BALL, OCTOBER 18, 1902

FORT CASWELL, N. C., October 18, 1902.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.

SIR: I have the honor to state in reply to your inquiry of recent date, relative to what knowledge I have concerning the alleged death, due to the administration of "the water cure," of Padre Augustine de la Piņa, that during my service in



the island of Panay I was only in Banate twice, then on duty with the quartermaster's department. At the time of the alleged death I was in the center of Panay operating against the enemy and have no knowledge of the circumstances of Padre Augustine's capture or death.

The general belief among officers and men in Iloilo Province about that time was that Father Augustine was an active insurgent, giving them aid and information whenever possible.

The parish priest at Januiay, Iloilo Province (since deceased), with whom I was on very friendly terms, has frequently told me Padre Augustine levied taxes for the insurgents and had relatives in the field against our forces, and the belief was common. I believe that at times Father Augustine took the field in command of forces operating against us. This information is secured direct from one of the sergeants of a native company of Panay scouts of which company I was in command.

Very respectfully,

GARRISON BALL,
Second Lieutenant, Artillery Corps.