Some Filipino soldiers landed near our quarters in a boat to day. The boat, an old antidiluvian affair was being towed up river and ran hard aground. It is common supposition that the boat was being taken up river to sink in the middle of the Pasig near Santa Ana so as to prevent our gunboat from navigating further up. The soldiers left for their lines this afternoon.
Later— To night at exactly 10 minutes of nine heavy firing commenced across the river where the Nebraskans are stationed. It continued for some time and then spread areund the line towards Tondo district when the entire line was engaged. Looks as if the fight is on at last.
Our outposts in Pandacan were immediately strengthened by reinforcements from B Company, and additional sentries were strung out over the town of Pandacan.
I was returning to barracks with our quartette. We had been to the house of a rich native spending the evening, and while returning to barracks down one of Pandacan’s streets we discussed the probability of trouble with the Insurgents, and came to concur in that the trouble was about over. No sooner had the call to quarters sounded, and immediately after we had entered the barracks, the shots were heard across the river. All lights were instantly extinguished and the entire company left in barracks prepared for a vigorous defense of the grounds.
The firing continued indiscriminately for possibly a half hour when a cannon was discharged, presumably in the Insurgent lines. Shortly afterwards the calls to arms were sounded all. over Manila, being distinctly heard by us in Pandacan. There was incessant, cheering as the troops fell into line in Manila. All seem to be relieved now that the trouble is on. Now, Mr. Nigger, look out.
Artillery played throughout the night. Our boys at Dewey and Otis posts, being closest to the niggers, are under a heavy fire to night. Bullets are constantly striking our barracks. The Insurgents have our position well mapped out.
Later— We were re-inforced by F Company, First Washington, late to night. They marched over the road from Paco to Pandacan. As the Washingtons reached Pandacan this road was cut off by the heavy fire of the Insurgent trenches directly in front. We are now cut off from Manila by land, but not. by the river. The niggers seem to have Pandacan comnletely surrounded.
Desultory firing is going on all along the lines. We are making no attempt to drive the niggers back, preferring to do that by daylight. The gunboat steamed up the river twice to night but did no firing.
We remained to our guns all night without sleeping. Our house was sprayed with bullets all night long. None were hurt in to night’s skirmish. Our boys and the Washingtons stuck manfully to the outposts, being under a heavy fire all night. They changed their position to avoid the niggers’ fire.
We dont know how the fracas started. The Nebraskans started it by firing into a crowd of advanging niggers. Good boys, Nebraskas.