effect upon Aguinaldo and his followers, then safe at Tarlao and in the mountains behind that town. He wanted absolute freedom or nothing, and declared that he would fight to the very last to obtain it. Certainly such qualities must be admired in any man, even though his judgment be questioned.
It was not until November 5 that the autumnal campaign of 1899 opened in the Philippines. In the meantime Ben's regiment had been sent north, to join the forces under General MacArthur, for a vigorous attack was to be made upon Aguinaldo's stronghold, and all the troops available were to be used for that purpose.
The attack was to come from three quarters, and the intention was, if possible, to surprise the insurgents and hem them in. The main body of rebels still rested at Tarlac and in the mountains nearest to the seacoast. It was ordered by General Otis that General MacArthur march from Angeles up the railroad leading to Dagupan, thus striking the insurgents on the south; General Lawton, with some cavalry, was to attack from a point twenty-two miles east of the railroad, and guard the mountain passes in that neighborhood; while General Wheaton, sailing from Manila to Lingayen Gulf,
