The following is my second excerpt from "The Battle of Bayan and Other Battles" by James Edgar Allen and John J.Reidy (Manila: McCullough and Company) (1903). Allen, an American journalist embedded with the US Army on Mindanao covered the entire Lake Lanao Campaign, from April 7th to December 30th, 1902. The campaign was a pacification operation against the few hostile Maranaw (Maranao) Tribal leaders who lived on the southern edge of Lake Lanao, in what is today Lanao del Sur. It was a difficult time for the Americans who were engaged on two fronts. Aside from the Maranaw, an Islamicised Tribe, they were also campaigning against the Insurrectos, the Bisaya, a Christianised ethnicity composed of various tribes like the Butuanon, Suriganon, and recently Christianised Animists whom the Spanish collectively labeled "Conquistas."
Mindanao consisted of three provinces:
1) Moro, with five districts including today's Sarangani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur, Davao. Oriental, and a small part of Davao del Norte Provinces, along with Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and part of Zamboanga del Sur Provinces as well as today's Basilan and most of Sulu Province
2) Misamis, including today's Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and parts of Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Sur Provinces
3) Surigao, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley (ComVal), Dapitan, Surigao del Norte, parts of Agusan del Norte, most of Bukidnon and Davao del Norte Provinces
The excerpt in particular focuses on the Battle of Maciu, when the Sultan of Masiu ("Maciu" is an anochronism) and an allied, lesser Sultan, Uali of Butig, refused to acknowledge American control of their land(s). Masiu is generally considered to be both the oldest and to have been the most powerful of the Maranaw principalities up until the American Era. Historically the Sultan controlled the areas corresponding to the modern municipalities of Masiu, Balindong, Taraka, and Tugaya. In the early American Era however the land corresponding with the modern municipalities of Madalum, Bacolod Grande, Molundo, and Tamparak had been added to that so that the Sultan controlled pretty much the entire southern shore of Lake Lanao.
The campaign had begun after various Maranaw leaders refused to play ball. Governor General of the Philippines, Major General Adna R.Chafee had personally travelled to Mindanao so as to accompany Colonel Frank Baldwin on a tour along the northern perimeter of Lake Lanao. He sought the return of two stolen Krag rifles, several Calvary nounts, and the surrender of the Maranaw responsible for a string of attacks against American forces that led to two American soldiers being killed, and a third horribly mutilated:
1) March 9th, 1902, Private Frank P.Lewis waylaid 2.5 kilometers outside the American Headquarters in the municipality of Parang, in what is today Maguindanao Province. Upon killing Lewish his attacker(s) stole his Krag rifle
2) Not long after, Headquarters moved to the municipality of Malabang in what is today Lanao del Sur Province. Roughly 1 kilometers outside of the perimeter Privates Lester J.Lewis and Joseph I.Whittemore were attacked. Lewis was killed, his body mutilated and although Whittemore survived he too was mutilated and disabled for the rest of his life. In that attack Lewis' Krag was taken though Whittemore managed to retain his
3) On April 15th, 1902, on the Ganassi Trail the 15th Calvary under Lieutenant Forsyth was engaged by 200 Maranaw who killed one soldier and stole a string of Relief Mounts
When Major General Chafee received insulting replies from the aforementioned Maranaw leaders he deployed Colonel Baldwin. Baldwin lost 18 soldiers in a single engagement and was shunted aside in favour of a Junior Officer who had been serving as the Director of the Moro Department, Intelligence Officer Captain Black Jack Pershing.
The CO, or Commanding Officer of this, the second phase of the Lake Lanao Expedition was the infamous Captain John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing. Having entered the Spanish American War as a brevetted Major he had held that brevetted rank until just before the time I am about to discuss. Though now fully ranked as a Captain he had managed to make quite a name forhimself earning his second citation for an engagement in what is now Misamis Oriental Province. Governor General of the Philippines, Major General Adna R.Chafee personally handpicked Pershing to replace Colonel Frank Baldwin as the CO of Camp, a rank that should have never been held by anyone less than a Major. Pershing had been assigned to Baldwin as the Director of Moro Affairs for Lanao District. Technically he was subservient to Colonel Baldwin but as the Director he held a veto if and when he disagreed with Baldwin's tactical decisions. Pershing concurrently served as an Intelligence Officer and between his two duties had spent considerable time and effort into trying to get to know the various Maranaw leaders.
Unlike other Islamicised groups in the Philippines the Maranaw had diverged into at least 200 powerful factions. Each of those 200 leaders was a judge, jury, and executioner unto themselves. Where others may have been daunted by the vast clusterfuc* of a problem generated by an attempt to bring longterm stability in a place where no stability exists. Be that as it may, the Sultanate of Masiu was a pre-eminent ruler among his peers and therefore the pacification of his was of utmost importance.
********************************************************************************************************
"Battle of Maciu"
"A Much Needed Rest"
The troops were given five days to rest and recuperate, for the reader can easily imagine the hardships, privations, and sufferings which are undergone by soldiers while on the march, especially where there are no roads of any description, save the narrow, rugged, and in many places, impassable trails, which are met with all through the island of Mindanao.
Therefore it was practically necessary that, after six days of continual marching through the thick brush of this island, they should be given ample time in which to attain the that standard of physique which is the most characteristic mark of the American soldier.
It was the morning of the 28th of September, the bright sun had risen gorgeously over the white tented plain, the azure blue sky was now clear, save a few clouds that still rested lazily on the hill-tops, and all nature's splendors and attractions were everywhere to be seen.
To the inexperienced observer it would seem that the Moros and Americans were living together in happy unison with each other in this, the most remote of American garrisons. But this was not so, for ere another hour had dragged itself lazily into the dim, misty past, the sons of fair Columbia were in complete readiness to march from the camp over many a weary mile to measure the cold steel with the defiant, haughty, and semi-savage Sultan of Maciu, and proud to state, under command of Captain John J.Pershing, to whom is justly attributed the sucess, the achievments, and all conquering abilities of the brave soldiers under his command at Camp Vicars.
"The Expedition Starts"
The expedition is complete and after being inspected by the Commanding General is not only complimented by him on their general uniformity and appearances, but are also pronounced fit to compete with the most sanguineous and daring adversary.
At 8AM the command "Forward March" was heard by every anxious soldier who was to be a participant in the coming event, and amid the cheers, farewells, and good wishes of our comrades, we advanced in single file from the camp over the now well know trail leading to the territories of the Sultan of Maciu.
The expedition was composed of the same troops as that of the preceding campaign, except in addition there was Troop A, 15th Calvary.
The men were by this time beginning to grow accustomed to this singular style of marching from previous experiences, and that, together with the impatient anxiety had to meet the Maciu's tribe in battle, added new strength and vigor to every man as onward they pressed over high hills, through deep ravines and swift-flowing rivers until, with the fire of military and true national determination written on every face, the column arrived and halted once again on the hill-top overlooking the now fallen stronghold of Bayubao with which the reader is already familiar.
"Encamped for the Night"
No time was lost until we were again encamped at the foot of the hill about 100 yards from the lakeshore. We immediately set to work to cook our much needed supper, which was devoured greedily by every dust-stained warrior of the command, regardless of the rules of etiquette, after which we sought a "soft spot" on nature's expansive bed, in which to lay our weary bones for the night.
But even a soldier's life has, despite its many seemingly insurmountable obstacles, many a romantic charm, for who would not like to lay gently upon the lap of the earth with the soft side of a haversack for a pillow, and the green foilage of the graceful bamboo trees for a canopy, and be lulled to sleep by the wild rustling of the leaves wafted to and fro before the gentle zephyrs. Everything remained at a peaceable standard during the night with nothing to break the "chain of silence," save the rippling of the waters in the lake below.
But even a sleep such as this, under such unusual and unaccomodating circumstances, has an unwelcomed limit, and ours came with the first streaks of grey dawn that broke through our foilaged canopy beds, and again each soldier of American loyalty began to kindle his fire, with which to cook his breakfast, for on such occasions as this each soldier is his oen cook, waiter, and dishwasher combined.
Soon after breakfast the real work of opening up the trail began, rifles were quickly supplanted by shovels, picks, and axes, and in very few moments every soldier was equipped with tools, which they began to use with unanimous energy and willingness during the greater part of the day. And it was truly wonderful to see those brave soldiers working untirely, chopping heavy trees, digging and filling deep ravines, leveling strong barricades, all working diligently for that one aim which was to be the downfall of Maciu.
The work was kept up unceasingly until the passage or trail was opened up to the Maciu Peninsula, a distance of two miles. It was the afternoon of the second day, which was the 30th of September, before we finally reached our destination, where there was an unexpected suprise for us.
"Fired Upon"
The natives, having known that our object was to cross through this skirt of woodland, had awaited our arrival on the opposite side. And as soon as the first file of the "advance guard" passed from the woods into the open plain beyond, they met with a storm of bullets from the enemy's fire. The firing was fast, and not without effect, for ere the gloom night began to descend upon us, many a native of Mindanao had sacrificed his semi-barbarous life for his freedom.
It now began to grow dark, and fearing lest we should be overtaken by shadows of night in some dense woods, Captain Pershing gave orders to the column to return to Bayubao for the night.
The trail, our most important obstruction, was now cleared and it was with impatience and sleepless expectancy we awaited the first glimmer of dawn. At last came the day when the true, fearless soldiers were to march against Maciu's tribe. We shared together a hurried breakfast and about 7AM we advanced under the cool shadows of the interwoven foilage, over many a rough boulder, until after two hours of rough marching we arrived in the open space beyond the woods.
We had not marched over 300 yards of this new terriory when the natives began firing at the head of the column, but without effect, for as soon as the smoke from their rifles could be seen, a volley was fired at them by the soldiers. In a few moments we had gained the summit of the hill, and here we halted to await the arrival of the Battery, which was some distance in the rear, for not more than 400 yards in front of the skirmish line was a fort from which shots were fired at regular and frequent intervals. We did not return fire this time, knowing as we did that rifle fire was of no avail against a fortification such as this proved to be.
The Battery soon arrived, and, in less time than it takes to relate it, they were ready for action, being about 400 yards from the fort. As soon as the first shot from the Artillery was fired the Moros began to abandon the fort and were going in the direction of Maciu. The Infantry had formed a semi-circular skirmish line around the stronghold and now, the Battery having ceased firing, they began to move forward, closing around the fort. At last they reached it and after scaling its high walls, they found that the greater part of its inmates had fled, taking their arms with them. The soldiers soon began to destroy the fort, and in a very few moments it was reduced to ashes.
The column again took up the trail leading towards the lake front, destroying as they went, everything in the shape of forts or strongholds which they encountered, and from which they had been fired upon.
Perhaps the reader may think or imagine our dealings with the Moros of the Lake Region to be of a cruel nature. To this I can only state that having been amongst them since the origin of hostilities in the island of Mindanao, up to the present date, and having become rather familiar with their treachery and cruties to American soldiers, wherever they could get a chance, I think as far as my judgement is concerned that they have been given a lesson which, to say the least, they richly deserve it.
We captured some five or six minor fortifications during this day, and towards the evening we proceeded towards the lakefront, to encamp for the ensuing night, for it was an absolute necessity to procure water for the men and horses, as quickly as possible.
That night was spent in thought, and in anticipation of the doings of the approaching day, for it was the day designated for the capture of the Maciu stronghold. We broke camp at an early hour and at 7AM we were again on the march, this time in a new direction. We had not been marching over two hours when the word was quietly passed along the line that the Maciu stronghold was in sight.
We now began to think more seriously as we were nearing our long looked for destination, for well we knew that the Moros, having consolidated here were determined to fight to the last.
We were, however, perfectly willing and ready to face Maciu and his tribesmen in open combat, and meet whatever fate awaited us, without a murmur.
**********************************************************************************************************
In my next "History" entry I will conclude the preceding chapter.
No comments:
Post a Comment