As a result of the Philippine–American War, the United States had forces available nearby in the Philippines, and was therefore in a position to contribute one of the larger contingents to the international relief expedition. The first American forces left the Philippines on June 14. A detachment of 107 Marines went to China to protect American lives and property; this detachment was drawn from the 1st Marine Infantry Regiment stationed at Cavite. This detachment steamed toward Taku aboard the USS "Newark", arriving on June 18, where they joined by 32 Marines aboard the . Under the command of Major Littleton W.T. Waller, the detachment landed at Taku the next day and advanced toward Tientsin.