never in the history of battles and wars did men fight with such
grim determination and fearlessness in the very face of death, as did
VanDorn and Christianson of Co. "G." Having fallen to the ground from
loss of blood and exhaustion, they still bravely clung with untiring
tenacity to their rifles and never once flinched or even thought of
retreating to a place of safety until the re-inforcements had arrived on
the bloody scene and the natives had vanished in the underbrush. An
investigation ensued which disclosed the fact that the attacking
parties belonged to the tribes of Datto Amay Grar.

Immediately afterwards what was to be the last ultimatum was issued to
the Moros of the Lake region, particularly to the Sultan of Bacolod and
the Sultan of Maciu demanding, rigidly, an explanation regarding the
recent attacks upon the Americans, as well as the immediate surrender of
the murderers in their tribes who were guilty of committing various acts
of injustice and cruelty since the historical battle of May 2.

Their replies were, as usual, of a defiant, insolent, and sullen nature.

The Americans, seeing that the restoration of peace in the island of
Mindanao could not be brought about by fair and honorable means,
decided to administer a lesson to them that they would not very readily
forget.

HOSTILITIES RENEWED.

An expedition was organized on short notice, commanded by Capt. J. J.
Pershing, of the 15th Regiment of Cavalry, a man whose never failing
courage, valor, and ability as an officer and commander is unexcelled in
the American Army.

Every preparation was made for the coming events, and on September 17,
at midnight, what was known as Captain Pershing's expedition left Camp
Vicars under cover of darkness and proceeded through rugged trails to
Maciu's strongholds and neighboring principalities.

The expedition consisted of Companies "F," "G," "C," and "M" of the 27th
Infantry; Troop "L" 15th Regiment of Cavalry; and the 25th Battery of
Field Artillery.

On the morning of the 18th, as the first refulgent beams of "Old Sol"
had begun to illuminate the eastern horizon, the column had reached and
halted close by Fort Gauan, and ere another hour had elapsed the entire
fortification was surrounded by our troops.

The 25th Battery had halted directly in front of, and about 300 yards
from, the fort, while companies "M" and "F," "G" and "C" had formed
skirmish lines on the left and right of the fort. The command w