The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-04-14

Manila, April 1.-THE investment of
Bacolod island of Mindanao, which
was captured by Captain Pershings
forces, after a fight in which a hum
dred Moros were killed, occupied three
days. The final assault was made at
noon Wednesday. Desperate fighting
took place inside the forts. Seven can
mons were captured and eleven Ameri-
cans were wounded, a few of them ser
iously. 1t is probable that all the
Americans will recover.
The column approached Bacolod early
on Monday and found new forts which
had been a year under construction
flying battle flags. The Moros did not
wait to be attacked, but fired a volley,
which wounded two Americans. Cap
tain Pershing then decided to bonn
bard the Notifications and McNair's
and Gatley's batteries took up posi-
itions and Shelled the forts and works
until Wednesday morning, the infantry
and cavalry supporting the attack.
Many Of the Moros left the forts on
Monday and Tuesday night ard es-
capped in boats on the lake. The as
prepared. The column carried forward
a bamboo bridge, on which the troops
crossed the moat. under fire and after
wards scaled the walls. The fighting
inside the forts was most desperate.
Seventy dead MOros were found inside
the walls and forty were killed in the
trenches.
The whereabouts OF the sultan of
Bacolod is not known. He is believed
to have escaped Monday night.
Davis has cabled the following report
of Captain Pershing's attack upon the
Moro fortress at Bacolod:
Manila, April 11.-S:25 a. m. Adju-
tant General, Washington.
Illigap, April 11.-In pursuance Of
my orders, based upon the recommen-
dation of General Samuel S. Sumner,
Captain John J. Pershing started last
Monday for exploration Of the west
coast of Lake Lano. He visited many
of the Datos, per invitation. The
Bacolod MorOs have persistently de-
fed us since we reached the lake and
have kept war flags flying over their
forts, which were reported the strong
est on the lake. Repeated efforts were
made to induce the sultan to come TO
Camp Wears, for a friendly talk, but
he never came. When Captain PERISH
ing approached the fort last Monday
he was fired upon and two men were
severely wounded. There was nothing
left but to overcome the resistance. The
place very strong, surrounded by a
ditch thirty feet deep. The first attack
drove the defenders out of the exterior
trench. On April Sth, the fort was as
saulted and the ditch crossed under
fire. over a bamboo bridge made by
the troops. The walls of the fort were
scaled; the Moros inside defending the
place desperately. By p. m. our
troops were in full possession. Many
of the Moros were killed. Complete
lists of casualties, eleven wounded,
seven cannon, four lantakeS and many
other captured arms.
Previous study of the situation, care
full preparation and disposition, ac-
counts for the small loss to our troops,
so ably commanded by Captain Persh-
ing. His has moved forward to COM
plete his exploration and visit the
friendlies, his objective point being
Marahui. where I have forwarded sup
plies from Pantar. near the outlet TO
lake. l spent last night there. Inc
work Oh the Iligan road is in good con-
dition and progressing favorably. In
month. wagons will be able to reach
Marahui from there. Am leaving 1oI
Jolo tonight.
(Sie0ed) DAN -.