The Battle of Bayan and Other BattlesAllen, James Edgar
History
The Battle of Bayan and Other Battles
Allen, James Edgar
Philippines -- History -- 1898-1946; United States. Army -- History
The Moros did not, however, make any advances until the night of August
12, when the most appalling and most ghastly murder that has ever been
witnessed took place about two hundred yards from the camp. The moon had
disappeared temporarily behind a dark cloud, the men had all retired for
the night, and everything seemed tranquil, when suddenly the camp was
aroused by the firing of shots in rapid succession by the members of the
outpost.
The trumpeter was now calling every slumberer to arms, and in a few
moments the entire garrison was ready for action. The cries of the men
for help and the crashing of the bolos and spears could be heard in the
calmness of the dark stilly night. There was no time for idle thoughts,
no time to be wasted, for it was evident from their appealing cries that
the members of outpost No. 4 had been attacked by the blood-thirsty
Moros.
Lieut. Bickham, commanding Company "F," proceeded in all haste to cross
the deep ravine and re-inforce the brave men, who, though outnumbered by
a large majority, were nevertheless fighting desperately for their
lives.
They arrived on the scene too late to prevent the massacre and death of
their fallen comrades, for the savages had by this time made well their
escape, after performing one of the most savage, most treacherous and
most blood-curdling deeds, that has ever hitherto been recorded in the
pages of bloody history.
Not content with killing their victims, they had cut them with their
bolos and long spears, until their bodies were beyond recognition. The
killed were Sergeant Foley and Pvt. Carey of Co. "G," 27th U. S.
Infantry, men whose gallantry, kindness, bravery, and social
disposition had won for them the admiration of not only the members of
their own company, but of everybody who knew them.
The wounded were Pvts. VanDorn and Christianson, also of Co. "G."
A BRAVE STAND.
Perhaps never in the history of battles and wars did men fight with such
grim determination and fearlessness in the very face of death, as did
VanDorn and Christianson of Co. "G." Having fallen to the ground from
loss of blood and exhaustion, they still bravely clung with untiring
tenacity to their rifles and never once flinched or even thought of
retreating to a place of safety until the re-inforcements had arrived on
the bloody scene and the natives had vanished in the underbrush. An
investigation ensued which disclosed the fact that the attacking
parties belonged to the tribes of Datto Amay Grar.
Immediately afterwards what was to be the last ultimatum was issued to
the Moros of the Lake region, particularly to the Sultan of Bacolod and
the Sultan of Maciu demanding, rigidly, an explanation regarding the
recent attacks upon the Americans, as well as the immediate surrender of
the murderers in their tribes who were guilty of committing various acts
of injustice and cruelty since the historical battle of May 2.
Their replies were, as usual, of a defiant, insolent, and sullen nature.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account