any a rough boulder, until after two hours of rough
marching we arrived in the open space beyond the woods.

We had not marched over three-hundred yards of this new territory 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 the fire this time,
knowing as we did that rifle fire was of no avail against a
fortification such as this proved itself 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 cruelties to American soldiers, wherever they
could get a chance, I think as far as my judgment is concerned that they
have been given a lesson which, to say the least, they richly deserve.

We captured some five or six minor fortifications during this day, and
towards evening we proceeded towards the lake front, 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 though