Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.
7.45 p.m. The night is dark; no moon & heavy clouds in the sky: quite a breeze is blowing. A lurid light over towards Malate & Ermita shows that a building or buildings are on fire. The last thing this evening as the daylight faded that I could see were men –soldiers, up in the tower of Binondo and Tondo Roman Catholic churches, watching the city. Dr. Kellogg brought word this evening that great trouble is expected tonight in Manila. Stiff skirmisheng has been in progress today at San Pedro Macati. Praise God for the news that the transport “Senator” arrived with the 22d U.S. regulars. Will be quite a help in case of an uprising. Have collected some of my valued articles in a valise in case of fire or other causes should drive me out of No. 2.
The first thing this morning read the Bible & prayed. Cooked breakfast, washed dishes, wrote & copied a letter to Bro. Wm Elletson of the “Olympia”, giving him spiritual advice & enclosing the S.A. Army & Navy League paper (about 8 p.m. 2 Spaniards have just come up stairs to point out a fire which they say is Santa Cruz district.) Also corrected copy of an article –narrative– written for the S.F. War Cry. Added some more matter to it.
About 3.30 p.m. called at the post office. On the street car on Calle Jolo I understood a 13th Minnesota soldier to say that there are 30,000 Insurrectos in Manila.
After returning home to No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Bishop Thoburn and Capt. (Chaplain) Stephenson came in with Rev. & Mrs. Owens & myself, a general conversation ensued in my front room or parlor used for reading & writing. The Bishop inquired my business in this part of the world, replied that I was reporting the country, looking after Salvationists etc. Said he was reporting on the country too. He remarked to Rev. Owens that the present is a good time to see but not to do. Referred specially to missionary enterprises. Cooked supper, & washed dishes after eating supper. The latter work was spiced with the exciting rumors of trouble tonight.