Day before yesterday I went to San Fernando–(took my first long ride in a “carrometa” [carromata]) and laid in a stock of supplies to last till next pay day. A gang of the 41st (4 companies) are in that town and they were scared to death at something (all running around with gun & belt.) I saw a nice little 12 or 13 ft “boa” down there. Two women had it tied to a a bamboo pole and were running around trying to sell it for “chow-chow.” The 32nd has been catching it in the lst week. Feb 5th a guard of 11 of Co D. with a bull train, were waylaid near Orani, 6 soldiers & 2 drivers were killed & 2 soldiers taken prisoner. Report came in yesterday that a detachment of Co. M. had been caught at Porac (8 miles form here) and 8 men killed & Lieut Mapes wounded in the hip. I was on guard yesterday & last night.
