Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.
Cloudy and cool. No rain. Took breakfast with Rev. & Mrs. Owens. Cooked dinner for myself and Clayton Scott. I remained at home until 2.15 p.m. or thereabouts. Wrote & copied 2 letters. Read an article or two.
The carrier (one of the Utah light artillerymen) brought the “American” around this a.m. Gen’l Otis suppressed this paper. Remained suppressed two days. Cause probably friction with Germans re their friendship for Filipino cause. Printing newspapers in Manila is a ticklish business just now.
Miss Thompson, a New England lady who is writing a book re the Philippines, called this forenoon while the Owens’ were absent. Directed her to the rear room. She comes here to take tub baths in the Owens’ part of our domicile.
After Scott & I talked the matter over went out to Malate to try secure the priviledge of holding a meeting.The Lord favored his efforts. At 2.15 together he & I by street car went out into Malate –the extreme suburbs. In the front vestibule of the Incina cable house, now occupied by Co. B. 1st North Dakota vol. inf. for quarters, we held a service. The soldiers appeared quite indifferent. Had an audience of 10. Dealt with them faithfully: no one responded to the invitation to seek Christ & salvation. From the front door of where we held our meeting can be seen the “Monadnock” lying near shore ready for Filipino trouble. A new dirt breastwork has been thrown up during the past week by Americans, between the building a Fort Polvorin San Antonio de Abad. Scott & I went over to the Fort. The sentry halted him there. I passed the fort sentry, & across the river on the concrete bridge to our trenches which marks out extreme picket line. Down the road past the grave yard I saw groups of Filipino soldiers., about one quarter of a mile distant. Looks like war. Saw some Spanish prisoners (sergeants) come to the American line to view the situation.
Returned home by streetcar. Arrived too late to cook supper. Made our repast on bananas, dry bread and lemonade. Then it was time for meeting as some of the troops must be in their quarters by 8 p.m.
Private Geo. Berry, drew %10. (the last of his money on deposit) and signed for it.
Audience 10. The Lord gave me liberty & utterance. Last night the Holy Ghost shed His love abroad in my soul & blessed me most graciously; praise His dear name.
Meetings are held now amid rumors of war & shooting of natives by our pickets, & attacks by the Filipinos upon our sentries. This state of affairs unsettles everything.
Private Devine (Landon) K. battery cook, brought me some food before meeting but I had no time to eat it until after meeting.