Evening star., 1902-03-06
History of the Case.

The expedition of Major Waller and q
detachment of marines alluded to in the
foregoing dispatch, started the last week
of December, 1901, from Lamang, on the
east coast of Samar, to cross the island TO
Basoy, about thirty-ve miles. lncessant
rains from the start swollen streams and
other natural obstacles made progress eN-
tremely slew and when their rations were
consumed the men became exhausted and
dropped along the way.
Major Waller became separated from his
brother officers Capt. Porter and Lieut.. r.
p Williams, and the greater part of the
men and proceeded TO BaSoy. where he ar
rived January with two officers and thir-
teen men, including Lieut. Lyles of the
1oth Infantry. The major returned to the
mountains the next day for relief but
turned back to Basoy about ten days later,
his trip having been unsuccessful.
The second day after separating from
Waller Capt. Porter moved toward I.anapg,
where he arrived January II, with two
men, all exhausted physically and men,
tally. Lieut. Williams and over thirty M II
We're left ir the mountains In similar con-
dition. A relief expedition reached Samar
January IS and saved Lieut.. Williams and
ali his companions, with tn" exception Of
ten men. who were not found and who un-
denbtedly died from starvation.
Men Taken to the Hospital.
Capt. Porter. Lieut.. Williams and eigh-
teen men were taken to the hospital at
dCiOpdU, Uole ol lltlH very Citdl III MS
mind regarding much of the time covered
by the lonS period Of suffering. Major
Waller was disordered in his recollection.
The official report of the War Department
a Washington said the sufferings of Major
Walters command for twenty days could
not be described.
Major Waller rendered gallant service
with the United States marines In China
during the march of all the forces from
the sea to Pekin. He was appointed to the
Marine CorDs from Virginia and was COM
missioned second lieutenant June 16. 1850.
His first sea duty was on the frigate Lam
caster in the Mediterranean. when that YES
sci was prominent at the bombardment or
Alexandria. The Lancaster landed a de-
tachment of marines. including Lieut.. Wal
ler who won distinction by breaking into
A burning store and removing between
150t0 and 10000 rounds Of cartridges at
cued a score or more of Greek women from
a hospital which had been set on fire by
the AleXandrians.
Waller was promoted first lieutenant in
1881 and in 1SW he became captain, and
vas stationed at the marine barracks. Nor
folk from March. 1871, to March. mo
He again joined the Lancaster i'm Septeti-
hor lHaI. and went To The Newark IN july
lSnG.
In the Spanish War.
Captain Waller WAS transferred TO the In
diana upon the destruction of the battleship
Maine In ffaNana. i'e ld" '"''' 80 VI 'ite
second battery ef that ship during the war
with Spain. When Admiral Ceryeras fleet
came out of Santiago harbpr, Walters bat
tery fired / ,1I4 shots in SiNty-itVe minutes.
In November, 1879. Major Waller. who had
been promoted to that rank Juiy -. 1879,
was stationed 1t the marine barracks at
Cayite, where he remained until early In
June. 1900, when he sailed for Taku with
a detachment of lW marines and took part
in the fighting at Ticntsin July l6, assisting
in capturing fort west Of the north city.
After leaving China. Major Waller re-
turned to Manila. and from there. October
~ 1901 he went to the province Of Sa-
mar with $50 marines. Soon afterward
Ma ior Waller attacked a force of insur-
gents, attacking a strong position at Sole
ton, and after two days desperate fighting.
carried the position. Two of the marines
and twenty-siX insurgents were killed.
Major Waller destroyed the insurSent quar-
terS and seventy houses.