In response to a war challenge earlier called by a Filipino revolutionary general, Juan Cailles, Colonel Cheatham of the U.S. forces based in Sta. Cruz, Laguna ordered a company each of the 37th and 15th Infantry Regiments to attack the revolutioanry camp at Mabitac, Laguna. Commanded by Captain David Mitchell of the 15th Infantry, the group was ordered to attack from two sides: east of the river and west over the water.