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Sunday, Feb. 19th, 1899

Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo

I remained at home all day, save a few minutes given to visiting the Utah artillery bakery. Much running about in the sun with loss of sleep irregular meals & sometimes none since the war commenced caused me to run down. Two days rest has freshened me to such an extent that I want to be out again on the go. This morning about breakfast time the roar of a cannon in the distance reminded me that the grim work of death is in progress near at hand.

Word was brought in that the 1st California Inf. had driven back by the enemy –i.e. a charge repulsed– could not believe it.

Cooked breakfast & a cup of cocoa for supper. Took dinner with Rev. & Mrs. Chas. Owens.

During the ay wrote first with a lead pencil, then corrected and re-wrote with ink an article for the Easter number of the New York War Cry entitled, “Shells of the South Seas: Some Easter Thoughts Thereon.” Wrote the article subject selected by myself, at request of the assistant editor. The article covered 6 pages Ms. note size. Fear it will arrive in New York rather late. Also wrote & copied a letter to the assistant editor to accompany the copy.

This afternoon a flutter was caused in the houses adjoining No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, between our house & the Estero at the ferry and in the basement of No. 2 which is populated with Spaniards, mestizos and Filipinos. Cause of excitement: An American officer and squad of soldiers searched the houses presumably for arms. This is necessary as Manila is full of bitter enemies who would rise & kill all the Americans if they could. The military are repressing them with an iron hand. It is unsafe to pass along the streets.We never know at what moment an assassin may strike one down with a knife. I believe God’s providence is over me & likewise over all His redeemed ones, but for all that we are not allowed to tempt God by unnecessarily rushing into danger.

No visitors to my reading & writing room today & no meeting; the war has stifled such work up to date.