful quiet continued for what
seemed an eternity, so great was our sus
pense, until suddenly rifle shot rang out
clear and loud short time before day
light. Every man was on his feet in al
| instant, prepared to fight to the last at al
come. STEADY, boys" shouted the Cap
| tain, until we find out what's up"
In a few minutes one of the sentinels
| came in and reported that he heard a ma
tive crawling in the brush towards the
| church, and fired at him. In corroboration
of this statement he showed a Filipino
hat which the enemy had dropped in max
ing his escape.
Soon all was quiet once more, tho ST.
lence being broken only by the cry of
some bird Of dawning on its way to the
sea.
The rosy tints of morning soon began to
gild the horizon with glory, and with
grateful hearts we returned thanks to
HIM who had preserved us through an
other night OF toll and danger.
At daylight all the natives who occupied
lufa In the a..cd