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Sunday, Dec. 11th, 1898

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

The air is full of rumors on impending war with the Filipinos and preparation for some unusual event is evident. For the first time I met since their arrival in force, Kansas (20th reg’t) 51st Iowa’s, (Inf) Nevada Cavalry, Tennessee infantry and Wyoming battery. On my way to & from Cavite.

The 18th infantry privates were rounded up by their “non-coms” today & kept in their quarters ready for instant service. Rumor says the artillery have ammunitions ready. I heard artillery had been sent outside the gate in the wall facing San Roque. I essayed to go thro’ the gate but for the first time was halted by a sentry.

A Spanish woman who lives in the basement of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Manila, & begs food from us occasionally, told Brother (Rev.) Owens today that she overheard some Filipinos say they intend attacking the Americans.

I have a feeling that we shall soon be in the midst of a war with them, which I would very much deplore.

I was out of bed early. Prayed to my precious God. Cooked breakfast. Private G. Scott arrived. I hastened away without washing dishes. Took 8.30a.m. ferry to Cavite. Scott paid fares both ways.

I noticed the monitor “Monadnock” has taken up her position close to Manila, near mouth of the Pasig. Looks suspicious of impending trouble.

A steam launch was sent ashore for us & took us out to the U.S. Cruiser “Charleston” from the ferry boat. Lieut–Commander Blacklinger & Ensign Evans (officer of the deck) received us courteously. Mess table seats were brought up from below & arranged on the upper deck. Audience about 40. I was told this was the 2d meeting held on board since the cruiser went into commission.

Indeed we Salvationists are the only religionists holding evangelical services on the ships of Dewey’s squadron.

No souls forward. Clayton Scott & Bro. Dansare (seaman) assisted me. Were given dinner with the sailors & put ashore in the arsenal at 1.30p.m.

Called at the Divisional Hospital in Calle Arsenal to seek specially Bro. Hans Verwiebe who is cooking there-pastry. Found him in the kitchen. Belongs to S.F. No. 2. Talked salvation with him & encouraged him to go on.

Next Co. K. 18th U.S. Infantry stationed in the church & urged ex-Capt. Chas Spurgeon of Co. K. to return to Christ & the S.A. Refused. Also urged Private Ed Franzen to get Jesus to heal his backslidings. Said he thinks he is O.K. Was lying on the floor with a piece of mosquito netting about his head. Said he had come off duty & was very tired. So I left him.

I (in company with a soldier) examined this strange gloomy old monastery; also the church building attached to the “Colegio de la Familia Sagrada” on Calle Arsenal.

Returned to Manila on the 4.p.m. ferry boat.

On the trip spoke to a number of men personally about Christ & salvation on the boat, in hospital, on the street and on the war vessel.

Distributed War Crys (S.F) as follows:

In Divisional Hospital, Miscellaneous, copies 10.

On Cruises “Charleston” No. 570 edition, “     25.

18th U.S. Infantry, No. 570 edition Sept.     “     15

“                        “       “ 565     “         Sept. 24 “     3

“                        “       “ 566     “         Oct. 15 “     3

“                        “       “ 567     “         Oct. 18 “     3

Arrived home late & cooked supper for 4 men including myself; Scott, Wm W. Eletson & A. Marquardt _ last 2 of “Olympia”. After eating went into a meeting immediately & led it. Audience 16. No souls forward.

Donations: Calvin Liles, of U.S.C. Charleston $2. Mex.

“         A. Marguardt of Flagship “Olympia” $3 “

The U.S. soldiers make use of wood in the Roman Catholic church buildings for cooking purpose. I noticed during my visit today to the Collegio dela Familia Sagrada, that the timbers are being taken down from the ceiling, floor, etc. The Filipinos first gutted these edifices.