Battle of Manila (1899)

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For the Spanish-American War battle of the same name, see: Battle of Manila (1898) The Battle of Manila was fought on February 4 and February 5 1899, during the Philippine-American War, between 12,000 Americans and 15,000 Filipinos. It was the first and largest battle fought during the war.

Background

It began when Private William Grayson and Private Miller of B Company, 1st Nebraska Volunteers encountered a four man Philippine Army patrol. The Filipinos refused to halt when challenged. Grayson fired and killed the Filipino lieutenant who did not halt the second time a challenge was issued. Soon after, firing broke out across the sixteen mile (26 km) Filipino and American lines.

Battle

Caught off guard by the sudden outburst, the Filipinos remained in their trenches and exchanged fire with the Americans. A Filipino battalion mounted a charge against the 3rd U.S. Artillery, routed a company of American soldiers, and succeeded in capturing a few artillery pieces for a little while. During this time, nearly all of their high ranking officers were attending a dance, celebrating their victory over Spain. The soldiers were for the most part leaderless.

Even when their officers did arrive to the field, many influential leaders tried to stop the fighting. Emilio Aguinaldo sent emissaries to negotiate a peace treaty, but when they arrived, General Elwell Otis replied: "Fighting having begun, must go on to the grim end."

At day break the Filipinos were shocked when the Americans attacked. They were used to the Spanish tactics of retreating into fortified cities after a night time raid. Brigadier General Arthur MacArthur's attack in the north captured the ridge overlooking Manila. (MacArthur was later promoted to Major General and became Governor General of the Philippines.) After initial confusion, Brigadier General Thomas M. Anderson's attack in the south captured the village of Pasay and Filipino supplies stored there.

The Filipinos were counting on an uprising by the citizens of Manila to divide American forces and interrupt American supply lines. Although some fires were set inside the city, no general uprising occurred. However, some small units of Philippine soldiers who had not been part of the force that routed, skirmished with the Americans for several days on the outskirts of Manila before being driven out.

Aftermath

While both sides suffered losses, the Filipinos suffered far greater casualties. The Americans suffered 50-60 killed and more than 200 wounded. The Filipinos in turn, suffered hundreds more, around 2,000 killed, wounded, or captured. The high casualty figures are due largely in part to the Americans use of artillery and warships, along with superior marksmanship and firearms.

Order of Battle

U.S.

VIII Corps - Major General Elwell S. Otis

1st Division - Brigadier General Thomas M. Anderson

1st Brigade - Brigadier General Charles King
2nd Brigade - Brigadier General Samuel Ovenshine

2nd Division - Major General Arthur MacArthur

1st Brigade - Brigadier General Harrison G. Otis
2nd Brigade - Brigadier General Irving Hale

Filipino

Emilio Aguinaldo