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The Spanish-American War
1915

The war with Spain was preceded by several months of expectancy and uncertainty during which time nothing could be done but wait the outcome of the controversy between the diplomats of the two countries. The people of South Dakota, like those of other states, had looked with indignation upon the atrocities and butcheries on the Island of Cuba during 1896 and 1897 while the army of Spain was crushing and killing the native population. Many here, as elsewhere, believed it the duty of the United States Government to interfere in order alone to protect their own rights which were incidentally being infringed and trampled upon. Later in 1897 war was deemed probable between the United States and Spain. The climax was precipitated by the destruction of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor on the night of February 15, 1898. Not since the famous Sioux uprisings were the people of South Dakota so thoroughly aroused, and from many newspapers came the demand for war to avenge that act. Public meetings were held in many cities of the state, stirring resolutions were adopted and volunteers were ofifered. At Aberdeen an enlistment office was opened on the 16th or 17th "for the enrollment of those who promise to answer the first call to arms in a war with Spain, and scores of patriotic citizens have placed their names thereon," said the News, which asserted that Brown County could be counted on for 1,000 men for the war if it should come. At Sioux Falls, Watertown, Canton, Mitchell, Huron, Yankton, Vermillion, Pierre, Hot Springs, Rapid City, Deadwood and other cities and at many smaller towns the same patriotic spirit was shown and thousands of volunteers were promised if needed. The Second Regiment National Guard was at that time under the command of Col. Mark W. Sheafe of Watertown. Within a few days after the destruction of the Maine he was flooded with letters from individuals in all parts of the state asking, pleading, for him to use his best offices for their admission into the service. Battery A at Clark was so eager for service that they deluged him first with letters, second with telegrams and finally ten of them took the train to meet him at Yankton, where he was temporarily sojourning, wiring ahead, "Ten of us on train to see you." At this time Colonel Sheafe and others were engaged extensively as a company in the cattle business on the range and employed about fifty cowboys who were noted for their dare-devil riding, rounding-up and shooting. All of them caught the war fever at the start and were eager to go as a body, but all could not be spared from the range, as the company (McLain, Williams & Sheafe) had then about ten thousand cattle to be cared for. So far as known this was the first tender of cowboys as a body for the war. No doubt many had thought what an ideal body of troops, real fighters, a cowboy company would make -  had even had such thoughts before a war with Spain was thought of -  had been aware of the value of their services and their daring during the previous Indian wars. But so far as known this was the first real movement for a distinctive cowboy command for the war. The idea was abandoned because the men, en masse, could not be spared from the range, but many of them as individuals entered the service in other commands. The headquarters of these cowboys was near old Fort Bennett. In order to appease those who were determined to enter the service Colonel Sheafe promised them that if war should occur he would lead them to the front as a part of the Second Regiment. It is probable that Colonel Sheafe thought at the time that he could fulfill this promise. He made the following statement at this time: "And may heaven be kind to the Spaniards if Company B ever turns itself loose in the midst of a drove of them. I would hate very much to indemnify the Spanish government for the dead. South Dakota's militia is in excellent shape and will make an excellent showing if called out." Soon it was realized that war was out of the question unless it could be shown that Spain was responsible for the destruction of the Maine, and until it could be shown that that country would not agree to make certain amends for wrongs already done to this country. In March the report of the court of inquiry was sent to President McKinley and it became known a few days later that the court held that the first and principal explosion came from the exterior port side, that the second explosion was from the reserve magazine and that the big magazine did not explode. After due negotiations President McKinley's ultimatum was sent to Spain on April 2. On April 20 Spain refused to grant the demands of the United States and then for the first time it was realized that little short of a miracle could avert war. In the meantime, particularly after the report of the court of inquiry had been made public, the whole country was rapidly preparing for the struggle. In South Dakota the feeling was intense and five times as many men as could probably be accepted were offered. Finally, on April 19, came the declaration of war and the call of the President for volunteers. It was determined at once by the war department to make the National Guard the basis of the volunteer organizations; but this fact was not wholly clear to the citizens at first and accordingly the formation of more than twenty independent volunteer companies was commenced in the towns and cities of the state. In the principal centers of population several companies were started as early as April 21 or 22. At a mass meeting in Yankton it was decided to raise three companies to be tendered the President. Two companies were started at Sioux Falls and a third was proposed. Aberdeen, Watertown, Redfield and Huron also held big meetings which began the enlistment of companies. In the Black Hills particularly was the war spirit rampant and paramount. There all restraints were swept aside by enthusiasm, patriotism and gallantry and hundreds of rough men sought the enlistment offices and would not accept a negation. At Scotland sixty men enlisted in one day - the 23rd. At Vermillion, Flandreau, Brookings, Mitchell, Chamberlain, DeSwet, Madison, Pierre, Milbank, Sisseton, Ipswich, Faulkton, Hot Springs, Rapid City, Lead, Deadwood, and Belle Fourche similar meetings were held, great loyalty and enthusiasm were exhibited and thousands of men were offered for the service. At first the orders from the war department seemed conflicting, which condition of affairs occasioned much confusion in the war movements in this state. It was thought at first that Colonel Sheafe should be the leader of the forces from South Dakota, but later Lieut. Alfred S. Frost was commissioned colonel of the First Regiment South Dakota Volunteers. The regiment was ordered to mobilize at Sioux Falls on April 30. At first it was thought that the number of volunteers to be required from South Dakota would be about eight hundred and fifty, but in the end a full regiment of infantry, the First, was accepted and in addition a regiment of cowboys was accepted though raised only in part in this state. Battery A, as such, could not get into the service. A considerable squad of men was secured here by recruiting officers for the regular army, and many men left and became members of companies in other states. All of Colonel Grigsby's cowboy regiment except five troops came from adjoining states. Company A of the First Regiment came from Pierre; Company B, from Sioux Falls; Company C, Yankton; Company D, Worthing; Company E, DeSmet; Company F, Aberdeen; Company G, Huron; Company H, Watertown; Company I, Custer City; C ompany K, Brookings; C ompany L, Spearfish; C Company M, Rapid City. The attitude of Governor Lee in support of the war movement was sustained unanimously by the leading men of all parties in the state. Political differences were forgotten in the patriotism that burned in every breast. He was at once confronted with the serious problem of raising means to put the regiment in the field in the absence of any legislative appropriation that could be used for that purpose. Here was strikingly shown the unwisdom of the last few legislatures which had refused to make appropriations for the maintenance of the guard. At once the governor decided that the money must be raised from private sources. C. A. Jewett, B. H. Lien, State Bank and Trust Company, Sioux Falls Savings Bank and Minnehaha National Bank, all of Sioux Falls, advanced $1,000 each, or a total of $6,000, toward defraying this expense. Their example was followed promptly by the First National Bank, American National and another national bank of Deadwood and by the Pierre National and the Bank of Commerce of Pierre, making in all a total of $11,000, which sum was placed in the hands of Governor Lee to be used in fitting the First Regiment for the field. Governor Lee himself advanced $3,000, thus raising the total used to $14,000. This sum proved sufficient. In time it was refunded by the Government. On April 26 he sent word to the adjutant general to notify all the companies of the National Guard to get ready and mobilize at Sioux Falls. It seemed at first as if the call of the war department was for seven troops of cavalry; then came the report that seven troops of infantry were wanted. And this confusion was worse confounded by the spirited contest at Pierre for commissions in the National Guard. About this date also appeared officers to recruit for the general army. At the same time Grigsby's cowboy regiment was fast forming. The citizens were more than willing, - were anxious, but it was not clear at first what was wanted. On the 2nd of May came the news of the defeat of the Spanish fleet at Manila, and again the whole state was aroused to the highest pitch of military ardor and patriotism. About the same time the movement of the battleship Oregon around Cape Horn was noted with pride and satisfaction. Enhstments for independent companies continued because it had not yet been learned that such commands would not be accepted. All the companies of the First Regiment mobilized at Sioux Falls about May 1 and were there put under a rigid course of field and camp drilling. Alfred A. Frost became colonel; Lee Stover, lieutenantcolonel; Charles H. Howard and W. F. Allison, majors; J. H. Lien, adjutant; Henry Murray, quartermaster; R. C. Warne, surgeon; A. H. Bowman and F. W. Cox, assistant surgeons; Charles H. Englesby, Clayton P. Van Houten, Arthur L. Fuller, Charles S. Denny, Frank W. Medbury, William Gay, Alonzo B. Sessions, Robert R. McGregor, Charles L. Brockway, Harry A. Hegeman, George W. Lattin and William L. McLaughlin, captains. On May 29 the First Regiment left camp at Sioux Falls and started for San Francisco enroute for the Philippines. Upon their departure they were given a great ovation by the citizens of Sioux Falls and on their way westward were cheered and treated royally at every station. In all there were 1,008 men in the regiment, divided into three battalions, each of which occupied a whole train, thus making three long trains which ran thirty-five minutes apart. Upon their arrival at Oakland they were entertained by the Ladies of the Red Cross and escorted to Camp Merritt and a day later crossed the bay and took their permanent place in camp near the Presidio, San Francisco. They were treated handsomely by t he Red Cross Society of the latter city and by various quasi-military organizations which from time to time gave them green rations, delicacies, etc. While at Sioux Falls among their friends the discipline was slack, the relations between citizens, officers and men free and cordial; but upon reaching San Francisco all social relations between officers and men were terminated and the rigid discipline of the regular army was carried into effect. This was regarded as an unnecessary proceeding by the men, but was borne uncomplainingly, as all realized its necessity where efficiency was absolutely necessary. They went into camp at San Francisco June 2. Life in camp has its unpleasant features, hardships and sicknesses, and the men were all delighted when the order came at last to board ship for the Philippine Islands. At this time, owing to the continued drill for five hours each day, the strict discipline and the dietary and drink regulations, the whole regiment was as hard as steel and ready for any war movement. The regiment left San Francisco on the transports Rio Janeiro and Valencia July 22, reached Honolulu July 31, arrived at Cavite August 24 and entered Manila September 12. The First and Third Battalions were quartered at San Miguel and the Second Battalion on the Matacauan grounds. In the meantime the war had continued in Cuba, Cervera's fleet was crushed and the battle of Santiago was fought and won. Spain was easily beaten at all points. Soon negotiations for a cessation of the hostilities indicated that peace was not far distant - would be reached as soon as the alleged honor of Spain could be adjusted to descend the ladder with due dignity from boastfulness to surrender. At last, after many hands had been played in the game of diplomacy, Spain, in November, 1898, agreed to cede the Philippines, Porto Rico and Guam to the United States and make Cuba a free and independent country. As peace was now certain, war measures were checked, troops as fast as possible were mustered out, and all military movements would have ended in a short time had it not been for the insurrection of the Filipinos. The treaty with Spain gave the Philippine Islands to the United States, but the inhabitants thereof were still to be reckoned with. As all persons know, the intentions of the United States concerning the islands were of the fairest and most liberal character. Had conditions remained normal -  had the natives been treated as equals by civilians sent out to help them establish a state government - had they not been pushed aside, ignored, humiliated and neglected by arbitrary military environment and routine, it is possible that there would have been no insurrection, no war between the natives and the Americans and no account of battles and campaigns on the islands to record in history. On the other hand it is possible that had the mailed fist of the army been withdrawn from the islands immediately after they became the property of the United States, the same conditions which now (1915) tear and distract Mexico might soon have prevailed. It is known that immediately after the battle of the fleets in Manila Bay the relations between the natives and the Americans were friendly if not actually cordial. However, as time passed and the iron grasp of the military hand was felt, the former friendly relations were severed and ere long incipient hostilities began to be exhibited by both sides - natives and Americans. It began to be believed by the natives that the liberty which had been promised might never come and that they might be held in subjection by the military power of the Americans. At this critical juncture had the Filipinos been treated with favor and consideration by a commission of civilians from the United States, it is wholly probable that the subsequent insurrection would have been avoided and that a peaceful civil government of the natives themselves could have been established on the islands. But diplomacy was now lacking when it was most needed and arbitrary military rules were enforced. In the minds of the Filipinos matters reached a climax when General Otis issued his unwise proclamation on January 4, 1899, announcing his military dictatorship of the islands. This act seemed to the Filipinos as if their liberties were gone, as if they would be given no part in the local government, and as if they would be controlled first by the military authorities and second by civil functionaries sent from the United States. To them the situation was oppressive and unbearable and no wonder in the absence of direct acts to prove the good intentions of the United States. They held meetings and determined to resist oppression and to fight for their liberties if necessary. On January 4, Aguinaldo accordingly announced himself as commandant of the Philippines and declared that General Otis was a usurper. It was then only a question of time and overt acts to begin a state of war. The first clash came on January 10, when two natives armed with bolos suddenly attacked Private Smith of Company E near Block House 4. He received a severe cut down the side of his head and face, but shot one of the Filipinos dead and probably wounded the other, who succeeded in escaping. Other hostile acts occurred, but generally peace prevailed. The first real conflict occurred on the night of February 4, when a Nebraskan sentinel shot and killed a Filipino lieutenant who refused to halt when commanded. This shot brought out a fusilade from the whole Filipino front, to which reply was made by the American advance line. The First South Dakota Regiment was thus engaged at once and was hastily gathered for the fight that had been expected so long. Colonel Frost placed four companies to guard the line then held and ordered the other eight to advance to the support of the outpost under Lieutenant Foster, which was being attacked vigorously by the enemy. Companies F and I under Captain Brockway and Lieutenant McClelland were deployed and advanced for action and were moved to the limits of the outpost without opposition other than desultory firing by the enemy from a considerable distance. The other six companies were held in reserve to assist Companies F and I in case their services should be needed. While this night fusillade amounted to but little, it served to show that both sides were ready if not eager for the fray. It amounted to nothing more than a long range shooting in the dark and a certainty that a real battle might be expected at any moment on slight pretext or none at all. As no formal movement by the Americans had been ordered and as General Hale, brigade commander, announced that an offensive movement was not contemplated, the six companies were moved to the rear while Companies F and I under Colonel Stover were left to hold the position already occupied and were exposed to the fire from Block House No. 4 and the Chinese hospital, both of which were held by the Filipino sharpshooters armed with Mauser rifles. As there was no protection from the Filipinos' fire the men were ordered to lie down and conceal themselves the best way they could from the bullets that came stinging over the rice fields and through the bamboo thickets. The moon came out about I o'clock in the morning of the 5th and flooded the scene with silver light. The firing had ceased and nothing further was done until about 3 o'clock A. M., when suddenly a heavy rifle fire was opened by the enemy along their entire line. Almost immediately two men of Company I were shot dead and another received a serious wound. As the men were exposed and could accomplish little or nothing by returning the fire they were ordered to wait until the Filipinos should attempt to advance. The Americans were armed with Springfield rifles, while the enemy used Mausers, the latter thus having much the advantage. The sharp fire of the Mausers continued with a rain of bullets over the heads of the South Dakota boys and after about thirty minutes came an order from General Hale to hold the position and advantages thus far gained, because they were the key to a possible Filipino movement against Manila. Major Doolittle was ordered on the dangerous duty of going to the Colorado lines about a mile away to report progress and ask for reinforcements. His course lay along the front and was exposed to the fire of the enemy, particularly in the open spaces where the moonlight revealed his movements. He made the trip successfully with the bullets flying around him. In the meantime Companies F a nd I were not idle, but with their bayonets, plates and stout sticks scraped up enough earth to form protection from the bullets that would be sure to come with the appearance of daylight. Doolittle again distinguished himself by going under fire a half mile to the rear after tools with which to throw up earthworks, bringing back all he could carry. While thus at work they were more or less exposed, which fact caused the fire of the enemy to grow heavier. Adjutant Lien here distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery. About 5 o'clock on the morning of the 5th Colonel Frost arrived within half a mile of the rear and within supporting distance with the other six companies and reported to General Hale for orders. He posted Companies H, G, M, and A on the old outpost Hne, while L and K were held in reserve over the edge of a small slope. About this time Major Howard reheved Colonel Stover, and the latter and Adjutant Lien reported to Colonel Frost. The two men of Company I who were killed were William G. Lowes and Fred E. Green and the one wounded was Arthur E. Haskell. Soon after 9 o'clock in the morning General Hale gave Colonel Frost permission to charge the Filipino line if he thought best after a few shots of artillery had been fired at the block house and the entrenchments. At once the regiment was prepared for the advance, Colonel Stover having command of the right wing, Major Howard the left wing, and Colonel Frost the center. As soon as the cannonade was over, the regiment swept forward, carried the earthworks and took possession of the block house, routing the enemy and forcing them with loss to take to the woods. Here they rested and remained. During all this time other regiments were being engaged, one of which was the Tenth Pennsylvania near the South Dakota troops. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon the regiment received orders from General McArthur to form on the right of the Pennsylvania regiment and advance. Companies A, F, and I were held to guard the flank, while the others under Frost, Stover and Howard formed in line of battle and moved forward deployed as skirmishers, the center aiming for the La Loma Church. For nearly half a mile the advance was rapid and under fire, and then at a depressed road the men were halted, ordered to lie down and return the fire which they did with effect. At this time there was a hot fire from the church, but soon another advance of about one hundred yards was ordered at double quick when they again dropped under cover and returned the fire which was now sharp and continuous. After firing three volleys the regiment again advanced at quick time, shooting as they ran. It was at this time that the South Dakotans came near being exposed to the fire of the Pennsylvanians, whom they had passed, owing to a lack of continuity in the American line. Again the regiment advanced at a quick pace, running with battle yells over the entrenchments and driving the enemy out with a rush and killing and wounding many of them before they could pass to the woods beyond the church. Thus the Dakotans captured the fort, the church and the entrenchments, while the Pennsylvanians captured the Chinese hospital and the entrenchments in their front. Promptly, Colonel Frost threw his command beyond the church and forced the enemy to move swifely in the direction of Calaocan. Soon afterwards came orders to retire, the advance having been made farther than was expected or contemplated. On the way back the regiment was complimented for its good work by General McArthur. While this advance skirmish was in progress H. J. McCracken of Company H was killed and Frank T. McLain, Company G; H irman W. Fay, Company I; B . B. Phelps, Company K; and Eugene E. Stevens, Company K, were wounded. For the whole time from the outbreak on the night of the 4th until late in the afternoon of the 5th the South Dakota boys were under fire and at all times showed the coolness, steadiness, courage and discipline of veterans. The new line occupied by the South Dakotans extended along with Block House No. 4 in the center and with the wings reaching out toward La Loma Church and Block House No. 5. The Filipinos retreated to the little town of San Francisco del Monte about a mile distant from Block House No. 4, from which safe position they continued to pour a galling and deadly fire from their effective Mausers upon the American entrenchments. By keeping well under cover pursuant to orders the troops suffered little from this desultory musketry. No further sorties by either side were made until early in the morning of the 23d, when a strong squad of Filipinos attacked the outpost held by six men and Lieutenant Hawkins of Company B, but were held in check until the few were reinforced by Company A under Captain Fuller and Company B under Captain Session. The position held by Major Howard was also attacked, but his force replied with a heavy fire and were supported with great effect by the Utah battery. Under the orders of Colonel Frost Companies A and B and the men of the band who had been armed, commanded by Adjutant Lien, moved up a ravine and poured a heavy fire upon the flank of the enemy; but Lien was compelled to rejoin the line soon with his command to prevent being outflanked by the enemy himself. This flanking movement of Adjutant Lien and Captains Fuller and Sessions was one of the best advances thus far made and proved the efficiency of these officers when under fire on the battlefield. In this engagement the First Regiment lost in killed, Oscar Felker, Company C, and William B. Smith, Company M (mortally wounded); and in wounded Fred Tobin, Company B; Martin Eide, Company M; and Charles Hultberg, musician, Company M. Before this time Lieut. E. A. Harting of Company A, who was on detached service, was drowned in the Pasig River while engaged in landing a heavy gun from a small war vessel. The entrenchments continued under fire day and night for several weeks, two men being wounded -  Herman M. Bellman, Company B, and Robert B. Ross, Company I - and during this time the men slept on their arms ready for any sudden movement. Thus time passed until March 25th, when an advance was ordered. The plan was to move out and capture Malolos. On that date the First and Third battalions were deployed in skirmish line, with Allison in command on the left, Stover on the right and Howard held in reserve. In this order an advance of about a thousand yards was quickly made under a heavy fire until the line of the enemy was within reach of the Springfield rifles. They then fired three volleys standing and the advance was resumed, the men shooting directly over the trenches of the enemy, firing on all in sight, and continued on to a road a few miles beyond San Francisco del Monte, where they halted and closed ranks. They were continually under fire over this long distance, the enemy retiring and setting fire to their huts as they went. The march was over lava beds and through jungles that gave the enemy an excellent opportunity to retreat under concealment and to fire from hiding places. After reforming, the brigade moved northward instead of northwestward as before and after several miles again halted to reform, the broken character of the country having separated them into small detachments. During all this time they were under fire, though from a long distance. They now turned northwestward toward the Tuliahan River, crossed it and halted on a bridge facing toward Polo. About dark they were ordered to close in on an old bridge which spanned the river; this they did soon after dark. During this eventful day they marched eighteen miles under a tropical sun, through jungles and over rough lava beds and all the time were under a desultory fire from a concealed and retreating enemy. They had not halted to eat or drink and caught only what they could as they advanced. The erratic movements of the day were in part due to the change in the plan of campaign resulting from the capture of Malinta, and were the cause of losing the baggage train, which failed to arrive with provisions. Thus they had little dinner, no supper and no breakfast, but were plucky and undaunted and ready for a fight, a frolic or a feast. During the day's march Walter S. Brown, Company G, was severely wounded. It now became a serious problem to solve by Commissary Burdick how to supply the battalion with food and ammunition. He solved the difficulty by taking possession of every buffalo cart and by pressing into the service all the native help of "amigos" he could find, with the result that the men were supplied with provisions and equipment. The troops were now in the enemy's country to a certainty, so that early in the morning of the 20th they again were formed in open order, with Howard's and Stover's commands on the advance line and Allison's in reserve. On their right was the Tenth Pennsylvania and about one thousand yards in the rear were the Nebraskans acting as a reserve. The whole command moved down the river and finally reached the Polo Plain, which was mainly open, though several miles long and wide and encircled by a fine forest. The sun beat down with pitiless fury and the men, without fresh water, were suffering much, but pressing on and on. Near the Polo end of the plain, on a heavily wooded slope, the enemy were encountered, heavily entrenched and seemingly prepared for a desperate resistance. The orders were to take the trenches and then wheel to the left and march upon Polo. Howard's battalion was placed in echelon on the exposed right flank as a measure of precaution. Then with fixed bayonets the troops were ordered to advance upon the enemy's work, which they did with splendid spirit under a raking fire. Stover was on the right, Allison on the left and Frost in the center. With a rush the first line of trenches was captured, the enemy falling back to a second line of breastworks whence they poured volley after volley upon the advancing Americans. So heavy was the fire in front that the rapid advance was continued over all obstacles until the banks of the Meyacanyan River was reached, where it was found that the bridge was strongly guarded by heavy breastworks on the other side. The enemy set fire to the bridge and then poured heavy volleys upon any men who appeared ready to cross before the fire had ruined the structure. Companies K and I were sent by Stover to flank the trench and companies F and G were ordered to force the bridge. Sergeant Holman of Company C rushed out on the bridge under the heavy musketry, extinguished the fire and returned in safety, an act of signal and conspicuous bravery. Immediately thereafter Lieutenant Huntington and part of Company F crossed the bridge - followed by the remainder of Company F, parts of C, K, I, G and L - stormed the trenches and scattered the enemy, who left many dead and wounded in the works. At once the remainder of the South Dakotans and many of the Nebraskans crossed the bridge. Several small bands of the enemy were attacked on both sides of the river and scattered. In a general charge upon the enemy's strong earthworks on the right the troops went nearly wild with the ardor of battle and rushed the works and shot down the Filipinos as they took to their heels. While they were here taking care of the wounded a hot fire was opened upon them from a cluster of Nipa huts at the distance of about seven hundred yards in front. Adjutant Lien took twenty men, rushed the huts and scattered or killed the sharpshooters. It was in this engagement that Fred C. Lorensen was badly wounded before his company crossed the bridge. The Nebraskans, brave to rashness, suffered severely in this encounter. General Hale was slightly wounded in the foot. Sharp skirmishing in all directions for more than an hour occurred, for the enemy were numerous, brave and determined to do their utmost to drive back the "Americanos." Night now fell upon the battle smoke and tumult and all sought rest and food, for they had been marching and fighting all day with no rest and with but little to eat. In the night, between midnight and 3 o'clock A. M., Quartermaster Burdick with pack ponies succeeded in bringing the hungry troops a goodly supply of provisions and an abundance a few hours later. In the meantime Major Howard's battalion, which had been placed to guard the right flank, successfully attacked a rifle pit held by the enemy and from which a severe fire was directed against the Americans, driving the enemy therefrom and killing and wounding several. In this movement they were compelled to cross and recross the river several times owing to the bluffs and windings and were thus wet to the skin, though elated at their thrilling experience and success. Captain Englesby suffered a slight wound. After the engagement the men were allowed to bivouac, build fires, wash off the mud and dry their clothing. Major Howard finally reported to Colonel Frost about 9 o'clock at night. The wagon supply train was lost, but was safe in the woods miles back. Ponies brought up the supplies, as before stated. The losses during this thrilling and memorable day were as follows: Wounded: C. H. Englesby, Company H F red W. Barber and Warren E. Crozier, Company I Herman A. Pratt, Company F Fred C. Lorencen, Company L Arne Hanges, Company K George Bensbn [Benson?], Company C Allen Myers, Company L Byron F. Hastings, Company E. Thus during two days the men had marched more than thirty miles, had skirmished continually, had gone nearly the whole time without food and with little fresh water, but had shown their mettle in every attack and their endurance in the exhausting march under the hot sun. And they were ready for more. On the 27th the South Dakotans became the advance guard for the brigade. Major Howard's battalion was sent to the front. Colonel Stover's came next and Major Allison's formed the rear guard. The advance was ordered and the commanders were told to beware of fiank attacks from the concealed companies of the enemy. Stover's force was finally placed on the railroad to guard against such attacks. Supported by the Third Artillery the South Dakotans then advanced, and were greeted with a long range fire after going about half a mile. The artillery answered the fire, but as it was believed the attack amounted to little the advance was continued. Soon thereafter, just as they crossed a dry creek bed, they received the severest fire yet from a line of trees which had been pointed out by General McArthur as likely to contain a large body of the enemy. The firing was by volley and came, as it was later learned, from Aguinaldo's regulars, who had served in the Spanish army. The mountain artillery, which could now have rendered splendid service, was abandoned owing to the imminence of t he attack, whereupon it was seen by Colonel Frost that the only course to pursue was to assault the force in the woods. Stover and Allison were ordered to deploy their battalions to the right, which they promptly did. This order was taken to them by Adjutant Lien, who was shot through the bowels by a Mauser bullet while on his way back and died within about eight minutes. He was the pride of the regiment, undaunted under fire and his loss was felt by all his comrades and by all the people of South Dakota. The advance was made in splendid fashion through the hail storm of Mauser bullets that stretched many of the gallant boys on the bloody field. Their advance was made by rushes of about fifty to one hundred yards covered in double quick time, followed by their dropping to the ground, their volleys at the enemy while thus prostrate and their further advance under the same program. The fire of the enemy was deadly, many of the Americans falling, killed or wounded. When within a short distance of the enemy's trenches Colonel Frost ordered the charge, whereupon the whole battalion leaped forward, drove out the Filipinos and reached the river bank. Companies E and D were ordered to cross the bridge and stop a heavy rifle fire which came from the trenches there, but before they could do so Major Howard's command advanced to the river, waded or swam the same and drove the enemy from the works. Stover's and Allison's commands were on the scene soon afterward. The heat was so terrific that Major Allison collapsed, seriously stricken, and was finally sent to the hospital in Manila, after which the Third Battalion was commanded by Captain Englesby. This was the most obstinate defense which the South Dakotans had yet encountered, all the previous ones having been mere skirmishes. During this forward movement a hot fire had been poured upon the boys from a church in Marilao. To check this fire the mountain howitzer was now ordered up, but came too late to be hauled over the bridge, which had been burned down to the girders. Not to be outdone Captain Van Houten, of Company D, a man of great physical strength, had the gun taken from the carriage, placed upon his shoulder and then amid the ringing cheers of his comrades, he carried it across the bridge, stepping from girder to girder, almost a superhuman task. Others, in the meantime, took the carriage apart, carried it across, put all together again and soon drove out the Filipino sharpshooters with a few efifective shots. Captain Van Houten never recovered from the terrific strain placed upon him by this memorable feat. In the end he died from the effects. The excitement and dangers of the day and the overpowering heat, with little water and food, completely exhausted the men who sank down to rest whenever opportunity offered. About this time the Nebraska regiment arrived and deployed on the right of the South Dakotans, both regiments lying down and resting. Near night they were ordered to advance by General Hale, which they did by the left flank. A skirmish line of Filipinos came from cover and advancing fired at the distance of over a mile. They were fired at by the Dakotans and were then charged by the Nebraskans and driven several miles. Then Major Howard with six companies formed an outpost line to protect the remainder of the command from molestation while they slumbered. Soon the Pennsylvania, Nebraska and South Dakota regiments were sleeping almost side by side, after having partaken of a hearty repast of substantial food. The losses this trying day were very severe, the Second Battalion suffering most, losing two-thirds of the whole and sustaining the greatest percentage of casualties of any battalion in any engagement of the war in the Philippines. The losses of the South Dakotans were as follows: Killed - Jonas H. Lien, Sidney E. Morrison, Company E Frank H. Adams, Company H James Nebron, Company D Mathew Ryan, Company D Harvey Keogh, Company E Lewis Chase, Company E. Wounded - Charles B. Preacher, Company M (died of wounds) Benjamin Strobel, Company F John Stanks, Company E Sidney J. Connell, Company C Earnest Madden, Company D Arthur A. Northrop, Company E David Elenes, Company M Ray Washburn, Company D Isaac Johnson, Company D Matt Schuber, Company M Peter J. Tierney, Company F Fred Bunger, Company L W illiam F. Panke, Company E Homer Stockmeyer, Company I Peter Ryan, Company E Will May, Company I George A. Moon, Company C Alexander Hardy, Company G Frank A. Schroeder, Company E Paul D. McClelland, Company I WiUiam Ammo, Company I Bay S. Nichols, Company K Frank E. Wheeler, Company E Charles H. Jackson, Company M Guy P. Squire, Company I. The 28th was a day of rest and recuperation, the troops cleaning their clothing and bathing in the river. On the 29th they again advanced, the Nebraskans on the right and a few minutes in advance of the rest of the brigade. The rice fields had been flooded so that the troops were compelled to march two miles through mud and water from knee to waist deep. Only a few hostiles were seen and only a few shots were fired. After getting out of the rice swamp, the South Dakotans marched in fours down the railroad, the Pennsylvanians advancing in front in skirmish formation. At places the troops were deployed to sweep  the country clean of straggling or predatory bands. While near the bridge on the Guiguinto River a severe fire from a column of Filipinos was encountered, to which reply was made by the Pennsylvanians. The South Dakotans endeavored to flank this band of the enemy by passing around a bend of the river, while Howard's battalion was assisting the Pennsylvanians. But the flanking movement was recalled as soon as it was seen to be impractical. Frost's and Englesby's battalions then crossed the river on the bridge and formed in line with Howard's command. Here they all bivouacked for the night. The losses during the day were: Wounded - Knute K. Peterson, John W. Otman, John P. Rogers and John Donnelly, Company L Oscar E. Johnson, Company H Oscar Fallon and Charles E. Theiss, Company M Frank B. Stevens and Lewis F. Barber, Company C Manuel Pickman, Company D. On the 30th the brigade in its march out from Guiguinto encountered a severe fire, but pressed forward without serious opposition and finally stopped and deployed at the right of Santa Isabel. First the artillery was used to clear the way, after which the Nebraskans took the advance line, closely followed by the South Dakotans and they by the Pennsylvanians. As they advanced toward Malolos Creek they received a long range fire from the enemy, who could be seen drawn up in line of battle partly behind a line of trees on the further side of the stream. The South Dakotans fired several volleys and advanced rapidly and soon the Filipinos were sent flying to the railroad embankment for shelter. But the advance was so rapid that they were soon driven pell mell from this position. There were many of the enemy and their fire was heavy, though wild, uncertain and ineffective. Soon they were broken up and scattered in the woods. The complete victory of the Americans drove large numbers of the Filipinos from this point by rail to Calumpit. The. train could be seen steaming away from Malolos. About this time the Kansas and Montana regiments could be seen entering Malolos and the campaign with that city as the objective was at an end after five days of eventful hardships, marches, skirmishes, battles and other ever-memorable occurrences. Succeeding this campaign the South Dakota regiment remained in camp near Malolos for twenty-four days, but during that period were ever on the alert, were alternately placed on outpost duty and were thus exposed day and night to attacks from small detachments of the enemy. Numerous reconnoissances were made and small engagements were fought. On April 11, Major Howard, in response to an urgent appeal from the Minnesota regiment at Guiguinto, marched there hurriedly with six companies, but arrived too late to be of any assistance. Again on April 23 Major Bell, chief of scouts, while out with a small force making reconnoissance encountered unexpectedly a large force of the enemy, was almost surrounded and was about to be cut to pieces when in response to his urgent demands the Nebraska regiment was rushed to his assistance. It attacked and carried the works, scattered the Filipinos, but suffered severe losses, including their colonel, Stotsenberg, who was shot through the heart as he was gallantly leading his men in the charge. The enemy in force retreated beyond the Bayolas River, threw up entrenchments and prepared for a siege. Late in the evening, under orders of General Hale, the South Dakota regiment marched up and encamped near a large church. Upon the appearance of dawn the regiment in marching order advanced to the Bayolas River, but when within about fifty yards of the bridge received a heavy fire from the enemy entrenched on the further bank. At once two pieces of artillery were brought up, placed near the bridge and about twenty shots were sent against the entrenchments, succeeding which the South Dakotans, led by Company F under Captain Brockway, swept across the bridge and stormed the works, but encountered only a feeble resistance, the artillery fire having demoralized the enemy and driven many of them back several miles. They were pursued a considerable distance by the South Dakotans who guarded the bamboo bridge while the other troops crossed. The casualties in this movement were: Killed - Oscar E. Johnson, Charles Stultz and Mortimer Brown, Company H Harlow Dejean and David C. Dean, Company L James A. Lezer, Company K. Wounded - Charles P. Greene and Hall Wiess, Company G Axal Sjoblom, Company L Charles L. Butler, Company B. The Americans again prepared to advance, two battalions of the South Dakotans on the right and the other within supporting distance, with the Nebraskans on the left in the same order and the Iowa regiment in reserve about half a mile in the rear. As the advance approached Pulilan, a considerable town, they received a fire from a trench in their front whereupon all dropped to the ground and exchanged volleys with the enemy. A charge on the works was ordered, and the men began to advance; but at that moment, the artillery having arrived, they were ordered to halt. This restraining order was not heard by companies H, L and G, under the command of Captain Englesby, which accordingly swept up to the trenches and over them, scattering the Filipinos or shooting them down behind the breastworks. This charge was gallantly executed by the three companies mentioned. Many dead and wounded Filipinos and many rifles were found where the companies had done their deadly work. After a few artillery shots had been fired against the flying enemy, the South Dakotans led by Colonel Stover's battalion and the remainder of the American force, marched rapidly through Pulilan, then wheeled to the left and marched in the direction of Calumpit. When within four miles of that city a strong force was encountered and a sharp engagement was sustained. The ground was difficult, the advance being through a dense jungle. When this was passed the regiment reformed and with the lowans on the right the advance was made, the men dropping after each of several volleys and finally moving swiftly forward, firing as they approached the enemy's works about eight hundred yards distant. But the Filipinos had escaped through "get-away-trenches" and but few were found and they dead. Here night fell upon the scene and the tired men went to rest after about fifteen hours of almost constant marching and fighting. They were so tired that though very hungry they ate a hurried supper only, but were gladdened with letters from home which were brought up by Chaplain Daley and were read by the campfires ere the boys spread their blankets and surrendered to the attacks of "Nature's sweet restorer." On the 25th the Americans moved forward with the lowans on the right, the South Dakotans in the center, and the Nebraskans on the left. Near noon as they approached Baghag River they received a severe though scattering fusillade from the trenches across that stream. Here the enemy had thrown up the strongest entrenchments thus far encountered by the Americans. They had covered the works with railroad iron and numerous fragments of boiler iron and were in force and prepared for stubborn resistance. The river being unfordable, the South Dakotans were moved up to the bank and were ordered to engage the enemy in concealment while the Nebraskans were directed to cross a nearby ford m order to flank the works. The battalions of Howard and Stover advanced to the bank, and fired volley after volley into the trenches distant only about seventy-five yards. Englesby's battalion was held in reserve about four hundred yards in the rear and was under fire. In this advance Corporal Breed, though shot through the heart, called it nothing but a "scratch" and continued the forward march until he fell dead on the river bank. The South Dakotans continued their deadly and continuous fire in order to divert the attention of the Filipinos until the Nebraskans could execute the flank movement. When word came that this had been accomplished the South Dakotans ceased their fire, but were still exposed to the severe musketry volleys from the Filipino trenches for an hour and a half before the attack of the Nebraskans was finally made. Soon the latter were seen swarming over the enemy's works and the enemy were seen flying in retreat. During the battle Colonel Stover was overcome with heat and was not again able for service until May 6, when he joined his command at San Fernando. Many instances of individual gallantry were shown by the South Dakotans during their trying experiences while under the severe and deadly fire of the Filipino Mausers. Officers and men alike were intrepid and undaunted under these exacting and unnerving conditions. Killed - Henry Breed, Company B Guy Jones and Charles E. Peterson, Company H. Wounded - Walter S. Doolittle, Company G Oliver C. Lapp, Herbert A. Putnam, Charles Wagner and William H. Harrison, Company I Christ Myhre and Thomas H. Coleman, Company E Q uartermaster Sergeant Antone Jurich, James H. Davis, Company L William K. Reaman, Company F Arthur W. Swenson, Hammond H. Buck, James A. Gibbs, Robert Hawkins and Frank Goebel, Company B Ray E. Ranous and Don J. Ranous, Company K. Succeeding this battle the Americans marched at night to the junction at the Juinga and Calumpit rivers and went into camp. Early on the morning of the 26th the South Dakotans crossed the Calumpit and occupied a position with Bagbag River on the rear, the right reaching the railroad track. At this time Calumpit was occupied by the Kansas and Montana regiments in spite of the rapid fire upon them from the enemy's trenches north of the Ouingua and Calumpit rivers. Soon this fire was silenced. On the 27th Colonel Frost was ordered by General McArthur to hold the railroad bridge, and accordingly stationed one battalion on the north bank at Calumpit and the other two on the south bank. Here the regiment remained until May 2 when it participated in the movement under General Hale to reinforce General Lawton. It moved rapidly to Pulilan in a heavy downpour of rain and bivouacked with everything drenched, but learned the next morning that Lawton did not need help, whereupon the regiment and other commands were marched back to Calumpit. The South Dakotans were now assigned to ground north of the Rio Grande de la Pampauga on the railroad near Apalit Station. The next day the entire brigade was ordered to advance upon Santo Tomas, the South Dakotans now being in reserve and the Iowa regiment leading the movement. As they approached Santo Tomas River where the enemy was entrenched the artillery opened fire and after a sharp fusillade the Iowa regiment was deployed and sent against the trenches under a galling fire. Soon the Nebraskans were deployed for the attack on the right of the lowans and thrown into the conflict. After about half an hour of intense rifle fire the South Dakotans were ordered to advance to the right to prevent a threatened flank movement of the enemy. This movement was one of the most dreadful experienced by the men during the whole war. The heat was intense, the water was poor, and the men were exhausted with the lack of food and the hardships of the campaign. In addition all were suffering more or less from malaria, diarrhoea and stomach troubles and from sores on their legs and bodies caused by scratches and abrasions that had become poisoned and foul. Now the broken-down men were required to march through swamps and bogs where the dirty water and dirtier mud was at all stages knee deep and often above their waists. Literally they dragged themselves for a mile through this filth, under the blazing sun, until many suffered sunstroke and scores were forced to stop on the mounds of grass to gain strength for a further advance. At the end of a mile dry ground was reached and here it was found that less than three hundred men of the whole regiment had come through the swamp and reached dry ground in readiness to continue the flanking movement. Here they sheltered themselves as best they could from the fierce rays of the sun, dried their clothing and rested. It was then learned that no danger of a flank movement from the Filipinos was to be apprehended. While the South Dakotans were going through the swamp the Nebraskans crossed Santo Tomas River, drove the Filipinos from the works and held the ground thus gained. After two hours the regiment joined the Iowa regiment on the railroad, forded the river and formed in line on the right of the Nebraskans. Then the whole brigade advanced a mile and went into camp. In this march the First Battalion was compelled to march through a swamp nearly as noisome and bottomless as the one through which they had marched earlier in the day. In the new bivouac they built fires, ate their army rations, erected Nipa sheds, but were compelled to sleep on the ground in line of battle during the heavy and almost incessant rains of the night. During the day Robert J. Van Plook was wounded by a Filipino bullet. On the next morning only 304 men were fit for duty. On the 8th the Iowa regiment entered San Fernando without opposition and occupied the city. In the evening the South Dakotans also entered and soon afterward Colonel Frost was directed to act as provost marshal. The city had been the headquarters of Aguinaldo after he was driven out of Malalos and here were many beautiful homes of the wealthier natives. But owing to the condition of the men their stay there was anything but pleasant. In addition the Filipinos built entrenchments close around the city from which they poured a rain of Mauser bullets whenever there was a chance day or night of bringing down the hated "Americanos." In a short time the men were so run down by privations, exposures and sickness that there were left hardly enough well ones to guard the outposts. Camp life aggravated and intensified the deplorable conditions. The sick could not get suitable food, medicine and treatment generally and diseases hung on with torturing tenacity. Colonel Stover at this juncture spent $800 of his own money to purchase delicacies for the sick and convalescent, but was repaid later by the men themselves from their slow arriving pay pittance. In time nearly every man of the South Dakota regiment was on the sick list. Letters telling the melancholy and dangerous condition of the troops went home to South Dakota and at once kindled a blaze of protest from the Black Hills to the Big Sioux Valley. Soon the time of the First Regiment expired and the men were expected home; but they were needed on the islands and were retained against the remonstrances of hundreds of citizens at the head of whom was Governor Lee. The latter protested, expostulated, pleaded and demanded in open letters addressed to the President and the War Department the muster out of the men and their return home. But the War Department replied that the men could not be spared until enough regulars to take their places and hold the rebellion in check had arrived at Manila. The South Dakotans did their full duty from the time they enlisted until they were mustered out long after their terms of service had expired. In the dreadful camp at San Fernando they stood on guard, returned the harassing fire of the enemy and swallowed their unfit rations without a murmur, though scarcely able to stand and not able to march. In fact at times when attacks threatened even the sick ones tottered to the ranks and answered "here" to the call of the roll and staggered as best they could to the stirring blasts of the bugles. All this was thought necessary by General Otis in order to impress the Filipinos with the idea of the fighting strength of the Americans. He even sent the army surgeons through the hospitals of Manila to find who might be able to do duty at the front. And all this, too, when thousands of volunteers were suflfering from inaction and sickness in Camp Chickamauga and other army hells and would have been only too glad to share the hardships of the insular campaign. As it was several South Dakotans absolutely unable to do duty were ordered to the front; there were twenty-five of such men, several of whom yet suffered from unhealed wounds received in battle. Others thus ordered out were yet so low from disease or dysentery that they could scarcely move. No wonder an indignant protest from South Dakota shook the War Department and even the White House itself. They were marched to Calumpit, a distance of four miles, but were then so weak and exhausted that they could go no farther. The army surgeon reported that they were incapable of doing any duty and that it was impossible for them to march to Calumpit, a distance of ten miles. They were then ordered into the buffalo carts and conveyed to San Fernando, where their condition was found by Doctor Warne to be so alarming that he at once ordered them into the hospital and positively refused to allow them to perform camp or field duty. Although the Filipinos kept up more or less of a continuous fire day and night while the troops were encamped at San Fernando, no considerable engagement transpired until May 25th, when they were seen advancing to the attack by Captain Hageman in charge of Company K on the right outpost. At once Colonel Frost formed a skirmish line behind a belt of timber in the direction of the advancing enemy. Evidently the latter became aware of this plan to give them a warm reception, for they remained skulking under cover at a distance waiting until chance or opportunity should give them an advantage. A few of the enemy could be seen here and there adjacent to the jungles, in which their main force was believed to be ambuscaded. General Hale was present and made a reconnaissance by walking up the railroad beyond the outpost when he suddenly was fired upon without effect by two Filipinos not over two hundred yards distant. He returned and at once Colonel Frost led an attack on the enemy in the jungle with the First and Second battalions. They rushed the enemy's skirmish line before the latter could escape, shot down many of them behind the breastworks, and advanced a hundred yards farther to be sure that there were no inner entrenchments. Those who escaped were careful to remain beyond the range of the Springfield rifles. Upon their return the battalions found many dead and wounded Filipinos in the trenches. They captured two and wounded many, the most of the latter escaping with the aid of their comrades. The troops returned to their quarters, but were again attacked at 3.20 o'clock the next morning and were quickly in line again and held in readiness until break of day, when the First and Second battalions were posted in front of a sugar mill near where the enemy was presumed to be waiting for an opportunity to attack. The Iowa regiment came and took position on the right and when they were near the sugar mill the Filipinos opened fire along the line. But they were quickly driven away, scattered and silenced. This was the last important engagement fought in the Philippines by the South Dakota regiment. The casualties in these attacks were: Killed - Dan Colleran, Company G. Wounded - George Barker, Company A David Martindale, Company C Edward Heald, Company D Carl McConnell, Bert Kellet and James Black, Company G. The South Dakotans remained on the outpost, under fire most of the time, day and night, until June 10th, when the order came for their relief from duty. At this time there were not more than an average of eight men to each company fully well and fit for duty. They had been on the advance in the enemy's country and on the firing line for a period of 126 days and most of the time were exposed to the elements - heavy rains and a tropical sun - and nearly the whole time were obliged to sleep in their clothes on the damp and muddy ground. Their food was unsuited to the climate and the water they were obliged to drink was the cause of much of the sickness of the regiment. It will be admitted that discipline in an army under all ordinary circumstances is an absolute necessity. In the United States this is particularly true owing to the small regular army and on account of being obliged to accept inexperienced and undisciplined volunteers that of necessity must be called into the service. The lack of cohesion, unity and discipline of the volunteers in every war in which the Government has been involved, from 1776 down to the present time, has proved at times a serious hindrance to success. Even during the Revolution insubordination ran riot in the continental ranks and was one of the most grievous obstacles to effective results that Washington had to overcome. It required such rigid disciplinarians as Baron Von Steuben to bring the raw colonists under even partial submission and usefulness. The same conditions ruled in the War of 1812 and even in the Mexican war, although in the latter the large number of West Point graduates worked wonders with the raw volunteers. In the Civil war conditions were still further improved, but there was much insubordination during the early stages. These facts are referred to in the reports of Generals Logan, Sherman, Grant, Halleck, McClellan and others. When the Spanish-American war burst forth conditions were better, because the National Guard supplied the bulk of the volunteers, but even they were far from the standard of discipline which prevailed in the regular army. The rank and file fraternized with the officers like bunk comrades and continued to do so for some time after they were mobilized at Sioux Falls. But when they went into camp at the Presidio, San Francisco, all this companionship between officers and men was abandoned and the rigid rules of the regular army were enforced, much to the disgust and chagrin of the volunteers. After they reached the Philippine Islands the rules were even more inflexible than they had been at San Francisco, all of which was perhaps proper and necessary as a whole. But while the above is all true there is a reverse side. Circumstances alter cases even when applied to the regular or the volunteer army. Discipline and army routine may often be advantageously altered, though it will be difficult to cause a regular officer to see this fact. It required many months heiore General Funston finally broke away from the adamantine army rules and began to fight the Filipinos after their own tactics. But this was after the wrongs to the volunteers on the islands had been perpetrated. It required many years of experience before the regular army was fitted to cope with the Indians of the plains and mountains in battle. Braddock's defeat was due to his insistence in marching his troops in long ranks into an Indian ambush against the protests of George Washington, who was present and who had had experience in fighting the Indians after their own guerrilla and covert fashion. When the British redcoats and the Scotch highlanders marched with splendid formation, precision and step into the defile where the Indians were known to be concealed in large numbers ready for the attack, Washington realized the fatality almost certain to befall the army, though he could not move Braddock from his belief in the impressiveness and infallibility of the solid columns. When suddenly, however, there came hideous and blood-curdling yells from a thousand Indians concealed in the bushes, the sharp and incessant crack of their deadly rifles and the fall of scores of dead and wounded men resulted, with not an enemy in sight upon whom to fire, the redcoats soon became demoralized, hesitated, swerved and finally fled panic-stricken from the field, closely and hotly pursued by the yelling savages, who slaughtered everyone they could reach. Months afterward this decisive field was strewn with the wolf-mangled bodies of the really valiant British troops. Braddock was completely heart-broken and crushed and never recovered from the shock. "Who would have believed it possible?" he asked in his humiliation and anguish. But he is not the only regular officer of history who has made such mistakes. Many similar defeats are chronicled of the contests with the Indians on the plains even down to the present time. The regular ofticers seem not to understand how to change or vary their rigid rules and tactics to meet the conditions of which advantage is taken by the various enemies from savage to civilized. This seems to have been the condition in the Philippines when the First South Dakota regiment was sent with other troops on this campaign. The Filipinos who opposed them either shot from a safe distance, or fired from light entrenchments to which were appended "get away" trenches to enable them to escape when it should become certain that the Americans were on the point of capturing their works. The object of the Filipinos was to kill as many Americans as possible and then get away, and seemingly the orders of the regular army officers were designed to aid them in their plans. The regiment returned to Manila on June 10th and convalesced as rapidly as possible in the camp at Santa Mesa until the 23rd, when for a time they assisted in guarding the line around Manila. The First and Third Battalions under Colonel Frost were stationed to guard the line from Baligbalig to the church at La Loma, while the Second Battalion under Major Howard was assigned to the line between the Passig River and the Deposito. On August 5th the regiment was relieved by the Twenty-fifth Infantry and directed to quarters at Manila. Five days later they were ordered to board the transports for conveyance back to the United States. On August 12th they embarked on the Sheridan and in due time arrived in San Francisco. There they were mustered out. To sum up, the principal engagements were as follows: Block House 4, Manila, February 4 and 5, 1899 La Loma church, February 5th Block House 3 and 2, February 5th Manila trenches, February 23rd Same, February 27th San Francisco del Monte church, March 24th Pulilan River, March 25th Maycauayan, March 26th M arilac, March 27th Santa Maria River, March 29th Guiguinto, March 29th Santa Isabel, March 30th Malolos, March 31st Guiguinto, April ?th Pulilan, April 24th (first trench) Pulilan, April 24th (second trench Calumpit, April 25th San Tomas, May 4th San Fernando, May 25th. ROLL OF HONOR Killed in Action - Jonas H. Lien Harvey M. Breed Oscar Felker James W. Nelson Mathew N. Ryan Harvey R. Keogh Lewis Chase Sidney E. Morrison Peter Ryan Frank A. Schroeder Frank H. Adams Mortimer C. B rown Oscar E. Johnson Guy Jones Horace J. McCracken Charles Stulz Fred E. Green William H. Lowes Charles W. Peterson James A. Lizer Harlowe Dejean Oscar Fall. Died of Disease - Roy W. Stover Jim Goddard Frank S. Denison Charles Eschels Askle O. Eidsues Fred C. Grennslit Leon F. Hull Martin C. Mortenson Royal H. Smith Otto J. Berg Horace G. McCordic Nelson B. McKeller Judson C. Nickliam Wilson M. Osborn Leatis A. Roberts Irving J. Willett Jay A. Smit James E. Link Arthur A. McElrath Victor E. Schofield Roy P. Anderson James M. Clark John J. Mahoney George Stillwagon Samuel C. Frazee Newell E. Jenks Olavus T. Felland Edward Mancher Joseph W. Whitman. Died of Wounds - John Dale William H. May Charles B. Preacher William B. Smith. Drowned - Edwin A. Harting. The story of the battles, skirmishes, campaigns and hardships from day to day was of great interest to all South Dakota. As the news of the victories was received from time to time great enthusiasm over the splendid courage of the South Dakota boys was shown in every center of population. On August 2, 1899, the ship Relief with many sick and wounded troops, of whom twenty-four were members of the First Regiment, reached San Francisco and elaborate preparations for their proper care were made. At a public meeting in the Black Hills a committee consisting of J. H. Burns, D. A. McPherson and Edwin Van Cise was appointed to receive contributions for a hospital for the sick and wounded boys. Encouraging telegrams were sent the boys from all parts of the state and preparations for their reception were made in their home towns. On April 13, 1899, Governor Lee in an open letter to President McKinley made the following request: "In obedience to what I believe to be the most universal wish of the people of my state I desire to request the return to the United States of the First South Dakota Volunteer Infantry, now engaged under General Otis in war against the inhabitants of the Island of Luzon." The governor afterward repeated this request several times. In July, 1899, he communicated his views to a New York newspaper and among other things said: "The report from Manila regarding the South Dakota volunteers is no surprise for we have long known the terrible condition to which they have been reduced and have repeatedly urged the administration to have them returned home, but without effect. Their obligation to the Government closed when the treaty with Spain was ratified. Since that time their services have been used without warrant of law or justice. The administration cannot escape the responsibility of its mistaken expansion policy, for which this Government is paying so dearly with life and treasure, to say nothing of the unpardonable injustice done to a people whose only crime lies in their desire for independence and self government. I have definite knowledge that many of the volunteers realize the injustice of the cause for which they are forced to fight. With the rapidly growing sentiment that the expansion policy is a serious mistake and with the present conditions existing in the Philippines added to the experience of our own regiment, I believe but few would enlist from this state." This request from Governor Lee for the return of the South Dakota regiment was based on three points: (i) That the term of enlistments had expired with the conclusion of peace; (2) that the war with Spain had ended and the regiment should be mustered out and (3) that the war against the Filipinos was a movement against their liberty and independence, and in support of the alleged territorial expansion policy of the McKinley administration. To his request courteous replies were returned by the assistant secretary of war, who stated that the regiment would be mustered out as soon as possible after regular troops could be rushed to the islands to take their places. The Government put the question squarely before the members of the regiment and a large majority agreed to remain until their places could be taken by regular troops. They did this out of pure patriotism with the object in view of enabling the Government to control the islands and of preventing the reign of anarchy certain to result should they leave before the Government troops arrived. General Otis had instructions to send them home as soon as practicable. The politicians endeavored to make it appear that the McKinley administration was carrying on a war of conquest in the islands in support of its alleged expansion policy, and Governor Lee was not the only state head to take action in the matter. Governor Lind of Minnesota and perhaps others made similar requests. That the action of the volunteers in agreeing to remain on the islands until the regulars should arrive was fully appreciated by President McKinley is shown in many things he did at the time, but perhaps no more warmly or gracefully than by his words on the bronze medal which was presented to the volunteers in September, 1906, in commemoration of their voluntary services to the country after their term of enlistment had expired. The words on the medal were an extract from a cablegram dated July i, 1899, sent to General Otis at Manila by President McKinley: "The President desires to express in the most public manner his appreciation of the lofty patriotism shown by the volunteers and regulars of the Eighth Army Corps in performing willing service through hard campaigns and battles against the insurgents in Luzon, when under the terms of their enlistments they would have been entitled to discharge upon the ratification of the treaty with Spain. This action on their part was noble and heroic. It will stand forth as an example of self-sacrifice and public consideration which has ever characterized the American soldier." About September 7, 1899, the transport Sheridan, having on board about six hundred and fifty-two members of the First South Dakota Regiment, besides other commands, reached San Francisco. Before their arrival and immediately afterward they were the recipients of hundreds of warm and welcoming telegrams from friends and relatives in South Dakota. Before the First Regiment had reached San Francisco on its way home, in fact, immediately after it left the Philippines, preparations for their fitting reception were made throughout the state. Particularly, in every town which had furnished part of a company or the whole, elaborate ceremonies were planned. A convention with this object in view was called at Huron and about three hundred delegates from all parts of the state were present, R. W. Stewart presiding. He stated that the expense of bringing the men home would be large and that it would have to be raised by private subscription. A committee on finance, consisting of sixteen persons, of whom F. A. Brown of Aberdeen was chairman and E. J. Miller of Huron secretary, was chosen to collect the funds. The plan adopted provided that business men should raise the money from banks on guaranteed notes made payable March 1, 1901. A souvenir button was planned to be sold to help augment the fund. Hughes County was the first to raise its share of the fund - $1,000 - and Brooklings County was second. Governor Lee refused to call a special session of the Legislature to appropriate money for this purpose as was suggested from many quarters of the state, because he believed the amount should be and could be raised from individual and municipal sources. In addition to the plans for a state-wide and ceremonious reception all the cities represented in the regiment made similar local preparations for the reception of their own companies. Elaborate preparations for the reception of Company C were made at Yankton. On October 14 the boys arrived there from Aberdeen and were duly and appropriately honored by the whole population, including the G. A. R. President McKinley was present and addressed the men in eloquent and complimentary terms. A similar reception had been previously extended by the citizens of Aberdeen to the men who had gone from that city and to nearly the whole regiment, President McKinley being also present. He spoke in the most feeling terms of the gallantry and good conduct of the First Regiment. It was said at the time that this reception cost each one of the soldiers who had come to Aberdeen the sum of $20, because they had been detained several days at San Francisco at their own expense while waiting for instructions from the reception officials as to where they should go. Later the officials announced in a public statement that about one hundred and fifty members of the regiment had come home before the others and had paid their own fare. In this announcement, dated October 25th, the committee agreed to refund such men the fare paid if they would send in their names and addresses. The reception proceedings were carried into politics, the republicans and fusionists contesting for the honor of managing the reception both of the volunteers and of President McKinley. This rivalry occasioned a humiliating squabble which was spread broadcast by the public press over the entire state and referred to with severe comment by many outside newspapers. The Black Hills conducted their own reception with enthusiasm and success and without interference or interruption from pernicious outside influences and jealousies. From the date of their return the members of the First Regiment claimed pay and transportation from San Francisco to Sioux Falls: they were justly entitled to this amount. Many of them contended that they should be paid all their expenses from the time of leaving the Philippines until they reached Sioux Falls, the place of enlistment. By 1910, for over ten years, their claims had been before the war department, but had not been allowed. Just previous to 1910 travel pay for the regimental officers (regulars) had been allowed - a day's pay for every twenty miles traveled. The few officers (regulars) of the regiment, who remained on the islands, received pay for time and expense on their way home - sums reaching in several instances about fifteen hundred dollars. All volunteer members had demanded the same allowances, but all settlement had been neglected probably with the expectation to "freeze them out," as it was declared. Finally $15,573.25 was allowed. After paying the lawyer's fees (a lawyer's services should not have been necessary) the regiment received of this amount $12,458.60. They were really entitled to $27,000. On March 23, 1898, Melvin Grigsby, attorney-general of the state, telegraphed to the secretary of war, offering his services and suggesting that the western cowboys would make fine volunteers and effective soldiers. He received a reply to the effect that such soldiers would be accepted if needed. Matters remained in this state until April 1st, at which time Mr. Grigsby became convinced that while no opposition to the formation of a cowboy regiment would be offered here, a new bill or law providing for the formation of such a regiment would have to be passed. In order to secure if possible the passage of such a bill, he went to Washington, arriving there on April 19. There he found everything alive and eager for the war. He consulted senators, representatives and war department officials, including the secretary of war and General Miles. The latter warmly favored his plans. In the consultations it was shown that should Mr. Grigsby raise such a regiment it might not be able to get into the service because first choice would be given to the National Guards. He therefore realized that if his proposed regiment were to get into the service at all, it would be necessary to pass through Congress a special bill to that effect. Beginning in March or earlier all the states between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains had considered the advisability of raising cowboy regiments; particularly was the sentiment strong in Texas and Wyoming. In these two states and in South Dakota large numbers of cowboys signified their willingness and readiness to go to the front. Nothing, however, could be done until Congress should pass an act authorizing the acceptance of such commands. Later in March Senator Warren of Wyoming introduced a bill for the organization of one regiment of cowboys. This bill was independent of the volunteer army bill which had just passed the House and had been referred to the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, of which Senator Warren was a member. At once it was seen by Mr. Grigsby that it would be much easier to amend the army bill in the manner wanted than to put through a new bill. The Senate Committee on Military Affairs was in session and could not be seen by Mr. Grigsby, who thereupon secured the help of Senator Kyle, who succeeded in calling Senator Warren from the committee room for a conference. He was quickly told what was wanted, but at once responded, "Too late: we will report the army bill in thirty minutes." Mr. Grigsby had anticipated this emergency and had drawn up an amendment which it was desired should be attached to the army bill. This he promptly produced and showed to Senator Warren, who took it at once to the committee room, appended it to the bill, and thirty minutes later it was read in the Senate as a part of the army bill. The Grigsby amendment was as follows: Provided further, That the President may authorize the Secretary of War to organize companies, troops, battalions or regiments possessing special qualification, from the nation at large, under such rules and regulation, including the appointment of the officers thereof, as may be prescribed by the secretary of war. The bill then went back to the House, where the words "Not to exceed 3,000 men" were added to the Grigsby proviso and in that form the bill was passed by the House, approved by the Senate and became a law the same day. Immediately the secretary of war authorized the formation of three regiments of cavalry of frontiersmen possessing special qualifications as horsemen and marksmen to be designated as First, Second and Third United States Regiments of Cavalry, the First to be commanded by Colonel Leonard Wood (Theodore Roosevelt, lieutenant-colonel), the Second by Judge Torry of Cheyenne, and the Third by Melvin Grigsby of Sioux Falls. Mr. Grigsby received his appointment at once as colonel of the Third and returned to Sioux Falls, arriving May 2d, and was welcomed with rapturous enthusiasm by the population of the whole city and the surrounding country. He immediately issued the following commissions: Troop A, Capt. Seth Bullock of Deadwood; Troop B, Capt. Otto L. Sues of Sioux Falls; Troop C, Capt. George E. Hair of Belle Fourche; Troop D, Capt. John E. Hammond of Sturgis; Troop E, Capt. Robert W. Stewart of Pierre. The other troops to complete the regiment were left to be formed in other states - four in Montana, two in North Dakota and one in Nebraska. Otto L. Sues became adjutant and John Foster captain of Company B. The five South Dakota troops rendezvoused at Sioux Falls from May 12th to 17th. Troops A, C and D were called the Black Hills Squadron and were commanded by Maj. Leigh H. French. The Second Squadron - Troops B and E - were commanded by Maj. Robert W. Stewart. Joseph Binder became captain of Troop E. On May 18 orders were received to move on the 20th to Camp Chickamauga, near Chattanooga. The first detachment reached camp May 23rd and the last May 29th. Upon their departure from Sioux Falls they were given a formal farewell banquet which was attended by the city authorities, by the officers of the First South Dakota Regiment, by the G. A. R. and by thousands of citizens, ladies and school children. The boys encountered enthusiastic receptions at all points on their way down to Camp Chickamauga. Everybody was surprised at the mannerly and gentlemanly behavior of the "Cowboy Regiment." The newspapers had pictured them as wild, lawless and reckless riders of the ranges, with revolvers in their belts, bowie knives in their boots and lariats at their saddle bows, rough of speech, profane and ready to shoot a man on small provocation or to insult a woman regardless of decency. Great surprise was shown, therefore, when the boys were seen to be about the most well behaved and gentlemanly at the camp. But their subsequent life in camp was enough to take the spirit out of any human heart. Day after day, month after month, came the same weary routine, the same useless drudgery and the steadily increasing ravages of camp fever. What a smothering of courage for boys who were brave enough and audacious enough to walk up to the mouth of a Spanish cannon. But the gallant fellows bore their fate uncomplainingly, cheered with the hope and prospect that they might yet be called to face the enemy on the red field of war. The arrival of their horses in June was a grateful diversion and caused them for a time to forget their sore disappointments. But when in July and August one after one of the robust men sank under an attack of typhoid fever or dysentery, when the food became unbearable and when the termination of the war and the negotiations for peace showed the uselessness of their remaining longer in the service, they began to intimate that they wished to be mustered out. They did not murmur in camp, but this wish was revealed in the sorrowful letters which they wrote home. On July 30th they were moved from the old camp to the new one on the ridge, Brotherton Field. By August 27th about one hundred and fifty of the boys were sent north on sick furlough. At this time the camp hospitals were filled with sick and convalescent soldiers. The grand reviews served merely to accentuate their miserable plight and terrible sufferings. On August 28th came the official notice or order for their muster out. From September 1st to 8th they were sent to their homes. Colonel Grigsby bade the boys farewell on the 5th and left for Sioux Falls. Upon their return they were received with great public honor and distinction by the communities whence they went forth - not to war but to the deadlier typhoid camp. The men of this regiment from the South Dakota troops, who gave up their lives during this period of service, were F. M. Gilligan, George Maclaren, W. R. Williams, A. J. Beach, W. F. Copelin, George Cassells, George Bahler, C. W. Gates and H. F. Lawrence. Scores never recovered from the effects of the camp diseases. All should be pensioned.

Source: History of Dakota Territory, Chapter XII, by George Kingsbury,
edited by George Martin Smith, B.A., A. M.
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago

Transcribed by Lynn Diemer-Mathews and uploaded September 22, 2025.