Sons of Spanish American War Newsletter Date Veterans and the Daughters of 98 Volume 2020, Fall INSIDE THIS ISSUE

President Message ...... 2 The National Son News around our Order………………..2 Henry Moss Boutelle, War Hero ..... 3 Fall In Macabebe Scouts and City ...... 4 Contacts: By Bernie O’Bryan, PNP National Son Editor Sons of Spanish American War Veterans: https://ssawvhq.org/ Inside you will find: an interesting story by Brother membership-information Alan R. Wenzel on Cmdr. Henry M. Boutelle (who Daughters of 98: Daughter- fought bravely in the ), an essay on the Ma- [email protected] National Son–Editor: Bernie O’Bry- cabebe Scouts, our National President’s message and an [email protected] news from our Orders. Stay safe and healthy, the COVID 19 vaccine will soon begin distribution and treatments are improving as we hope for the future.

Boutelle Battery, Presidio, , CA, circa 2000 News From Around the Order

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Greetings to all our Brothers of the Sons of Spanish American War Veterans! I hope you all were able to enjoy a pleasant Thanksgiv- ing holiday, and are looking forward to Christmas, Hannukah, or other December celebrations with family and friends. Indeed, these are unprecedented times, but even in the face of uncertainty, we all should be able to find some things for which we are grate- ful, and others we can look toward in cheerful anticipation. Our organization has been continuing to grow since our Convention in June. We have accepted several new members (we plan to have a “welcome” list in the Spring 2020 National Son), and we are in planning stages of new and restored Camps. Many of you follow the Facebook pages, and read of activities within different Camps, even though the current pandemic limits certain options. We have received some requests for a National Certificate of Membership. A certificate is available for a charge of $10.00, including postage and handling. Please write our Senior National Vice President, Tim Mabee, at: 17 Killarney Court, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866-7501. You may recall from our last edition of the National Son, we have been invited by the Fighting Joe Wheeler Camp 14 to assemble for our 2021 National Convention in Huntsville, Alabama next Summer. Of course, we are mindful of the ongoing pandemic, and the potential we may not be able to meet in person. I am sure we all hope for a reprieve from restrictions by that time, and we will stay in communication as things develop. As an organization dedicated to memorializing historic events, we have access to oral traditions, written documents, and a few pho- tographic images giving us a glimpse into life during those times we commemorate. These are brief views into a world that was, for those living the days, just as busy, consuming, worrisome and travailing as our days seem to be for us. We have the advantage of retrospective consideration, and comparative analysis that may lead us to nostalgic musings of how easy our forefathers’ lives must have been. Yet in the face of what to them were surely insurmountable obstacles, and apocalyptic events, they faced the challenges and left us a heritage of creative endurance, and hopeful expectation. We will survive these uncertain times, and hope to leave an enduring legacy for those who, one day, will look back on our lives and wonder what it must have been like. . . Yours in Fraternity, Patriotism and Humanity, James W. McBryant National President, Sons of Spanish American War Veterans

Letter sent to our National President James McBryant, SSAWV Following up from last night's COA I wish to bring the following to your attention: The Quinn Camp #173 and the Daughters of '98 collaborated to hold a ceremony in Lebanon PA at 11am on 11/11. Sue Dieffenbach of the Daugh- ters played taps and we read a brief prayer to honor the deceased Vets. The event was well attended by members of both groups considering the weather and a heavy rainfall. I have attached a photo of Ms. Dieffenbach playing taps. ======> HENRY MOSS BOUTELLE: Army War Hero

By Allan Ray Wenzel Henry “Harry” Moss Boutelle was born on June 17, 1875, at Vancouver, Washington Territory, the only child of Frazier Augustus Boutelle and Mary (Dollie) Adolphine Au- gusto Hayden. Henry attended Hill Military Academy, at Portland, Oregon in 1890, and Stanford University for 1891-1892. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and as- signed to the Third Artillery Regiment in 1898. After the outbreak of the Philippine Insurrection on February 2, 1899 Henry was appointed commander of Ma- cabebe Scouts for General Lawton, thence General Young. Macabebe Scouts were com- prised of ex-soldiers of , who already had several years’ history of hatred for the insurgent Moro (Muslim) Filipinos. Commander Boutelle was killed in action on No- vember 2, 1899, at Aliaga, Philippine Islands, Henry Moss Boutelle, “...while gallantly leading his men against ten times their number” “...in the thirty-two actions in which we participated together, would be merely to induce greater love and devotion to duty in the minds of the sons of our country”, A statement made by his First Sergeant. In the official records is this note sent by General Otis to the Adjutant-General in Washington. MANILA. (Received November 3, 1899—5 a. m.) ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Washington: On 1st instant Lieutenant Slavens and 18 men, reconnoitering MacArthur's front, struck 40 or more intrenched insurgents; immedi- ately attacked and dispersed them, killing 3 and wounding a number; no casualties. Yesterday Lawton's advance at Aliaga struck enemy both west and south of city. Batson's Macabebe scouts reconnoitering south struck insurgents in ambush; Lieutenant Bou- telle killed; 1 scout wounded; Batson routed enemy, who left dead in thicket. Yesterday Bell, Thirty sixth Volunteers, with regiment and troop Fourth Cavalry, cleared country of all armed insurgents from Florida Blanca to considerable distance beyond ; pur- suing them into mountains, capturing 9 of their cavalry horses, several guns, considerable property; killing, wounding, and captur- ing number of enemy; insurgent cavalry of that country practically destroyed. Bell's casualties, 1 man killed and 2 wounded. OTIS The Spanish Macabebe Scouts (see a short article that follows for more information) had a high degree of respect and loyalty for Henry Boutelle which was indicted by their protecting his body after his death and carrying it thir- teen miles to along with the litters of wounded, all the while fighting a retreating action against an over whelming number of the enemy for eleven miles, the distance to the Rio Grande River. Old troopers and comrades compared Henry’s military bearing and conduct to that of his father, as being the ide- al of a soldier. His record is replete with remarks of his services by superiors, deeming him absolutely fearless, cool, and resourceful in action. Generals Berry, Kobbe, and Edwards all wrote glowingly of him at the time of his death. His War department record states that he received commendations for gallantry in action at the battles of : Tondo (February 4, 1899) a suburb of the Capital, Manila, scene of several skirmishes, La Loma (February 5, 1899) an area south of Manila Caloocan (February 10, 1899) area near the Capital, Manila, scene of several skirmishes, Malinta (March 25, 1899) an area southwest of Manila, near the shore of the large lake “Lagoona De Bay” Polo (March 26, 1899) its own city at the time, located in the northern part of Valenzuela,. Polo experience extreme flood during rainy seasons. (March 27, 1899) a city in the province of north of Manila Malolas (April 1, 1899) capital of Bulacan, northeast of Manila. For his distinguished gallantry in action on October 18, 1899 he was recommended for a brevet rank. This was before the appearance of the numerous decorations for gallantry the military has today for rewarding courage and valor. After his death a battery in San Francisco Harbor California (see the front cover of this issue) , near the Presidio, and a Quartermaster Department steamer at Boston Harbor, were named for him. He was also one of three Americans and four Spaniards who were honored with having, either, a plaza, street or river in the city and province of Macabebe named for them. Henry was admitted a member to the Seattle Chapter, Washington State Society (number 96) of the Sons of the American Revolution, through his Patriot ancestor (Great-Grandfather) Ebenezer Boutelle/Boutwell, on Decem- ber 17, 1896. He was the first member of the Sons of the American Revolution to be killed in battle with an ene- my of the United States. Compatriot Henry Moss Boutelle was the first SAR member to be killed in war by a bel- ligerent enemy of the United States. His body was shipped from the Philippines to Seattle, Washington where he was interred in the Washelli side of the Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park Cemetery.

Headstone, Washelli side of Evergreen- Washelli Cemetery, Seattle, Washington. Macabebe Scouts: (Wikipedia) Native guides and a small number of former Spanish Army militia members from Macabebe that joined U.S. forces commanded by General Henry Lawton and, after authorization by General Elwell Otis, initially two, and later five companies of Macabe- be Scouts were formed on September 10, 1899 under Lieutenant Matthew A. Batson. The Maccabees proved themselves reliable over the next two months, and Batson formed five companies of 128 men each; all veterans of service in the militia. In retaliation, Aguinaldo's forces under the com- mand of Col. Agapito Bonzon burned the town of Macabebe and massacred 300 of its residents on June 26, 1898. Batson's Macabebe companies saw combat against Aguinaldo's forces beginning in October 1899, after which they were reorganized into "The Squadron of Philippine Cavalry, U.S. Volunteers" on June 1, 1900 and enlisted as irregulars. The Maccabees won lasting notability in the operation under General Frederick Funston to capture General Aguinaldo.

Macabebe (Wikipedia) , an ancient town in the modern-day province of , is intimately linked to the (Río Grande de la Pampanga). The town was named Macabebe because it is geographically situated along the shores (Pampangan: bebe; Tagalog: baybay) or banks of Río Grande de Pampanga. The town is sometimes referred to as Makabibe because of the abundance of corals and shells along the Río Grande in earlier times. The Maccabees were the first Kapampangans to appear in European recorded history. In the Spanish Colonial period of the Philippines, Macabebe was considered one of the oldest and most important communities of Pampanga. The ancient town of Macabebe owes its importance to its location along the Rio Grande de la Pampanga (Pampanga River). The river's routes and its northern tributaries provided the pathways to the early major settlements in Pampanga. The English translation of Macabebe, meaning: 'surrounded by rivers' describes the historical heritage of the ancient town.

The Macabebe dialect is said to be harsher and louder than others due to how the townspeople communicate across the river. The Pampanga River is of great importance to Macabebe. Fishing is still a major source of sustenance and income for its residents. A number of fisheries can be found along the river.

The province of Pampanga is also the traditional homeland of the Kapampangan people. The Kapampangan of Macabebe had played a dynamic and at times conflicting role in the history of the Philippines. They fought against the Spanish in 1571, such as the case when the youthful Tarik Soliman (Bambalito)[7] became the first Kapampangan and Filipino martyr who fought against Spanish rule.[8] They also defended the last Spanish garrison against revolutionaries in 1898. The services of the Maccabees led to the naming of a street in Spain's capital city of Madrid in their honor, "Calle de Voluntarios Maccabees."

The Capampangans of Macabebe as well, is the great ally of imperial Spain when the Dutch invaders tried to colonize the Philippines. They fought together with the Spaniards to protect the islands from its invaders, and in return only the Capampangan is allowed to study in prominent exclusive schools and universities ran by the Spaniards.

In 1901, American General Frederick Funston and his troops captured Philippine President in , , with the help of some Kapampangans (later called the Macabebe Scouts after their home locale) who had joined the Americans' side. The Americans pretended to be captives of the Maccabees, who were dressed in Philippine Army uniforms. Once Funston and his "captors" entered Aguinaldo's camp, they im- mediately apprehended Aguinaldo and his men.

During World War II, Japanese fighter and bomber planes air raided the municipalities of Macabebe in December 1941. Macabebe was subsequent- ly occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942.

Philippine Insurrection -Unfortunately, information on the Philippine Insurrection is rather sparse. For my series of articles on the 6th Infantry regiment published in the National Sons some years ago, my primary reference a rare book published by that unit on their long history. That project was begun after their return from the Philippines and was built in part on another shorter regimental history done decades before. It is written almost like newspaper or magazine like stories some as short as a few sentences with few pictures or first hand accounts. Our Army has published "the and the War with Spain: Correspondence Relating to the War with Spain including the Insurrection of the Philippine Islands and the China Relief Expedition, April 15, 1898". If you compare it with the very large and detailed Official Records of the Civil War you will be very dis- appointed, still there is information available and it is searchable on the CD they sell. Even Philippine publications are rare and much of that limited list is published in languages other than English. So, part of our mission as an organization is to research, publish, teach as we continue to honor those who served before us. Often the best source is the smaller story of a particular place, event or story. One such article is in this issue and I have added some detailed side notes on groups and places mentioned in the article. —Bernie O’Bryan, editor of “The National Son”