Evening journal., 1902-05-05
CHAFFEE REPORTS
FIERCE BATTLE
Eight Americans Killed and
FOrty-On0 Wounded
Assault on Moro Castle One OF Most
Gallant Performances Of The
American Arms

Washington, May 5.-The war de
partment received a cablegram from
General Chaffee indicating that the
campaign against Sultan Bayan, one
Of the principal Moro chiefs, had been
completely successful. The result was
accomplished by gallant assault on
the principal Moro fort and its cap.
ture after a number Of the leading
Moros had been killed. The cablegram
which was received yesterday after
noon was as follows:
"The following is the full substance
of Brigadier General George w. Da-
Wis message from Bayan:
"Eighty-four survivors Bayan sur
rendered Internationally this morning
at Z o'clock. Sutton Bayan, Raja
Muda Bayan, Sutton Pandapatan and
all leading dattOs dead and many OF
their followers. Assault on the princi
pal fort, which surrendered Saturday
night, one of the most gallant perform
ances of American arms. Colonel
Frank ID. Baldwin and his regiment
deserve all praise for hand to hand
struggle in four lines of bitches un
der walls of fort. These trenches are
lined with Moro dead from rifle fire
Have never seen or heard of any per
formance excelling this gallantry ant
grit. It is my painful duty to repor
that the overthrow of Moro power was
not accomplished without severe loss
One officer and seven enlisted mer
killed; four officers and 81 enlisted
men wounded.
after S4 survivors marched out yes
terday morning as prisoners, and &
was understood they were all, eigh
others who had concealed themselve.
in rubbish inside the fort, made ;
break for liberty, tried way out, bu
none succeeded. Some Moro wounded
tried to stab soldiers trying to hell
them.
1T is impossible to state the mum
ber of Moro killed; many lying in tai
grass. The surrender saves us from
siege and starving out. Impossible t.
have carried works without sealing
ladders, which were ready. Intend t
retain prisoners until two or three
small adjacent forts are occupied, thel
with your consent to retain as hos
tages eight or ten of the principals
and release the others.
''The force in line Of advance con
sisted OF four mountain guns, AZ
rifles. This fully sufficient Could no
have used more men advantageously
Had we sent strong column it woul
only have swelled casualty list On
neighporing Data has already present
ed himself as friend, and 1 expect
general coming in shortly, when tn
weight of the blow is known.
"In light Of present knowledge, coul
have besieged the principal forts an
in time. forced surrender, but tina
would probably have resulted in
sortie for freedom and escape 70
many. BY attacking them they hav
been completely crushed-the onl
kind Of lesson these wild Moros seer
to be able to profit by. Shall invit
Sultan of Tarlac to pay me a friendl
visit, if he does not do so of his ow
initiative. Has fort further east,
plain sight and of same strength a
was Bayan, on beautiful tableland {
1000 acres fine upland rice, and url
ing people to return to its cultivi
tion.
"The result to follow this actio
very important, namely: It secures r
spect for United States authority
the centre Of Moro savagery
"CHAFFEE."
The president last evening sent tl
following congratulatory dispatch
General Chaffee:
washington, May 5, 1902.
"Chaffee, Manila-Accept for Il
army under your command, and e
press to General Davis and Colon
Baldwin especially, my congratul
tions and thanks for the splend
courage and fidelity which have aga
carried our flag to victory. Your t'
low countrymen at home will ev
honor the memory of the fallen and
faithful to the brave survivors WI
have themselves been faithful un
death for their country's sake.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT."