Typed Order No. 68 – HQs Battalion of Engineers Fort Totten New York 1899-“Engineers are fighters as well as workers”

Typed Order No. 68 – HQs Battalion of Engineers Fort Totten New York 1899.  This order is hand typed on stationary from the Headquarters Battalion of Engineers, Fort Totten, Willett’s Point, N,Y. dated April 8. 1899. Extracted from official report about the actions of an Engineer Captain by the name of W,C. Haan and his company, when they counterattacked the right flank of a line being held by the 1st California Infantry. This unit’s right flank was in jeopardy of collapsing when Philippine insurgents  were making a move at the same time as Capt. Haan’s company. With “splendid volleys and magnificant steadiness drove back that portion of th enemy who were seeking a clump of trees to make a flank attack……” This advance by Haan and his company were initiated by Haan himself.  Haan had concluded his report, “that engineers are fighters as well as workers.”  The order was sent out to the entire engineer command could share that pride of their fellows in combat. This is signed by Major George P. Howell.

• • The Advance: Lieutenant Haan’s engineer company moved out at approximately 8:20 AM from Blockhouse No. 12, advancing on the right flank of General King’s brigade. 
  • Securing the Heights: By 10:10 AM, Haan’s unit successfully pushed back the Philippine insurgents and seized the strategic heights overlooking San Pedro Macati (modern-day Makati). [1]
  • The Town’s Capture: The company fully occupied the town of San Pedro Macati by 11:00 AM. [1]
  • Supporting the 1st California: While advancing, Lieutenant Haan’s unit encountered an officer and 13 enlisted men belonging to the 1st California Infantry. These California volunteers had become entirely cut off from their main command. Haan integrated them into his advance. The rest of the California regiment arrived roughly 45 minutes after Haan’s engineers had already secured the area. [1]

• Lieutenant (Captain) William C. Haan:  His leadership in the Philippines marked the start of a highly distinguished career. He went on to become a Major General during World War I, famously commanding the 32nd Division. (“Red Arrow”). 
• Lieutenant George P. Howell: As an officer in the same Corps of Engineers Howell compiled the official administrative records and reports of bravery for the battalion in April 1899, preserving the details of Haan’s flanking maneuver.

The order has staining, and some roughness along the bottom edges, buy legible, and important capturing an account of engineers engaged in front line fighting in this era of their history. If these orders were sent out to each battalion, then they are very scarce indeed.