which had, as yet, never been
explored by white men.

The troops constituting that column were, for the most part, raw
material, having been organized but a short time previous to the time of
which I write, and had as yet seen but little of active service.

But it must not be imagined that they were all inexperienced in warfare,
for in its ranks were many who had either transferred from other
organizations or who had voluntarily enlisted in these organizations,
and who had seen service in more than one war.

It is needless to narrate how the column marched over the first great
mountain range which follows along the southern coast in a parallel
line, and then on to the enemy infested region about Lake Dapao, which
is but a forerunner of a more impregnable region, and which is now
gradually resuming its former peaceful aspect, and which in time will
develope into one of the most productive regions in the Philippine
Archipelago.

THE ENEMY ENCOUNTERED.

Suffice it to say that after three days of hardships and privation,
those troops, constituting what was known as the "Lake Lanao
Expedition," encountered the enemy on a bit of rising ground at a place
known as Gadungan, and after two engagements fought, one there, and one
at a place known as Fort Pualos, a camp was established in that vicinity
and negotiations with the Moros were renewed.

These were but preliminary engagements and were merely forerunners of
what was to come.

After a useless delay and fruitless attempt to restore peace, the column
again advanced, this time for the Bayan Forts.

On May 1 the little army of American troops arrived at a point on the
south-eastern shore of Lake Lanao, overlooking the Lake and in sight of
the enemy's stronghold.

At this juncture Brigadier General George W. Davis, commanding the
Seventh Separate Brigade, and who had been designated by General Chaffee
to personally accompany the expedition, arrived from Malabang after
making a flying trip across the mountains.

A temporary camp was established and General Davis prepared messages in
Arabic writing, which were immediately sent to the Sultan of Bayan,
demanding his surrender by noon of May 2, or suffer the consequences.

These messages are known to have been delivered but they were not
replied to.

PRELIMINARY FIRING.

During the night of May 1, the American outposts were fired upon
frequently by the Moros, but they did not reply to the fire of the
enemy.

A