COOK, OCTOBER 13, 1902

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE COLORADO,
OFFICE CHIEF COMMISSARY,
Denver, Colo., October 13, 1902.

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

Sir: Referring to your circular letter of October 6, concerning Father Augustine, I have the honor to state that I can say nothing about the matter from personal knowledge of it. I heard of his case, however, while I was on Panay Island, and from what I heard, taken in connection with my knowledge of the policy pursued in downing the insurrection on that island, there is absolutely no doubt in my own mind that the circumstances in the case of Father Augustine are precisely as set forth in your letter.

Father Augustine had the reputation of being one of the prime supporters and encouragers of the insurrection, although as I recall it nothing tangible could be found against him.



In regard to the administration of the water cure to natives in Panay, I will say that it was a matter of such common knowledge that this practice was being resorted to that I have found it necessary on several occasions to caution the officers and men under my command to have nothing whatever to do with such practices. However, it is my firm opinion that the insurrection in Panay was quelled by the water cure. Large sums of money were found, names and locations of ringleaders discovered, and terror spread among the inhabitants by cruel methods of the American inquisition.

And yet as to particular instances, I can not cite a single one.

Very respectfully,

FRANK H. COOK,
Captain and Commissary.