FORTESCUE, OCTOBER 11, 1902

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS.,
October 11, 1902.

The JUDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERAL,
Washington, D. C.

SIR: I have the honor to state, in reply to your letter of October 6, that I am unable to give any facts in regard to the administration of the so-called "water cure."

As to Father Augustine, there can be no doubt but that his sympathies were entirely with the insurgents. I was with Major Henry (now first lieutenant, Fourth Cavalry) when he made an effort to surprise one Colonel Salas, supposed to be in the town of Dumangas, and this was the only time I saw Father Augustine, who was then in the town convent, where various insurgent uniforms, etc., were found. A number of prisoners were taken, among them one Capt. Perfecto Salas (nephew of the colonel), by myself. While Father Augustine may not have taken up arms, literally, against the United States Government, there can be no doubt that he gave aid and information to the enemy; his position as parish priest enabled him to do this very effectively. I was stationed in another district at the time of his death. In addition I may state that the above-mentioned Father Augustine had a brother with the rank of colonel in the insurgent army, named Jauquin de la Peņa [Joaquin de la Peņa].

Very respectfully,

ROLAND FORTESCUE,
Second Lieutenant, Fourth Cavalry.