Manila, Luzon Island –Entry made in parlor of No. 2 Calle Santa Elena, Tondo.
While washing dishes this morning, Clayton Scott, who is a mounted orderly for the U.S. Quartermaster’s department, came in the kitchen to see me. He was in this part of Manila so early to deliver 2000 sand bags to the Utah Light artillery for the purpose of making breastworks. A section or two of A. battery –Utah’s– went out to Camp Santa Mesa this afternoon. Scott said several thousand bags were also delivered to the 6th artillery & some other command. Isaac Russell late proprietor of the “American Soldier”, met me this afternoon met me on the Escolta. He made the startling announcement that we were likely to have a fight within 60 hours. While rumors of this character the evening “Times” prints a translation that peace will probably be patched up between the U.S. and the Filipino republic. Some of the Filipino families living in our yard who so abruptly left us recently are returning today. A very unsatisfactory state of affairs.
Took dinner –cabbage & boiled ham– with Rev. & Mrs. Owens.
Rec’d a package of Army & Navy letter & the London Cry & “Gazette,” & “Little Soldier” & “Deliverer” from London. These are the first received since my arrival.
Wrote & copied 3 letters (1) Lt-Col. Alice Lewis –11th weeky letter (2) Governor Gen’l E.S. Otis, asking permission to hold services in Bilibib [Bilibid] prison with white prisoners (3) V. Herron to arrange for service at Camp Santa Mesa, Saturday p.m.
Went to the post office. Wrote on back of Hines’ photographs –many– explanation of the same.
Visitors at No. 2, 4.
Sky cloudy & a cool breeze blowing. Bought a small book descriptive of the Philippine archipelago.