LONGE, OCTOBER 11, 1902
William J. Longe, 20 School street, Burlington, Vt., late of Company D, Twenty-sixth Volunteer Infantry, having first been duly sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth as to the matter respecting which he was to be examined, did testify as follows:
Q. What is your name?-A. William J. Longe.
Q. Where do you now reside?-A. 20 School street, Burlington.
Q. What is your business?-A. A member of the fire department of Burlington.
Q. Were you a member of Company D, Twenty sixth Volunteer Infantry?- A. Yes, sir.
Q. From what time until what time?-A. I enlisted the 1st day of August, 1899, and was mustered out the 13th of May, 1901.
Q. Were you during your enlistment on the island of Panay?-A. Yes, sir.
Q. And at Banate?-A. Yes, sir.
Q. Who was your commander?-A. Captain Brownell. He was in command of the post and of the company.
Q. While you were stationed at Banate did you ever see what is called the water cure administered to anybody?-A. I never did.
Q. While you were at Banate did you see there a Roman Catholic priest by the name of Father Augustine Peņa?-A. I saw a man there who I really would not know whether he was a Roman Catholic priest or not. I could not swear as to his religion. I know of a man that they called a priest at the time.
Q. Was he a prisoner?-A. Yes, sir.
Q. Do you know why he was a prisoner?-A. Well, he was captured, I think, at Molo. He was reported to be the treasurer of the insurgent army at the time.
Q. Were you ever on guard over him?-A. Yes, sir.
Q. How was this prisoner dressed?-A. When he came to Banate he was dressed in a sergeant's uniform-a first sergeant of artillery.
Q. What were the orders given you in reference to him when you were the sentinel over him?-A. He was placed in a small room just the same as other prisoners at the time, and was not allowed to escape or have the freedom of the place any more than any other prisoner.
Q. Was he confined by himself?-A. Yes, sir.
Q. Was the treatment he received different than that given other prisoners?-A. The treatment was no different as far as I know.
Q. Did you ever see this man about whom you are testifying in any way maltreated-I mean treated badly?-A. I never did.
Q. How long was he a prisoner there?-A. I did know the day he came there. It was about six weeks, perhaps longer, when he disappeared.
Q. Do you know how he disappeared?-A. I do not. He was a very large man, and it was claimed he was very dissipated.
Q. Did you see any evidence of dissipation about him?-A. Of course, we naturally would not after he was confined. He was not allowed.
Q. Do you know anything personally about his antecedents?-A. I do not.
Q. Or as to his disappearance? What was the report in the company?-A. There were several stories going about. Of course I did not see anything myself and know nothing more than hearsay. Some said he was given the water cure, and some say that he died of fatty degeneration of the heart.
Q. You do not know which story was true?-A No, sir.
Q. Do you know after he disappeared whether or not he was buried?-A. No, sir; I do not.
Q. Did you hear any report about that?-A. I heard it reported that he was buried.
Q. Where did you hear it reported that he was buried?-A. It was a very short distance from the Catholic church, but personally I do not know where he was buried.
Q. Have you told all you know about this occurrence?-A. Yes, sir; except that I want to add that Julian Codman, of 22 Court street, Boston, came up here this summer. He sent up and requested me to come down if I would. He asked me if I had ever served under Captain Brownell. I told him I had, in Company M, First Vermont Volunteers, and also in Company D, Twenty-sixth Volvnteer Infantry. In regard to this priest, I told him practically the same as I have told you. I saw him one evening out with Captain Brownell walking-about the forepart of the evening- and I think there was a guard out with him. I never saw an instance of the water cure given.
William J. Longe,
Late Private, Company D, Twenty-sixth U.S. Volunteers.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 11th day of October, 1902, at Burlington, Vt.
E. Hunter, Judge-Advocate.